How to Transfer DirecTV DVR Programs to a Computer

Step 1

Load the installation CD, which came with the video capture device, into the computer's CD drive. This CD contains the drivers need to operate the video capture device. Wait for the CD's installation wizard to load, then follow the on-screen prompts to install the software drivers.

Step 2

Use a USB cable to connect the video capture card's USB port to an unused USB port on the computer.

Step 3

Insert one end of the AV cable with the yellow plugs on the ends into the DVR's yellow "Video" output jack. Insert one end of the AV cable with the white plugs on the ends into the DVR's white "Audio L" output jack. Insert one end of the AV cable with the red plugs on the ends into the DVR's red "Audio R" output jack. Connect the other end of each cable to the color corresponding AV jack on the video capture card.

Step 4

Turn on the DVR and TV.

Step 5

Open the Start menu. Go to "All Programs." Select "Windows Live Movie Maker."

Step 6

Click the triangle arrow in the top left corner of the Windows Live Movie Maker window. Select "Import from device" from the drop-down menu. The "Import" wizard will open.

Step 7

Select the video capture card listing from the "Device List." Click "Import." Follow the rest of the on-screen prompts to configure your video capture session. Stop at the last "Import video" prompt.

Step 8

Push "List" on the DirecTV remote. The DVR's Play List will open. Locate and select the show you want to transfer to the computer. Once playback of the selected program is started, click "Import" in Windows Live Movie Maker to begin dubbing the program into the computer.

Step 9

Click "Stop" at the end of the show. Click "Finished."

Step 1

Use an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port on the back of the DirecTV Plus HD DVR receiver to an available Ethernet port on your home network's router.

Step 2

Go to the DirecTV2PC Web page on the DirecTV website. Download the DirecTV2PC software onto your computer (it is free). Save the file to your computer.

Step 3

Log into the computer using an account with administrator rights. Navigate to the location where the DirecTV2PC file was saved. Double-click on the file to launch the install wizard. Follow the wizard's prompts to install the software. You will be prompted to enter your serial number and activation key during the installation. This information is found in the email DirecTV sent to you during the download process.

Step 4

Launch the DirecTV2PC application.

Step 5

Navigate to and select the program you would like to watch. The DirecTV2PC user interface looks and operates exactly like your DVR's user interface. After selecting a show for viewing, the selected program is streamed to your computer.