skullion
02-09-2006, 09:00 PM
I need to transfer video from the cablebox to my mac comp. I have been copying to a VCR and then converting to DVD with a standalone unit(which wont save HD obviously-as well as being a pain). Is there an inexpensive way to directly connect the Cable DVR to the mac and save the HD video? Also, if there isn't, or if it will be blocked in some way should I ditch the cable DVR for a regular HD box and a separate HD DVR?
1. See the HDTV FAQ "Recording HD".
2. There is no way to transfer HD from your SA8300HD because the firewire ports are not active on SA DVRs.
3. You can transfer downconverted programming via the S-video connection.
4. There are no "regular" HD DVRs that work on cable, unless they have CableCARD, or the channels are unencrypted - see the HDTV FAQ "Can I get digital cable".
5. You could get an HD STB like the SA3250HD with active firewire from your service provider and record that (which you mention)...
6. Be aware that 5C settings on the STB can limit what is recordable in HD.
