Prepare for the onslaught of DVR to PC questions

[Supreme2k]

I am ghost-writing an article on HD capture devices, which has been spurred by the big rush of DVRs. Many of the cable and satellite companies are making a big competitive push to include DVR (where they were previously a much higher premium).

DVRs, unlike their predecessor VHS, are not built to be portable. The days of popping out the tape and bringing it to a friend's house are over.

Another problem is perception. People see all of these usb, 1394 and e-sata connectors and instantly think that these boxes are little PCs that can easily transfer the programming. While it may be partially true for 1394 (firewire), the others are not at all. The usb port, if even active, is used for upgrades. The e-sata port (again, IF active) is for expanding the recording space on the DVR, but only if the main unit is full. Even then, the content is encrypted and also not readable by PCs. If the specific box works with pvrexplorer (which allows the PC to "see" the drive), the content is still encrypted (keyed to the DVR) and has not been cracked (at least not yet).

For the most part, a capture device will work. I'm sure that most of you can suggest an appropriate device, since a non-disclosure agreement bars me from saying which ones are the best.

So, get ready. I've already seen the threads popping up with an amazing frequency.

[erandalln]

Here's one: Have DirecTV R22 DVR, can't keep free memory above 20% due to legacy recordings of Julia Child, Norm Abrams, Sesame Street, SciFi--sorry, SyFy--programs, etc. DVR is standard def, until wife's last b-day so were all of the TVs. Grandkids don't know the difference between HD and Std resolution.

I need to move DVR recordings to my PC to copy them to disk so the kids can watch their shows wherever they need to be distracted and we can watch our how-tos where we need to reference them.

I bought an EasyCap RCA/S-Video to USB adapter and currently have VideoStudio X3 Try-Before-You-Buy. EasyCap is presenting installation problems, but I think I have a chance to make it work (others have).

My worries concern surprises in technique and 'Fair Use'. Any and all thoughts and advice will be appreciated.

ERandall

[Supreme2k]

Wrong thread. This is a "heads up" and general misconceptions on DVR to PC. You need to post your specific problems in a new thread.

[erandalln]

My post here was intended for background to elicit feedback on general misconceptions my approach indicated regarding the general DVR to PC concept, especially DMCA (?) and possible consequences to having copying technology.

Sorry about mis-posting, I'll try to find the newbie forum. [Easycap forums have already made it to my 'reading list'.]

ERandall