How-To: MacOS X Firewire HDTV recording [Text View] - Page 9

dropgems

11-13-08, 04:48 PM

teague

11-13-08, 08:27 PM

Hey guys, this is probably a pretty noobie question that has been answered in this thread multiple times but I really don't have time to read all the pages. Here's my situation. I have a comcast motorola dual tuner dvr dct4316 box and it's at 100% capacity and I wanna save all the movies on there before I erase them. I know I need an external HD with a firewire cable and a program to capture the movies, right? Can someone give me a link to a prog that works for this (I'm on a mac with leopard).

Also, when I wanna watch these movies that I've stored on an external HD on my tv again, can I put them back on the dvr and use comcasts remote to rewind and such or do I have to do it through my computer?

Thanks for any help.

I use an internal HD to capture. As long as you have the space, internal or external should be OK. I use FireRecord to capture. You can get it from mac.softpedia.com It's free.

You have to watch them from the computer, or you can move them to AppleTV, but you can't put them back into the cable box. Also note that many channels cannot be captured due to copy protection (HBO, etc.)

coyoteaz

11-13-08, 11:55 PM

Also note that with most Comcast DVRs, you cannot transfer recorded content to a PC/Mac, only live content.

mullinsr

11-16-08, 05:36 PM

Hi kaadray,

thanks for your quick reply. I can confirm that with 0.h on my Mac Pro running MacOS 10.5.4, a non-compiled text script (tested first in Script Editor but then saved as a text file by BBEdit) does not call.

The iCal idea sounds great -- it is very easy to access by script and would be a great workaround -- I suspect there would not be as much control over location etc. but I suspect for most people they only have one device and one default location on their hard drive (at least until that one fills up and they switch it to another).

If everyone is interested, I could program a MacProgramGuide script that would schedule FireRecord events in iCal in the expected format and offer it to everyone (and/or give it to kaadray to offer with FireRecord).

Thanks,
Graham Jones
(developer of iEye Captain for EyeTV)

A good scheduling method is my only complaint with FireRecord right now. I have a great workflow of recording, editing commercials out with MPEG StreamClip, and exporting for iPod with Handbrake, but manually putting in the start time/record duration/episode info is getting to be a hassle

kaadray

11-17-08, 10:26 AM

Hi - I apologize for not having done something with the scheduling yet. I have a deadline on the 21st after which I will either address it, or give the code to someone to address.

stanj

11-17-08, 05:37 PM

I have the exact same problem with comcast. I was previously able to firewire recorded programs when playing on the Motorolla 6412, but now I can only record live programs. Anyone figure out a way to make this work. I want the DVR to time and record and move the programs I really want to save over, freeing up my DVR space.

Let me know if you figure anything out.

After messing around for a while, I found that I could firewire-record programs saved to the DVR, but the picture on the TV screen would freeze and no sound would be recorded.

After more messing around, I found that if I pause the DVR first, then start recording via Firewire, then hit the play button on the DVR, I can record both sound and picture, but I still get the picture freeze on the TV. The recording itself, however, does not freeze. Unfortunately, the only way to know when the recording is finished is to time it manually.

A PIA work around, but it's the only way I've been able to record saved programs after Comcast did the update.

lrksmxms

11-17-08, 10:11 PM

Sorry, but have tried to look through the posts, but haven't found a solution. I have followed the instructions but to no avail. I have a new macbook pro that I am trying to connect my motorola dch 3416 to via firewire. The MPB has a firewire 800 connection; i have installed the latest version of the firewire SDK and once I was able to have the system see the box, and since then, nothing, I have tried rebooting with the box on, box off, just plugging it in. Nothing. I've reinstalled the sdk and again nothing. I've also set up as a dual boot with windows SP 3 and tried to do this on the windows side and cant get it to record (get error 800705aa). This worked without a problem using my old toshiba laptop.
Please please help if you can.

Thanks

mullinsr

11-17-08, 11:16 PM

Hi - I apologize for not having done something with the scheduling yet. I have a deadline on the 21st after which I will either address it, or give the code to someone to address.

No worries. Thanks for the update and thanks for the incredibly useful software

dropgems

11-21-08, 06:13 AM

Thanks for the responses.

Also note that with most Comcast DVRs, you cannot transfer recorded content to a PC/Mac, only live content.

So I can't do anything with the 50 plus movies I already have saved on my dvr? And I have to be watching the movie live in order to record it. That's pretty inconvenient.

I'm also not fond of having to watch the movies on my computer with a small monitor and no surround surround. Hmm...

chefklc

11-21-08, 06:59 AM

So I can't do anything with the 50 plus movies I already have saved on my dvr?

You could try the Hauppauge HD PVR, which captures over component. There are now OS X compatible software betas from EyeTV and Steve Toth:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1081590

I'm also not fond of having to watch the movies on my computer with a small monitor and no surround surround. Hmm...

You could connect a Mac to your HDTV and watch fullscreen, this is after all an "HTPC" forum. VLC will pass the 5.1/AC-3 to your receiver. Or, if you only have an Apple TV connected to your HDTV, Handbrake will convert the files to something it can accept.

That's pretty inconvenient.

It's best to keep something in mind--the powers that be, the cablecos, manufacturers and content providers--really don't want to make this easy for you. They'd prefer you rent and use their equipment exclusively--and keep your computers far, far away.

The fact that we've been able to do any of this over firewire, due to the firewire SDK and FireRecord, and also very easily record clear QAM with our Macs, for as long as we have, is one of the special joys of the Mac as HTPC rather than a Windows HTPC (which, it should be said, offered advantages in other ways.)

And now that there are emerging OS X software options for the $200 Hauppauge which can take advantage of the analog hole and record HD over component, we're in pretty good shape.

thecaptain2279

12-18-08, 11:29 PM

hi

I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on an issue. Here's the situation. I was a CV subscriber and when I attempted to FW HDTV record to my MBP, I ran into a problem with CBSHD, as it was copy once. All my other local broadcast stations were copy freely. I waited a couple months and have now switched to Fios. I had the TV service installed about 2 weeks and was happy to find that CBSHD was set to copy freely, as were the other local stations. However, that was short lived as I found this week that CBSHD is now copy once. While the other stations are still copy freely.

Now my question is this, is it really worth my time trying to get someone on the phone and possibly get Verizon to switch this back to copy freely? Or is this set by CBS and there's nothing I nor Verizon can? If so, I know that a low level techie may not even know what I am talking about so who should I ask to speak with that may have some clue about this? I have read that this is illegal, and if true, can someone be kind enough to link to that legislation so that I can reference that during my phone call.

thanks for any help

tiptongrange

12-19-08, 12:33 AM

Verizon is an extremely large company. If you call them, you'll be talking to low level employees who are not in a position to change policy--even if you work your way up several levels to a mid-level manager, and even if they wanted to, they wouldn't be able to change their policy. Maybe, if you took them to court, you could effect change, but you wouldn't be able to do it with a phone call.

A couple of products have come out recently that allow you to get HDTV to your computer. One is the Blackmagic Video Recorder (http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/videorecorder/), and another is the Hauppauge HD-PVR (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html). The Blackmagic product includes software for the Mac, while I think, that EyeTV supports the Hauppauge product. It's unfortunate, but I think these are better solutions for getting HDTV to the computer than firewire.

coyoteaz

12-19-08, 01:21 AM

If your only concern is local broadcast stations, just get a QAM tuner and be done with it. They're far more reliable than Firewire and don't suffer from any sort of copy protection stupidity.

chefklc

12-19-08, 08:35 AM

can someone be kind enough to link to that legislation so that I can reference that during my phone call.

Legislation:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-225A1.pdf

Complaints:

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

I was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on an issue.

I'm with coyoteaz and tiptongrange--rather than waste time pursuing something that's most likely being done on purpose or borne out of indifference--supplement what you are able to do over firewire by:

1) getting yourself a nice HD Homerun with EyeTV, stick it on your home network so you have ATSC and clear QAM covered,

2) also pick up the Hauppauge so you have everything else covered over component,

3) enjoy.

A couple of products have come out recently that allow you to get HDTV to your computer. One is the Blackmagic Video Recorder

This is looking more like vaporware every day. Announced in April, supposedly available June/July.

Learn about OS X software for the Hauppauge being independently developed by Steve Toth here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1081590

and there's also an EyeTV beta.

I'm still having great luck recording over firewire with Comcast, but I think there will be a Hauppauge in my future at some point, too...

thecaptain2279

12-19-08, 12:04 PM

Hi

Thank you very much for the insight and suggestions. I had a feeling that any attempt to get the flag removed would be an uphill battle.

I am really interested in some of these solutions. My next question would have been if hardware that would record through component, is available for the MBP. But you all already have answered that, so thank you again.

While all the products look great and should do the job, I am very interested in the BlackMagic recorder, due to price and from the looks of it, ease of use and install. But is this actually available for purchase right now? I ask only cause of the vaporware comment above, although I maybe misunderstanding him.

While the other solutions are great and might have to look into them in the future, right now my only need is to be able to record CBSHD through the component, while I can FW record using AVCapture all the other broadcast channels if needed.

thanks again everyone.

chefklc

12-19-08, 12:34 PM

You're not misunderstanding me, try to buy it somewhere...it's yet to be released.

Besides budget, obviously, a lot of our choice comes down to how polished we expect the interface or software to be, and only you can answer that for yourself. Good luck however you decide to proceed...

thecaptain2279

12-19-08, 04:23 PM

thanks for the help.

epitaphmike

12-20-08, 02:49 PM

I have been recording from a few different SA HD-DVR cable boxes for a few weeks now. Two days ago everything stopped working. I am using Apples Firewire SDK26 AVCVideoCap, MPEG Streamclip, and the Quicktime MPEG2 Component. I am copying only "Copy Freely" channels. I have tested this on 3 different SA Boxes, (2) Explorer 8240HDC boxes and (1) Explorer 8300, all with the same results.
I read a post on page 67 that broke down the packets and this is what I am receiving.

LPCW86:Movies michael$ od -t x1 home034.m2t | head -1
0000000 47 00 65 96 25 0e f4 df 46 2a 81 5d 9a 8e e4 28
LPCW86:Movies michael$ od -t x1 nbc12.m2t | head -1
0000000 47 06 37 96 ce 63 7c 95 99 a5 d2 d8 7e 2e 28 20
LPCW86:Movies michael$ od -t x1 uniHD.m2t | head -1
0000000 a9 15 9c 91 7a e8 a5 ba cd 26 00 ff 6c ac 8d b7

The first home034.m2t is Channel 34 FSA-AZ in Phoenix. This is a Copy Freely channel. After the 47 in the string there is a 00 which means Unscrambled, but still when I open in MPEG Streamclip I get "File open error: can't find video or audio tracks", I click Open Anyways and get "File open error: can't find video or audio tracks".

The second one (nbc12.m2t) I am getting the same thing, and it is a "Copy Freely" channel, I am not sure what the 06 means after the 47.

