I have a DirecTV Tivo SD recorder we'll be replacing in a few months with a bunch of programs I'd hate to lose. Since it has the "output to VCR" capability, I'd like some way to use that to transfer the shows to my iMac.

I am NOT looking for a TV tuner or anything like that, just something basic that'll let me go from the RCA port on the Tivo to a USB or FW port on the Mac.

And preferably not too expensive, since once I get to around $100 there's always DVD recorders as a way to transfer content (albeit not quite as easily).

Thanks!

Adam

For what you're trying to do, unfortunately, a dvd recorder just might be your best bet, even though it's a dinosaur of a device. It's an affordable option, and it's quite easy to transfer to, especially if it has an internal hard drive. (Well, easy in the sense that it's easy to hook up, we're just talking typical RCA and S-video analog cables. What's difficult is that most dvd recorders have a crappy GUI and even crappier instruction manuals. But if you have figured your dvd recorder out and know how to input, you'll be fine. An HDD will make editing a little easier.)

Another way to do what you're trying to do is use something like an EyeTV 200 or one of the other El Gato devices that, besides being a DVR, will accept an incoming analog signal and convert it for you. You may not be looking for a TV tuner, but it's just such a device in conjunction with the EyeTV software which will allow you to get those programs into your Mac via firewire or USB.