Why does my Directv DVR only record partial shows?

I'm trying to build a dvr to record directv shows?

• I'm looking for a good but not to expensive tv tuner to build a dvr from an old pc I have, I'm looking at three tuners a Hauppauge Colossus PCI Express Internal HD-PVR, ...show more

• Answer:

  Off and on I've been trying to do this for the last nine months. Windows 8 and now 8.1. Hauppauge Colossus. Success is elusive. Occasionally I can produce a usable video file. Right now I'm trying one which Directv displays as 4:3, Wintv displays as 4:3 but produces a recorded file that is 3:4???? Windows 8 won't make DVDs so I'm using data format dvds with .wmv format. But Wintv will not produce that format. It produces a .ts file that is an envelop for some sub format that nothing can play. Hauppauge is of almost no assistance. No "How to get started." In fact not anything. Their support told me to buy a $100 package that may or may not do what I want. I bought MediaCenter8 for $20. It will produce a usable file if Wintv produces a file formatted correctly. That has been seldom and unpredictable. My conclusion is that Wintv is probably ok if you want to watch tv on your computer. Anything beyond that is a kluge. I wouldn't do it again.