The third is an encrypted Universal HD with "Copy Once" and I get a9 15 which is an encrypted packet which I suspect.

I can still open m2t files I recorded a week ago in MPEG Stremclip.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

thecaptain2279

12-23-08, 02:37 PM

After recommendations here and some reading online, I have decided to go with an HD Homerun/EyeTV 3 package.

Hope the install is easy.

Thanks again for everybody's help.

epitaphmike

12-23-08, 04:10 PM

chefklc

12-23-08, 05:37 PM

Has anyone else had the same issue?

No, everything is still fine for me, but then I don't use a DVR, just a regular SA 3250 STB. The SA 3250s and SA 4250s seem to be working for most of us...

In the meantime I have tryed 3 different boxes, 3 Different Mac Book Pro computers with 3 different Firewire cables, All with the same results

If you read back in this thread, lots of people have been having problems with the DVRs, and the boxes you tried (8240, 8300) are both DVRs, right? And you're not really going to get anywhere when you ask a question of anyone at the Cable company...new firmware gets pushed through and you're done.

The only other thing I'd suggest is swap a DVR out for a non-DVR with firewire, and also try FireRecord/VLC instead of the AVCVideoCap method.

kaadray

12-25-08, 07:18 PM

Hi,

I found the bug that caused FireRecord to not call the AppleScript when that is the tuning method. I'll try to put up the fixed version as soon as possible and post here when it is up.

Edit: 0.5.1 is up which should be tuning properly for all options including AppleScript.

Eric808

12-31-08, 07:20 PM

This is my first post here. I have read through most of this thread and it has been very helpful, especially the comments of kaadray and chefklc. Thanks, guys!

I have been able to successfully capture video streams from my set top box to my Mac for some, but not all, channels. Unfortunately, I still can't capture the channel I really want to get! I'm trying to figure out if I have missed something, or if I'm out of luck.

I have a Scientific Atlanta 4250HDC from Time Warner Cable here in Honolulu, connected via FireWire to my MacBook. I am using AVCBrowser and AVCVideoCap from the Apple FireWire SDK 26. Here's what I'm doing:

1. Launch AVCBrowser
2. Select my device
3. Click on "Open Device - Control Panel"
4. Click on "Open Device"
5. Click on "Close Device"

(Opening and closing the device seems to be necessary - I'm not sure why)

6. Launch AVCVideoCap
7. Select my device

(8. Manually set my TV to the right channel - I'm sure this can be done via software but right now I'm just shooting for bare minimum functionality)

9. Back in AVCVideoCap, click on "Capture From Device"

This works, hooray! I am getting .m2t video files at sizes of about 30MB/minute, that I can view using VLC.

However... it seems that this only works for TV channels that are part of my "Digital Cable Service" package. When I try the same thing with channels in my "Standard Service" package, I get zero-length .m2t files.

AVCVideoCap has an "EMI" text box at the bottom -- for the channels that I can capture, this text box displays either "Copy Freely" or "Copy Once"; for the ones that I can't, the box remains blank.

My problem is that I really want to record from Home & Garden TV, which is a "standard service" channel for me. I can't capture it with the steps I've described above. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I can do this?

Alternatively, I also have a channel in my "High Definition" package, Home & Garden TV HD, but it seems like this doesn't carry the same content as the regular HGTV channel so this may not be useful to me. I tried anyway, and was able to capture a stream from this channel as well, at about 100MB/minute, but VLC wouldn't play it.

Any comments? Thanks everyone for all your discussions!

GrahamAJones

12-31-08, 07:35 PM

Hi kaadray,

wonderful, thanks!

- Graham.

thecaptain2279

12-31-08, 08:22 PM

Hi everyone

I picked up my HD Homerun and EyeTV 3 software last week. And I am very happy to say that all worked out beautifully.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-10/61187/GW_12-26-08.jpg

Was able to capture CBSHD via my OTA signal. Will tryout the QAM feed as well.

thanks again for the help guys.

happy new year.

@ Eric808, although I can't provide much help to you as to why you cannot record the standard def channel, as for playing the recorded m2t from HGTVHD, as long as it was displayed as copy freely on the EMI box, you should be able to play it. I have had problems with VLC and find that mplayer for OSX works much better.

good luck.

Eric808

12-31-08, 09:10 PM

@ Eric808, although I can't provide much help to you as to why you cannot record the standard def channel, as for playing the recorded m2t from HGTVHD, as long as it was displayed as copy freely on the EMI box, you should be able to play it. I have had problems with VLC and find that mplayer for OSX works much better.
@thecaptain2279, thanks for the suggestion. However the HGTVHD stream was flagged as "Copy Once", not "Copy Freely" -- does that make a difference as to whether VLC can play it?

thecaptain2279

01-01-09, 02:43 AM

@thecaptain2279, thanks for the suggestion. However the HGTVHD stream was flagged as "Copy Once", not "Copy Freely" -- does that make a difference as to whether VLC can play it?

Unfortunately, it does make a difference. Copy Once streams cannot be captured via firewire. The only way to accomplish this is to use either the component connection or S-video. Happauge makes a nice PVR that copies through the component cables. There are also a few apps that copy via the S-Video connection which may be your best bet to copy the regular HGTV signal.

I use Pinnacle Studio Plus 11 for my non-HDTV captures, seems to work decent enough.

best of luck to you.

powerbox2u

01-03-09, 06:14 PM

stoth

01-04-09, 08:02 PM

Hi,

I'm trying to understand which application is considered 'State of the Art' in terms of recording via Firewire on a Mac. This is a LONG thread. Taking a quick look at the first post it looks like some of the links are out of date (circa 2004).

chefklc, I understand you're a longtime firewire user. Which is the most reliable/user friendly application you'd recommend for for a newbie planning to try and hook up their STB?

Thanks,

Steve

chefklc

01-04-09, 08:25 PM

Steve, I personally prefer FireRecord:

http://www.ammesset.com/firerecord

stoth

01-15-09, 09:44 AM

Hi,

Just skimming through the forums, Ammesset Software (FireRecord) looks like they've done a pretty good job but they're pressed for time and maybe cannot give the community what it wants. Also kudos to kaadray (from Ammesset?) for all of his work so far.

One of the things I've tried to demonstrate with HDPVRCapture is that I'm here on AVSForum, every day, listening to user feedback, bug fixing, adding features and trying to improve the application to help where I can. (Minor plug: Have you seen the HDPVRCapture v2 UI?)

I certainly don't want to take anything away from kaadray, Ammesset and FireRecord but is their a significant interest from the readers in this forum in seeing a new Firewire recording solution, perhaps with full applescript support, integration with TitanTV, iCal scheduling, daily/weekly repeated recordings, multiple device support, channel changing, (external blasters?) perhaps also some post processing - the whole nine yards - much like HDPVRCapture?

Just so we're clear, it would not be a free application so likely around $30. I can't make that any cheaper and keep up the level of daily support I give.

Everyone, please let me know your thoughts, if this market is currently very well served then I'll skip this and focus my attention on some other aspect of TV on he Mac.

I really am interested in your thoughts.

- Steve

chefklc

01-15-09, 10:29 AM

Make no mistake Steve, there would be significant interest in a $30 or so app that could handle firewire recording. We've been waiting for 5+ years for someone, anyone, to take what started as a "proof of concept" and produce a polished, full-featured app. The great value of FireRecord is that it is free, easy to understand, has a rudimentary GUI and works very well for manual recordings--there's little bloat and few bells and whistles. But, as you know, it takes time and resources to develop and support something--that support is worth paying for.

The great value of EyeTV is that's updated and supported. Likewise, you're providing tremendous updates and follow-up support for your HDPVRCapture, in fact, I marvel at your patience and restraint in answering questions on that thread, many of them off-topic or unrelated to your app. But both depend on the purchase of additional hardware.

I'd suggest there would be at least as much of a following for a full-featured firewire app as what you've seen coalesce around the Hauppauge device, especially since no additional hardware purchase (like a tuner) would be required besides your cable STB. Problem is, cablecos aren't going to keep firewire active for much longer--it's sketchy at best now and the affordable Macs are losing firewire.

stoth

01-15-09, 10:57 AM

chefklc: Thanks, kind words and much food for thought.

It's no secret, firewire is a mixed bag. For me (under Linux) it's mostly reliable. It's a pity that Apple took the firewire ports off of the MB and offer nothing at all on the mini. I guess express card options will probably exist for a while - although, hmm, I don't even think the MB has that.

In terms of other Mac TV projects, I'd toyed with the idea of porting some of my other Linux drivers to the Mac although I'd start to overlap with Elgato in a number of areas, probably not a good idea. USB2 would have a market but I'm pretty sure the market for PCIe drivers on the Mac is zero, or close to.

<plug>Before I drift off topic completely and the moderators jump all over me, if anyone _IS_ looking for PCI / PCIe support for TV tuners on the Mac then please PM me.</plug>

Again, thanks for your feedback.

- Steve

GrahamAJones

01-15-09, 11:35 AM

Hi Steve,

I am/was the developer of iEye Captain for the EyeTV -- I am willing to correspond if you think my input would be helpful. I worked with both the IRTrans and ZephIR infrared device developers for my app, and have both for testing (though firewire channel changing is the best if it is supported on the STB).

I love FireRecord, but I would definitely pay $30 for an app that had a few more features. It doesn't need to be hugely complicated -- even iCal, Applescript, and better channel changing would do it for me.

You can contact me directly if you like -- info(at)vidcan(dot)com.

Cheers,
Graham.

warunek

01-15-09, 11:48 AM

stoth

01-15-09, 12:22 PM

Steve
Purchased your other app. but believe this would have merit as well. For the past 3 years, I've used AVC Video Cap for copy freely and Eye TV 250 for copy once. Needs are very basic-manual transfer of previously recorded show on Explorer 8300. Deal breaker would be recording copy once but probably never possible via firewire, correct?

Thanks.

Good question. I'd have to look a little more closely at the Mac's implementation of 1394 A/V to answer that, not something I can comment on right now.

Assuming my STB (SA4250HD) is actually inserting the appropriate DTCP copy once descriptor then (with my Linux system) it's being ignored. :) If the Mac A/V stack obeys and doesn't pass payload up the stack then we're stuck.

Let me review this.

- Steve

stoth

01-15-09, 12:24 PM

GrahamAJones: Thanks for the feedback, very good to know. The initial response to this idea (both public and private) is encouraging. If this continues then I'll green-light the project and I will need external IR Blaster support, in which case I'll be in touch.

Thanks again.

- Steve

HealeyGuy

01-15-09, 04:23 PM

My post will be more discouraging. My Firewire capturing is from a Comcast HD DVR and something has changed so that I can only capturing live TV. Attempts to Firewire capture a program saved to the DVR's hard drive results in the displayed frame on the TV being frozen for the entire recording period and the resulting recording having no audio track. Since I can record the network HD channels and most SD channels with my EyeTV 2008 Hybrid, the only situation where I'd do a Firewire capture in the future is from a live, non-network, copy-freely channel. That's not going to happen enough to make it worth it to me to purchase an application to do this (although at $30 I might do it just to support the effort).

