DVR to Laptop

[noseflow]

Can I transfer stuff recorded on my DVR (like TiVo, made by Time Warner
cable) to my hard drive on my laptop? The DVR contains an S-Video port.
Can I just purchase a V-Stream Xpert DVD Maker USB 2.0 for my laptop,
which has an S-Video input? If so, how do I capture audio? Here is an
image of the V-Stream XPert DVD Maker USB:
http://www.kworldcomputer.com/image/2800large.jpg

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Yes you can, and you will need analog capture and editing software. If you
have Nero or Roxio, you can use them or you may want to try WinDVD Creator
or PowerDirector.

The audio is captured through the Line In of the soundcard.

 

[noseflow]

Thanks. What is analog capture? Isn't editing software provided by the
product? I decided to buy an AverMedia DVD EZMaker USB 2.0, will this
also do what I want, in terms of transfering DVR stored TV Shows to my
Laptop's Hard Drive?

-Jon

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Although the Tivo unit records on a hard drive, since it doesn't have a
firewire port, any export from it (whether to a PC or a TV) is in analog
format. If it had a firewire port, it would be in digital format.

Yes, it will allow you to do what you want..... You will be able to capture
(at a one to one ratio) your TV programs from your Tivo and edit (if
desired) on your PC and then burn DVDs from them. Analog capture and editing
software seems to be included...

http://www.aver.com/products/dvm_AVerDVD_ezMakerPro_usb.shtml#4

Remember... it's:

1) going to be a long job. Each one hour program will take one hour to
capture
2) going to take a lot of hard drive space. A notebook with a 5400rpm drive
isn't exactly the fastest drive in the universe.... you may get dropped
frames when the drive can't keep up with the data transfer.

Lots of other assistance at
http://www.myvideoproblems.com/Index.htm
and
www.videohelp.com

 

[noseflow]

The AverMedia DVD EZMaker USB2.0 just came and it has all female plugs.
The DVR also has female plugs! What should I do?

 

[noseflow]

My sound card only has a mic jack, not a line-in jack for audio. Is
there an easy way to manage this or must I buy a new sound card? Is
there a line-in that can be attached via usb?

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

You can buy male/male connectors. RadioShack if you're in the US, Tandy if
you're in the UK. Ebay if you're somewhere else!!!

The mic in may also work but probably not as well as a line-in socket.

If you're thinking of upgrading to a better soundcard that the motherboard
chipset one, then I recommend a Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS.