Windows 7: how do i get windows media center to play .tivo files?

windows media player will play .tivo files from a tivo hd. but why wont windows media center play them?

thanks

Hi there,

Saw your post somewhere else that got better response, so I'm just reposting here for linkage how do i get .tivo files to play on windows media center? - TiVo Community

Were you able to get the problem solved?

Cheers,

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

Hi, I have the same problem since I upgraded to Windows 7 but I can't play TiVo Files in either Windows Media Player or Windows Media Centre. In addition I am unable to transfer TiVo Files to the PC (Error "The system cannot find the file specified"). Can anyone help - Please - Alan

Windows Media Player will use the information in the registry to build a graph to play TiVo files that includes using the TiVo Directshow source filter that decrypts the DRM encrypted files using your TiVo Media Access Key.

Windows Media Center doesn't.

Your choices are to use third party tools to break the DRM and convert the files to MPEG-2 which can then be played by Media Center. Or use something other than media Center that doesn't have this limitation.

The thread link to TiVo Community above is about breaking the DRM so the files can then be played by Windows Media Center.

I came to this site to ask the same question, but in a more nuanced way.

I want to know if there is a registry hack that will cause Windows Media Center to use the Windows Media Player DirectShow graph to play a *.tivo file.

That sounds like a TiVo Desktop problem. First I would try uninstalling the one you have and then downloading and running the TiVo Desktop Cleaner tool that will remove troublesome registry settings, files and folders that the normal uninstall process misses. Then I suggest you download and install TiVo Desktop version 2.8.1. Pay special attention to the setup instructions to make sure you set your Windows firewall properly to allow your TiVo DVR to be seen as a trusted device on your home network. Also be sure to enter your Media Access Key correctly. Be careful if you cut and paste to not include any non-printing characters.

Thanks Curious Mark,

I've gone down that track (well, sort of) I reinstalled 2.8 - I'll try again with 2.8.1

I do have another problem - I thought that everything else was working (I can transfer and play files that are on the PC to/on the TiVo and on the PC I can see Tivo Files to transfer - BUT - I can't transfer them.... I get a "The systen cannot find the file specified" message. I don't suppose that you've come across that one ?

Regards, Alan

Yes, TiVo Desktop version 2.8.1 is supposed to fix this, but in case it doesn't the workaround is in this post by alansmac on the TiVo help forums:
TiVo Help Forums

That post is featured on the entry page to the TiVo help forums so it must be a pretty common issue for people who do upgrade installs of windows 7.

Hi All,
In my case I found out that my router was blocking traffic from my TiVo. I opened the relevant porst etc (see below) and then uninstalled TiVo Desktop Plus, used the desktop cleaner (D/L from TiVo) to make sure that everything had been removed, reinstalled TiVo Desktop Plus, rebooted both the PC and TiVo and everything works. File Transfers, Playing Programs on the PC - The lot

TiVo Support Instructions:
Network Settings
With the issues that you are experiencing you may need to check the following setting on your router: (If you are unsure of how to do this please check with your router manufacturer)
1. The wireless channel is between 1 and 9 ( if Wi-Fi)
2. You are not running a wireless security in "Mixed Mode" ( if Wi-Fi )
3. Your Router is G compatible ( if Wi-Fi )
4. Your router has MAC filtering disabled
5. UPnP is enabled
6. There are no firewalls active
7. IGMP proxy is enabled
8. Are all the correct ports are open
When I try to connect to the TiVo service, the connection fails, with a “Failed to Negotiate” error message. | Support | myTivo.com.au

TCP port 37
TCP port 80
TCP port 443
TCP port 2190
TCP port 4430
TCP port 5005
TCP port 5222
TCP port 5223
TCP port 5224
TCP port 7287
TCP port 7288
TCP port 8000
TCP ports 8080-8089
TCP port 8101
TCP port 8102
TCP port 8181
TCP port 8200
UDP port 37
UDP port 123
UDP port 2190

Regards

TiVo Support