I've looked into the Hauppauge HD DVR and with the new EyeTV 3.1 software it looks much more useful than Firewire capturing given how limited the latter is with my Comcast service. But in truth I wouldn't use it much, either.

epitaphmike

01-18-09, 06:04 PM

Hi epitaphmike.

I have a SA8300HD and use the Firewire AVCVideoCap method on an old Mac G4 400 successfully since last june. The last time I've transfered "Copy freely" material on my Mac was on 2008-12-28. Not later than 2009-01-02. AVCVideoCap recognized the SA8300HD device but was not able to show the duration dialog box. This app has always showed the duration dialog box.

I do'nt think the problem is about the SA device, nor the wire itself. AVCBrowser still open and close the device and can even launch VLC to view the previously recorded material on the remote device.

I suspect that a recent Mac update has spoiled my configuration. Maybe something in the AppleScript arena. Of course, when talking of troubleshooting an app, whe always talk in an hypotheticall mater until we spot the real problem.

I'll follow this thread from time to times to see how things are working around.

Regards

Just for troubleshooting shooting sake, What configurations are people running?

I am on a 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro 4 GB Ram running Leopard 10.5.6
I am using the Firewire SDK 26 with the AVCVideoCap program to record and MPEG Streamclip to view. I also have Quicktime MPEG2 Converter installed.

I have even tried recording with FireRecord in both .m2t and .ts files. I have tried opening the .ts files in VLC as well as MPEG Streamclip.

Thanks.

epitaphmike

01-18-09, 07:39 PM

OK, Good news. Somehow I got this working. I read a blog and it worked
http://www.super-cooper.com (http://www.super-cooper.com/archive/2009/01/04/ripping-recorded-video-from-a-cox-dvr-on-os-x/)
Basically what I did was plug the firewire into the mac, then opened AVCVideoCap. I started the program on my DVR and then paused it. Then I plugged in the firewire to the DVR. I started the capture in AVC then pressed play on my remote.

Wa-La it worked.

This is after this not working all of the sudden.

My guess is it has something to do with the firewire connection. Before I just left my firewire connected to the DVR.

I hope this helps someone.

bandshook

01-19-09, 10:36 PM

I've skimmed this forum; sorry if this question was discussed previously and I missed it. I have a DVR (Motorola, from the cable company) connected to a Polaroid DVD recorder (it has a built-in hard drive), so I do have the ability to copy shows I've recorded on the DVR to a DVD. But to do that, I have to record in real time, and that ties up the DVR from being used for regular viewing. So, I'd like to connect the DVR to either the DVD recorder or my Mac (firewire is fine) and drag files off the DVR onto the Mac or DVD recorder hard drive. Is that possible? Or do all the recording options involve playing the show on the DVR and recording it in real time?

I hooked up the Motorola DVR to my Mac via firewire, but the Motorola isn't showing up as a drive on the Mac. I'm using an old PowerBook G3 running OS 10.4.11. It has more than 60 GB free hard drive space. If that's not good enough, I could use my new MacBookPro (unibody) running 10.5.6, but I'd need to buy a firewire cable that links firewire 400 (on the DVR) to firewire 800 (on the MBP).

So at this point, I want to know if it's possible to copy the actual files off the DVR, or if the DVR must play a show in real time in order to record it elsewhere.

Thanks!

teague

01-20-09, 01:00 AM

So at this point, I want to know if it's possible to copy the actual files off the DVR, or if the DVR must play a show in real time in order to record it elsewhere.

Thanks!

It's not possible. You have to play the show.

bandshook

01-20-09, 07:18 PM

It's not possible. You have to play the show.

Thanks for the reply. Seems crazy that there is content stored on the DVR hard drive that can't be accessed as actual files.

teague

01-20-09, 11:56 PM

Thanks for the reply. Seems crazy that there is content stored on the DVR hard drive that can't be accessed as actual files.

Agreed. Cable Labs and others don't want to make it easy.

bandshook

01-21-09, 08:08 AM

Agreed. Cable Labs and others don't want to make it easy.

One more question: my DVR can record one show while I watch another. If I've recorded one show on the DVR, can I play it (so that I can record it to my DVD recorder) at the same time I'm watching a different show?

I'm just trying to record the stuff that's on the DVR without having to watch it all in real time. Any way of doing that?

coyoteaz

01-21-09, 03:57 PM

No and no.

stoth

01-22-09, 11:48 AM

For anyone who subscribes to this thread via email but doesn't actively read the Mac general forum, you're probably interested in this new firewire capture app being developed for the Mac.

It's previewed and discussed here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1111561

mugen_z

01-23-09, 11:35 PM

I searched all over the forum and cannot find a solution, so I'll ask my question here. Thanks in advance.

I live in Vancouver, Canada using Shaw Cable Service.
My PVR box is the Motorola DCT6416 III
I'm using a MacBook, firewire 400, VLC player, AVCVideoCap (v.1)

I was able to transfer a few shows from the PVR to my laptop a couple of months ago. Since then, the captured file plays without video and audio.

The program AVCVideCap is able to detect/identify the PVR.
The EMI says "Copy freely".

Please help!

sask56

01-30-09, 12:31 AM

I finally took my first shot at recording from my set-top box. (DCT3416 from Shaw cable in Vancouver)

So far I've been able to record everything I tried (all indicated "Copy Freely"). I was able to change channels using the AVCBrowser and view the incoming stream using VLC, which to my surprise allows me to watch live TV on my iMac.

My work flow so far is:

Record stream to iMac using AVCVideoCap.

If required, edit out commercials using MPEG Streamclip. IMPORTANT: if you want to retain the AC3 soundtrack, do not do any conversion here. Just "Save As".ts file.

Use Handbrake to convert video from 1080i to 720p (or smaller). I start with the Apple TV Preset with de-interlace, 4500 kbps ABR for 720p, 2500 for 480p, 2 pass encoding.

The resulting H.264/M2V plays happily in QT Player & iTunes. CAVEAT: while QT Player shows the AC3 to exist, I don't have a digital audio out hooked up, so I can't prove it.

Does anybody see anything I might be missing?

Otherwise, like I said, so far so good.

Ron

sask56

01-30-09, 12:41 AM

sorry, that should read:

The resulting H.264/M4V plays happily in QT Player & iTunes. CAVEAT: while QT Player shows the AC3 to exist, I don't have a digital audio out hooked up, so I can't prove it.

sask56

01-30-09, 12:54 AM

stoth

01-30-09, 09:43 AM

To Steve Toth:

Keep working on a software front-end for firewire recording. I've seen your HDPVRCapture.app and would love to have something that elegant for firewire recording. And yes, I'd be willing to pay for it.

Yeah, that's AVCNoodle.

Kind words, thanks.

Am I correct in saying that the main advantage of the Haupage HD-PVR & HDPVRCapture is not having to worry about copy protection?

Yes, it avoids all DRM issues - because it's using analog.

I personally think it has lots of other plus's (HD via Component, 5.1 via SPDIF) but we're heading off topic. Head over to the HDVRCapture thread if you want to discuss specifics.

- Steve

speters

02-04-09, 03:39 AM

So I am just starting to record some HD from my Motorola 6412 to my G5 running OS10.5.5 and I am having a few issues. I first tried recording with FireRecord. The first couple of test's went fine. I was getting between 11-16bps and the image would fill the full from when playing back with VLC. Then I tried VirtualDVHS and the image did not fill the screen, I had black bars on the side and top. So I went back to FireRecord, the next couple of test recorded at 11.8bps, but instead of fluctuating like it id the first few times, it stayed at 11.8. The when I played that back the image did not fill the frame. The the next couple of test it recorded at -0.00bps, this could not be played back. So any ideas on what's going on? The other thing I can not figure out is how to get 5.1 playback, it's playing back in stereo. I tried to go into the midi setup and make the changes that the VLC read me file suggested, but when I select mutichannel I can still only select stereo, everything else is grayed out. I have my G5 connected via spidf.

chefklc

02-04-09, 05:27 AM

Is a G5 powerful enough to play these back?

As far as black bars and not filling the frame once you start playing back a recording, just use the VLC > Video fullscreen command. If that doesn't snap it into proper view, move the file over to something more modern, an Intel Mac like a Mini, MB or MBP and play it back...verify it works fine there and then you'll know your problem has nothing to do with VLC or the recorded file itself.

The first couple of test's went fine. I was getting between 11-16bps and the image would fill the full from when playing back with VLC. Then I tried VirtualDVHS and the image did not fill the screen, I had black bars on the side and top. So I went back to FireRecord, the next couple of test recorded at 11.8bps, but instead of fluctuating like it id the first few times, it stayed at 11.8. The when I played that back the image did not fill the frame. The the next couple of test it recorded at -0.00bps, this could not be played back. So any ideas on what's going on?

Most likely you're not going to be able to record all of your high def channels, some you will, some you won't. Was this all on the same channel or did you change? And you're manually changing the channel on the 6412, right, with the FireRecord default channel on 0? Before each test recording, make sure your 6412 is selected in the FireRecord device tab, if you have other firewire devices connected sometimes it switches off the one you want.

What I'd do is stop switching between software programs and take the "fill the frame" issue out of the equation, because I think that's a red herring (more a function of your setup and connection to your display and less the act of capturing the stream itself.) To prove that, just work with FireRecord and record some test clips, a minute or two in length, from various channels, making note of which clip is which. Obviously you've proven you can record something properly, now you have to do more work to figure out which other channels you can record, and which you can't.

The firewire connection between devices is finicky at times, occasionally you have to unplug, restart and/or reconnect to get your STB and Mac to pair up again.

With VLC and a Macbook, I don't normally need to go into MIDI and change any setting manually to "get" 5.1, so leave that issue aside for the moment--in preferences just set it to use s/pdif when available and force detection of DD surround. First, though, I'd figure out which channels you can record, and then move on to which are supposed to have 5.1 audio. (Many are just 2.0)

speters

02-06-09, 12:52 AM

It's a dual 2.0ghz G5 and it plays HD back just fine. I stopped trying to use FireRecord and have been using AVC Capture. So far I have recorded 8 movies. All play back perfectly fine using VLC except for one move. For some reason that movie appears to have some judder when the camera pan's, but it plays back fine from my cable box. This movie was recorded from the same channel as two others and they don't have this issue, so I don't think it has anything to do with the channel. I fixed the 5.1 issue, thanks chefklc, except I find that sometimes I need to shut down my computer and restart in order for it to playback DD from VLC.

The only other issue I have with playing back these HD files is with jaggies. But I am not sure it's the fault of VLC. I know that VLC has a deinterlacer, but I have my computer hooked up to the Iscan VP50 so I don't want to deinterlace it twice . With the VP50 the only setting that get's rid of the jaggies is the Game 1 setting, but that also makes the image slightly softer. I am still fairly new to the whole htpc thing so I will keep playing around with everything, but has anyone else had issues with jaggies?

chefklc

02-06-09, 07:00 AM

So far I have recorded 8 movies. All play back perfectly fine using VLC except for one move. For some reason that movie appears to have some judder when the camera pan's, but it plays back fine from my cable box.

