Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with TV and PVR

How can I save the shows from my PVR to my computer?

Solomon — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:47:01 -0800

I have a Logik lpvr168 freeview PVR. I'd like to save some of the content I've recorded to my computer. How can I accomplish this? I've taken the case off, and added the HDD to my computer. However, it causes Windows XP to crash during startup. I've tried running Knoppix, and while it will mount the drive, it only shows 280mb of the 160gb drive, with none of the content visible. I figure there's another partition I need to mount but I only know very basic Linux commands, and I've no idea how to find out what the partition is called.

I've looked at the back of the device, and it has 1x "optical out" jack, 1x RS232 jack, 2x SCART sockets, 1x CVBS socket (yellow), 2x Antenna In, 2x Antenna Out and 2 red/white audio jacks. It doesn't have a USB socket. I figure I can use at least one of these to output the data.

I'm fairly handy, and am prepared to take the case apart and try again. I'm also prepared to buy necessary cables and other interface devices to get it to transfer the data.

By what method(s) can I transfer the information?

Please help identify this weird RF connector?

Orb2069 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:32:57 -0800

Can anybody identify or adapt this connector on my Terratec cinergy 850e PVR box? This device is labeled [ Cinergy 850e PVR] and is apparently made by TerratecI bought this thing out of the $.99 bin at a local thrift store, so I don't have most of the cabling that shipped with it. This website review refers to it as a 'European slip-on connector', but that's not exactly lighting up Google.

It's too big to be an RCA connector, dosen't have bayonet lugs like a BNC connector - The center is too big to be an F-Connector. The outside metal ring is exactly 1cm in Diameter, if that gives any help...

How do I hook up a homebrew HTPC to an analog TV?

Ponsonby Britt — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:51:29 -0800

How do I hook up a homebrew HTPC to an analog TV? I've got a 6-year-old analog TV which, aside from coax, only offers RCA connections (two sets). In hopes of creating a quasi-TiVo, I took a 5-year-old HP unning Windows and added a wireless-G adapter (for my home network) and a Hauppauge PVR-350 tuner. Add in GB-PVR software, and it's working great on my monitor - which I do not want in my living room permanently.

I'd planned to use the TV outs on the Hauppauge card, only to discover that they only really work with the accompanying software (or an older version of GB-PVR that doesn't do much else). And even then, it only shows THAT program, not the desktop or menus you'd need to actually open said program. It doesn't appear adding a new video card is an option (there's no AGP slot and I think the tuner & wireless cards took care of the expansion slots).

I'm really NOT a techie, so I'm out of my element here. Since this is sort of a tinkering/hobby-type thing, I'm trying to keep costs fairly low (ie, don't want to have to spend as much on it as I'd spend on a new TV that'd work right out of the box.) I'm pretty sure this is a hardware issue, but software suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

a tivo we will go, a tivo we will go...

griffey — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:47:59 -0800

What's the best TIVO for me? We're completely fed up with our cable company (Charter) and their DVR service. We just got a new Motorola DVR from them, and the interface is so bad its impossible to use...looks like they let the engineers do User Interface work. Horrible.

I'm looking at grabbing a Tivo to replace it with, but can't find answers to a few questions: will replacing the cable box affect the channels we can receive? I could ask Charter, but don't think I'd get a straight answer, somehow.

Also, what's the difference between the Tivo HD Series 2 and the Series 3, besides nearly $200? What's the Series 3 got that makes it worth the extra cash? In a situation where we've got one central TV room, and a (right now) non-HD TV (although that will change within the year), and both of us would love to be able to use Tivo-to-go...what's the right Tivo for us?

Need help Building a PVR

WizKid — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:41:05 -0800

I'm planning on building a PVR and need advice on TV card, PC and the PVR software. Hi All,

I'm planning on building a PVR and have some questions. I have looked in these places.
1 http://www.byopvr.com/
2 http://ask.metafilter.com/28294/How-to-record-tv-on-my-PC
3 http://ask.metafilter.com/51757/Recommendations-for-a-TV-Tuner-Capture-Card
4 http://ask.metafilter.com/72954/Help-me-find-the-best-TV-tuner-card-for-my-setup
5 http://lifehacker.com/software/dvr/screenshot-tour-roll-your-own-dvr-and-media-center-with-mediaportal-244343.php
6 http://lifehacker.com/software/dvr/hack-attack-build-your-own-dvr-165963.php
7 http://www.makezine.com/extras/4.html

TV Card
1. For the TV card I'm looking at Hauppauge products. I know that PVR-500 is the only card with dual tuners. But what is the difference in other cards. (150, 150MCE, 150LP, 250, 250MCE, 350)

