Question about Directv, and Mpeg-4 AVC

[ajp]

I just got a new direcTV Hd reciever and it says it can playback mpeg-4/avc. I know that DirecTV plans to start feeding some stuff this way, but can I also playback other mpeg-4's from say my computer?

[anonymez]

model number? got a link to the specs?

i'm not aware of any AVC standalones being released-- but i haven't checked lately

[celtic_druid]

Yeah, no standalones, but plenty of set top boxes since some parts of the world are already broadcasting AVC DVB.

Guess it could be possible to hack the box and stream AVC TS streams to it.

[ajp]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gbSLAEzhM5P/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?wm=fp&I=637H20

[soduah]

Talking about Directv, can anyone tell me if it is possible to copy a recorded show from Directv DVR to a DVD Disc, if it is, how do I connect the DVR to my computer and what software do I need to convert the DVR Show to be burned on a DVD?

[drunkin_donkey]

I use to be a DirecTV Tech.

DirecTV Tivo was and is Great! This new DirecTV Plus they are using well they are dropping the ball. See at First they had a contract with TIVO and had them support all of there DVR features and software. They Since have become greedy and started tring to do it there selves. They are not ready for that though so you will get a lot of software problems.

But back to question. The only way to date to connect your DVR to your computer so you can rip it ot DVD is if you get some kind of a video capture PCI card or Video capture box that hooke through your USB. You can pay anywhere from $30 - $100 for this. I suggest the Capture box that goes through the usb. Also if you get one pay close attention to the resolution on it.
Now on another note TIVO (the company) has stand alone units that hook up to anything from cable, Direct, Dish, Ant., ect. They are basicly like having a Digital VCR. You would still how ever have to have a direct tv reciever feeding the programing into it, but from what i have been told they have built in USB ports and software that allows you to transfer the video straight to your PC. I have not messed with this any but I think it sounds like the Best option. DirectTv Tivo's also have these same USB ports on the back but say that they don't work and they don't have software to make them work.
I hope this helps you because I know DirecTV won't they are a bunch of idiots.

Thanks
Former DirecTV Tech