How to Transfer DVR Recordings to DVD

You've recorded and saved a large number of shows on your DVR. Now, you want to transfer those recordings onto DVD to free up the DVR hard drive space. However, you can't afford a DVR with built-in DVD recorder, and a separate recorder is less expensive. So you just need to know how to connect your two machines to the TV in order to transfer the DVR recordings into the DVD recorder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Setup

1. Connect the DVR output to the DVD recorder input. This will involve separate audio and video cables. Then connect the DVD output to the TV input.

2. Use the DVD Recorder's remote to change its input to match the inputs you are using. It should be L1 if you're using the rear S-Video input, L2 if using the front analog cables and DV if using the front Firewire input.

3. Change the input select on the TV to match the others. It should allow you to view what you are recording.

4. Test to see if everything is connected properly by playing what you want to record on the DVR. You should be able to see and hear your show. If not, check the connections, power and input select.

Recording

5. Insert the correct type of recordable DVD into the DVD recorder. It should say on the recorder and in the manual if you need DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW.

6. Choose the recording speed for the DVD, either SP, LP or EP. Remember that LP and EP allow more recording time on the disc, but the quality will not be as good.

7. Play the DVR recording, and press Record on the DVD recorder. You should be able to press Record on either the box itself or the remote control.

8. Pause the recorder if one show ends and you want to record another on the same disc. Don't press "Stop" until you are completely finished.

9. Finalize the DVD after recording so it becomes a DVD video that can be played in other machines. The user manual should tell you how to "finalize" discs on your machine.

[AV-Executive]

on 2/7/2008 Very well explained and easy for an average consumer to follow! This is a very nice way to catalog standard definition media.