Question about DSTV PVR?

Question

I have a DSTV PVR decoder. It has a usb port on the front of it. I would like to know if there is a chance that i could record my favourite soaps or tv shows on the memory of the PVR, and then transfer them via usb cable to the pc. Then i can write it to cd. Would this be possible?

Answer 1

According to the forums at DSTV, the USB is:
(a) USB 1.1 (very slow)
(b) disabled (there for future use, not yet detemined)

So it is not a functional port.
http://www.dstv.com/gysmm/forum/threadView.aspx?sid=8304&Id=132

It also appears that video recorded to the PVR is locked to only be played on that PVR - so play back on another media or device does not look like a possibility.
http://www.dstv.com/Gysmm/Forum/threadview.aspx?sid=2980&strSearch=usb

I think the writer of the second link is correct in assuming the USB port is there for the possibility to allow future transfer of media to the PVR, and not the other way around.

Answer 2

Dstv Pvr Decoder

Answer 3

You need to have a fair amount of computer knowledge (specifically unix/linux) to do it. The reason why is that Directv has turned off the usb ports and the video is encrypted.

Here is a general overview.

1) remove the hd from the Tivo and install it on your PC.
2) Boot into linux, mount the tivo drive and enable the USB Ports
3) put the HD back in your tivo, add it to your network and telnet in via your pc.
4) make your changes to remove the encryption/telephone update requirements, etc.
6) Transfer the movies to your pc.
7) edit out the commercials.
8) burn the movies to disk.

I am going to give you a link that automates a lot of the process but I STRONGLY suggest you don't do it unless you are completely sure you understand whats going on during everystep of the process. If you screw this up you void the warrenty and turn your box into an expensive paperweight.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=265929

Answer 4

Although it is possible, its not as easy as just plugging a usb cable in and riding off into the sunset. The process can be pretty involved depending what the inerds of your pvr consist of. In most cases you actually have to remove the hard drive from the pvr and connect directly to your computer to transfer the data. After said programs are transferred, you simply reinstall the hard drive into the pvr.

-J.