How can I transfer video from a dvr box to a computer?

How do you transfer DVR recordings to a computer?

• i have optimum IO cable, with DVR. I want to move my recordings to my PC but the only option they give is to copy to VCR, which is basically just playing the recording and then you record it on the VCR. I don't have video capture on my computer though, i'd like to transfer via some method that works much faster than real time. can i take apart the cable box and take out the hard drive and put it in my computer? i woudn't think that it would have the same connections.

• Answer:

  Unfortunately you cannot transfer the shows to your PC any faster than real time. Normally the DVR's have a standard Hard Drive inside of them, but they would not work with your Operating Systems Software. For instance a Tivo uses a linux Operating System, so with Windows you cannot even see any of the files folders if you connected it to the PC, with this said when you try to look at the files/folders on a Tivo hard drive you do not even see the movies on there. That is why for a Tivo there is software that will work on a PC to enable you to transfer the shows/movies. If it has USB ports they are most likely not activated. The only DVR's that I know of at this time that have active USB ports are Tivo brand and Moidified DirecTV Tivo's. The USB ports are for connecting a USB to Ethernet adapter so it can be on your homes wired/wireless network. I have read that a Motorola DVR from Comcast also can be modified to enable it to use the FireWire ports to connect to PC for transfering. Again the ONLY option you have is either the VCR method or purchase a TV Tuner Capture card for your PC. They are very inexpensive from places like Ebay. Just search Ebay for a PCI TV TUNER CAPTURE CARD for a DESKTOP PC, or for a LAPTOP you can get a PCMCIA TV TUNER CAPTURE CARD. Sorry I could not be of any more help. If you ever want info on any of the Tivo Upgrades/modifications though please feel free to email me, I can give you advice and give you links to quite a few tips and tricks. A BETTER place to ask this kind of question or look for DVR articles/forums is http://www.dvrplayground.com they also have a forum for OTHER DVR's to post questions. Check out this link. http://www.dvrplayground.com/forum/topic/9/Upgrading-Other-DVRs/ Hope this helps..