2. Which would be better an Internal card or an external USB device?

3. Which would be better, 2 single tuner cards or one dual tuner card ? (I'm planning on buying used from ebay.)

4. Should I buy NTSC or PAL? (I think USA is NTSC, but anyway I'll ask just to be sure)

5. My TV is a regular Toshiba CRT TV. How do I connect the TV to the PC? This image[http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6471/pvr500epbgpc7.jpg] of PVR-500 shows Composite Video In [Yellow port] and Audio In [white and Red ports]. I have similar ports in my TV which I use to connect the DVD player.
Can I connect the TV to TV card using these ports [similar to connecting a DVD player]? [I also have a S-Video port in the TV.]
If the TV card doesn't have such A/V ports do I need to buy a VGA card with A/V ports?
If so whenever I change from TV to Video on my TV can I see the computer desktop on my TV?

PC
6. Currently I don't have a PC for this and I'm planning on buying a used one. [Looking for something above 2GHz] Any advise on the PC?

7. I could find a Celleron 500MHz PC for free. Will it do the job? probably not :-)

PVR software
8. I'm torn between MediaPortal and GB-PVR. Any advice?

9. Planning on using Schedule Direct for TV guide. Any better/free sources?

10. Any advice on plugins for skipping commercials and Intelligent program suggestions.

Any other tips and tricks welcome!
Thanks in advance

How to stream video from a PC to a TV?

WinnipegDragon — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:52:26 -0800

What is the simplest and least expensive way to stream MP3s and video in various formats to a standard TV? Considerably I have a standard Windows XP Pro box with a pair of 320GB HDDs that I use for video editing and basic digital recording, specifically NFL games. I am a hardcore Lions' fan. Pity me.

Until now, this is the process I have for getting these games replayed on my TV:

I have been manually editing the 4hr+ long video sessions that I record with my Hauppage PVR-250 card. This gives me a really nice quality MPEG-2 video, but they often run 8 to 10 GBs or more. Using an inline MPEG editor, I cut out halftime and the commercials and get them down to about 5GBs or so. Then I run them through a DVD creation package to convert the MPGs to VOBs and throw on a menu. Then I run the whole DVD through DVD Shrink to get them down to 4.7GB to be burned on DVD-R.

This is a rather long process and it ties up my system while all the conversion and shrinking happens. In order to cut back on the time, I've purchased a DivX capable DVD player, but the conversion to DivX is less-than optimal quality and very time consuming. I also purchased a Dual Layer burner, but I still find I end up editing out the commercials if I want to keep the quality high, so it doesn't save much time.

So, I'd like advice on building or buying a simple media centre that I can throw on my stereo shelf and stream video and music from my PC in various formats. Most software packages like MythTV, BeyondTV and SageTV seem to be more interested in the PVR functionality, and most simple hardware solutions, like the D-Link DSM-320 have software or compatability problems.

Can this be done inexpensively or should I just bite the bullet, move the PVR-250 to a new box and build a full PVR system?

Pre-built MythTV boxes?

jewzilla — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:27:04 -0800

I'd like to buy a pre-built MythTV box. Any recommendations? I'm not particular about features. Single or dual tuner is fine. HD is nice to have but not necessary. I would, however, like to be able to record and play back DVDs. It is important to me that most of the code is open source so I can hack it. I am NOT interested in building one from scratch because I don't have the time and I need something that actually works right away. Also, I want something that isn't too big or too ugly. I prefer a minimalist design. My budget could go as high as $1000. From doing some Googling, it looks like a lot of companies outside the US make them but I'd rather not deal with shipping from overseas. Also, having not found any decent reviews, I hope the hivemind can provide some personal experiences.

SCART-hate and a mysterious Freeview signal

boudicca — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:52:41 -0800

I have disconnected the SCART connector between our television and PVR. I did this in part because I think Freeview sends some signal at 4am which wakes up the TV and therefore everyone in the house. Is it really a disadvantage not to use a SCART connection? I have a history of SCART hate. Before the PVR we had a VCR. I pulled out the SCART connector for that because I was irritated by the way the TV (years-old Bang & Olufsen) would be switched on and in video mode by having the VCR on, even when just in standby. We briefly connected a Freeview box which had to be connected via SCART as it had no independent RF connection. As well as turning the TV on when turned on, it also switched itself and the TV on at 5am (this was in the summer, so 4am GMT) for no reason I could discern. Both the TV and the Freeview box have timers, but neither were set. So I disconnected the Freeview box and left the VCR connected by RF only. We’ve now bought a PVR (Humax 9200T) and my life would be one of audio-visual joy were it not for the fact that the PVR switched itself and the TV on at 4am very loudly waking up the entire household. I’ve pulled out the SCART connector and that’s stopped my problem and everything seems fine. Are we really significantly disadvantaged by not using SCART and what is happening at 4am?

