If the old DVR is dead, as in, it will not let you get into the main menu then you are out of luck. However, if it is being swapped for a different reason like loud fan or random power cycling and your old DVR does not have the latest img 1.9.4 then you will have to do the following.
The old dvr needs to be connected to do this. Go to Menu>Settings>DVR>export series to cloud. select yes/ok you will get the message that it was successful.
Then you connect the new dvr. Once it is activated (use the equipment activation code if you have to) normally it will activate on it's own as long as the last cable you connct is the power cord. Then go to DVR>Create Manual Recording>press OK. At this point you should get a pop-up message advising you of the stored series schedule, and ask if you want to import, you should have it from here..
If it does have the newest img 1.9.4 then press menu>settings>save settings on the old DVR. Then menu>settings>restore settings on the newly activated DVR.
You can find your current img version by pressing menu>system information and refer to RELEASE:
Too bad we can not keep our recordings too huh?
AS I STATED IN THE BEGINNING- IF THE OLD DVR IS DEAD AND NEITHER STEP WAS DONE (depending on your img version) YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK.
Good luck though