I am still fairly new to the whole htpc thing so I will keep playing around with everything, but has anyone else had issues with jaggies?

You're in a difficult spot, Steve, because likely no one else here is using a Mac with such an expensive external scaler and projector combo as you, so everything you try to do is more complicated. But one easy test you can do to figure out if what you're calling judder and jaggies is actually inherent to the file itself or to your hardware path and settings is simply move it to one of your Intel Macs and play it back with the same software (VLC) there. That'll tell you right away if it's the file, or suggest you look in another direction, like the lack of CPU in the G5, the graphics card in the G5 or your settings and connection as you go out to the scaler to projector.

This movie was recorded from the same channel as two others and they don't have this issue, so I don't think it has anything to do with the channel

It may not have anything to do with the channel per se, but I think you'll find differences between individual recordings captured across all channels--there are just too many production and broadcast variables for you not to.

For some reason that movie appears to have some judder when the camera pan's, but it plays back fine from my cable box.

That's just telling you the cable box is doing a better job handling that fast motion pan, you may or may not be able to achieve that with your G5.

chefklc

02-06-09, 07:19 AM

I fixed the 5.1 issue, thanks chefklc, except I find that sometimes I need to shut down my computer and restart in order for it to playback DD from VLC.

This happens to me sometimes as well, usually it's because some other app or front end with digital out, like say EyeTV, hasn't let go (within AudioMIDI) or it might be that your AVR has lost its lock on the incoming optical signal, say after waking your Mac from sleep. Sometimes closing that other app or toggling off to a different audio input on your AVR and then back to the Mac input again is enough to get DD 5.1 back, short of restarting.

speters

02-07-09, 12:09 AM

So I hooked up my 8 Core Mac Pro and that fixed the issue with the jaggies but I still had the judder issue. (At least I think it's judder, the image is jerky whenever the camera pans). I did some testing and recorded the same movie on the 8 Core. I tried unplugging the firewire, switching firewire ports on the cable box and tried quitting then re-opening AVC Capture before I recorded the movie. They all still had the same issue. But I found that sometimes if I quit VLC, re-opened it, then played back the file it would have little to no judder. Has anyone else experienced this? I also recorded this same movie on my dvhs and that played back perfectly fine.

I am curious if putting a new video card in my G5 would fix the issues with the jaggies? The strange thing is, when the display preference is set to 1080i and run the computer through the VP50, the menus and type on the desktop are slightly jaggy. But if I plug the computer straight into the projector it looks fine. This is with the G5 not the 8 Core.

movieguy163201

02-07-09, 10:58 AM

Hey guys it me again....with the movie Im trying to get off of my DVR from HBO

So heres the scoop, the movie is on DVR but it is also playing again on the 9th

Its a movie not released on DVD and is public domain content

Now the tech stuff...
So I did a couple of sample captures using AVCCapture and FireRecord, just 1 minute long, it is recording frames cause I can see it count the frames. I tried to open the 1 minute caps in VLC but no dice. I then move both the captures over to my Windows machine and use Media Player Classic with K lite codec pack to open them and I actually get some video with about a 3 second delay jump from scene to scene. So I know the movie is being captured.

Question: Is this because its from the DVR? Should I try when it is actually playing on HBO? Or is it some other reason?
Should I try another application? Or try recording into another format other than m2t?

Thanks for your guidance guys

(side note, did a one minute capture of CBS in HD, output was perfect, no problem and no skipping)

teague

02-07-09, 11:22 AM

Question: Is this because its from the DVR? Should I try when it is actually playing on HBO? Or is it some other reason?
Should I try another application? Or try recording into another format other than m2t?

HBO and most of the pay channels and premium content are copy protected. That is the problem. Only some of my non-network channels that are captured will play back.

chefklc

02-07-09, 01:09 PM

Is this because its from the DVR? Should I try when it is actually playing on HBO? Should I try another application? Or try recording into another format other than m2t?

I'm with teague, it's because your dealing with HBO. The answer to all your questions above is no.

did a one minute capture of CBS in HD, output was perfect, no problem and no skipping

This confirms you know what you're doing.

As we told you previously, you still can get this movie off your DVR and onto your Mac, you just have to go component out with the Hauppauge HDPVR.

stoth

02-07-09, 01:47 PM

Some of the discussions recently have revolved around issues getting HBO (or other premium channels) via Firewire.

The unstated but apparently accepted theory is that these channels are protected by 5C and that's why the video is blocky.

In terms of the two or three cases discussed recently they appear to say: 'blocky video'. That is, some or many good video frames but then something happens in the stream to break the MPEG. Later, the video is fine again. IE. intermittent break up. No mention of audio so I cannot comment.

Assuming I'm judging this correctly then this doesn't sound like 5C, this sounds like a buffering bug in Apple's firewire framework (that everyone is using on all of the apps) - which is probably repairable.

I've asked a couple of people for samples of the video so I can analyze this, and perhaps find the bug. Nobody has responded.

From memory, when 5C is enabled, you don't get _ANY_ clear video (even small pieces) from the STB. The packets are either all encrypted (specifically - not decrypted by the STB - IE what you'd see on the cable with a QAM tuner) or, you don't get any packets what-so-ever.

I'm willing to work on this if someone can give me an apparently 5C protected video stream exhibiting this 'valid video but breaks up' problem.

Or, we can keep making assumptions.

- Steve

movieguy163201

02-07-09, 02:55 PM

I'm willing to work on this if someone can give me an apparently 5C protected video stream exhibiting this 'valid video but breaks up' problem.

stoth,

If my helping can help me get my movie off of DVR or able to stream it off of HBO on the 9th, im all for it!!!! Cause I really want to get this.
Im putting the links to the samples I took with avccapture and firerecord.....they dont play with VLC but they will play in MPC on windows but with the chunk effect, meaning I can see HD video for a second or two at a time, then I have a black out then it skips to a different scene. As for the audio, I am getting none. As for AVCBrowser, it wont let me stream thru VLC off of the DVR, but CBS is not a problem

hope this description helps and here are the links to the samples which are labeled as follows

Off of my DVR, HBO Kidco movie

AVCCapture sample
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9UBCW3Y4

FireRecord sample
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XKDVQ5O7

speters

02-07-09, 03:24 PM

I have been able to copy hd movies from HBO, Showtime, Starz and the movie channel and all where from my dvr. I cable carrier is Astound.

stoth

02-07-09, 03:54 PM

movieguy163201: I analyzed these streams with the lab tools. These files are not corrupt, in fact they do not have any encryption and are not missing any packets. They do contain some invalid fields in the PMT and XDS structures but the video and audio is in tact. The DTCP structure reads a little odd, arguably even contradicting itself, but essentially these two videos are 'Copy Freely' unprotected.

movieguy163201

02-07-09, 04:21 PM

speters

02-08-09, 05:46 PM

Is the content from firewire output from the Motorola 6412 & 6416 being sent out at it's native res? So that a show that is 720p will be recorded at 720p?

coyoteaz

02-08-09, 06:00 PM

Yes.

Russell_L

02-17-09, 07:42 PM

joshMV4

02-17-09, 10:03 PM

Is there a way to extract only the audio portion of a .m2t file? I'd like to make an audio CD of it (the file is of a broadcast concert), so I guess I'll also need to convert it to AIFF or WAV.

I'm using a Mac Pro, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for any advice!
Russell

MPEGStreamclip is the app you'll need. Just do a google search. It'll probably be the first hit. To see/work with the video, you would need to buy the apple MPEG2 playback component, but I don't think you will need that if you just want to extract/convert the audio. Just open the file using the program and choose "File...Export Audio"

joshMV4

02-17-09, 10:23 PM

stoth,

If my helping can help me get my movie off of DVR or able to stream it off of HBO on the 9th, im all for it!!!! Cause I really want to get this.
Im putting the links to the samples I took with avccapture and firerecord.....they dont play with VLC but they will play in MPC on windows but with the chunk effect, meaning I can see HD video for a second or two at a time, then I have a black out then it skips to a different scene. As for the audio, I am getting none. As for AVCBrowser, it wont let me stream thru VLC off of the DVR, but CBS is not a problem

hope this description helps and here are the links to the samples which are labeled as follows

Off of my DVR, HBO Kidco movie

AVCCapture sample
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9UBCW3Y4

FireRecord sample
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XKDVQ5O7

I looked at the first clip. It has no problems.

Transcode the file with VLC....
Open up VLC
Chose "File..Open File...Browse...[choose the file]"
don't hit OK just yet.
Chose "Streaming/Saving" in bottom left corner.
Then chose "settings" in the bottom right corner
On the new window, click "browse," and chose a new file name for the file to be created.
Leave all the other presets alone. Choose "OK" to close that window.
Chose "OK" to start the streaming.
Wait a while for VLC to finish. Then I always close and re-open VLC. Then Play the file like normal.

This isn't always guaranteed to work with all files, but it sometimes does. It did work with your sample file. I didn't try the second link. I assume it's the same clip.

Russell_L

02-18-09, 02:59 AM

MPEGStreamclip is the app you'll need. Just do a google search. It'll probably be the first hit. To see/work with the video, you would need to buy the apple MPEG2 playback component, but I don't think you will need that if you just want to extract/convert the audio. Just open the file using the program and choose "File...Export Audio"

That did the trick--thanks again! It did say that I was missing the MPEG2 playback component, but I proceeded anyway and was able to extract the audio very easily. The resulting AIFF file was sampled at 48K, but I resampled it to 44.1K (and did some edits) using Sound Studio, and then was able to burn a CD.

Russell

movieguy163201

02-19-09, 07:59 AM

joshMV4

Ill have to give that a shot! Right now my Macbook is in for repair the motherboard went bad on it but no big deal, it should be back in less than 2 weeks

BTW those two files arent the same files, theyre were capped with different programs and theyre different segments of the movie

Give it a shot and let me know, when I get my macbook back Ill record the whole movie thru firewire onto my mac using AVCCapture and then we can go from there

Thanks for the input tho

Jonny

02-26-09, 10:03 PM

So I've ready through maybe about 20 pages of this thread...and boy is it helpful. I have just started using the latest build of FireRecord and am getting .m2t files...I downloaded the Quicktime MPEG Component so I can open and convert in Streamclip. Here is my issue...I want to view these on my iPhone...any suggestions on output settings for Streamclip--there's just so many variables it is confusing me! I also use Miglia TV MiniHD which has a handy export for iPhone function which is awesome. I also have Sorenson Squeeze if that would help in any way. thanks!

speters

04-17-09, 05:49 PM

I have been recording over firewire successfully for the last couple of months, then last week I tried recording the Simpsons, on fox, and I noticed that it recorded the wrong channel even thought I had fox selected. So I started recording, using AVC 1.06, and then changing the channels to see what happened. I found that whenever I selected fox it would record the next channel up. It would record any other channel but fox and abc. In AVC the EMI says "copy freely", but I am wondering if maybe they changed from copy freely to copy never?

rezzy

04-17-09, 06:14 PM

Here is my issue...I want to view these on my iPhone...any suggestions on output settings for Streamclip--there's just so many variables it is confusing me!Open your video in Streamclip, go up and click on File, then scroll down to Export to Other Formats; from there, scroll and select iPhone from the available options. The default settings worked just fine for me.

coyoteaz

04-17-09, 09:34 PM

speters

04-18-09, 10:31 PM

Have other people recently had issues recording from fox or abc?

