DVR to PC, VCR to PC

[Tortuga]

My DVR is full of old cooking shows that my wife wants to keep so I'm looking for a way to save them to my PC. I know I can't access the files on the DVR but I have seen transfer kits that will connect the DVR output to a PC usb port. Has anyone used a video transfer kit or can suggest another solution?

 

I eventually want to convert my old VHS tapes to digital so I'd appreciate finding a solution that would let me capture the output from my DVR to PC and VCR to the PC. 

[bobby]

get a video camera and pont at tv and record  

[Tortuga]

get a video camera and pont at tv and record  

Actually I did that and I plan to do that again if I have to, I was looking for a better solution.

[tekmantwo]

Actually, it's the other way around; you point the TV at the camera, set the DVR to auto play and delete after played, turn it on and walk away...

Your problem, with the excess programs, will be solved. ...

[Tortuga]

Actually, it's the other way around; you point the TV at the camera, set the DVR to auto play and delete after played, turn it on and walk away...

Your problem, with the excess programs, will be solved. ...

There are many ways to make one problem go away but it creates other problems...

[tekmantwo]

There are many ways to make one problem go away but it creates other problems...

True DAT...

[MzT]

You might want to check as some DVRs have a USB port that you can connect to via hard drive or computer.

Try the suggestions here: http://www.ehow.com/how_6187163_download-shows-dvr-cable-box.html

[Tortuga]

You might want to check as some DVRs have a USB port that you can connect to via hard drive or computer.

Try the suggestions here: http://www.ehow.com/how_6187163_download-shows-dvr-cable-box.html

 

Thanks but the USB ports are disabled by the cable provider.

[MzT]

Thanks but the USB ports are disabled by the cable provider.

The directions also mention using the Ethernet port if USB doesn't work.

[Tortuga]

The directions also mention using the Ethernet port if USB doesn't work.

 

I think I tried that when I first started experimenting with the DVR but I'll look at it again today. Thx.

[Brother Arellano]

Are they shows that you are able to purchase using a videos service like Amazon Video? Then you could buy them, usually around $10 a season and download and burn to DVD or download and delete at your whim.

[Tortuga]

Are they shows that you are able to purchase using a videos service like Amazon Video? Then you could buy them, usually around $10 a season and download and burn to DVD or download and delete at your whim.

 

We tried that too, most of them are miscellaneous cooking shows that aren't available on DVD or YouTube. 

[Brother Arellano]

Take cooking classes and then you will not have any need for cooking shows. 

[Tortuga]

Take cooking classes and then you will not have any need for cooking shows. 

 

Ha!

They aren't for me. She is an excellent cook and the shows have methods and recipes that she wants to keep.

 

I prefer to delete the shows and deal with the aftermath, six months from now she wont even miss them, however I need to look at all alternatives first...

[pnutts]

DVR's usually save in Linux format. If you own the unit, take the hdd out and using a usb dock, get a linux driver reader or converter program ( sure to be free good ones out there ) and voila. Transfer and burn

[Tortuga]

DVR's usually save in Linux format. If you own the unit, take the hdd out and using a usb dock, get a linux driver reader or converter program ( sure to be free good ones out there ) and voila. Transfer and burn

It's a rental and the cable company wants to replace it with a newer model.

[MzT]

I'm not sure how much money you want to spend on this, but there is a device called a Hauppauge PVR which can help you do the job.

Have you checked hulu.com to see if they had some of the shows?

[pnutts]

There are also video capture cable/devices. Or you may wish a tv capture device. Do a google search.

[Tortuga]

There are also video capture cable/devices. Or you may wish a tv capture device. Do a google search.

 

I did that before I started this topic, I was curious if anyone had a better suggestion or if they would recommend a specific capture device.

[tekmantwo]

Take cooking classes and then you will not have any need for cooking shows. 

This is kinda funny, cuz there aint nuthin wrong with that girls cookin, nope, nuthin at all.....

[Tortuga]

This is kinda funny, cuz there aint nuthin wrong with that girls cookin, nope, nuthin at all.....

She provided the lunch for the assembly hall workers today, she made baked potato soup, hamburger soup, cherry cobbler and peach cobbler.. <'>

[tekmantwo]

She provided the lunch for the assembly hall workers today, she made baked potato soup, hamburger soup, cherry cobbler and peach cobbler.. > <

got any peach cobbler left?....only 90 miles away...

 

maybe I should start a thread and get some cobbler recipes....

[bobby]

you could all so get one of this 

 i have one 

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-multiformat-dvd-r-rw-r-rw-recorder-vcr-combo-with-hd-upconversion-black/9642774.p?id=1218136061726&skuId=9642774

[Tortuga]

I ended up buying a Diamond VC500 video capture device and software from Fry's Electronic for $35 with a $10 rebate. It uses the A/V composite or S-video connections and sends it to a USB port. The software is a little clunky but it works. The drawback is that it has to record in real time but the software has a timer that you can set, so I set the timer to the length of the recording, start the capture and go work on another project (like replacing the water heater - done). 

I am recording her shows in WVM format for now, it is a good quality recording without making a huge file.  So far so good...

[pnutts]

Afterward. Using a free download converter program such as Format Factory and convert to MP4 ( of high, medium or lower quality & size ) or similar, burn on a disk or several.  Many newer DVD players will play MP4's DIVX, FLV, etc