Copying DVR files to PC/DVD?

[maxparot]

The thing with media PC is making it get the right channel from the cable box. For example, Cablevision's DVR box can record one channel while you watch another. Even if you have a way to control the cable box from your PC, you'll need a dedicated box for the PC if you want the functionality.
I have a PC connected to my home theater - and we use it to watch movies, play music etc, but for DVR, the special box is a more convenient option.

I have 2 Scientific Atlanta converter boxes conected to my HTPC the computer controls them using an USB IR Blaster and a dual IR emitter. I have a third tuner capture card in the PC that captures the anolog(unscrambled) channels.
This setup allows me to record up to 3 programs at once while watching any 1 of them and 2 of them can be premium channels.
The software I use Beyond TV allows the TIVO like functions without a subscription fee. (live pause, rewind, and selection of favorites)
Since my tuner/capture cards have FM radio all the play, record, volume and tone/EQ are handled by the PC and can be done by a single RF remote. This can truely give your entertainment center a unfied media center ability with a TV used as the monitor for the computer.

[Rand]

I have the Dish Network DVR. I've had it since October 2003 without any major problems.

My friend has the regular dish network box and a Tivo. He's not the most technical guy in the world and after a couple weeks he asked me to help him set it up. It works now but the Dish box has a function where it goes on standby after about 6 hours of no activity. When it does this the Tivo can't wake it up so it records nothing.

My advice: Get the Dish Network DVR