Hellbreed

04-28-09, 12:30 AM

stoth:

So if I were to use AVCCapture and capture all of the movie on to my Mac (from there I could move to Windows if need be) what software do I need to fix the playback on the files and/or encoding to a different codec say x264 or say down to a MPEG2 stream the size of of a DVD5?

How do I fix the streams basically? what tools or software do I need?

edit: or if I capture the entire movie, would you be willing to help maybe via PM if I sent you the whole file maybe split up in multiple 1GB rar chunks?

I've been capturing HD content from my 8300HD for sometime now and can outline the process I use.

1. I use AVCCapture to get my .m2t streams obviously.
2. I copy the file to my PC and run it through MPEG2 Repair.
3. I take the repaired file and load it into DG Index, I save the project which creates a d2v file and demux's the audio stream. Nice thing is the AC3 filename includes the delay in the name which gets picked up by software used later.
4. I launch Delay Cut and process the AC3 file with the option of "Silence" for CRC errors. This is very important, failing to do this will give you audio\video sync issues. Once the AC3 file has been processed, delete the old AC3 file and remove the "fixed" from the filename of the new AC3 file. You need to do this so that the d2v script still point to the proper audio stream.
5. I use XviD4PSP, load the d2v file and let it do it's initial process, it will confirm the audio stream and detect black borders to eliminate them. I then set my resolution and aspect and change my output to be 1280 from 1920 (I do this because 720p is fine for my viewing). I then go to Interlace\framerate and and let it analyze the interlace and field order which yields the proper settings most of the time.

At this point you just have to decide the quality of the file and the container to use. I use x264 and the MKV container as it provides a pretty good quality file and allows me to keep the surround sound and add subtitles and chapters if I want to go that far. As far as the quality I mostly use 1 pass high quality and adjust the bitrate to get the file size I want. If I want to get better quality I choose the 2 pass template. On average the encoding times are about 5 hours for 1 pass and 10-12 for 2 pass.

If you follow that process you will get a successful encode most of the time. There are occasions where your encode will be fine but you will see some artifacting, and other times the audio\video sync will be fine then suddenly be way off. For me the recordings on my PVR look fine, i've gone back and not noticed any issues that I saw on my final encode. I believe it's either a glitch on the encode from the Mac or a bad firewire cable.

For the bad glitch I took a look at the file on Video Redo application and I can see audio missing for a number of frames, the transport stream file will play fine in VLC with this glitch but on the encode it throws the sync way off. I have not been able to find a way to repair this other than record from PVR again and hope I get a clean run.

The artifacting is tolerable but it be nice not to have any.

Hope this helps.

kokeradio

05-16-09, 12:16 PM

I followed the instructions and playback works flawlessly on my MBP.
One thing I'm missing is the cable guide. Is there a way to get the guide showing? Is there a way to change the resolution output? I cannot change it from the 480p shown on the box to 1080i since I cannot access the cable box options. Anyone has a solution for this?

GrahamAJones

05-16-09, 12:29 PM

Hi kokeradio,

as far as I understand only the digital stream coming from the broadcaster is sent over Firewire -- overlaid graphics such as the cable guide are superimposed over the HDMI and analog outputs.

As such, you will need to hook up a TV or LCD monitor to your cable box if you want to see the settings. You could use an inexpensive EyeTV device like the EyeTV Hybrid if you want to view this output on your Mac (you would use it just to access the cable guide and settings, not to record).

Hope this helps,
Graham.

gugy

05-22-09, 02:27 PM

Does anybody know if the Scientific Atlanta 8300HDC can be ripped this this method?
I have it from TWC in San Diego.Thanks

chefklc

05-22-09, 03:10 PM

If not over firewire, then certainly over component with the Hauppauge HD PVR.

gugy

05-22-09, 03:19 PM

If not over firewire, then certainly over component with the Hauppauge HD PVR.

Hauppauge HD PVR, what is that?
Thanks

chefklc

05-22-09, 03:47 PM

Hauppauge HD PVR, what is that?

A device that takes advantage of the analog loophole. Google it. Nice OS X software for it discussed here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1081590

EyeTV also supports the device.

Hakemon

06-10-09, 11:28 AM

Here's how the Firewire thing works.

It merely takes the raw stream of data from the tuner, bypassing the tuner and sending it to the Firewire port.

If the channel is 480i, that's what you are going to get. If the channel is 720p, that is what you are going to get.

For deinterlacers, this is what I reccomend: 480i and 1080i, I reccomend "bob". It keeps full framerate. For 720p, disable, obviously.

I just recorded last nights Magic game with this setup, and am encoding a DVD right now.

konfusion

06-20-09, 12:07 PM

will this work with the cox Motorola DCH3416 to the new unibody MBP?

chefklc

06-21-09, 08:00 AM

will this work with the cox Motorola DCH3416

Will what work? If you're talking about recording over firewire, the answer is maybe, you have to find out if the port on your box is enabled. Good software here:

http://www.steventoth.net/blog/products/avc-noodle/about/

If you're talking about the Hauppauge device using component and USB, the answer is yes (and that's discussed on a different thread.)

konfusion

06-23-09, 11:16 PM

i mean can i record through firewire. ok so i have to order this program. if it doesnt support firewire then no point of paying money

chefklc

06-24-09, 07:03 AM

i mean can i record through firewire?

of course you can, in theory. It all depends on your particular cable company.

You don't "have to" buy that software up front. While it's the most fully functional and actively supported software of its type out there, and Steve (the developer) posts at AVS regularly in case you need some handholding and technical support, you can do two things right now:

1) just download the app from his site and try it, for free. (Recording time is limited until you pay for a license.)

or

2) try one of the bare bones but free recording over firewire apps out there, like FireRecord.

That's the best way to verify if you can record over firewire from your particular STB.

snow0999

07-14-09, 01:36 AM

well, it is a good software.

rjohnson94

07-18-09, 08:50 PM

That did the trick--thanks again! It did say that I was missing the MPEG2 playback component, but I proceeded anyway and was able to extract the audio very easily. The resulting AIFF file was sampled at 48K, but I resampled it to 44.1K (and did some edits) using Sound Studio, and then was able to burn a CD.

Russell

Did you ever get kidco to a file? I saw the partial on megaupload and was really impressed. I have been looking EVERYWHERE for that movie. I was wondering if you could upload it and send me the link?

gdawgydawg

08-29-09, 05:00 PM

For some reason, FireWire SDK 20 works fine for recording content from my Motorola DVR to my Macbook Pro. Unfortunately, if I want to defer recording for a later time on AVCVideoCap, I cannot set a date after 2007. The likely solution would be to download the most current version (FireWire SDK 26) so that I could defer my recordings until a later date in 2009.

Unfortunately, when I run AVCVideoCap from FireWire SDK 26, the following happens...

After opening AVCVideoCap, my Device (Charter DVR) shows up at the top. After clicking on my device, I select "Capture from Device." As with the old version of SDK, I have the option of saving my file. However, instead of allowing me to choose how long to record, etc...it skips this step and goes back to the Device screen. No recording occurs...If I click Capture From Device again, it says "Could Not Open Device."

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

stoth

09-02-09, 08:09 AM

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

Probably an app bug, either patch the code or find another software application that fits your needs. (FireRecord - Free, AVCNoodle - paid for).

iamkalive

09-18-09, 06:34 PM

Hey guys..i dont have time to filter through the thread right now, but i got a question.

I got a macbook, and recently got a Scientific Atlanata 3250hd box. Now from what i understand, I cannot turn that receiver by hooking up a external hard drive to it.

Is there anyway i can connect the box to my macbook and setup a recording schedule to record some programs/sports on my laptop and be able to watch it later on? any suggestions?

there has to be a way to turn that box into being able to record to something either an external hdd or a macbook, or another laptop in general? any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

chefklc

09-18-09, 07:59 PM

I also have an SA3250 but have only ever recorded things over firewire manually, i.e. it's already on, I've changed the channel to what I want to record or started the On Demand program, set the record length and I start the recording. I record most of my HD with EyeTV, firewire is just for the special stuff that isn't "in the clear."

You might check with Steve Toth, he's developed a more sophisticated firewire capture program, not sure whether the 3250 turns on or not with it...it's called AVC Noodle I think, and there's a thread somewhere here about it...his site is here:

http://www.steventoth.net/blog/products/avc-noodle/about/

Maybe consider swapping the 3250 for a 4250, since it appears that can turn on:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1111561

iamkalive

09-19-09, 01:25 AM

thanks for the info..

any suggetsions on recording from the SA 3250hd to ps3?

I figure if i am trying to pvr to the mac or the ps3 i can have my external hdd hooked up and it will just copy it straight to there.. i hope??

any info on freeware? i am broke as a joke right now. so i cant really pay for products at the moment.

chefklc

09-19-09, 08:44 AM

any suggetsions on recording from the SA 3250hd to ps3?

None, this wouldn't be the place for it anyway.

I figure if i am trying to pvr to the mac...i can have my external hdd hooked up and it will just copy it straight to there

Yes. You don't have to record to an internal hard drive, you can record to an external just fine. (I can't promise that a USB external is fast enough, never tried it personally.)

any info on freeware?

I use FireRecord:

http://www.ammesset.com/firerecord

dalice

11-02-09, 01:13 PM

I deleted a recording from the list in FireRecord while it was recording... and now I always get the "No Device" message and am unable to record anything. I had been recording off of my Scientific Atlanta 8300HD for about 8 months before this with no issues whatsoever. I have tried rebooting the MacBook (Leopard) with and without the device connected via Firewire, reinstalling FireRecord, rebooting the STB, all to no avail. Any ideas?

"What if there were no hypothetical situations?"

Paul Chiu

11-02-09, 01:25 PM

here is what to do:

go to User/<your mac computer name>/Library/Application Support/Firerecord
select all and delete
restart firerecord should get it working again.

if not.
you need to reinstall, making sure that directory is empty before running the program to capture

also, why not just use AVCVideoCap?
I use that all the time, now under snow leopard 10.6.1

paul

I deleted a recording from the list in FireRecord while it was recording... and now I always get the "No Device" message and am unable to record anything. I had been recording off of my Scientific Atlanta 8300HD for about 8 months before this with no issues whatsoever. I have tried rebooting the MacBook (Leopard) with and without the device connected via Firewire, reinstalling FireRecord, rebooting the STB, all to no avail. Any ideas?

