Capture HDMI output from Humax DVR

[Bignomis]

Hi There. I have some HDMI videos saved on my DVR hard drive which I would like to save to my computer so that I can delete these from the hard drive to save space.

I'm assuming that the HDMI cable from the DVR could just be unplugged from the TV and instead that a device exists that I could plug this HDMI output into so that the HDMI output is captured and recorded as a file (Mpeg4 ?) on my computer. I assume then I could either play the file back on the computer or transfer to a Memory Stick or DVD for future playback.

I think each individual video on the DVR Hard Drive is no more than 3Gb.

Thanks very much.

[usually_quiet]

Hi There. I have some HDMI videos saved on my DVR hard drive which I would like to save to my computer so that I can delete these from the hard drive to save space.

I'm assuming that the HDMI cable from the DVR could just be unplugged from the TV and instead that a device exists that I could plug this HDMI output into so that the HDMI output is captured and recorded as a file (Mpeg4 ?) on my computer. I assume then I could either play the file back on the computer or transfer to a Memory Stick or DVD for future playback.

I think each individual video on the DVR Hard Drive is no more than 3Gb.

Thanks very much.

Yes, there are HDMI capture devices suitable for capturing recorded TV shows in H.264 format as a file on your computer, or in some cases an external hard drive that you provide. Just to be sure that you understand, HDMI won't permit you to actually transfer an existing recording from the DVR. HDMI capture devices only allow you to re-record previously recorded programs in real time while they are played by the DVR.

All these can capture 576i, 720p50, and 1080i50:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hauppauge-HD-PVR-camcorder-satellite/dp/B00C22MGEM/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hauppauge-Colossus-01410-Internal-Hardware/dp/B004UKRYNM/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AVerMedia-Game-Capture-HD-Commentate/dp/B00F890KXU/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AVerMedia-EzRecorder-130-Capture-Entertainment/dp/B00LAP3GC8/

However, HDMI capture devices are unable to record an HDCP protected HDMI signal, so you need something solve that problem. Some (not all) HDMI splitters remove HDCP as a side effect. This is one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ViewHD-Port-Powered-Splitter-1080P-1x2-VHD-1X2MN3D/dp/B004F9LVXC/

[Bignomis]

Wow! Thanks ever so much for the prompt and detailed reply and info.
There is one aspect I would be grateful if you could clarify. Assuming I play the video in real time to the TV using the HDMI splitter you mention then I could just use the second HDMI outlet on the splitter to capture the recording direct to my computer instead of purchasing a capture device?
Once it was on the computer it would then I assume be in a format that could be transferred to a memory stick or DVD?
Thanks once again for your help

[usually_quiet]

Wow! Thanks ever so much for the prompt and detailed reply and info.
There is one aspect I would be grateful if you could clarify. Assuming I play the video in real time to the TV using the HDMI splitter you mention then I could just use the second HDMI outlet on the splitter to capture the recording direct to my computer instead of purchasing a capture device?
Once it was on the computer it would then I assume be in a format that could be transferred to a memory stick or DVD?
Thanks once again for your help

I guess I wasted my time typing this: "Just to be sure that you understand, HDMI won't permit you to actually transfer an existing recording from the DVR."

The HDMI ports on a PC are for the video card's HDMI output only.

[Bignomis]

Sorry about this.
I think because PC's seem to be able to do most things I just jumped to the conclusion that it could take the input direct. I think what you are saying is that they they don't have this capability and hence the need to purchase the Hauppauge or similar.
Just out of interest if it's not too complicated can you explain what the Hauppauge does that the PC cannot.
Thanks once again for your assistance

[usually_quiet]

The capture devices I listed hardware encode to H.264, so little in the way of CPU resources are required. The PC just needs to record the stream, which consumes 6GB or less per hour on the hard drive, depending on the source being recorded and capture settings used.

Not all HDMI capture devices hardware encode. There are some that will take HDMI output and supply it to the PC in uncompressed form for encoding by the CPU. Uncompressed HDMI video data from these cards is supplied at 348 GB per hour (1080i) to 370 GB per hour (720p) for HDTV. This type of capture device has a PCI-e interface, like the AVerMedia DarkCrystal HD Capture Pro C027 http://avertv.avermedia.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?Id=528&device=4 or a USB 3.0 capture device like the AverMedia Extreme Cap U3. http://www.amazon.co.uk/AVerMedia-ExtremeCap-PlayStation-Uncompressed-pass-through/dp/B00GWDXO7U/

Note that USB 3.0 capture devices only work with specific USB 3.0 controllers (which ones varies), and need the PC's USB 3.0 port to be capable of operating at SuperSpeed.

[Bignomis]

Thanks very much for all your assistance and explanation which is much appreciated.