How to capture cable box output to PC

[mickelsen]

I currently have CenturyLink cable box with storage. I'm going to be changing to Comcast soon and I don't want to lose several shows that I have recorded in the cable box. The box has a "VCR output" mode to saving such programs. I would like to run that output to my PC and record the programs on my DVD player/burner. Essentially, I would like to turn my PC into a DVR. There are a lot of links on the web about turning you PC into a DVR, but they all seem to be about recording directly from the cable, not from the output of a cable box. Are there instructions anywhere about what I have to do to accomplish this? Most of the links say that I have to have a tuner card. Is that necessary for what I'm trying to do?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark

[jagabo]

Run composite video or s-video (and RCA audio) from the cable box to an analog capture device in the computer. You don't need a tuner unless you want to capture from an RF output. Most analog capture devices include a tuner though.

[lacywest]

If you have ... video component outputs ... red blue green ... you could get a HD PVR 1212 ... this device connects to your pc through a USB 2.0 cable and allows you to record from your Directv Box ... Dish Box ... etc ... etc

[Noahtuck]

Most of the links say that I have to have a tuner card. Is that necessary for what I'm trying to do?

You don't need a "tuner card" but without some type of "capture card" or capture device" exactly how do you plan on getting the video from your

cable box with storage

To your PC ??

And what is a "cable box with storage" ??

[usually_quiet]

I currently have CenturyLink cable box with storage. I'm going to be changing to Comcast soon and I don't want to lose several shows that I have recorded in the cable box. The box has a "VCR output" mode to saving such programs. I would like to run that output to my PC and record the programs on my DVD player/burner. Essentially, I would like to turn my PC into a DVR. There are a lot of links on the web about turning you PC into a DVR, but they all seem to be about recording directly from the cable, not from the output of a cable box. Are there instructions anywhere about what I have to do to accomplish this? Most of the links say that I have to have a tuner card. Is that necessary for what I'm trying to do?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark

The CenturyLink cable box with storage is what most people think of as a DVR. I'm guessing what you really want to do is turn your PC into a DVD recorder and save your previously recorded shows on DVD. I have to tell you that a real DVD recorder will produce an acceptable result with a lot less work on your part.

There are probably one or two commercial programs that can record the input from a PC capture device directly to DVD, but the quality isn't very good. If you want results comparable to an actual DVD recorder, it won't be quick and easy. Just learning how to capture using a PC and turn the recordings into a playable DVD will require a fair amount of time and effort on your part.

[mickelsen]

You are right. I want to have a DVD recorder to save some programs that are currently stored on my Cable box hard disk. I thought it would be cheaper to use my PC to do this, but if I can find a relatively inexpensive DVR that would be by far the easiest way to go. Does anyone know where to look for one?
Following the other possibility, is there software that will take the data from a video capture device and turn it into a DVD that is playable on the DVD player that I have hooked up to my TV (home theater system)?
Thanks again,
Mark

[jagabo]

Be aware that some of the programming may be protected with Macrovision. DVD recorders won't record such material. Otherwise, a DVD recorder is much simpler. The pickings are slim though. They run about $100 without a hard drive, $200+ with. Walmart, Amazon.

Capture card and USB capture devices start around $30. As noted, there's a learning curve. Macrovision might still be a problem.

[usually_quiet]

You are right. I want to have a DVD recorder to save some programs that are currently stored on my Cable box hard disk. I thought it would be cheaper to use my PC to do this, but if I can find a relatively inexpensive DVR that would be by far the easiest way to go. Does anyone know where to look for one?
Following the other possibility, is there software that will take the data from a video capture device and turn it into a DVD that is playable on the DVD player that I have hooked up to my TV (home theater system)?
Thanks again,
Mark

Sometimes you can find a good deal on ebay, if you know which discontinued models are good choices.

These are the lowest priced models available new:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VRDMC6-DVDirect-Compact-Recording/dp/B002EVP85K
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-MDR-513H-F7-320GB-DVR-and-DVD-Recorder/14291489

The Maganvox is sometimes available refurbished at a lower price

Successfully capturing with the PC and converting to DVD-compatible video and audio is the most difficult part. Authoring to DVD is not as hard. There are good individual tools available for each step in the process, (capture, conversion, editing, authoring, and burning to DVD) but you I'm guessing you don't want to invest the time or the money required for getting the best results, and want an all-in one program. Cyberlink PowerProducer is an all-in one that some people succeed with. (Other people hate all Cyberlink products.)