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How can I record movies on TCM directly to my computer for DVD burning?

#1
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1/5/09 at 9:48am
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My cable is not close to my computer, but I can adjust that. Further, I really have no need to watch telecasts as they happen - I would be ok with having the satellite signal going directly into my computer or onto TiVo, for burning to DVD. I used to record movies on TCM into an outboard DVD-R recorder, but the movies wound up being compressed and looking terrible on a 46" LCD. Can one record onto TIVO and then transfer uncompressed programs onto DVD-R's? I have no idea about any of this. I know only that I will absolutely NOT pay any satellite service $55.00 a month just to get the one channel I really want (TCM) unless I can get decent-looking DVD burns of movies that have never been released commercially. Thanks for any help or suggestions.
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#2
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1/5/09 at 9:58am
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Re: How can I record movies on TCM directly to my computer for DVD burning?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
I used to record movies on TCM into an outboard DVD-R recorder, but the movies wound up being compressed and looking terrible on a 46" LCD.
They may not look much better on a TiVo recording. Unless your cable service is a lot different from mine, TCM is just not great quality. As has been noted elsewhere, we really need a hi-def TCM channel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
Can one record onto TIVO and then transfer uncompressed programs onto DVD-R's?
Yes, but only if the copy-protection flag hasn't been set by the broadcaster. These days, more and more movies are being shown on cable with the flag set, which means you can't even transfer them from one TiVo to another.
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#3
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1/5/09 at 11:01am
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Re: How can I record movies on TCM directly to my computer for DVD burning?

Thanks for the reply, Michael. I guess my only other question would be: were TCM to provide us with a high-def signal, would I be able to record from it without using Blu-ray discs or a special recorder? How does that work with channels that DO broadcast high def? Is the signal 740 or 1080?
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#4
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1/5/09 at 11:58am
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Re: How can I record movies on TCM directly to my computer for DVD burning?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
I guess my only other question would be: were TCM to provide us with a high-def signal, would I be able to record from it without using Blu-ray discs or a special recorder? How does that work with channels that DO broadcast high def? Is the signal 740 or 1080?
Now we're getting into an area where I have less experience, but I'll do my best.

The resolution of HD broadcasts can still vary by channel. The major networks (as far as I know) broadcast their hi-def channels in 1080i, but it's entirely possible that a new channel might go for something like 720p. That would still be a big step up for TCM.

As for recording it, yes, you would need a hi-def capable recorder of some sort. I've been using an HD TiVo for over a year now, and I could never go back.

I don't know anything about Blu-ray recorders. I do know, however, that it's possible to transfer HD TiVo recordings to a desktop computer just as you would a standard definition recording, assuming the copy protection flag hasn't been set. It's just takes a lot longer (and you'd better have a big hard disk).

I've never gone beyond watching such programs on my desktop monitor, but I assume it would be possible to burn the resulting file to a disc with sufficient capacity. Judging from the file sizes, that would require a Blu-ray burner.

OTOH, before going to all that trouble, it might make more sense to look at the latest model HD TiVo, which has such a large hard disk that it just might serve your needs without all this extra work. It's something like 150 hours of HD storage, which means several times that in standard-def storage.
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#5
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1/5/09 at 1:00pm
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Re: How can I record movies on TCM directly to my computer for DVD burning?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
My cable is not close to my computer......I would be ok with having the satellite signal going directly into my computer or onto TiVo, for burning to DVD....I know only that I will absolutely NOT pay any satellite service $55.00 a month just to get the one channel I really want (TCM)
First, do you have cable or satellite? That makes a big difference in options.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
I used to record movies on TCM into an outboard DVD-R recorder, but the movies wound up being compressed and looking terrible on a 46" LCD.
All DVD recorders use compression including the ones on PC's. How many hours of video were you trying to squeeze onto a DVD? Single layer or dual layer recorder?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
Can one record onto TIVO and then transfer uncompressed programs onto DVD-R's?
The way you worded the question, the answer is NO. TiVo's compress the signal as well if they are connected to satellite or to analog cable. If you get TCM via digital cable, then the new TiVo models will record the digital cable exactly as received. But that signal is compressed as well and depending on your cable company may suck.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick
I can get decent-looking DVD burns of movies that have never been released commercially.
How does TCM look when viewing a show in real time? That is the biggest issue because if you aren't getting a good signal to begin with, you won't get a good compressed picture.

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