Can you move recorded TV from a DVR to a computer?

Question

Can you move recorded TV from a DVR to a computer?

Answer 1

Yes, there are a couple of ways to do it.

1.  If you DVR has an active USB port or can be networked, you might be able to copy onto your network.

There are also many hacks out there, like for the Direct Tivo units, to make them network able.

2.  You could also stream to a video capture card, not the cleanest option but will work.  

You need to have 1 of the following:

A video capture card inside your PC, either a combo video card that also does capture like the All-In Wonder cards, or a dedicated separate video capture card

OR

An external (USB/FireWire) video capture device like a Dazzle that will plug into your comptuer externally and let you plug any video input into it.

Both have the RCA/S-Video inputs you need to feed VHS, DVD, Cable, or any other video feed into your PC.

After you capture to your PC you can do watch it, burn DVD's or format for iPods, PSP, or just save the video.

Answer 2

Hi TJ,

Most DVR USB ports are not active or are input and not output ports.

You can do it with DVD Xpress.

With DVD Xpress you can transfer your video to your hard drive and then edit it if you desire. DVD Xpress comes with basic video editing software. I got mine at Sam's for $59.95.

I saw a newer model at WalMart recently. It was the DVD Xpress2. I think it was $39.95 but I am not positive. You can check one out here http://www.usb-ware.com/ads-dvd-xpress-d...

You connect the composite output of your DVR into the DVD Xpress and connect the DVD Xpress to your computer via a USB cable.

Norm

Answer 3

Currently the Tivo HD has TivoToGo, which allows transfer of some content to networked PC's.  There is an ongoing battle with Hollywood, which once tried to sue dvr's out of existence and still wants to copyprotect everything.