Hughes HDVR2 Question

[DEC]

New member here. I have a question regarding the Hughes model HDVR2 Tivo unit.

Long story short, DirecTV recently replaced my unit from 2003 at no charge due to problems that they felt indicated it was going belly up. I now have installed a factory reconditioned DirecTV Plus receiver (PN R15-100C-R) ... which solved all of the problems encountered with the older unit. The hard drive in the HDVR2 unit was full of recorded programs and movies that we would like to keep (or view) in some manner. Is there anyway that the recorded program material on the HDVR2 unit can be downloaded or otherwise transferred to the new receiver or a computer for viewing? I notice that there are USB ports on both units, but I have no idea whether any direct machine-to-machine hook-ups can be made, or what would be required beyond this (assuming it is even possible to do). If anyone can help me on this issue, I would sure appreciate it.

Finally, does the "HD" part of HDVR2 imply "high definition"?

Thanks in advance,
Don

[litzdog911]

Welcome to DBSTalk!

Unfortunately there's no way to transfer those recordings from your HDVR2 to the new R15 DVR. But you can still view those recordings if you keep your HDVR2 connected to your TV along with the R15 DVR.

No, the "HD" in "HDVR2" doesn't stand for "Hi Definition". I seem to recall it was something like "hard drive video recorder". Neither the HDVR2 or your new R15 are high-definition DVRs.

[DEC]

OK, thanks. I had a hunch this might not be doable, but it sounds like we can at least view the recorded material from the old unit.

[Hash]

You do have other options.

1) "Save to VCR" on a VCR or DVD recorder. Both are plentiful these days.

2) If you have the know-how, and the right inputs on your PC, you could capture them digitally - edit out the commercials - and either keep on the computer or author your own DVDs. With the correct software package, producing a DVD isn't even that difficult to do any more.

But, to echo the previous answer - the recordings aren't going to get to the R15.

[DEC]

You do have other options.

1) "Save to VCR" on a VCR or DVD recorder. Both are plentiful these days.

2) If you have the know-how, and the right inputs on your PC, you could capture them digitally - edit out the commercials - and either keep on the computer or author your own DVDs. With the correct software package, producing a DVD isn't even that difficult to do any more.
I would like to know more about this second option. How would one go about outputting the recorded program material from the HDVR2 unit to a PC?

But, to echo the previous answer - the recordings aren't going to get to the R15.
Understood ... thanks

[litzdog911]

Your PC needs "video capture hardware and software". You can buy USB-based video capture hardware that comes with the appropriate software if your PC is not already equipped. Basically this hardware provides suitable audio/video inputs and software to turn your PC into a digital recorder. Connect the DVR to your PC like you would hook up a VCR or DVD Recorder and use the PC's video capture software to record your desired shows from the DVR. Then you can strip out commercials, burn DVDs, etc, on your PC.