I've officially given up on trying to get the firewire port from my Scientific Atlantica 8300HD to transfer stuff I saved to the DVR onto my PC. I've also given up on taking the hard drive out to try and figure out how to get Windows to read it. After some extensive googling, it seems like everyone else has given up on this device too.

A few on other forums recommended the HD PVR for this, then. Sure, it's not perfect as there will be some quality loss (why it transfers over USB instead of Firewire I have no idea) and the device is over $200 for something I'm going to use once a month, but it seems like the only option out there right now. Before I drop the money on this thing, is it still the only way I'm ever going to get stuff I have saved in high def to my DVR onto my PC? I'm mainly doing this for movies I am 100% sure will never, ever be in Blu-Ray (some of the movies I managed to record in high def aren't even on DVD!) so I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on this. Keep in mind I'd be willing to install a PCI device if such a thing exists. It does not have to be external/USB. Thanks a million!

DaddyLongLegs,

It can be very frustrating to get things to work at times in the A/V hobby.

I've been using DVHS for years with great results. However getting everything to the PC has been another story. The HD PVR is your best bet, even though bugs are being worked out as we speak. Overall I'm glad I added it to my HD arsenal. There is a SLIGHT stepoff in picture quality, yet in a blind test many people could not tell the difference IMHO.

Thanks for your helpful reply. I bought one on eBay, only $170 or so with the cashback deal!