Recording from a DVR to a computer
 

I'm a complete neophyte on these topics - I couldn't even figure out how to download torrents when I was trying to catch up on TV shows. :) The problem now is that, seeing as this is football season, I want to be able to record games, but 4 hours+ of HD takes up a lot of space, and my roomates like to have full seasons of other shows on there.

I know there are programs like Slingbox, and free approximations, but I don't even need (or particularly want) to be able to watch streaming video live or in a different location - I'm just interested in transferring recorded programs to a computer for storage.

So do I need certain cables to do this, is it even possible with a Comcast DVR, are there any specific programs to try or stay away from etc.? Thanks for the help.

Not really sure but you might need to buy a tv tuner for your pc.

You might be able to use firewire. But you'd need to research it a little more. You won't be able to take HD content off the box, though...

Certain DVR's allow you to add or replace hard drives... so that might be an option. You might want to google the model of your DVR and see what comes up.

Buying a tivo hd and getting a cable card for it would be the easiest. Otherwise I'm clueless. You probably don't want to mod a leased piece of equipment.

I would advise against attempting something as this, since it's Comcast's box they own it, and you'd be charged like $400+ for damage to their equipment.

I'm not aware of how Comcast works, in terms of ownership of equipment and whatnot. If that's the case, then ya, I definitely wouldn't go messing with it without their permission.

Actually Slingbox should be fine for this, but you would need an additional software program to record it to the computer. If you get a Slingbox, you can use either of these two options to accomplish what you want:
mReplay -
Record Video from your SlingBox (tm) device with At-Large Recorder

One is free and uses a browser and the other is commercial. If the free one doesn't suit you, try the commercial one.

All cable companies own their cable TV boxes.

Not here. I own my HD PVR that I purchased from Shaw (my cable provider). I didn't even have the option of leasing it, they made me buy it.

Sorry all the ones I'm aware of in the USA... ;) You Canadians are crazy! :lol:

Ooops and now that I read that you initially didn't have enough space on your current DVR, have you also considered looking into an expander? This can add 60 hours to your current setup and someone also wrote a review about their Comcast DVR.

Amazon.com: Western Digital WDG1S5000VN 500GB My DVR Expander eSATA: Electronics

Just an FYI, that will only work if the Comcast in your area has chosen to enable to eSATA port on the back of your box. I've heard it is hit and miss on that.