"What if there were no hypothetical situations?"

gugy

11-02-09, 04:54 PM

Hi,
where can I get AVCVideoCap?
I googled but I am having hard time finding and downloading.
Thanks

Paul Chiu

11-02-09, 05:39 PM

try getting the latest AVCVideoCap here:

http://www.pressleypress.com/blog/?p=35

paul

Hi,
where can I get AVCVideoCap?
I googled but I am having hard time finding and downloading.
Thanks

gugy

11-02-09, 05:39 PM

Thanks!

Paul Chiu

11-02-09, 05:42 PM

anytime...

the Sharapova HD capture here in this video was taken with AVCVideoCap back in 2006....
Neat stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQIEYFlwBuc&HD=1

paul

Thanks!

gugy

11-02-09, 06:15 PM

looks really nice.
Boy she's hot!

gugy

11-03-09, 12:07 AM

try getting the latest AVCVideoCap here:

http://www.pressleypress.com/blog/?p=35

paul

Hi Paul,
There is a later version for the Firewire SDK V.26
The link you gave me is V.22.
Have you tried the latest? Would that work under Snow Leopard?
Thanks

Paul Chiu

11-03-09, 12:29 AM

the AVCVideoCap in question is the same in v.26

paul

Hi Paul,
There is a later version for the Firewire SDK V.26
The link you gave me is V.22.
Have you tried the latest? Would that work under Snow Leopard?
Thanks

gugy

11-03-09, 01:07 AM

OK cool,
Thanks again!

HTH

11-05-09, 09:23 PM

I am at this moment recording Fringe 206 "Earthling" on KPTM Fox 42 (having discovered that it is a new episode tonight and not another MLB game) using my own patched version of AVCVideoCap (for more convenient date and time settings). It is flagged "EMI: Copy Once". The Frame/Packet Count is increasing, as is the file size, but VLC won't play what I already have recorded.

I was able to record episodes 204 and 205 just fine. Last week I had intended to record The Office but had my cable box tuned to Fox instead, and that recording would not play, presumably because it was MLB and flagged Copy Once. They've left the flag on again for tonight.

Except for local ads. Then it goes to Copy Freely, then back to Copy Once again.

Is there anything I can do to play back this recording after this one copy on my Mac, or am I going to have to wait for an alternate source (like I will have to do for Bones, since it was new too)?

Addendum:
Incidentally, I called Time Warner Cable, and they basically disavowed any knowledge of cable boxes that had Firewire enabled, that it shouldn't be enabled, and they can't troubleshoot any problem with any HD outputs other than coax, HDMI, or component.

I had similar problems with Fox over the series 24 last year, and the TiVo Series3 had indicated no special flagging. Also had problems with KLKN HD ABC over a Nebraska Football game; KETV HD ABC recorded fine then.

gugy

11-06-09, 08:39 PM

does anybody knows the best way to convert M2V files from AVCVideoCap into Quicktime?
Thanks!

HTH

11-07-09, 12:30 PM

does anybody knows the best way to convert M2V files from AVCVideoCap into Quicktime?
Thanks!
I use MPEG Streamclip (http://www.squared5.com/) to convert them to DV, then Final Cut Studio to edit them and master them as DVDs. It can also export to Quicktime, AVI, MPEG-4, and other formats. It still however needs Apple's MPEG-2 codec, which is included with Final Cut, but is deleted by installing Snow Leopard, but is reinstallable.

MPEG Streamclip can edit directly in MPEG-2, but not very accurately. It wants to cut only at keyframes; you can't get down to a particular frame. Cutting out commercials tends to either leave a little of the video or audio of the commercial behind or cut into the episode a bit.

gugy

11-07-09, 02:18 PM

^^^^^
HTH,

Thanks for the tips, that's exactly what I am trying to do.

HTH

11-07-09, 09:07 PM

gugy,

I forgot to mention, MPEG Streamclip will also let you export front L&R, back L&R, center, and LFE tracks. I find it fun to listen to some shows using only the front channels or only the center channel, but you can also drop them into the audio tracks in Final Cut Pro and re-encode them back to AC3 audio for DVDs. It's OK if they aren't the same length as the exported video track; they're all the same length as each other, and they stay in sync with each other and the video.

FCP wants its 5.1 tracks ordered Left, Right, Center, Low Frequency Effects, Left Surround, Right Surround. You'll export Center and LFE in mono.

gugy

11-08-09, 03:36 PM

I just tried to open a video that I capture with AVCVideoCap and I am not able of doing it with VLC and MPEG Streamclip.
The video is 12gigs, does anybody know why would that happen?
I have the latest version of both softwares. Do I have to get the MPEG codec for quicktime?

Update:
I just capture the same video once again and it's working now. But I am still not able to use Streamclip. I am pretty sure I need to install the MPEG codec. I was wishing not having to pay $19 for that.

HTH

11-12-09, 09:43 PM

SeanM5

11-23-09, 11:28 AM

Hi, I'm looking to mainly record FOX HD stuff to my iMac, which seems impossible via this Firewire DVR method because they encrypt the feed (it only lets me record their SD feed which is no good). I have Verizon FIOS TV if that matters.

Can someone direct me to a hardware solution for capturing HD reliably? I'm not really looking to spend much more than around $100. All of the solutions I see are $250 and above.

I am looking into the EyeTV Hybrid for $127 on Amazon which they say doesn't respect the broadcast flags (good). But I want to be sure that I can still use my Verizon HD DVR, then record the HD image off that. I don't want to be forced to use their Mac software or anything - this is mainly for archiving shows to the computer.

Hope this makes sense, if anyone can help me that'd be great.

teague

11-23-09, 09:38 PM

SeanM5

11-23-09, 10:19 PM

I can capture network HD feeds including FOX through COX cable. Is it just the FOX HD feed that is protected, or all the other HD network feeds protected also? Technically they are not allowed to protect network off the air feeds, and that includes HD, per the FCC. Have you checked with Verizon to see if they can fix that?

It's more than just FOX, i think CBS HD too (when I do the AVCVideoCap.app thing on a CBS show it says Copy Once or something which means I can record it but that's all - can't watch it or convert it). I was able to record off NBC HD and ABC HD just fine though.

I've heard that EyeTV doesn't respect the broadcast flag thing so I ordered one of those. Not really something I wanted to do, but I hope it works.

chefklc

11-24-09, 08:45 AM

But I want to be sure that I can still use my Verizon HD DVR, then record the HD image off that. I don't want to be forced to use their Mac software or anything - this is mainly for archiving shows to the computer

Sean, you may not yet have a full grasp of how all these devices work. An EyeTV Hybrid won't help you one bit in getting already recorded HD content off your DVR--it, and the EyeTV software, are a tuning and DVR system themselves. The Hybrid (or 250+ or HD HomeRun) tune and record OTA/ATSC and any HD channels transmitted in the clear over your coax cable line--but they do this independent of your current DVR--you split the signal off to a Hybrid before any hardware STB. You will have to install and run EyeTV software to use the Hybrid, and many of us rely on EyeTV to record our basic network channels in HD.

So, if all of your basic network HD channels aren't in the clear as they should be, if you're not able to figure out the firewire capture thing with alternative software like FireRecord or AVCNoodle and can't get it to work with your Verizon/FiOS DVR--then your only other option to get "anything that your Verizon DVR can record" onto your Mac is something called the Hauppauge HD PVR--which records over component out of the Verizon DVR then over USB to your Mac (with either EyeTV or HDPVRCapture software running to do the recording.)

So, while the Hybrid might allow you to get all the national networks in HD onto your Mac--running alongside your FiOS DVR--you may also have to record over component via the Hauppauge if you want everything on that Mac.

SeanM5

11-25-09, 12:02 AM

Sean, you may not yet have a full grasp of how all these devices work. An EyeTV Hybrid won't help you one bit in getting already recorded HD content off your DVR--it, and the EyeTV software, are a tuning and DVR system themselves. The Hybrid (or 250+ or HD HomeRun) tune and record OTA/ATSC and any HD channels transmitted in the clear over your coax cable line--but they do this independent of your current DVR--you split the signal off to a Hybrid before any hardware STB. You will have to install and run EyeTV software to use the Hybrid, and many of us rely on EyeTV to record our basic network channels in HD.

So, if all of your basic network HD channels aren't in the clear as they should be, if you're not able to figure out the firewire capture thing with alternative software like FireRecord or AVCNoodle and can't get it to work with your Verizon/FiOS DVR--then your only other option to get "anything that your Verizon DVR can record" onto your Mac is something called the Hauppauge HD PVR--which records over component out of the Verizon DVR then over USB to your Mac (with either EyeTV or HDPVRCapture software running to do the recording.)

So, while the Hybrid might allow you to get all the national networks in HD onto your Mac--running alongside your FiOS DVR--you may also have to record over component via the Hauppauge if you want everything on that Mac.

Thanks, this post helped me a lot. I received the EyeTV Hybrid today and connected it as you described and was able to record from Fox HD. So I'm happy for now.

One more question if you can help… I've also ordered an HD antenna (Terk HDTVa) that should be arriving tomorrow, but it seems I may not need it now. I've got it working through my existing setup (unplugged the coaxial cable from my FIOS box and plugged it into the EyeTV Hybrid - i plan to get a splitter so i can use both). Is there any benefit to using an antenna instead of the cable?

chefklc

11-25-09, 08:16 AM

Is there any benefit to using an antenna instead of the cable?

It depends where you live...some folks record over the air (ATSC) instead because it's higher quality than what's passed on to them over clear QAM. Haven't had to use it in ages, but I keep a Silver Sensor around just in case .

joshMV4

11-29-09, 09:58 AM

It depends where you live...some folks record over the air (ATSC) instead because it's higher quality than what's passed on to them over clear QAM. Haven't had to use it in ages, but I keep a Silver Sensor around just in case .

Agreed. All local broadcast stations will be clear QAM, and their quality is always much, much better than the cable feeds (at least better than Comcast anyway). But again, it depends where you live. You must live close enough that you can pick up the stations with an antennae.

SeanM5

11-29-09, 12:13 PM

Thanks, well I have Verizon FIOS which I think gives far better picture HD picture quality than Comcast. I am very happy with the quality through my cable feed that I don't feel I need an antenna (especially since that was rather bulky), so I returned it.

airdrummer

11-30-09, 09:17 PM

i've been recording OTA for years using apple's vDVHS on a samsung t160 tuner, recently supplemented w/ an elgato hybrid. i usually use VLC for playback, but occasionally pb thru vDVHS on the sammy: better quality.

but recently i've noticed the 30sec ffwd jump no longer works on many programs...is there a more recent version than 2.17?

Paulyboy6924

12-01-09, 07:52 PM

I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250HD STB and a late 2006 24" iMac (with Firewire 400 and 800 ports) and I'd like to connect them via Firewire so I can watch and record TV. I think I need a 9-pin connector for the iMac end but I'm not certain what the other end should be. I think it needs a 6 pin but it's really hard to tell. This would be the Firewire cable I think I need:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&cs_id=1030105&p_id=331&seq=1&format=2

Can anybody please verify this? Thanks.

