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

Transfer hd content from DVR to PC?

• I would like to know if there is any way to transfer hd content previously recorded on a Time Warner Cable dvr to a computer. The dvr has two firewire ports, however, I believe they can only be used to capture live video... right? Optimally, I would like to take the digital data right from the hard disk in the dvr and put in on my computer's drive, however, that does not seem possible short of removing the dvr's HD and putting it in a computer (which would probably not go over well with the cable company, as I'm sure they can tell if the box has been disassembled). So it seems like I need some sort of HD capture device with either a component or hdmi input, which connects to my computer via usb (I will be using a laptop so pci is not possible). Are there any such devices? Is there any other way to do this? Thanks!

• Answer:

  You can capture recorded shows via FireWire, and yes, you have to do it in real time. The link below points to details for my Comcast Motorola DVR. Your Time Warner DVR may be different, but as long as you can find a Windows device driver for it, the rest of the software should work.