Convert DVDs files to TiVo on Mac OS X

Let's say you have purchased many DVDs and you would like to watch them on your TiVo. With proper Mac application installed, you can get it done within several easy steps! Just convert the DVD to TiVo format MPEG 2 on Mac and then upload it to you TiVo.

This article provides an easy and economical way to convert DVDs to TiVo format on Mac and upload it to your TiVo (including TiVo series 1, series 2 and series 3).

This article includes two parts:

• Part 1: How to convert DVDs to TiVo on Mac (Snow Leopard included)
• Part 2: How to upload converted files to TiVo from Mac（OS X 10.6 included）

Part 1: How to convert DVDs to TiVo on Mac (Snow Leopard included)

Part 2: How to upload converted files to TiVo from Mac（OS X 10.6 included）

Download and install the TiVo Desktop software (free, www.tivo.com/buytivo/tivogear/software/), which lets you stream your iPhoto library and your iTunes music to your TiVo. TiVo Desktop doesn't give you any video functionality off the bat, so you'll need to enable its hidden video transfer feature.

First click the Stop button in System Preferences > TiVo Desktop. Launch the Terminal (located in /Applications/Utilities/) and type: defaults write com.tivo.desktop FileVideo -dict-add VideoUIEnabled -bool true

Reopen System Preferences > TiVo Desktop, and you'll see that a new Videos tab has appeared. Check the box to publish your videos and choose the folder that has your MPEG-2 videos in it.

Finally, on your TiVo, scroll all the way down to the bottom of your Now Playing List, and you'll see your Mac listed there. Choose the videos that you want to transfer, and TiVo will transfer the movies into your Now Playing List so they're available even after your Mac is turned off.

Note: Before you click the "Start" button, your MPEG-2 videos must already be located in your chosen folder. If you decide to add more videos to that folder later, you'll need to stop and start TiVo Desktop again for it to recognize your new videos.