-PN

wilsonsoohoo

12-01-09, 09:04 PM

Looks to me like you need a 9 pin to 6 pin cable.

Paulyboy6924

12-14-09, 05:09 PM

I hooked up my Scientific-Atlanta 4250 cable box to my iMac via FireWire and downloaded the FireWire developers kit. The good news is that it does actually work. The bad news is what I can do is pretty limited. But since doing this didn't cost me anything I'm certainly not going to complain. :-)

Using the AVC browser the "channel up" and "channel down" buttons do function. I can also type the channel number into the box above those buttons and that allows me to change the channel on my cable box to any channel I like. This is actually a big deal for me because I'm disabled so using a regular remote isn't particularly easy. So just those few things has made a huge difference for me as far as controlling the HDTV set up next to my computer. However, it obviously would be nice if the "previous channel", "mute", and volume buttons all functioned as well. I know this is different with every cable box and there's probably no way to fix this but I have to ask. Is there any way to fix this?

As for the live television on my iMac and recording it I am fairly limited as well. It looks like I can basically only get the same channels you would get with an over the air antenna (the broadcast networks and a few others). However what I do get looks really really good on my iMac screen. It sounds good as well. It seems I can only record from those same channels as well.

I actually do have an HD DVR from my cable company hooked up to the bigger HDTV in my living room so this isn't really that big of a deal. At the very least it will allow me to take a little of the heat off my HD DVR which is always running out of space. I also have one of the oldest Eye TVs hooked up to my Mac. I can only get the first 99 channels in standard definition with this but it has given me an additional option over the years for recording stuff.

This brings me to my final question. My iMac is also connected to the large HDTV in my living room via HDMI (using the mini DVI to HDMI adapter). I also have an audio cable plugged in for the sound. I have an iPod touch that I use for the wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote. The whole setup works quite well and it's nice to use the big screen for certain things. With the FireWire hookup between my iMac and my computer room cable box I noticed I can watch those few HD channels on my iMac screen while simultaneously watching another channel on my iMac screen with the Eye TV (up to channel 99 anyways). So for example, I could be watching NBC's Sunday night football in a window via FireWire and at the same time be watching a college basketball game on Fox sports net in another window via Eye TV, all on the same screen. Once I discovered this I thought it would be really cool to go out to my living room and watch there, while at the same time having a browser window open at the bottom of the screen showing real-time updates of my fantasy football team. The Eye TV window was working fine but the FireWire one was blank. No matter what I tried to get that to work. I'm guessing that some sort of network encryption is preventing that signal from traveling over HDMI? If my guess is wrong perhaps somebody could tell me what I could do to fix this? Anything I record via the FireWire setup can then be played back and viewed on the big HDTV in my living room but the live feeds don't go through.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have no complaints if this doesn't work because it isn't costing me anything but I would like to find out for sure. :-)

-PN

gilisevil

12-15-09, 12:23 AM

been scouring through this thread for hours and have gotten bits and pieces of the configuration confused.

setup: SA 8300HD (cablevision) to mac mini. direct firewire connection.

facts: from what i understand, the firewire port is active and my cable provider is not encoding the feeds.

using AVCBrowser, i can open the 8300HD through the control panel, change channels on the box, etc... through AVCVideoCap, i can see that the channel i am trying to tune is "EMI: Capture Freely." VLC Media Information shows constant streaming input (read at media, input bitrate). ive also setup to record through AVCVideoCap to *.m2t, but have been unsuccessful in playback.

so the information is getting there. im having a problem viewing or decoding the content. the device seems to be enabled. the method practiced in my region, downstate new york, seems to work. yet nothing is happening?

any ideas? thanks in advance for the help.

washkow

12-16-09, 06:17 PM

I plugged a firewire (the old one that came with the iPod from back in the day) into the cable box and then into both my iMac and MacBook (both with Intels) and opened the AVC Browser. It seems to recognize the box (a time warner cable SA 8300HDC from New York City), and when I go to look at the viewer, it properly opens VLC and gives me a UDP address, and occasionally, when I reset the box or turn it on and then off, it shows me a very very choppy picture for one second, but then it stalls and I am left looking at a static choppy picture. Is something the matter? I have tried this both with cable channels and regular network, both HD and SD. Can I get my computer to at least show the picture? Recording would be awesome too!

shamusom

01-10-10, 07:51 PM

Hellbreed

01-12-10, 11:33 PM

Yeah, I have a Scientific Atlantic 8300HD (Canada, Rogers), and would really like to see a step-by-step on how people are recording HD (or non-HD) shows off the box through firewire. Is it really possible, or is it because they are encrypted, it's not possible at all. Hmmm.. Any takers?

I'm on Rogers too and I can capture HD and SD channels as long as they are copy freely. Not much to it, just install the Apple Firewire SDK and use the AVCVideoCap program. I've only been able to capture from a recorded program not live on the 8300.

nittanys1

02-26-10, 08:18 PM

leejacs

03-26-10, 12:48 PM

Hi.

I use AVCVideoCap to record via Firewire - however if i try and use the scheduler (very handy for me) the drop down for the year only goes to 2008. any chance of step by step instructions on how to fix this - i have been searching for a while and would love to show my non-mac friends how cool (and free) my PVR is.

Mac 10.5.8
firewire SDK 26

Cheers

LiCA

nittanys1

03-26-10, 03:10 PM

I would like to know too as mine only goes up to 2007... It stinks that you have to have it on the channel your watching in order to record. It would be nice to be able to record it in the background while watching another program.

chefklc

03-26-10, 08:33 PM

I have been attempting to do everything to schedule a recording.

Does everything include trying AVCNoodle? Might as well shoot an e-mail to Steven Toth to see if any of his customers have your RNG110 box...

nittanys1

03-26-10, 09:20 PM

I have never heard of that, thx for the info. do you have Stevens email addy? what should I ask/tell him. I'm pretty much totally lost when it comes with this stuff but I am NOT a total tech noob!

qz3fwd

03-27-10, 03:59 PM

It is due to the way they coded it.
I have updated the source code to remove this bug, but have an issue compiling one of the dependencies and have not had time to resolve the compile error. I am new to xcode and the apple API's. If/when I resolve the issue I will share an updated binary. Dont ask me when I'll get it done though, cause I wont answer you. Feel free to D/L the SDK and recompile yourself if you need immediate resolution.

Hi.

I use AVCVideoCap to record via Firewire - however if i try and use the scheduler (very handy for me) the drop down for the year only goes to 2008. any chance of step by step instructions on how to fix this - i have been searching for a while and would love to show my non-mac friends how cool (and free) my PVR is.

Mac 10.5.8
firewire SDK 26

Cheers

LiCA

leejacs

03-27-10, 04:59 PM

thanks for the responce, i made the changes using xcode (see my post here - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1103423) but.

A) not sure if its the correct files
B) i am guessing saving the changes is not the same as recompiling - how do i recompile? - just point me to link i am sure i can work it out :) I am learning a lot about macs in a very short time. - but would love to get this fixed for the World Cup :)

Cheers

LiCA

qz3fwd

03-29-10, 04:58 PM

Yes-you have to rebuild the executable, which is the problem I have currently using xcode since I am not familiar with the OSX toolchain.

leejacs

04-01-10, 04:40 PM

well, if anyone is interested here my fixed (for the date problem) executable.

AVSVideoCapp.app (http://rapidshare.com/files/370593318/AVCVideoCap.app.rar)

dizzie

05-25-10, 01:59 PM

Hey, guys,

Great thread here. I just thought I'd make everyone aware of something for all of the cheapskates like me. If you don't want to shell out money for the Hauppage and composite video of 720x480 is good enough for you, there is a $10 alternative called the EZCap DC60 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z4AQFU/ref=oss_product

While it does not include a Mac Driver, Ben Trask has ported one from Linux and made a pretty nice application for it - http://bentrask.com/easycap/

Mr. Trask has even told me in an email that he will consider scripting auto start/ stop functionality into the next software revision!

My Easycap was a newer DC60 and therefore, the EasyCap viewer application does not pick up audio. But, as Mr. Trask details on his site, you can simply connect the audio out from your box to the audio input found on most macs. Then, the application will automatically record the audio along with the video. You may have to play with the audio settings in System Preferences on your Mac in order to get the correct audio input source and input volume level. For macs without an audio in, you would have to resort to using something like the Griffin iMic, which adds cost unless you already have one.

The EasyCap viewer application offers good settings such as color, brightness and contrast. Be warned that even the compressed video formats take up a lot of hard drive space - about 10 gigs for 2 hours in MP4 mode. Other modes will take up even more room. Better to begin with too much than too little in my opinion, though. It is also a good idea to see Mr. Trasks comments about the speed of your hard drive, cpu, and using an external hard drive successfully with the application.

After capturing, I make a more compressed h.264 MP4 using Handbrake to keep on my hard drive, so that I can erase the original large file.

Thanks and good luck!

Starhorsepax

06-15-10, 10:19 PM

I just joined this forum after hunting high and low for the answer: can I record from the cable box to my macbook?
Thanks to this forum I don't doubt the answer is yes. But how? Does one need a special video card? And the biggy: how do you hook it up? Anyone got a diagram for the Scientific Atlanta 3100 Comcast Box? Mind you, the one I find on the internet does not match the one I've got. It has some sort of port on front -I'm not even sure what kind-(deep) and no ethernet port in back (which is what the diagram shows.):confused:

I'm not looking to record HD, just regular favorites. I can't afford dv-r, dvd-r or Apple TV But the question is driving me nuts. I can't believe there are no diagrams...

I assume even if I get it hooked up I'll find issues, but so far I don't even know what plug to use. (I'm all for experiments, but I draw the lines at plugging in unknown cords that might fry the macbook and cable box. ):eek:

chefklc

06-16-10, 08:52 AM

can I record from the cable box to my macbook?
Thanks to this forum I don't doubt the answer is yes.

The answer is maybe.

Does one need a special video card?

No.

This forum is pretty advanced, it sounds like you are not very experienced in this sort of thing, so allow us to hold your hand a little bit, which means we have to discuss things at a really basic level. My apologies in advance.

Why don't you start by identifying what ports and connectors are on your cable box--names, colors, sizes. I'm not familiar with the 3100. I have an SA 3250 STB which has two firewire ports. This thread is about recording over firewire...that means you take a firewire cable, plug one end into your STB, the other end into your Macbook. Do you know what firewire is? Start there--does your STB have firewire? If it doesn't, then this thread isn't the best place to get help.

Even if your STB has firewire, the answer as to whether you may be able to record over it is still maybe, but let's establish whether you even have firewire.

If not, then it's off to another thread, and probably an EyeTV discussion.

Starhorsepax

06-16-10, 07:16 PM

The answer is maybe.

No.

