How to get shows off DirectV DVR

The files are encrypted to the DVR
The only way is video copy while playing the recorded shows

If you leave your sd box disconected from the dish before you deactivate it you can plug it in and watch the recorded content, that is what I was told by directv.
Otherwise you will have to copy them using a dvd recorder.

Theory has it there is a way Two of them in fact. One is not for the faint of screwdriver (Requires you OPEN the DVR and frankly I have not the instructions nor the software required)

Method 2 you need a TV TUNER card for your computer and play the shows into it, You need not watch them but play them into the card, record the card. There is some "Generation" loss but you likely won't notice it.

This will, however, tie up the computer and the DVR for some time and you need to hop over every 1-3 hours to set up the next show.

riven1950 wrote:
I did the same a while back and asked DT. They said watch them before the conversion or lose them. There may be a way to do it, but to me not worth it to figure it out. BTW the new DVR is sooo much better, larger storage, etc. worth losing some recorded shows IMO.

Thanks for the suggestions but decided to go into a watching marathon that started Friday night with some priority input from wife about which shows were "Need" to see vs. "Want" to see. Reminded me of trailer shopping with need /wants. Down to 3 Master Chefs, 8 Rosalie & Isles, and 12 Bones which fell to the bottom. Randu