Please suggest a cheap/simple pvr

aeighty — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 14:14:49 -0800

My grandpa enjoys recording TV shows off his satellite feed (DishNet, I believe). The problem is, while the VCR (heh) has a timer, it cannot change the channels and what not. So I found out that he gets up a few times a night to change the channel and what not. I think some sort of PVR is in order. What is the cheapest/simplest thing I can get? I know there's TiVO. Can I get an older version that integrates with the sat box somehow? It really needs nothing beyond the simplest record/playback.

I apologise for the simplicity of the question. I know nothing about satellite tv.

Recommendations for a TV Tuner Capture Card

antisocialiting — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 21:34:43 -0800

I am looking to buy a tv tuner capture card for my pc. I have a kind of old 1.8ghz P4 with 512mb of ram. first can anyone recommend a PCI card that has a remote and will do good capture on an old machine like mine? I would probably never be using the computer when its recording anything so It would have almost full use of cpu and ram. also the quality of the capture does not have to be dvd quality because I will probably just record the show, watch it once then delete it. If it records at vhs quality that's fine with me.
second do they make any agp or PCI video cards that can be used as a GPU and a video tuner\capture card. If so any recommendations on one that has remote.
last what software do you use or recommend, the freeware kind would be the best but if you know of or use one that beats the socks of all the rest please do tell
Thanks so much for any help you can give me

Roll my own torrent player for my TV

blueplasticfish — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 13:47:48 -0800

How can I build a machine (PVR?) that downloads torrents automatically via RSS and allows me to access them in a Tivo/DVR/PVR like interface on my television? Ideally, I'd like to be able to control it through a remote. I don't watch a lot of TV, and therefore don't have cable. I do, however, enjoy a lot of educational shows and would like to be able to download and watch them on my television (not monitor).

I know there are a bunch of howtos out there about how to roll your own PVR/DVR, but none of them quite get me where I want to go. And, I know there are things like Torrentocracy and MythTV, which is very close to what I am looking for so maybe I just need some direction there. There has to be something like this available somewhere.

What PVR program will work with my All-in-Wonder X800?

Kraki — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 13:39:10 -0800

I've got an ATI All-in-Wonder X800 XT video card. Where can I find a good PVR program that will work with this card? My All-in-Wonder X800 came with some basic PVR software, but I don't really like the interface. I'd like to find a PVR program that will actually work with my card. I was excited about the release of Yahoo's new free PVR, but my video card isn't recognized, so I can't use it. Any Sugestions?

Guide Plus+ Not Updating

Otis — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 17:27:59 -0800

Does anyone know if there are problems with the Guide Plus+ TV listings servers? I have an ATI TV Tuner with the Guide Plus+ software and the listings are no longer updating. The past few days I've been getting the following error: "No listings available for your current date, please check your zip code/postal code." I haven't made any changes to the sytem date or zip code and have verified that they are correct. I've also re-installed the software and verified that I have the latest version of the software. An old PC Magazine article talked about changing the listings server URL in the Registry (I'm on XP), but gave no details. Anyone done this successfully?

I live in the UK and I want a TiVo-like device, but I can't get Sky+. What are my best options?

yankeefog — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 06:51:46 -0800

I live in the UK and I want a TiVo-like device, but I can't get Sky+. What are my best options? (Oops--should have had a "MORE INSIDE." The more follows:)

My landlord won't let us install a Sky dish, so no Sky+ for us. (We can get Telewest broadband, and they say they are developing a PVR, but they haven't announced any details.) Having done some googling, I've found a couple of freeview PVRs, but it seems as though most of them are missing the single feature we most want out of a PVR: a "season pass" type feature that lets you record all instances of a single show, no matter how many times it changes time slot. Are there any PVRs in the UK that have that feature? Or is our best bet to buy a used TiVo on ebay.co.uk and hope it doesn't crap out on us?

(I should mention that I travel back and forth to the US a fair amount, so if my best bet is to buy a miniMac or an modded XBOX or a cheap PC and use it as a media center, I can do so at US prices, providing I won't have any PAL/NTSC problems. But I'm hoping it won't come to that, since I'm not too confident of my abilities to hack together a homebrew PVR. )

TiVO KillFilters

nakedcodemonkey — Wed, 08 Sep 2004 20:30:40 -0800

TiVoFilter Is there any way to create killfilters in TiVo? Essentially the equivalent of a Season Pass, but to mark a series as "ignore every instance of this series"? [mi] Thumbs-down and WishList sub-categorizing/prioritizing isn't getting the job done. Manually deleting crap to reduce conflicts with good stuff is defeating the purpose of automation. There's gotta be a better way, right? Educate me, oh wise TiVo-ones. (This is a standard Series2, by the way.)