renaming recordings

[socrates]

Does anyone know of a simple way to rename recordings?

I'm planning to replace an old Humax pvr with a new HD one but there are a couple of recordings I want to keep. Bizarrely the new Humax cannot record via its scart input so there is now way to transfer to that but of course I can transfer them to the Tivo via scart. Of course the Tivo thinks its recording the current TV programme so eg an interview with Dennis Potter gets labelled as say The Muppet Show. Not entirely appropriate, hence my question. Or maybe there is a better way to do it?

[DX30]

If the TiVo is networked and you have tivoweb installed you can edit the descriptions.

Alternatively you might want to investigate some of the Humax forums. The firmware on some models has been hacked and I think you may be able transfer the recordings from the old Humax to the new one via a PC, although that depends on what models are involved. It's not something I've done myself so I'm afraid I cannot be of help.

[socrates]

Thanks for the response.

I rather thought the answer would involve networking the Tivo. It's not something I've ever felt the need to do so for the sake of 3 or 4 recordings I'll just make a note of what each really is. Sadly the Tivo idea of controlling external devices seems to have been forgotten by current pvr makers - I don't think even the Virgin Tivo supports it.

[mrtickle]

To be fair, it isn't the case that they have "forgotten" or it is "bizarre". It's a completely different system design altogether.

Our standalone series 1 models require an expensive real-time MPEG encoder chip as well as all the "video capture" circuitry. All the later integrated PVRs (including TiVo series 2 (2002 onwards) don't need all of that because they save the incoming MPEG broadcast stream to disc directly. It's also why they can include multiple tuners more easily - you don't need a set of video capture circuits for each tuner.

[socrates]

Good point - I can see that makes sense. And I suppose the less conversion is going on the more stable the quality should be. Though having said that the picture quality difference between decent live ( but time shifted ) TV reception via the Tivo and the same programme on HD is to me barely perceptible on a 32" LED screen.
Still, its rather ironic that its easier to transfer stuff from a 6 year old digital pvr to a 12 year old "obsolete" analogue box than it is to a brand new digibox from the same manufacturer.

[ghstone]

A bit late to the discussion, but here goes...

I don't think the inability to be able to record from external sources is just a technical one. As you've already said you have a 10+ year old machine, which becuase of it's open design is still able to hold it's own against the newer PVRs - Quality of source/recording/playback accepted of course, because technology has moved on a bit.

But these companies don't make this stuff for our eternal enjoyment, they want to sell us things, and then they want to sell us more things, and more things... So you have PVRs with very specifc recording and transfer ability for a reason, they want you to buy a new ones, not just switch from Air, to Satellite to Cable at will, and if they can lock you into a single service provider all the better, why would you swap to a competitor if it means losing your favourite recordings, or worse still scrapping that expensive kit you thought was essential just 18 months ago.


All the more reason to have at least one Tivo in the house !

Graham