DVR -- get files to W7 PC, build HTPC to replace

[hondaf17]

Hi Everyone,

I generally thinkg the DVR boxes from Comcast are garbage. They have minimal storage, are slow, and the interface is usually pretty bad. I'm thinking there has to be a better way. So, here is what I'm looking to accomplish:

1) I have a Comcast DVR box with a bunch of HD recorded shows on it. I want to get all of the recorded shows transferred to my PC (in signature), so I have them forever. How do I do this?
2) Return Comcast's DVR, to save me the extra $ / month charge.
3) Replace a DVR with a HTPC

To build the HTPC I'd need suggestions on what components to include. I live near Microcenter and couple pick up a cheap X2 or X4 and the free mobo. Tasks I would like the HTPC to accomplish:

1) Be able to record all TV shows from my comcast provider, regardless of encryption. Be able to set recordings remotely, etc. I'll use W7 with media center
2) Stream music from other PCs in my house
3) Stream blu ray and dvd rips from other PCs in my house
4) Play blu ray movies

Is there a relatively affordable HTPC build that can do this? I may build a server to hold the data of items 2-3, but for now I've got plenty of space on my main PC.

Appreciate all the help!

 

[notposting]

You will need a cablecard tuner. If the HDHomerun Prime is out that would be a good one. Other wise the Ceton one would be the way to go. Investigate HD options...I use a WD Blue 640 in ours, granted no Blu-Ray but HD recording is fine. Maybe a SSD system and Greenish storage drive. I use a server for mass storage. Make sure your network is Gb.

Invest in a good remote. I use one of these. I also have MC set to start immediately on boot...more or less never see the Windows interface.

 

[hondaf17]

Thanks for the response. I've got the same remote you linked to, and I've also got my logitech harmony set up to control all the MCE functions in W7.

The Ceton is $400?!!? I'm assuming HDHomerun Prime will be a similar cost?! Is that the only way to do it?

Also, how do I get the shows I currently have on my DVR to my PC, before I return it?!!?

 

[simonizor]

To get your videos off of the DVR that you have, you might be able to connect a USB cable or a firewire cable to it and get the videos that way. You'll have to do some digging on google for your specific model.

 

[SithSolo1]

Most DVRs from the cable companies encrypt all the video data. Even if you can pull it off you won't be able to view it. Your best bet would probably be to use a cablecard tuner to re-record all of the show from the DVR if that even works.

 

[Patranus]

You can record from your DVR via the federally mandated FireWire port on your cable box however I doubt that you can pull recorded content off the DVRs hard drive.

 

[hondaf17]

You can record from your DVR via the federally mandated FireWire port on your cable box however I doubt that you can pull recorded content off the DVRs hard drive.

So this means I connect the DVR to my PC via fireware, open a video capture program, play the recorded content, and capture it again on my PC? This is what I mean by "record" from DVR, versus pulling content off the hard drive. Correct?

 

[Patranus]

So this means I connect the DVR to my PC via fireware, open a video capture program, play the recorded content, and capture it again on my PC? This is what I mean by "record" from DVR, versus pulling content off the hard drive. Correct?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Question - does the DVR have analog outputs? I assume you're not talking about HD shows (which would complicate the issue), so, at least in theory, you should be able to play the recordings off the DVR, and re-record them with whatever you have (a tuner-equipped PC or a standalone DVD recorder).

If, on the other hand, you're talking about HD content, your chances get slimmer - but they're still worth exploring... Either get a HD-enabled tuner, OR get the Hauppauge HD external capture box...

 

[hondaf17]

Yes, I am talking about HD. Every program recorded on my DVR is in HD.

Thanks for the responses all.

 

[poofyhairguy]

1) I have a Comcast DVR box with a bunch of HD recorded shows on it. I want to get all of the recorded shows transferred to my PC (in signature), so I have them forever. How do I do this?

Replacing a DVR unit is kinda a bag of hurt because with Cablecard you still need the digital cable box to interface with the computer. The whole cablecard thing basically killed HTPC based DVRs except on the high end. It will always be cheaper to just pay for the DVR box.

But if you can settle for getting the stuff off the DVR that is there, then one of these is your friend:

http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1212.../dp/B0018LX0DY

 

[Fallen Kell]

Only way that is a certain to get your video off the DVR would be to use a Hauppauge HD-PVR. It also makes a very good HD tuner (for now at least). The added benefit is that it is encryption free, unlike the cablecard based devices which are locked down using lots of DRM to prevent you from doing a lot of things with the video (like transcode it for other devices, etc). The downside is that you still need a cable box, just not the DVR one. I have been using one since they came out (had it replaced under warranty as they had an overheating problem in the first generation ones). I am currently waiting for the HDHomeRun Prime, as it would be nice to record multiple shows at once in HD, I will just have to make priority as to what show gets recorded with what method...