tivo help

October 10, 2005 7:35 AM

What's the easiest way to get recorded shows off my DirecTV Tivo?

I would like to get shows I have saved off my tivo, onto my pc.

I have a directv tivo with a usb port in the back.
Is this easy to do, or a pipe dream?

posted by phredhead to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

I'm a series 1 guy, so my tivo hacking experience is not going to be particularly helpful, but the answers ye seek can be found at the DealDatabase Tivo Hacking Forums. Try searching (using the search link on the right, no the google search box on the left) for Dtivo and extract or install or similar terms. Basically, you probably have to install something on the Tivo (on mine I had to pop out the hard drive and install some stuff as well as add a network card. I'm not sure what you need to do on your box), then connect and download the files, then maybe unscramble them.

I know series 2 has support for an official windows desktop application that lets you download and watch recorded shows. I don't know if it supports DirectTivo or not.
posted by i love cheese at 8:59 AM on October 10, 2005

I know series 2 has support for an official windows desktop application that lets you download and watch recorded shows. I don't know if it supports DirectTivo or not.

It doesn't. Just Series 2.
posted by undertone at 9:13 AM on October 10, 2005

If your DTiVo is anywhere near new, it's a series2. Follow i love cheese's link for specifics, but here are the basics for the easy method, to let you know what you're getting in to.

1. Buy compatible USB-to-ethernet or USB-to-wireless adapter.

2. Buy two CD images for around $25. Pay with Paypal, download instantly.

3. Burn CD images, along with extra files downloaded at that site.

4. Pull hard drive from your TiVo (torx screwdriver potentially required). Place in PC.

5. Boot from CD. Run various commands.

6. Place drive in TiVo, boot up.

7. Telnet to TiVo. Pray for prompt. Run various commands.

8. Enjoy life.
posted by deadfather at 9:20 AM on October 10, 2005

Here's some hacking info for a DirectTivo, certainly doesn't look easy. It appears that the USB ports on those units aren't enabled.
posted by shinynewnick at 10:20 AM on October 10, 2005

Hacking a Series 2 DirecTiVo involves installing the standalone 4.0 software on it first. So you've got that going for you, at least -- it means you get the Home Media Option. Then you hack it so it doesn't call in anymore, so they can't upgrade it. (The software updates are delivered over the satellite but the command that says "install the update" comes during a daily call.) Then you hack it so it doesn't encrypt the shows and install the USB Ethernet drivers so you can get the files off the machine. Actually you get a package that has all those hacks installed (and more) and install that, but that's what you're doing.

Details here.
posted by kindall at 10:48 AM on October 10, 2005

The original question was "what is the easiest way to get recorded shows off my Directivo".

The answer is quite simple: record them to VHS tape or to a standalone DVD-recorder. The digital "extraction" hacks are difficult, and may possibly even be illegal if you are in the USA.

If you do decide to use the direct recording method, please note that S-Video (the little circle plug with pins inside) is generally better quality than Composite (yellow/red/white RCA plugs), and Component (red/green/blue) is generally better than both S-Video and composite.

I believe that only the HR10-250 has component-out, thought, so you may be forced to use S-Video on your particular model.
posted by crazyray at 11:01 AM on October 10, 2005

crazyray, phredhead did clarify "onto his PC," and mentioned the USB port. Rightly, phredhead groks that USB port = potential data export, and wants to know how to do it. Legally, using these extracts for his sole personal use, he/she would not be violating the law. (DirecTV's Terms of Service, however, is another matter.)

What I meant to convey in my earlier response is that hacking your DTiVo is either (1) easy--because you are familiar with working with hardware and linux commands, (2) easy--because you have a lot of time on your hands and don't mind diving into the forums, where many have tread before you, or (3) not worth the effort.

Don't use shinynewnick's link; as the page says, that method is outdated.

kindall's link is exactly what you're looking for, but beware following a step-by-step guide without knowing the principles behind them.
posted by deadfather at 11:55 AM on October 10, 2005