using dreambox 500c to record tv

[zen dog]

Hey guys, I have a dreambox 500c ready and waiting to do some recording. The problem I have is that I want to record to my linux (debian) home server. does anyone know how I can set this up or point me in the right direction? if not how does the dreambox work with a windows pc? what protocol is used.

Thanks in advance

[Jimdefruit]

You use the programme NGRAB on the dreambox and select Timer to choose the tv programme you want to record and then and select Ngrab instead of Record DVR.

Obviously there several settings you need to make in Ngrab such as the IPs.

The software you need is:
NGrabSetup
TMPGEnc Plus
DVD2SVCD
cPVAS.exe

The last three programmes are needed if you want to write to DVD or convert file format.

Have a go and in the meantime I will try to put the full instructions together.

[Jimdefruit]

You can find a copy of NGrabSetup in the Downloads Satellite/Dreambox/Tools section.

Install it on your PC and if you understand German then ok. If not do the following:

open Einstellungen
Select dBox Einstellungen
Enter Dreambox IP address and port numbers (suggest 4000 for port)

Select Dateeisystem Einstellungen
Enter the path for your recordings on your pc

If you want to change the video encoding then you will also need the extra files and enter the paths to them. Otherwise click on OK and you should get an icon for Ngrab in the taskbar showing that it is waiting to record.

[Jimdefruit]

This should get you going.

Recording from Dreambox to PC
To record from your Dreambox 500 to your PC hard drive, you need to install the following software in your PC:
1 - Install NGrabSetup-1.7.75 in your PC "Unfortunately only in German Language"
2 - After Install you will see NGrab Icon in the Task Bar ... Right Click and go to "Einstellungen..."
3 - Go to "dBox Einstellungen" ... Enter your Dreambox IP address 192.168.???.???" and Port number. 4000 is good
4 - Go to Grundeinstellungen
5 - Go to DateiSystem Einstellungen ... Setup here where you want to Record Movies
6 - Go to Dateiereiterungen
7 - Go to WinGrabEngine

Here is what you need to do in your Dreambox
1 - Use your Dreambox Remote Control to Menu > Setup > Expert Setup > Ngrab Streaming Setup , and write your PC IP Address 192.168.???.???. After this click blue button in your Remote Control to Detect MAC Address , and then Save it with green button
2 - You are ready to Record Movies in your PC
3 - Click Yellow button in Remote Control and you will see
1. Start Ngrab recording
2. Stop Ngrab recording

[zen dog]

Thanks for that. I have it sorted now will post back when I get a chance with instructions for a linux machine.

[saayinla]

Hi guys regarding recording ffrom dreambox 500c, I have successfully been able to record to my pc running vista in both NFS and CIFS mode, but I cannot play back the recorded file, the file has an extension of *.ts, can anyone please advise on how to play the file back, do i need to convert the file to another format before i can play it back. I have power dvd 8 installed.

[zen dog]

Originally Posted by saayinla

Hi guys regarding recording ffrom dreambox 500c, I have successfully been able to record to my pc running vista in both NFS and CIFS mode, but I cannot play back the recorded file, the file has an extension of *.ts, can anyone please advise on how to play the file back, do i need to convert the file to another format before i can play it back. I have power dvd 8 installed.

I cant help you sorry I dont use windows. maybe someone else can help you.

[willin]

Originally Posted by saayinla

Hi guys regarding recording ffrom dreambox 500c, I have successfully been able to record to my pc running vista in both NFS and CIFS mode, but I cannot play back the recorded file, the file has an extension of *.ts, can anyone please advise on how to play the file back, do i need to convert the file to another format before i can play it back. I have power dvd 8 installed.

You read this _http://www.**************/guides/archive/how_to_play_ts_files.cfm

You can also dowload the VLCplayer to play from there (free).

[mushtak2917]

This is a message to Jimdefruit….. I have tried your short tutorial but unfortunately it did not work for me L
I am using software called “WinGrab Zapit” v0.82 and a Crossover cable to connect to my laptop from the Dreambox 500c pls read on….
It all seems to be going ok and right at the end in the “Running” window; in the status box it reads “waiting for first data” this is shown for all parameters i.e. for both audio and video parameters.
Here are my settings…..

On the computer in the TCP/IP settings:-

IP Address is set to 192.168.0.105 (yes 105 not 100 as 100 did not work!)
SubNet Mask set to 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway set to 192.168.0.1

On the Dreambox 500c the settings are:-

In “Communication Setup” the settings are:-

IP is set to 192.168.0.100
DHCP is ticked
Netmask is set to 255.255.255.0
Type set to LAN
Nameserver set to 192.168.0.1
Gateway set to 192.168.0.1
Enable Network is ticked
Port set to 80

In “Ngrab Streaming Setup” the settings are:-

Srv IP set to 192.168.0.100
Srv Port is 4000
Srv MAC is 000.000.000.000.000.000
Selecting Detect MAC Adress does nothing!

Pls help as I know I’m nearly there but am obviously doing something wrong. Will wait for your reply J

[Jimdefruit]

The default gateway you have selected would appear to be for connection via a router.

If you are direct connected from the Dreambox to your PC, then untick DHCP on the Dreambox and just use a fixed IP. I assume from your post that this is 192.168.0.100. I also assume that the PC IP is 192.168.0.105 from your post.

If the IPs are not 100 and 105 then change them to the correct values and use the PC IP as the gateway IP address. Also make sure your PC firewall is not blocking the onnection.

Let us know how you get on.