Is DirectTV's TiVo able to be connected to a home network?

Question

Its not called TiVo, but whatever its called, is it networkable? I see what looks like LAN connectors on the back, but if I plug it into my home network what can I do with it? I'm hoping I can take recorded TV shows from it and put them on my computer. If so what format are the video files?

Answer 1

I don't think the LAN port can actually be used for anything.  I noticed the port on the back of my DVR when the technician was setting it up and I asked him about it.  He told me it wasn't implemented yet.  

I have tried to take videos off of the DVR using the USB host controller, but it just wouldn't let you do it.  I guess they want to prevent people from copying their content.

Answer 2

Yes and No. The answer to your question depends on the receiver.

If it is an older DirecTV TiVo unit (R10 TiVo, HR10-250 HD TiVo, etc) then NO - without hacking the unit the ethernet jack is useless

On the other hand, if the unit is a newer HR20 or HR21 unit then YES you can plug this into your network and use some of the more advanced features such as music & video streaming.   In the works is also the ability to book your shows via directv.com as well as Video-On-Demand that allows you to download shows via the internet when you want to watch them.  For more information on this I would suggest heading over to DBSTalk.com and going to the DirecTV forums.

Answer 3

This is called a DVR Plus, manufactured by Directv, the USB Port and the LAN connectors are for future purposes. Right now these connectors are useless.