Transfer Shows to a Portable Device

PSP 'n' PDA

Currently, the most popular reason for transferring TiVo-recorded shows to a PC is to use the computer to upload the shows to a portable device. One great way to view those programs on the go is through *Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld[http://www.gizmocafe.com/video-games/playstation-portable.aspx] . For those "too mature" for a device primarily designed for gaming, you can also upload the shows to a PDA. We'll explore how you can perform each of these functions.

PSP

The first step to downloading a show from your PC to your PSP is the conversion from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4. We've covered the necessary transition from TiVo to PC in another section, so if you're unfamiliar with that step, check out our advice on doing so.

To get your favorite episode of Seinfeld (mine is "Serenity Now") to Sony's handheld, follow these steps. You might also want to print off this guide and keep it handy.

• Manual Conversion : Open up your .tivo file to begin this conversion This will require a pair of special programs, such as 3GP Converter and AviSynth 2.55.
  • Install AviSynth and then 3GP Converter, opening each in the same order.
  • When first running 3GP Converter, remember to set the output for PSP.
  • In addition, you need to alter the 3GP .ini file so that it will recognize TiVo's files. To do this, just add this line into the AviSynth section: Ext3=TIVO:\cores\AVS_Skelton.avs.
  • Once this is complete, launch into 3GP Converter, choose the directory you want as an output.
  • Drag your selected .tivo file (the Seinfeld episode) and conversion should immediately start.
  • Remember that your output file needs to be located in \MP_ROOT\100MNV01\ on your memory stick for the PSP to access it.
• PSP Video 9 : The 2005 program PSP Video 9 incorporates a few of the steps we've discussed above.
  • If you'd like to skip some of the fun little conversion steps, *download the free PSP Video 9[www.pspvideo9.com].
  • PSP Video 9 is freeware that depends on donations to support development. It can convert many video files automatically by using Bit Torrent and RSS.

PDA

Because TiVo fully supports transfers to Microsoft Portable Media Centers, or PMCs, the process is much easier than even using PSP Video 9, the program specifically designed for downloading from TiVo to PC and then PSP. All anyone really needs to transfer from a PC to PDA are the following tools:

TiVo Desktop

Windows Media Player 10

A PDA!

Using these programs is pretty simple if you follow our steps, listed below:

• PDA Download : Make sure you've downloaded TiVo's Desktop program from the official site and have Windows Media Player 10 on your system.
• Launch Windows Media Player 10.
• Go into the Library.
• Add your TiVo folder to this section, ensuring that the recordings you desire will go there.
• From this point on, Windows Media Player 10 will now recognize your .tivo files, meaning you can do the following:
• Go to the Sync Tab
  • Choose "All Video Clips" from drop-down menu. This will include storage devices like a memory card or the PDA itself
  • Simply check off the shows you need to convert and want transferred and then click "Sync."

If you select PDA as your download source, you should be ready to watch Kramer on your portable device while the boss rambles on. Nice.