Western Digital
WD 1TB My Book AV DVR Expander External Hard Drive - USB 2.0 - WDBABT0010HBK-NESN
Bottom line: The Western Digital WD 1TB My Book AV DVR Expander External Hard Drive ($229.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-22 04:25 UTC): AV-optimized firmware for stutter-free DVR recording and playback; main trade-off: USB 2.0 only - no USB 3.0 for fast PC file transfers.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-22. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ AV-optimized firmware for stutter-free DVR recording and playback
- ✓ 1TB capacity adds substantial DVR recording headroom
- ✓ Both USB 2.0 and eSATA ports for connection flexibility
- ✓ Compact enclosure fits inside an entertainment center shelf
Cons
- ✗ USB 2.0 only - no USB 3.0 for fast PC file transfers
- ✗ 1TB is small next to current multi-terabyte external drives
- ✗ DVR compatibility varies by model; check before buying
- ✗ Single-purpose AV tuning offers little benefit for desktop backup
Manufacturer description
The WD My Book AV DVR Expander is a 1TB external hard drive built specifically for set-top DVR storage rather than general desktop backup. Western Digital tuned the firmware for AV playback, so the drive sustains the steady read and write streams a DVR needs to record one show while you watch another, without the stutter a standard USB drive can introduce. Connect it and you expand your DVR's recording capacity immediately, giving you room for more seasons, more movies, and more saved episodes before you have to start deleting. It also doubles as an offload target for a compatible camcorder…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital WD 1TB My Book AV DVR Expander External Hard Drive using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Western Digital's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with my DVR?
It is designed as a DVR expander, but supported models vary by provider and box. Western Digital directs buyers to the product description for compatibility details, and you can reach Customer Care at 1 (800) 275-4932.
How much recording time does 1TB add?
That depends on your DVR's bitrate and whether you record in HD or SD, so actual hours vary. The drive adds a full 1TB of capacity on top of your DVR's built-in storage.
What is the difference between the USB and eSATA connections?
The drive offers both. eSATA is the faster interface and is the usual choice for DVRs that support it; USB 2.0 is the broadly compatible fallback for consoles, Blu-ray players, and media players.
Can I use it with a game console or Blu-ray player?
Yes. Western Digital lists game consoles, Blu-ray Disc players, and media players such as the WD TV family as supported hosts for streaming video to a TV.
Is it a good choice for backing up my computer?
It will store files, but the AV-optimized firmware targets smooth video streaming, and USB 2.0 limits transfer speed. A USB 3.0 desktop drive is a better fit for PC backup.
Key Features
- High-capacity DVR expander
- A convenient storage companion for your camcorder
- AV-optimized for smooth playback on your TV
- Small enough to fit in your entertainment center
- USB and eSATA interfaces for maximum flexibility. For information on compatibility, please refer Product Description
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | My Book |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | 30-40 MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | WDBABT0010HBK-NESN |
| Built-In Media | Adapter Cable For Sony Camcorders, Dvr Expander, Esata Cable, External Power Supply, Feet For Horizontal Placement, Quick Start Guide, Usb 2.0 Cable |
| Hard-Drive Size | 1024 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | WDBABT0010HBK-NESN |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Camcorder, DVR, Disc Player, Gaming Console, Television, Media Player |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 1.1 |
| Warranty Description | 2 - year limited warranty |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
Ready to buy?
WD 1TB My Book AV DVR Expander External Hard Drive - USB 2.0 - WDBABT0010HBK-NESN is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-22. Price and availability subject to change.
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