DVRs (digital video recorders) are a convenient replacement for VCRs (video cassette recorders). Unlike VCRs, digital video recorders do not require videotapes of recording. Instead, DVRs rely on internal hard drives for video storage. Like all hard drives, the DVR drive has a maximum storage capacity and can run out of space. If you want to keep DVR shows permanently, transfer them off of your DVR and onto a computer.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructions1

Connect the DVR and computer through a digital camcorder with pass-through abilities or a video-capture device. With a digital camcorder, connect the camcorder to the audio and video "Outs" on the DVR using the audio-video cord provided with the camcorder, connect the camcorder to the computer using the firewire or USB interface cable that came with the camcorder, and turn to the "Pass-thru" setting. With a video-capture device, plug the audio-video end into the audio and video "Outs" on the DVR, and the USB end into a USB port on your computer.

2

Open a video-editing application that captures video, such as Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere or iMovie. Switch to capture mode, which is usually accessed by going to "File>Import."

3

Type the title of the DVR show that you want to capture when prompted. Click the "Browse" or "Destination" button and find the folder on the computer's hard drive where you would like to save the DVR show.

4

Click the "Start Import" button or "Start Capture" button in the video-editing program to begin capturing footage through the camcorder or video-capture device. Then, navigate to the show you want to capture from your DVR and begin playing the show.

5

Click the "Stop Import" or "Stop Capture" button in the video-editing program when you are done capturing the DVR show. Press the "Finish" button if one is displayed and the video saves into the folder you chose for output. If there is no "Finish" button, the video automatically saves into the folder when you stop the capture.

Tips & WarningsIf "Pass-thru" is not an option on your digital camcorder, select the "VCR" mode to use the camera for video pass-through.Not all digital camcorders have pass-through abilities. Consult the product manual if you don't know whether your camcorder can be used for video pass-through. References Video Capture Card Roundup Windows Movie Makers: How to Capture Video Yale: Instructions for Using iMovie ResourcesDownload Windows Movie MakerDownload iMovie

• How to Transfer DVR Shows to a Computer [10/12/2010 03:00:01]