Getting files to computer; format issues; dumb questions

[SzDoc]

So, I'm pretty computer savvy (though not a Linux geek) and I have replaced the HD in my Tivo S2 before. I build my own desktops, etc. I'm no stranger to registry hacks, etc. But, the interstices of Tivo formatting, Tivo Desktop, etc. have me stymied.

I want to transcode the stuff on my Tivo and move it to my home media server, in a format which is relatively universal (e.g. MPEG n). This is so I can watch it on other devices, not so I can post to the Internet or sell it or any other such problematic application.

I installed Tivo Desktop. Copied several files to my PC. All good so far. However, on a subsequent transfer, something happened (the select to transfer box popped up when I was doing something else, then disappeared) and many of the files are now flagged "failed to transfer" and I can't get the flag to clear, even clearing cache, etc. Plus, that leaves me with files in a proprietary format.

Yes: I've tried searching, but my search strategy is clearly off.

I'm not opposed to pulling the drive to get my content off of it. I have various external drive boxes which I could plug into my (XP) primary box.

I do NOT plan on doing anything problematic with it. I just want to be able to watch content which I recorded, legally, off cable which I pay for, on other devices.

This is lame. I apologize. But, I don't know where to look. It does not seem that MFStools, etc. are what I need.

Help...

Thanks.

[moyekj]

Especially for more computer savvy users such as yourself you are better off using free 3rd party applications for offloading programs from your Tivos rather than Tivo Desktop. Take a look at kmttg (best suited for Windows & Mac platforms & Linux to a lesser degree) or iTivo (for Mac platform) or TivoPlaylist (Windows only I believe) as examples of 3rd party apps.
For pulling/pushing content back to your Tivo(s) from your computer pyTivo is the best app out there.
For streaming content back to your series 3 Tivos streambaby is a good choice.

[SzDoc]

I think kmttg may be what I need. I have no need to upload to the Tivo.

Will give it a try and report back.

Thanks.

[SzDoc]

Just started a transfer. It's apparent this is going to be REALLY slow. Any good way to pull the drive and copy content directly, then decode thereafter?

Thanks again.

[moyekj]

Yes for TivoHD units TTG transfers max out around 10 Mbps or so (because it's a CPU intensive operation for the Tivo). It's a little better for original Series 3 units at 13 Mbps or so but large files will take a while no matter how you slice it.
Short of hacking your Tivo (which involves a PROM modification and software modifications which are not allowed to be discussed in this forum) there is no other easy way to offload recordings to your PC AFAIK.

[castlemoyle]

Just started a transfer. It's apparent this is going to be REALLY slow. Any good way to pull the drive and copy content directly, then decode thereafter?

Thanks again.

I second the positive comments on KMttg. It's a great little program. One thing I do is queue up several larger programs to download when I'm going to be gone or sleeping or ... kmttg allows you to perform several operations on a list of programs without any intervention. Pretty slick.

[SzDoc]

Thanks.

[chakk]

If you only want to download one program from your Tivo to your PC, I have found it to be marginally faster to log in directly from your PC to your Tivo via a web browser, using https://(your local IP address assigned to your Tivo by your router). I think I recall correctly that the login name will be tivo and the password will be your Media Access Key. Someone else will correct me, I'm sure, if I am wrong.

I believe this type of transfer runs about 25% faster in my home network configuration.

[AudioNutz]

I second the positive comments on KMttg. It's a great little program. One thing I do is queue up several larger programs to download when I'm going to be gone or sleeping or ... kmttg allows you to perform several operations on a list of programs without any intervention. Pretty slick.

All that stuff is great...

Not to mention the "Auto-Transfers" functionality...

[susanpret88]

This is an interesting discussion.. thank you for sharing.

htt p://pret-auto.org