Is it Normal for My Comcast DVR Box to Get Hot?

The longer your DVR box is powered on and in use, the more heat it will generate. The biggest culprit is the internal hard drive, which is the only moving part in your DVR. If you notice your DVR box is slower, has more errors than normal or feels too hot to touch, try turning it off until it has cooled sufficiently.

An important consideration for setting up your Comcast DVR box is its placement. Proper ventilation is a great way to reduce excess heat. Avoid stacking home theater components directly on top of each other and don't put your DVR box directly on top of the television. Whether older tube-style sets or new liquid crystal display (LCD) machines, televisions generate a lot of heat that can adversely affect your DVR box. If you have no alternative, elevate your components using any small, stable objects in each corner to increase the amount of airflow between them. If you have multiple home theater components, consider purchasing an entertainment center with built-in shelving to allow adequate ventilation.

Incorporating a small fan or laptop cooling pad can help boost airflow around your Comcast DVR box and replace hot air in and around the device with cooler air. In addition to regulating the temperature of your DVR, a fan or cooling pad can also benefit your other home theater components by reducing the overall temperature of the surrounding environment. Make sure none of the vents and openings on your DVR are blocked, as this will defeat the purpose of increasing airflow.

If your Comcast DVR is still generating excess heat even after you've taken the necessary precautions, there's a chance it may be defective. Contact your local Comcast service center and request a replacement or ask a technician to assess the issue.