How to Make a DVR Backup Drive

by Catherine Lynne, Demand Media

Use your computer to backup DVR shows.

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Digital video recorders are a popular way to record shows for later viewing. They also give users the much-coveted ability to fast-forward through commercials. Unfortunately, many DVRs have a relatively small hard drive. This means that the amount of data they can record is limited. You can transfer the data on your DVR to a computer to inexpensively back up the contents of your DVR. This allows you to create and store a backup copy of the shows on your DVR without hacking into the DVR unit itself.

Step 1

Install the TV tuner card in your computer. Follow the instructions included with your tuner and motherboard. Many of these cards require a PCI Express 2.0 slot, so make sure that your computer has one available. Visit your TV tuner card manufacturer's website and download the latest driver software to make sure it is up to date.

Step 2

Connect the A/V input on your computer's TV tuner card to your TV's HDMI out jack using a DVI-to-HDMI cable.

Step 3

Select and play the shows or movies recorded on your DVR that you want to transfer. Play them on your TV while the DVR is connected to your computer.

Step 4

Record the shows from your DVR to your computer using the software that came with your TV tuner card. You will probably need to push record on the software while the show plays on your TV set. This records the data and stores it on your computer's hard drive.

Step 5

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each show or movie that you wish to back up. These recordings are done in real time, so the process can be time consuming.

Tips & Warnings

  • You can also use a TV tuner to record shows directly to your computer without using a DVR. Large computer hard drives are more affordable than DVRs with larger hard drives, so this can be a way to be able to record more movies and shows.
  • Save your transferred files onto a secondary hard drive on your computer since the files will be large. There are affordable hard drives available at electronics stores that have well over 1 terabyte of space.
  • Avoid any static electricity when handling computer hardware. Static discharges can damage your TV tuner or motherboard. Touch a metal surface before handling your tuner or opening your computer case.

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References

  • DVRpedia: Backup Shows TiVo Drive PC
  • PC World: Step-by-step: Convert your PC Into a Digital Video Recorder

Resources

  • ATI: All-In-Wonder Card Benefits
  • ATI: ATI All-In-Wonder Card
  • PC World: Apps Turn your Computer Into a Powerful DVR

About the Author

Catherine Lynne has been writing since 2009 and her work has been published in various online publications. She is a teacher and educator with experience teaching first grade, special education and working with children ages 0 to 3. She has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images