transfering from dvr to computer....

[bell]

anyone know if there is a way to transfer stored content from my digital cable dvr to my computer?
there are usb ports (ethernet too i think) on it......anyone tried this? or is it not possible?
thanks

[RickM]

Recently had digital IO installed and have been wondering the same thing. I was told that the maker of my box (Scientific Atlanta) licensed the DVR technology from Tivo. Not sure if that helps or not but some research is in order.

My first uneducated guess is that it would be like feeding a signal from a DVD player or VCR in that some type of capture device is required on the PC side.

[id10t]

Probably not, unless you get a TV card for your computer (Hauppage w/hardware compression built in) and do the play/record thing. Of course, if you had built your DVR using off the shelf stuff and MythTV, you could do any darn thing you wanted with it....

[RickM]

I just visited the SA site and registered so I could get User guides ans tech support. Again, it looks like one could feed to a capture device on a PC.

FWIW, you can also add an external hard drive via an external SATA connector. However, the content is encrypted.


This is what I found for my box: Explorer 8300HD

Q: Can I record my content to a DVD?

A: Yes, you can connect and use a separate recordable DVD device for recording from the DVR. In the DVR user guide, reference the instructions for “Copy Recordings from Your DVR to a VCR tape”. In those instructions, in place of the VCR or VCR tape, you will use the recordable DVD. Note: The output video format will be standard definition (480i, 4:3 aspect ratio).


Regarding the ports you mention:

Q. What is the USB port for on the back panel?

A. The front panel USB port (and optional back panel) are high-speed data ports that allow transfers of data at a rate of 11 Mbps. This port currently supports the Scientific Atlanta IR Extender which allows you to store your set-top out of site up to 20ft away from your TV. S-A IR Extenders are only available through your cable operator. The User Guide can be found in the User Guides section of the Explorer eClub.


Q. What is the IEEE 1394 port on the back panel?

A. The IEEE 1394 port on the back panel is a very high-speed data port allowing transfers of data at up to 400 Mbps. The features and functions of the 1394 port with respect to devices supported and functions enabled vary by set-top model. Contact your cable provider for further details.

Q: Is it possible by connecting a DVD burner to my 8300HD to copy programs I want to keep on to a blank DVD?

A: Yes, you can connect and use a separate recordable DVD device for recording from the DVR. In the DVR user guide, reference the instructions for “Copy Recordings from Your DVR to a VCR tape”. In those instructions, in place of the VCR or VCR tape, you will use the recordable DVD. Note: The output video format will be standard definition (480i, 4:3 aspect ratio).

[pmajka]

try google, make and model or OS version of your DVR..

I currently have a replay tv, if I want to offload a program, i use ReplayPc.

[bell]

good info......my dvr is a SA explorer 8300

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/consumers_new/CableBoxes/8300.htm

i'm seeing options to add an external hard drive for more storage from other forums....but don't seem to be able to control which hd the recorded show goes to (it ping-pongs to whichever hd has more storage space available).....so if my dvr dies (which has happened in the past) there is no way to save my saved content, as when you conect the external hd to the new dvr it will format the external drive.....defeating the porpose.
looks like a dvd recorder is in my future unless another solution is out there.....
transfering content to a pc would be sweet though....

[RickM]

Bell, have you made any leeway on this topic?

Latest I've seen is that many 8300s have an enabled Firewire port. Some use a channel changer driver on their PC and are able to record from the DVR. FWIU using the analog "to VCR" solution will render 720 at most.

[Highlander179]

try here http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/index.php

what you are referring to is extraction

[bell]

i transfered the things i really wanted to save to vhs, i'm not a cumputer guy so most of the info i've found on the subject may have well been written in russian

[RickM]

Originally posted by Highlander179
try here http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/index.php

what you are referring to is extraction

While the SA 8300 uses TIVO based (licensed) technology the OS and interface are proprietary. Also, the SA 8300 is not network capable via an Ethernet connection. The link seems to lead to TIVO specific extraction....I'll have to dig deeper.


Bell, I have an extended length Firewire cable coming in. I'll let you know how I make out pulling content off the box.

[stomachmonkey]

1. Depends on if your cable operator has enabled the feature on your particular box.

2. Firewire and HDMI both pass DRM. Ideally youd want to just get into the box via firewire and transfer the file over. Does not work for the premium stuff because of the DRM.

3. Your best option is to use component and dump out, but there are limitations there.

If you are on a MAC then go out and get the XfFirewireSDK from Apple. It's free. I've used i tto interface with my set top, can record non DRM content, control the set top, change channels etc.

[Joeaksa]

I do it all the time but using Tivo technology. Wish that there was a way to do it without Tivo.

[id10t]

If you just want to mirror the drive every so often you could open the case and hook it up to a PC, boot with ubuntu or other live cd linux, and use dd to make a mirror of the partition(s) to a similar/larger drive.

[RickM]

I believe The SA box uses a proprietary encryption and file architecture for content.

[bell]

Originally posted by id10t
If you just want to mirror the drive every so often you could open the case and hook it up to a PC, boot with ubuntu or other live cd linux, and use dd to make a mirror of the partition(s) to a similar/larger drive.

i would classify that as russian (meaning i don't understand)

when someone figures it out please post a step by step

[Super_Dave_D]

When I find the need to record off of my DVR (Tivo), I take the easy way out. Actually have 2 ways. Neither are perfect but...

First - plug my Dig Camcorder directly into the DVR and record straight onto the Camcorder - then I can transfer into the PC for editing. This limits me to one hour recording and its a 1 to 1 transfer.

Second - I bought this new Sony DL DVD burner. Its primary purpose is to be able to make DVD's straight from any Camcorder (firewire or RCA ). It works awesome in this role or as a normal PC burner. I got to thinking and decided to hook my Sat TV or DVR straight into it. It works like a charm BUT - again you are limited to 2 hours (dual layer) and its a 1 to 1 record/burn BUT really dummies it down to one push of a button. This is a great piece of equipment!