This forum is pretty advanced, it sounds like you are not very experienced in this sort of thing, so allow us to hold your hand a little bit, which means we have to discuss things at a really basic level. My apologies in advance.

Why don't you start by identifying what ports and connectors are on your cable box--names, colors, sizes. I'm not familiar with the 3100. I have an SA 3250 STB which has two firewire ports. This thread is about recording over firewire...that means you take a firewire cable, plug one end into your STB, the other end into your Macbook. Do you know what firewire is? Start there--does your STB have firewire? If it doesn't, then this thread isn't the best place to get help.

Even if your STB has firewire, the answer as to whether you may be able to record over it is still maybe, but let's establish whether you even have firewire.

If not, then it's off to another thread, and probably an EyeTV discussion.

I know plenty about mac-I've had an g3 imac for years running Panther. But I'm new to this intel macbook running Leopard and it's refurbished so I'm a little unsure of it's capabilities. I do know the ports on the mac, it's the cable box that's the problem because I can't see the darned port very well. It's inset on front kind of deep. (Maybe they don't want anyone to use it.)

The specs for the macbook I found online (I think this is the right one, only intel core duo 2 ghz listed): (I've used the USB and firewire plenty on the old mac. I'm sure these are all the right ports-not so sure they are these exact versions.)
One FireWire 400 port (8 watts); Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps); Mini-DVI port with support for DVI,
VGA, S-video and composite video output (requires adapters, sold separately)
I've seen other postings for how to do this but the details on the cable box end have me stumped and some of the posts were old.

Hopefully figuring out the firewire stuff will be no worse than the web applications program I'm taking...and I'm highly motivated!:)

Thanks for any help.

gugy

07-13-10, 03:03 AM

Hi,
I am trying to capture some videos using AVCVideoCap from ESPN and they seems to have some sort of block on my TWC SA 8300 box. I am able to capture from ABC but when it comes to ESPN it doesn't open in VLC, ABC does.
Does anybody know how to get around this issue?
Is this a DRM thing that applies to certain channels?
It's a bummer because it work flawless with ABC.
Thanks for any help!

warunek

07-13-10, 09:34 AM

gugy

07-13-10, 12:23 PM

Check copy once/copy freely in bottom window of AVC VideoCap next to EMI. It is no doubt copy once. For work around using component cables, try Hauppauge HDPVR with Steve Toth's software for Mac, http://www.steventoth.net/blog/ or EyeTV HD.

Well not sure where you can check that. My version that is the latest from Apple doesn't offer any option to "Check copy once/copy " at the bottom of the window. I am stuck here. :-(

warunek

07-14-10, 08:25 AM

Well not sure where you can check that. My version that is the latest from Apple doesn't offer any option to "Check copy once/copy " at the bottom of the window. I am stuck here. :-(
Mine is from SDK 25. The window displays either copy once or copy freely.

scifi451

07-19-10, 11:49 PM

well, if anyone is interested here my fixed (for the date problem) executable.

AVSVideoCapp.app (http://rapidshare.com/files/370593318/AVCVideoCap.app.rar)

Downloaded this and can't seem to get the application to launch. Would love to be able to use this program.

qz3fwd

08-01-10, 12:53 AM

Downloaded this and can't seem to get the application to launch. Would love to be able to use this program.

Just double click it after navigating to where you saved it (probably downloads).

MikeInNY

08-24-10, 09:19 PM

Hello everyone. I have been attempting to do everything to schedule a recording. I have the RNG110 comcast box and am able to record with the AVCVideoCap. However I am having no luck with the AVCBrowser to VirtualDVHS with scheduling by iCal. Does anyone have any insight on the RNG110 box? any applescripts out there for it? I have dug the internet for days!!!

Hey man, I’ve been away from here for a long time.... But I just moved and now have a Pace RNG 110 from Comcast. Get FireRecord (http://www.ammesset.com/firerecord) 0.5.1 (previously iRecord), and set it to “manual button press.” You can directly schedule recordings from the app, and it can change the STB’s channel. .m2t files can be watched in VLC 1.1.3, or converted in Handbrake 0.9.4 to iDevice-ready MP4, complete with intact AC3 track. Easy as pie.

Jonny

09-20-10, 09:55 AM

hi guys, just circling back around to this thread...downloaded FireRecord, but don't see the set 'manual button press' area..can someone help? thanx

qz3fwd

09-20-10, 08:46 PM

hi guys, just circling back around to this thread...downloaded FireRecord, but don't see the set 'manual button press' area..can someone help? thanx
Start FireRecord app.
Click File->New Event.
Input Recording Name, Date, Channel, Duration, Save Location, and Recording Device.
Click OK.

joaker

10-20-10, 12:40 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone here can help me with this. I'm having a problem with DVR playback stutter when trying to record via firewire. I don't seem to have this problem when I'm recording live TV. Here's the setup I'm working with:

-Macbook pro (2.2 ghz c2d, 4 gb ram, 640 gb hd (200 free), snow leopard)
-Comcast DCH3416 - according to wikibooks, the latest FW (18.77) and software (78.53 - A28p0-4.1005.r8)
-The mac and dvr are connected via firewire cable (I've tried a few cables and I've tried hooking to both firewire ports on the back of the DVR as well)
- AVCVideoCap (FireRecord 0.5.1 has the same result)

The particular show I'm trying to copy is Dinosaur Train on PBS (in HD), so I don't think I'm having any encryption issues (AVCVideoCap says "Copy Freely" when recording). What happens is that as the stream is being captured, the playback on the TV stutters occasionally (both video and audio). Occasionally is about once every minute or so. Every time this happens, the "Over-runs" field in AVCVideoCap increments by one - I'm assuming this is the issue? When I play the resulting .m2t file in VLC, the stutter is there too. :(

Thanks in advance for any help! :)

-J

qz3fwd

12-06-10, 08:49 PM

qz3fwd

12-06-10, 08:52 PM

Has anyone used the VirtualDVHS app with a HDTV w/integrated firewire tuner?
It does not seem to work with my Sharp LC45GX6U.
AVCVideoCap works fine.

ejonesss

12-21-10, 04:19 AM

i dont know if this is the right place to ask.

i have searched and could not find what i need.

i need to find a list of the commands that AVCBrowser can send to the box to do more than what buttons are on the AVCBrowser panel.

i am looking to get a second box so i can record 4 channels at the same time.

unfortunately there will be a conflict with the remotes.

fortunately i found that AVCBrowser can control the box but i would like to do is be able to access 1 box via the remote and the other box via firewire.

fortunately i found i can disable the remote receiver with the menu settings via power off to prevent the conflict.

the commands i mostly need i think are the my dvr and menu.

if some know where i can get a list of commands that would be nice

thanks

airdrummer

01-20-11, 12:25 PM

i've been using vdvhs to record off my f/w hd tuner for years, mostly successfully, but just last night, its control window refuses to open...it still records, but there's no onscreen controls:-(

i've bounced it but still faceless...wtf???

of course, i'm now running snoleo and vdvhs dates fron 2007, so perhaps the frameworks have now finally succumbed to old age:-(

anybody built it from source?

wilsonsoohoo

01-20-11, 03:57 PM

I've found that unplugging the dVHS unit sometimes resets the firewire module.

airdrummer

01-21-11, 05:07 PM

thanx, it's since cleared up...

but i've run into a problem daisychaining an external f/w hdd (2x 6pin connectors) to a samsung hd tuner (2x4pin) to a target-disked clamshell ibook (g3)

when the middle device (the sammy) is off, it's a passthru: the ibook is mounted as expected. but if the sammy is on (my dvr s/w turns it on only on demand, the green option;-) the ibook isn't recognized on plugin, no passthru:-(

what's worse, if the ibook is already mounted when the sammy goes on, it's immediately TURNED OFF!!!-( with the expected "improperly discon'd" msg, with the possible corruption warning unfortunately true:-(

guess i'm not gonna put any hdds downstream of devices that are powered on&off...

wilsonsoohoo

01-21-11, 05:55 PM

I've always been curious as to whether a usb drive attached to the computer would be able to handle streaming from a firewire device. Have you tried that in the past?

airdrummer

01-30-11, 06:07 PM

sorry, were u asking me, wilsonsoohoo? no, i've not used usb as a video target.

SKORPI0

02-11-11, 05:26 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone here can help me with this. I'm having a problem with DVR playback stutter when trying to record via firewire. I don't seem to have this problem when I'm recording live TV.

What happens is that as the stream is being captured, the playback on the TV stutters occasionally (both video and audio). Occasionally is about once every minute or so. When I play the resulting .m2t file in VLC, the stutter is there too. :(

Thanks in advance for any help! :)

-J

Check your signal strength to the PVR for that channel. I usually do a live capture with no problem and record another channel at the same time. I could have a good signal on one channel and a crappy signal on another. Could also be a problem with the internal HDD of the DCH3416.

I've always been curious as to whether a usb drive attached to the computer would be able to handle streaming from a firewire device. Have you tried that in the past?

I've been recording HDTV with 10.6 (Moto DCH3416) and a external USB 2.0 using FireRecord. Never had a problem with it. As soon as a fill a HDD, all I have to do is replace it with a fresh HDD.

wilsonsoohoo

02-11-11, 06:13 PM

Thanks, SKORPIO.

Welcome to the board.

dgaschk

02-23-11, 04:14 AM

I have a Mitsubishi HDTV with a Firewire interface. My Mac also has Firewire. Is there any way to use the TV as a display for the Mac via Firewire?

Freddy B.

03-06-11, 12:49 AM

I have a Mitsubishi HDTV with a Firewire interface. My Mac also has Firewire. Is there any way to use the TV as a display for the Mac via Firewire?

No. Macs cannot do standard video out over FireWire. You can find developer tools to build code to stream files (search for SimpleVideoOut after registering on developer.apple.com if you're curious)

Depending on what vintage your Mac is you'll find a DVI, miniDVI or Display Port output and your TV will have HDMI, DVI and/or VGA input(s). Then find the right combination of adaptors and/or cables and you can connect them that way.

I use a 2007 MacMini that has DVI out, and my Sony TV has both HDMI and VGA in. I use a DVI->VGA adaptor at the Mac end and then a straight VGA cable to the TV. I could also use a DVI->HDMI cable between them but for reasons I won't bore you with I use the former. Either gives equally great results.

JPolin

05-02-11, 01:07 PM

qz3fwd

05-21-11, 09:33 PM

Hello,

I just signed up for Verizon FIOS service, and I have a QIP-6416 STB.

Others have reported getting the Firewire connection to work from the STB to a mac, but I've had no such luck.

When I connect via Firewire, my Macbook Pro (OS 10.6.7) recognizes the DVR, as does AVCVideoCap. It allows me to set up a recording, but never receives any packets. When the recording timer is over, there is no data recorded, though there is a file there.

Does anyone have an idea how I can work around this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Look at the copy freely/copy once/copy never field of AVCVideoCap.
If it says anything other than copy freely, then it means the STB is encrypting the firewire stream and your computer is not able to decrypt it for playback (and likely never will with public methods).