Comcast cable box with an external drive connected

[chimera991]

Anyone have any experience on this?

I really want to record some racing since I signed up for an HD package which includes CBS Sports (blancpain racing series, v8 supercar, pirelli world challenge, etc).

Also, once its in the drive, can i connect it to a PC and convert the file for my own viewing pleasure?

 

[thesmelliestsock.]

I don't have any experience with it but I would be surprised if you could convert the file to watch on a PC thereafter because of illegal distribution.

 

[timta2]

Also, once its in the drive, can i connect it to a PC and convert the file for my own viewing pleasure?

They would never in a million years allow you to do this, because they don't want to give up any control. Even if you are a legitimate paying customer sometimes the piracy route makes more sense, regardless of how sad that is.

I don't have any experience with it but I would be surprised if you could convert the file to watch on a PC thereafter because of illegal distribution.

The "illegal distribution", aka pirates, don't even have to worry about this. It only hinders paying customers.

 

[FnordMan]

first off, this should probably go in the "Home Theater PCs & Equipment" section
Two things here:
1: I very much so doubt the box will even use an external drive, even if it does it'll likely be in a proprietary format or encrypted.
2: A CableCard tuner setup would be a better choice here though you can just about count on the channels or content being marked Copy Once. Right now that means only Windows Media Center can record it and it'll be DRMed so you can only play it on that machine and can't take it off.

 

[thedocta45]

It will never work, you would be better off hooking up a VCR to the TV and recording it.

TiVo is the only service I am aware of that allows you to physically store the recording on another system, however it requires a computer running TiVo server.

Alternately a Cable Card Tuner is going to be your best option.