[Big Mac]

I'm wondering if anyone has ideas about the optimal way to connect a U-verse DVR to my PC so that I can capture recorded programs. I'd prefer HD support if possible. I've heard the name Hauppauge tossed around. Anyone have experience with these types of setups?

[mduell]

Optimal would be some network based way that allows you to pull the recordings off the hard drive. Unlike TiVo, I don't know if Uverse allows that. No hardware required.

If that's not available, you'll need some sort of video capture device. It's the equivalent of hitting record and play at the same time with VCRs.

[Big Mac]

Yeah, unfortunately U-verse doesn't support that kind of network functionality. It's pretty neat that TiVo does.

[mduell]

You'll need some sort of video capture. Ideally HDMI for quality, but then I think you'll run into HDCP issues if the Uverse box requires it (which I suspect it does). Component would be the next best option and still lets you do limited HD.

The Blackmagic Intensity Pro has HDMI and is surprisingly cheap ($200), but I doubt it handles HDCP.

An HDfury would solve the HDCP problem, but is analog output only so you'd need a capture card with RGBHV or component input.