Digital video recording ("DVR") media content transfer systems and methods

A target DVR device is configured to receive a transfer request for a source DVR device to transfer media content stored on the source DVR device. The target DVR device transmits an initiation request to a media content transfer management system, the initiation request indicating a request to authorize the transfer of the media content from the source DVR device. The media content transfer management system is configured to transmit a command to the source DVR device, the command configured to put the source DVR device in a media content transfer mode. The target DVR device further receives, from the source DVR device over a local connection, a discovery message, and establishes, based on the discovery message, a communication session with the source DVR device over the local connection, and receives, by way of the communication session, the media content from the source DVR device.