Why doesn't 2.3+ allow convert for already archived content?

[circeus]

Seems quite pointless to leave out this feature as it doesn't stop us from converting content we already have since all one has to do is copy the content back to their TiVo using the TiVo's built in ability to copy .tivo files back to a TiVo for viewing and then redownload them to get them to auto-convert for portable devices.

So all that's done by leaving this out is frustrating customers who already have content archived because now they have to jump through hoops to get it done.

Is there any rhyme or reason for this?

[davezatz]

I think it was probably just more efficient and simpler to leave it out, and convert new content as it arrives. Though... maybe it has something to do with the new watermarking - where, when, and how it's applied. Hm.

[gconnery]

As Dave said, I assume they're trying to keep things somewhat under control.

I don't personally have any use for it at the moment, given that it only does half the job I'm interested in. At some point I might pay up, if I get sufficiently tired of the manual conversions.

I had the same thought about Tivo back/transfer again. I'm wondering if 2.3 will convert such files, i.e. non-Tivo files? I think it might not-it can clearly tell the difference between them...

[illuminations25]

Now I have another question related to this...

If I choose to convert some of the shows for my portables, does it permanently alter those files so I couldn't then use them with the MySonic or other software to burn them to a DVD?

Once the files are downloaded do I have the option to burn them to DVD and convert them to a portable format be for my PSP or Ipod or do I have only 1 option for each show as it's downloaded and then I'm done?

[circeus]

Well I spent the day with this, and yes, I used TiVoBack to copy back about 20 programs. Then I set up to do an H.264 conversion (to see how it came out). It pulled down all the files in about as much time as I expected and took a while for the conversion and the quality was much worse than I was expecting for H.264. So, thus far I think for my iPod I'll be sticking with MPEG-4 and not using H.264 (which is what the GUI suggests to use, but really an iPod Video supports both).

Things that are odd... the "TV Shows" category it uses for converted tv shows is not the same as the "TV Shows" category that is used in iTunes purchased programs. Not sure what the deal is there. They did show up in Videos, which is more than I can say for programs converted using MyTVToGo (which is what I was using previously, despite its conversion problems).

You can set it to delete the files after conversion, or not. However you see fit. And they do still burn just fine.

[davezatz]

I think it was probably just more efficient and simpler to leave it out, and convert new content as it arrives.

Solved! :D

Prior recordings can be transcoded via the command line. It's very simple, as long as you don't fat-finger the typing/paths as I keep doing.

http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-06/desktop-23-hack-transcode-prior-downloads/

[circeus]

/me gives davezatz a kewpie doll

Of course, if it can be done at the command line, that still begs the question... why the heck not have it in the GUI.

And if I get some time I'll give that GUI a whirl...

Ooo... lookie registry entries...

"C:\Program Files\TiVo\Desktop\TivoConverter.exe" /profile="MPEG-4"

[circeus]

Got a GUI going for this, just need to put on some finishing touches and package it for download. Works like a champ.

[illuminations25]

Got a GUI going for this, just need to put on some finishing touches and package it for download. Works like a champ.

Not that you'd want to do it, because it would take so much time, but couldn't you transfer the show back to your Tivo. Delete it from your PC and transfer it back to the PC and then it would convert when it was downloaded?

[circeus]

Yes, I've done and tested that. Thing is I use my machine in an archival manner for TiVo files, and not all my *.TiVo files reside in my "My TiVo Recordings" folder. I think its just overkill for them not to have this feature.

Anyway, one more installer test, and then I'm going to post directing to the program I wrote.