How to Record Movies from Comcast DVR to DVD

Evan Gower October 9, 2019

The DVD might be a dying format, but you can also find those who prefer physical copies over digital storage. Even more importantly, a DVR uses a hard disk, which is limited in size. In order to record more materials, you either have to erase what’s on the disk or transfer it to another medium.

How to Record Movies from Comcast DVR to DVD

That being said, recording movies from DVR to a DVD is very much possible. In fact, there are multiple ways to approach this.

DVD Recorder

Using a DVD recorder is definitely one of the simplest and easiest ways to move DVR recordings to a DVD. DVD recorders can be hooked up to your DVR, TV set, or any other component that has the proper audio/video inputs. You’d use a set of AV cables to connect your DVR’s audio and video (AV) outputs on your DVD recorder’s AV inputs.

And then you’d use another set of AV cables to connect the DVD recorder’s AV outputs to your TV’s AV inputs. When it’s set up like this, you can turn on your TV, set the input to the one corresponding to the DVD recorder, and monitor the recording from DVR to DVD.

Video Capture

Another cool way to record movies and videos from DVR to a DVD is by using your computer. It is easy to assume that a computer can do this, although things tend to get a bit complicated. First of all, you need to have a DVD burner on your computer. Secondly, in order to use the video capture method, you’re going to need a video capture app (e.g. Windows Live Movie Maker). Most importantly, you’re going to need a video capture card.

This card is used to adapt the audio and video signal from your DVR to the computer. Although most computers are equipped with video capture cards, you should probably check if yours is before proceeding with this method. If your computer doesn’t have a video capture card, you can buy an external video capture card that connects via USB. Essentially, the video capture card takes the audio and video output signals and convert them into something that the PC understands.

TiVo DVRs

The DVD recorder method from above may be easy and simple, but the TiVo DVR method is definitely the easiest and the simplest. This is because TiVo DVR devices feature TiVo Desktop software, which makes it easy to transfer content from DVR to your PC. However, this assumes that your DVR is a TiVo. It doesn’t apply otherwise.

First, start the TiVo Desktop software and you should find a Pick Recordings to Transfer button. After pressing this, you’ll see two lists: Now Playing and My Shows. The former displays materials that you’ve already transferred to your PC and the latter shows movies and shows that you’ve recorded on your TiVo. Select each show that you want to record to a DVD by clicking the checkbox and click Start Transfer after you’re done selecting them. Now, use Roxio Creator or Roxio Toast to burn the recordings to a DVD.

Copy-Protection

Some or all of these methods may not allow you to transfer certain copy-protected recordings onto a DVD. This includes movies and shows on Showtime, HBO, on-demand services, and even some non-premium channels. If you try to transfer it to a PC or DVD, chances are that you’re going to receive an error message.

Programs that will prevent you from transferring recordings to a DVD/PC can do this thanks to the encryption. The goal here is to stop unauthorized copying and illegal distribution of copyrighted videos and recordings. DVD recorders that are compliant with CSS and Macrovision detect this encrypted signal and will stop you from proceeding with the recording. The technology that overrides this copy-protection exists but is illegal in most countries.

Tips

To end on a just-to-be-safe note, here are some tips. To avoid potential issues and trouble when recording from DVR to a DVD, take a look at the following.

Use quality cables! The cable quality is thought of as trivial, even though it can be crucial to transferring top-quality audio and video. Also, your DVD recorder’s AV input type and your DVR’s AV output type has to match (HDMI, composite RCA, component, DVI, etc.).
Use the DVD format that is supported by your DVD recorder. This is important because it will help you avoid having to repeat the entire process.
Use the 1-hour or 2-hour recording speed, unless you’re recording videos that you don’t intend to keep.
Finalize your DVD for playback on other DVD devices. Otherwise, it might not work.

Have you ever recorded a DVD from your DVR? What method did or do you use? Perhaps you know of another method that’s not covered above? Hit the comments section below with your questions and thoughts.