playable .ts format

[advan]

Hello! I recorded an important 30-min program segment using my cable tv's provided DVR. I wanted to import it to my PC because my cable provider told me if I were to discontinue my subscription and lose the cable box, I'd have no way to view it-- which is annoyingly stupid and unfair.

I assumed it recorded similar to our CCTV DVR which is in .avi file type, but turns out it recorded as "program.ts_chunk_1.ts" I copied the file to my PC along with its .nav and .info files. I've been trying to figure out for hours how to either play it as .ts or convert it to a VLC/WMP-playable file type but have been unsuccessful.

My failed attempts:
1. Updated VLC won't play it
2. I converted it to mkv using MKVtoolnix, VLC still won't read it. I can see the duration on the playlist, but it won't play.
3. I downloaded MPEG Streamclip and opening the .ts file results in a "Can't find audio or video tracks".
4. Handbrake says it's not a valid source

I can still watch it using the cable dvr, so I assume the file isn't corrupted.

Any tips on how to proceed?

Much thanks for any help!!

[hech54]

Copy Protection.
Proprietary software/file types.

[davexnet]

I know it's so 10 years ago, but you could always do a low-res capture using the analog out of the DVR.

Another method is HDMI capture, but then you have to worry about HDCP

[advan]

@hech54 - thanks. It's ridiculous if that means I'd have to have forever access to their box just to be able to view the clip, and bring my entire dvr to a different household for others to watch it (a relative was interviewed, I wanted to keep a clip for posterity and send a copy to relatives based overseas).

@davexnet- yea, I was considering re-recording it via playing it using the dvr with a camcorder connected to the tv, but it turns out Sony Bravia does not have a video output. This is insane. Old school was much easier, just stick a vhs tape and press record. I can't believe my last option would be recording a playback by pointing an iphone on the tv. Sheesh.

[hech54]

You never could record "from the TV"....record via analog out FROM THE BOX.

[johns0]

You could record from the tv but that was only one one tv that i saw,it had a video output.

[betwixt]

".ts" = Transport Stream. It's the raw data stream extracted and recoded from the incoming signal. When watching live, the stream goes through the video/audio decoder in the box, when playing back a recording it also gets fed through the same decoder so you see it as originally broadcast. If you try to use the raw transport stream data it will be formatted at the whim of the box manufacturer and does not have to comply with any other standard.

Having said that, I find I can often read, edit and save as MPG using "Flowblade" as long as the video is not also encrypted. As far as I know, protected streams are not encoded at source but in the owners box so they can still play back themselves but not copy the file to a different machine. It would need some unique 'key' so I would guess it is the box serial number or some other stored number. Flashing the firmware doesn't stop old recordings playing back so the number is stored elsewhere in the box.

Brian.

[advan]

@hech54- yes, you can, at least with those older CRT tvs which I still have-- which apparently it has its uses so I shouldn't get rid of it. Checked the cable box and it only has an HDMI out.. which my camera doesn't have an input for..

Thanks, betwixt. Will check out flowblade. My OS isn't Linux so I'll have to find someone more techie than me to work with it.

This is too much hassle to keep a 15 minute clip.. but I guess I'd like to know a workflow, too, in case I need to record something longer and important.

[jagabo]

It's ridiculous if that means I'd have to have forever access to their box just to be able to view the clip

And that's exactly the way Hollywood and the cable/sat companies want it.

Also be aware that HDMI is almost always HDCP encrypted and HDMI capture/recording devices will not work. You will have to get an HDCP stripper, which is illegal in most countries.

[betruek]

Most DVR are copy protected and they cannot be easily played on portable devices or VLC media player. I believe you need remove this kind of copy protection first.