Copy from Tivo to DVD?

[Burt Munro]

Anyone ever had any luck downloading video from Tivo to a PC for copying to a DVD?

I looked at a lot of website info last night and came to the conclusion that the only way it can be done is with some serious hacking skills.   Anyone ever done it or know an easy way to do the job?

[dylanfan53]

Tivo direct to VHS/DVD burner, yes...to computer sounds complicated, I dunno.

[Burt Munro]

Really don't want to go out and buy a stand alone DVD burner. 

Maybe I can borrow one and give it a try first.

Thanks Don!   

[dylanfan53]

Not much help.  Someone else may chime in.

Like my ol' southern grandpap used to say;
"Donnie, if we had some ice cream we could have some ice cream and cake if we had any cake."

He told me a few other things a kid needs to know but I don't think my Mom would want me repeating them on the internet...

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

If it's not an excessive amount couldn't you just play the Tivo back and record it again with your computer?

In my case I have a stand alone DVR with a built in DVD Burner, but even with that some of the shows can't be recorded to DVD due to some type of code in the signal. My DVD Burner in the DVR unit has issues currently so I have to bring the whole thing in to where I bought it and they will fix it under warrenty, but they said they will have to reformat the Hard Drive at the same time so I will lose the 30 hours of racing I have on there. I was told by someone at another store that the Hard Drive in my DVR is a basic computer one that you can actually remove and hook to your computer if need be for transfering files quickly, but it may require a file to be downloaded so the computer recognizes the Hard Drive's format or something like that? Not sure if something like that might be an option for you or not?

[Burt Munro]

When I started in on this I had hoped that I could just run a USB connection from the Tivo to my PC - treating the Tivo drive like any other hard drive.  That's way too easy!!! ...  and of course not correct!!!

Apparently, Tivo uses a Linux operating system which leaves me lost in the land of computer geeks!!  Some of the info I've found indicates that you can remove the hard drive from the Tivo for connection to a PC but it involves some major hacking.  I've also read that you can use the Tivo USB port but that you need to utilize a converter from the USB connection to an RJ-45 ethernet cable to your network.  That sounds reasonably do-able for me. 

But, I have a further complication.  I have never had a Tivo account for this unit.  I only use it for recording live video from a camcorder...... and before anyone starts up with comments about producing my own porn videos and/or videos of exploding cans of chunky soup....  I have a legitimate use for this system.  I coach competitve diving and we record practices and meets with the Tivo for training purposes - utilizing the slow motion capabilities of the Tivo.  So far I have only been able to playback the video on the TV we have it connected to.  I'm wanting to be able to download to a DVD that my divers can take with them and to edit the video on a PC for analyzing specific dives or divers.

Apparently, Tivo is set up to not allow any downloading of video unless you have a paid monthly subscription.  I have no need for a subscription since I'm only using it for this one purpose.  I've already downloaded a Tivo desktop PC application that should get things rolling but doesn't display any of my video either because I've only tried a USB connection and/or haven't unlocked the Tivo download capabilities since I don't have a Tivo subscription.

So here's where I'm at.......

How do I transfer the video that's on the Tivo hard drive to a PC with a DVD burner that ....

A} doesn't require a standard home video DVD burner and

B} doesn't require a Tivo monthly subscription

Any ideas?   

[LilJayRR]

So here's where I'm at.......

How do I transfer the video that's on the Tivo hard drive to a PC with a DVD burner that ....

A} doesn't require a standard home video DVD burner and

B} doesn't require a Tivo monthly subscription

Any ideas?  

You could use something like this. I assume your tivo has composite or s-video out?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7794755&st=dazzle&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1142291505850

[Burt Munro]

You could use something like this. I assume your tivo has composite or s-video out?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7794755&st=dazzle&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1142291505850

Thanks!!!  That might work.  Read the reviews and I might pick one up even if only works for transferring VHS videos to DVD.

Have you used one?

[smite1]

Not sure how to do it without the subscription.  I have done it very easily with some software I have though.  Just burned some copies of Top Gear for my father in law in fact.

It does have VCR out's on the back.  Maybe it pushes everything out that output.  Just get a VC that has composite inputs and youshould be good to go.

[smite1]

Upon further reflection... why are you not simply taking the video off the camcorder and transfering that to your hard drive?

[Burt Munro]

Well Mr Smarty Pants.... 

I run it directly from the camcorder to the Tivo without recording it to MiniDV.  Most of our practices are over 2 hours long and it's a pain in the butt to remember to change out the tape plus that adds up to a lot of tapes - 10+ perweek for 30 weeks!!!

Besides, what the hell do you know with a name like Smitemebitches???

But then again, I'll take a chance that you might know what you're talking about if you want to tell me what the software is. 

[LilJayRR]

  Thanks!!!  That might work.  Read the reviews and I might pick one up even if only works for transferring VHS videos to DVD.

Have you used one?

Yep, used one to get video from a camcorder to comuter, to burn on a DVD. I figure it wouldnt matter what source the video is coming from, its not that smart :-)

Worked pretty good IMHO.