Taking files from SKY+ to PC
Author
Discussion

skibum

Original Poster:

1,032 posts

268 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
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I have recently upgraded to Sky+ and was wondering if it was possible to take the recorded files from the Sky+ box and transfering them to PC so that I can convert the files for my Sony PSP? :confused:

Anyone have any idea if this is possible and if so what's needed?

I've had a search through and can't find anything and afraid I'm not that technically gifted (Its taken me 3 months to get my head around compressing files for the PSP in the first place!)

Any help greatly appreciated.

jimbro1000

1,619 posts

315 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
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Before I start - this is as how i understand the system, I do not work on the XTV project or any of the related customer projects (sky+ included). My views are not necessarily those of my employer.

First of all the files on your hard drive are encrypted. This is a fundamental factor of how we designed the XTV system that sky+ is based on. To decrypt the files you need your viewing card - if the encrypted file is a pay-per-view you would be charged for the viewing in the same way that you would for watching it live.

If you want to transfer the files to PC then you need to use the normal video output from the sky+ box and hook it into your PC and for that you will need some suitable hardware for handling the incoming signal. Personally I would suggest one of the hardware video encoding cards you can now buy, they tend to include a rf decoder as well so you do not have to use the scart connection (although that should in theory offer a better result).

The next generation XTV offers the ability to distribute the stored programme files without the need for lots of viewing cards (just the one in your Sky+ box) but you would still be charged for watching as appropriate and would need suitable hardware in the local device (which includes PCs). We are also looking at end-to-end encoding which would prevent simply hooking your PC up to the receiver, at no point would the decoded signal be exposed except as a watchable output through your tv set.

anonymous-user

85 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
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As far as I'm aware (I'd be happy for someone to prove me wrong) you can't access the digital files on the Sky+ box directly. You can only use the "Copy" function to have the Sky+ box play the recorded file out to the VCR scart.

To get this into a PC you'll need a Video Capture device that can take the video signal from the Sky+ box and digitise it into a format that the computer can understand.

skibum

Original Poster:

1,032 posts

268 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
quotequote all
Thanks guys - looks like its far too complicated for me - was hoping that it would be a simple transfer. I don't think I'll go down the route of buying additional equipement so will leave it for now.

Thanks again for your advice/knowledge

dave_s13

14,031 posts

300 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
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Video capture isn't too complicated, only trouble is you'd have to set the sky box going and just leave it running while you 'captured' the video output.

This might take a while.

Some geeky forum said:

Yes, but that method is a simple Analog to digital capture.

He meant a better way to transfer HDD recordings to PC.

Someone did it, they opened the case and removed the HDD and then connected it to their PC. It's a quite difficult operation and opening the decoder means trash the warranty (if something goes wrong).
The recorded files are MPEG 2 Transfer Stream or maybe Program Stream, no matter, just use Pvastrumento or ProjectX to demux and threat it like a custom source (if DVD compilant, just remux it using the DVD auhtoring program you like, else try to transcode or reencode to DVD size and resolutions ... there are 1000 ways).

Another method to record sky onto PC is buying a DVB-S card with Common Interface slot, and buy the right Cam (example I've an AstonCam for Seca). Insert your smart card and you can digitally record anything you want.

There are just some problems related to signal errors or instability of current drivers ... maybe next cards will be more stable than mine VP 1030 (old model)


peice of piss by the sounds of it m8???

skibum

Original Poster:

1,032 posts

268 months

Thursday 21st July 2005
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when you put it that way - like a stroll in the park!

pentoman

4,836 posts

294 months

Friday 22nd July 2005
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I believe you can put a bigger hard disk in your Sky+ if you just want to save stuff/have more space..

jimbro1000

1,619 posts

315 months

Friday 22nd July 2005
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pentoman said:
I believe you can put a bigger hard disk in your Sky+ if you just want to save stuff/have more space..


Keep in mind that the encrypted files are also paired with the settop box so it is not possible to take the hard drive out, plug it into another and expect to watch the previously recorded contents.

dragonlord

13 posts

256 months

Monday 25th July 2005
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get a dbox problem solved