.tivo files

Andrue wrote on 8/6/2009, 3:05 PM

I transfered a recording of some of my camera work that i had on my tivo box from recording it off the cable channel. I want to edit some stuff out of it in vegas 9a but i cant get it to drag in. it plays in windows media player but wont import to vegas. any way to do that or is it a no go?

Comments

gogiants wrote on 8/6/2009, 5:28 PM

My understanding is that the .tivo file contains rights management protections to prevent editing, playing and redistribution without the TiVo desktop software installed. I believe it is protected by what TiVo calls something like a media key. Having the TiVo desktop software installed is what allows it to play within Windows Media Player.

Some determined Googling might turn up some ways of making the file editable, but I've not looked too far into it...

xberk wrote on 8/6/2009, 5:29 PM

You likely have to convert the .tivo files to something Vegas can use, like a .AVI or MPG file. Google for Tivo file conversion. I'm surprised the file plays in WMP. I use a program called SUPER to convert files. I think it may convert .tivo files.. One thing that is possible is that the .tivo files are actually some sort of MPG file. Just rename the files to .mpg and see if the will play in Vegas.

Andrue wrote on 8/6/2009, 5:40 PM

I have the media key and the desktop software installed. when i call up the file it comes up without an audio track and just smudgy black screen with movement. it isnt a big deal, i can get around it by taping it off the tivo box i think then capturing it but i was thinking i would loose some quality of it. figured i would see if somone had dealt with this in case i need it in the future for something more important. thanks for your replies i will see if i can find a converter perhaps.

bStro wrote on 8/6/2009, 8:04 PM

I use a program called DirectShow Dump for converting TiVo files to regular MPEG2. You may have to search around for it (it's free). If you can't find it (or some other solution), e-mail me (click my username, then click it again on my profile), and I'll see if I can find my copy of the download to send you.

Rob

stephendl wrote on 8/13/2009, 9:04 AM

I too use the "Direct Show Dump Utility" and it does a great job, allowing me to view the converted .tivo file to .mpg with Windows Media player and Vegas 5. My problem is that Vegas 9 will not regonize larger resolution files as Vegas 5 does (1280x720 and up). I've worked with Sony free support with nothing but constant frustration at their inability to grasp the problem and provide any meaningful help. They've asked that I submit a request that this format be supported in future versions...huh? It works fine in Vegas 5! I'd be happy if they let me point to the codec of my choice for interpreting the .mpg file, but they refuse to "hear" my request, ignoring it completely. The upgrade to Vegas 9 has cost me dollars and a great deal of time, so far with absolutely no gain in function or performance.