Transfering U-Verse shows off DVR

We are going to switch TV companies, but I would like to transfer a few concerts and games from my U-Verse DVR to either our external hard drive or my computer.

Any one know where to even start?

 

Record them to DVD and then rip that to your computer?

 

Right, but how do you go about doing that?

Assume I am a moron (I am) and tell me from point A to point Z how to get that done.

My DVR has a USB port, but from there...I am lost.

 

There is no way to transfer usable HD or SD digital files off a cable company or AT&T DVR. They are encrypted and copy protected.

You might be able to connect the analog composite output (three connectors, one yellow, one white, one red) to a DVD recorder or a PC's video capture card, but you'll get a terrible downgrade in quality (even when copying standard-def shows). And even then, you might have Macrovision copy protection on those outputs too, rendering the result unwatchable.

Assuming this analog method works at all, you would need:

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-DR430-DVD-Recorder-Black/dp/B0038JECKY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395399041&sr=8-1&keywords=DVD+recorder

or

http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-VC500-Touch-Capture-Device/dp/B000VM60I8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395399237&sr=8-1&keywords=video+capture+card

 

Boo. I'm trying to do the same thing.

 

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks Nathan.

What a crock. I'm almost tempted to go back and get a VCR and start recording shows again...at least then I knew I could keep them!!!

 

It won't solve your current problem, but If are switching to a traditional cable company (or FIOS) you can buy a Tivo, which lets you transfer to PC or iPad relatively easily. (Plus you own it, so you have it as long as you have the device.)

Downsides are it's an expensive initial investment (but you'll eventually save compared to cable DVRs) and requires getting a CableCard from the cable company, which can be a total pain in the ass. Also, current Tivos don't work with U-verse or satellite.

 

I am pretty sure we've used our DVD recorder to record movies off our DVR. You have to be playing the movie/whatever and record from the tv.

 

Use a cam corder and video them. If you use a tripod you can just set it up
and not have to sit there.

 

It's not happening.

If you want to keep anything, it's probably best to just look up the various concerts/games online (torrent sites, cyberlockers..etc) and download them "illegally."