Want to record video from DVR (DirecTV box) to PC format - how?

[jdevola]

I would like to transfer video from my DVR to my PC. My understanding is that I can play video from the DVR into the PC via, for example, HDMI cable, meaning I need a TV tuner / video capture card with HDMI input. I am lost on the details, though -- specifically:

1) What video capture card can I use to accomplish this
2) What software do I need, if any, to save the video in a format compatible for PC playback (e.g., *.mpg, *.avi, *.wmv, *.mkv?)
3) What else? (what am I missing / forgetting?)

Ideally, it would be nice to also have component/RCA inputs as well so I can convert VHS to a PC-compatible format (I know, but it is on my wishlist...), but this is not a deal breaker.

Any help to get me going would be great.

Btw, I am in the midst of configuring a PC with video card, so any suggestions on a particular output card would be appreciated -- or if there is one that will do both input and output?

Thanks!

 

[getochkn]

Most PVR's and digital tuners include a HDCP signal, which is a copyright protection signal passed along that basically each device says I'm not a recorder, just a display or just a receiver, so it can play. When you use an HDMI capture card, they don't pass the HDCP signal, well, because they are a recorder and putting a recorder somewhere in the output chain isn't allowed. XBOX One has a mode to turn off HDCP for capturing gaming, but still preserve the signal so Netflix, XBox video store movies, etc, etc can't be copied by the streaming card.

that said, ebay you can buy a HDMI capture card that will "ignore" the HDCP signal and allow you to capture HDCP protected content.

 

[jdevola]

Most PVR's and digital tuners include a HDCP signal, which is a copyright protection signal passed along that basically each device says I'm not a recorder, just a display or just a receiver, so it can play. When you use an HDMI capture card, they don't pass the HDCP signal, well, because they are a recorder and putting a recorder somewhere in the output chain isn't allowed. XBOX One has a mode to turn off HDCP for capturing gaming, but still preserve the signal so Netflix, XBox video store movies, etc, etc can't be copied by the streaming card.

that said, ebay you can buy a HDMI capture card that will "ignore" the HDCP signal and allow you to capture HDCP protected content.

Is this the case even if the video is not HD? I do not have an HD set top box/signal; it is standard definition, so would there still be HDCP? In addition, besides the HDMI output, there are also: component out, S-video out, and SATA and ethernet ports. Would any of these be options? (There is a USB port, too, but I suspect that is worthless)

Thanks for your help!