Recording (or converting) to a compressed format to save space

[KaraokeAmerica]

What if I want NextPVR to record in a compressed (H.264) file format to save space.....like MKV, MP4 etc. I don't mind the potentially inferior compressed file format but I tend to packrat stuff for a long time so space matters.

Also, if there is a solution to this does it work with comskip and other options like that? I haven't used any yet, but I am experimenting with multiple DVR programs (Plex, NextPVR, SiliconDust, etc) to find one that can do the most the easiest.

Thanks!

[Graham]

What if I want NextPVR to record in a compressed (H.264) file format to save space.....like MKV, MP4 etc.!

Simply stated, NextPVR "copies" the received broadcast stream to a file on disk. NextPVR does not change the encoding ... NextPVR will save the recording as MPEG2 if the received broadcast is MPEG2 or as H.264 if the received broadcast is H.264. All NextPVR recording files are contained in .TS wrapper files irrespective of the encoding used for the video stream ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_container_format

NextPVR will run a batch file when the recording of a show ends and the batch file can re-encode the recording file ... http://nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?n=Co...BatchFiles

I have never used it but this gets mentioned from time to time ... http://www.mcebuddy2x.com/

[mvallevand]

If you search MCE Buddy or Handbrake there are several solutions already posted on the forum. Not sure if this is the best one

http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...-TS-To-MP4

My recommendation is to buy a bigger drive especially if you want to use clients.

Martin

[gEd]

I agree with Martin.

Converting to H264 can take a long time, esp if you dont' have a modern quad core processor. Also, the cpu will be running at near max which means the cpu cooling fan will need to run fast. If your PC is on the living room, the fan noise can be obtrusive.

So if you've got a decent PC and you're short of cash, look at Martin's recommendations otherwise, just buy a 4TB+ HD and forget converting.