Transferring programmes from Sky+ box ---> laptop

[Clippy]

I have a recording on my Sky+ box that I would like to copy onto my laptop.

After a brief Google, I understand I will need a PCMCIA TV capture card (something like this?) which will enable me to play the output from my Sky+ box onto my laptop via a cable connected to the TV capture card.

Thereafter, do I need some additional software on my laptop to enable me to record the programme onto my HDD?

If so, does anyone have any recommendations or can advise what is the best format to save the file? Would it be MPEG4?

The ultimate aim would be to transfer the content from my Sky+ box to PC and then onto my HTC phone for viewing later.

I don't really want to spend too much money on this as I just want to have a 'play' with the kit I currently have as I am looking to (finally) upgrade later in the year - post Windows 7.

(My laptop is several years old but runs Vista fine and has 2Gb RAM).

[TheFaQQer]

Is it not just easier to download the file as a torrent just after it's been broadcast?

[DiscoStu]

I've got one of these and just use Windows Movie Maker, it's an absolute doddle

[Clippy]

Is it not just easier to download the file as a torrent just after it's been broadcast?

Not in this instance but not a bad thought.

I've got one of these and just use Windows Movie Maker, it's an absolute doddle

Are you saving to MPEG4 format? What is the picture quality like? How big is the file for say an hour long programme?

[DiscoStu]

Not in this instance but not a bad thought.



Are you saving to MPEG4 format? What is the picture quality like? How big is the file for say an hour long programme?

Saving as WMV, but the capture stick thing also comes with Ulead Video Studio, which would appear to capture in MP4. In WMV at decent 640x480 quality it seems to average out at about 8-10 megabytes per minute.

HTH

[Clippy]

Saving as WMV, but the capture stick thing also comes with Ulead Video Studio, which would appear to capture in MP4. In WMV at decent 640x480 quality it seems to average out at about 8-10 megabytes per minute.

HTH

Appreciate the info Stu.

Ordered one - no harm in having a play for that kind of money.

Hope it comes through in time for the w/end.

[DiscoStu]

Appreciate the info Stu.

Ordered one - no harm in having a play for that kind of money.

Hope it comes through in time for the w/end.

Post up if you have any problems

[Clippy]

Post up if you have any problems

Forgot to ask - the black lead is an S-Video connector, right?
(The picture isn't very clear).

[DiscoStu]

Forgot to ask - the black lead is an S-Video connector, right?
(The picture isn't very clear).

Indeed it is

[Clippy]

Post up if you have any problems

Hey Stu

So, received my EasyCAP and a bit of a problem...

The connectors are all female whereas I needed them to be male so they could connect directly to the Sky+ box. Therefore, I will need to use male -> female cables in between.

Was this the case for you?