A digital video recorder (DVR) such as those offered through TV companies like Dish Network, has simplified the recording and playback of television programs. Since DVRs have built-in hard drives, they don't require a storage medium, such as video tape or discs. If you have a recording on your Dish Network DVR that you would like to save onto your computer, however, you must have a few special tools in order to do so.
Yes, you can download the saved programs from DVR to a computer; to connect it you need cable or enclosure and to read the recorded material you. Connect the Dish Network DVR to a computer through a pass-through device. If you use a digital video capture device, plug the audio-video cords on the device into the audio and video 'Outs' on the Dish Network DVR, and plug the USB cord into a USB port on the computer.
Step 1
Connect the Dish Network DVR to a computer through a pass-through device. If you use a digital video capture device, plug the audio-video cords on the device into the audio and video 'Outs' on the Dish Network DVR, and plug the USB cord into a USB port on the computer. If you have a digital video camera with pass-through capabilities, connect the camera to the Dish Network DVR with the audio-video cord provided with the camera, connect the camera to the computer using the firewire cord and turn the dial on the camera to 'Pass-thru,' 'Playback' or 'VCR.'
Step 2
Open a video-editing program that you have installed on your computer. On Windows systems, the program Windows Movie Maker generally comes pre-installed and Mac's native movie program is iMovie, which comes pre-installed on some systems.
Step 3
Navigate to the video-editing program's capture window. In Movie Maker, access 'Capture from digital video camera' through the 'File' menu. In iMovie, click the blue button in the bottom left corner and pull the button over to the camera icon.
Step 4
Power on the DVR and TV if they are not on already. Navigate to the recording you want to transfer to your computer and click 'Play.' The video stream appears in the capture window in Movie Maker or iMovie.
Step 5
Click the 'Start Capture' button in Movie Maker or the 'Import' button in iMovie to begin recording the video stream. Allow the video file to play all the way through and click the 'Stop Capture' button in Movie Maker or 'Import' button in iMovie to stop recording the video stream.
Type a name that will help you identify the recording that you captured when the video-editing program prompts you. In the same window where you enter the name for the file, click the 'Browse' or 'Output folder' button to choose the folder on your hard drive where you want to save the file. Click 'OK' to save the file into the folder.
Items you will need
- Digital video capture device or digital video camera with cords
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If your DVR's available memory is almost full with programs you've saved, you want to find a way to keep them without taking up space on the DVR. One option is to download your favorite shows to a computer. Using a USB 2.0 video capture device is the least expensive and most user-friendly method.
Step 1
Buy a USB 2.0 capture device. Some popular choices are EasyCAP, Pinnacle Dazzle, the Hapaugge HD PVR. As of September 2010, prices for these products range anywhere from $10-$200, depending on the quality and functionality you seek.
Step 2
Insert the USB capture device's setup software disc into your computer's CD drive and follow the on-screen installation instructions.
How To Record From Dvr To Computer
Step 3
Plug the video capture device into a USB port on your computer.
Step 4
Connect the video capture device to your DVR using standard RCA, S-Video or HDMI cables (if supported).
Step 5
Open Windows Media Center (or any video software program of your choice.)
Step 6
Scroll to 'Tasks,' then select 'Settings.' Choose 'TV,' then 'Set Up TV Signal.'
Step 7
How To Transfer Dish Dvr Recordings
Cue the program you wish to transfer on your DVR and press 'Play,' then hit 'Record' in Windows Media Center.
Press 'Stop' when recording is complete. Name and save the file. If desired, you can now edit the file, add effects, remove commercials, convert it to different formats, upload to the Web, or burn to a DVD.
Tips
- If your HD DVR and computer both have HDMI ports, it is recommended you use an HDMI cable instead of coax or RCA cables for the best quality video transfer.
- Use Windows Media Setup to download TV program listings for your cable or satellite provider. You can then search for new shows to record by title, actor, keyword or director. Now you can record TV directly to your PC.
Warnings
- Don't change the channel while recording is in progress. Any action you perform on the DVR (pause, fast-forward, rewind, channel-surfing) will record onto your computer.
- In most cases it is permissible to make copies of shows you've recorded on your DVR for personal use. However, unlicensed reproduction, sale or broadcast of copyrighted material is prohibited by law.
Items you will need
- Computer
- USB capture card
- Movie-making software
- RCA, S-Video or HDMI cables
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How To Download Recorded Shows From Dish Dvr On Laptop
- computer cables image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
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