Getting video off a DVR- any ideas?

bsj

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Dec 6, 2003
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Trying to figure out if there are any options here....
 
I work for a non profit with a number of really great senior volunteers. One of them, who is one of the nicest people I have ever met, is being interviewed for a local cable news show which airs tonight. She won't be able to see it because she cannot afford cable, and the show doesn't web stream at all. I will be watching it and will record it on my Comcast DVR, but I want to be able to show it to her. Any ideas how to do this? The only two options I have come up with are fairly awful. Either pointing my iphone at the screen and recording it (which is probably what I would have to do at this point) or digging out my old VCR and trying to find a blank VHS tape (I dont even know if they are even sold anymore). 
 
She is going to be in our offices Monday and I would love to be able to show her. 
 
Short of asking for a video clip from the show, which I have done before but have had varying success (and it usually takes weeks), anyone have any ideas? 
 

Stitch01

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Jul 15, 2005
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Not sure what you have for current Comcast DVR service, but they have actually started to roll out functionality to watch DVR'd content from the cloud over any device.  No idea if you are in the service area where they rolled it out.
 

Harry Hooper

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Stitch01 said:
Not sure what you have for current Comcast DVR service, but they have actually started to roll out functionality to watch DVR'd content from the cloud over any device.  No idea if you are in the service area where they rolled it out.
 
If you can do this, there are programs that can capture a streaming video and allow you to create a stand-alone video file. This file could be put on a thumb drive of a DVD.
 
There are also video capture devices you can attach to a computer for doing things like converting VHS tapes or home videos. Here's one example.
 

bsj

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Dec 6, 2003
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Central NJ SoSH Chapter
Stitch01 said:
Not sure what you have for current Comcast DVR service, but they have actually started to roll out functionality to watch DVR'd content from the cloud over any device.  No idea if you are in the service area where they rolled it out.
 
Dont have it yet...
 

bsj

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Dec 6, 2003
22,776
Central NJ SoSH Chapter
mascho said:
Maybe just contact the local news show, explain to them the situation and they could sent you a clip?
 
This is what I will do, but they tend to be slow....Im sure I will get one but it may take a while....
 

Stuffy McInnis

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Tivo boxes have a desktop app that you can use to store files on your desktop easily, and then you just have to remove the DRM. Does comcast have anything similar?
 
Otherwise, a video capture device like the Hauppage is a good idea. 
 

Corsi

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I'd just stand in front of the TV and record it with the phone.  I've done it before and the quality is fine.  You can then upload the file to your computer and put it on a thumb drive or email it out.
 

SumnerH

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Jul 18, 2005
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The Hauppage is awesome for capturing HD video, but probably overkill for a one-off.  Building a DVR where you can continually archive everything is awesome in the long run, though (I record everything I might be remotely interested in and keep forever; at this point I'd rather have my DVR than Netflix streaming or Amazon Prime video options).
 
If it hasn't aired yet and you have a firewire-enabled settop box, you can record from that to your PC.  http://www.avsforum.com/t/403695/how-to-record-via-ieee-1394-firewire-to-windows-xp (the Vista/7 drivers are at http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/ ).  Again maybe not worth it for a one-off and you'll want to practice ahead of time so that you don't miss it.  As the note says, "This method does not allow you to transfer shows already recorded on your HD DVR only live TV."