How to convert .wtv files

[Offsprung]

This is about a bizarre thread. Popped up on google for wtv to avi as #1.
Upon reading it got totally lost. Everyone pointing out the same fact that seven will convert to vista dvr-ms.
Then someone explains how to rip a dvd? What does that have to do with wtv to avi?
Since seven will not convert wtv to avi natively isn't the only way to do it is via 3rd party tools? Really prefer to avoid more cyberlink crap.
And this board does not allow people to point out 3rd party tools / "ROGUE" software?
Ok I guess I need to research the few actual solutions provided because of this.
And guess I will have to go and read the terms and maybe stop coming here all together.
How to convert wtv to avi
repeatedly use right click to convert to dvrms
then rip a dvd....HUH?????
Like the third time that that guy pops up out of no where and throws a curve.
Back to google?

 

[AngelProcesser]

Offsprung,

If you have Windows 7 and WMC, for what purpose do you need to convert the .wtv files to .avi?

This is an open forum where folks are welcome to visit and find answers from other users. It is not an official Microsoft forum. Threads with answers are flagged accordingly when the original poster's requests them to be. Many OP's do not return to the forums to do so. As such, you will find many threads have many answers and you will have to read through them and decide who's answer is best.

A commom method of converting files is in fact to burn to cd or DVD and then to rip it in another format. It gives you the external physical backup (CD or DVD) and then the format you want on your PC.

Also, this thread is #1 on Google as it has been read 70,887 times as of this moment. That is fairly high for a single thread in a forum.

 

[Pogma]

Right clicking on a wtv file gives me the option of converting to dvr, which takes about 2-3min for a 8gig file, then I can cut segments or commercials out with video redo**, and if I want to convert the dvr file to a AVI, I use the free AutoGK software.

**video redo offer a trial period so you can confirm that it works for you, once it has, you'll eventually need to pay, but it's an outstanding program I've been using for yonks.

 

[HomerDK]

Hi.
When I right click on the wtv file, I don't get the option to convert to dvr.
Am I missing something or do I need to install something?
Running Win7 Ultimate

 

[AngelProcesser]

Have you clicked on it in Explorer (so it's highlighted) and then right clicked?

 

[HomerDK]

Yes I do that, but don't have that option. Quite strange.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Are .wtv files associated with WMC? Perhaps one of your other apps has taken control of the files. Are you sure it's a wtv file?

 

[HomerDK]

When I click on the file, it opens in Windows Media Player.
Where is the Media Center exe file located, so I can associate again to that file?

Thx

 

[AngelProcesser]

%windir%\ehome

 

[HomerDK]

Ok, now the wtv files are associated to Media Center again, but still no converting option

Also another question, is it possible to change the folder where Media Center stores the recorded videos?
Now it's in the Public folder, but I would like to have it on another folder.
I only found out how to change drive, but not the folder.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Have you tried actually opening one of the files with WMC?

Did you create the file or was it created elsewhere?

Without a full examination of your system, I would be hard pressed to even guess why, but my gut tells me one of your other programs has affected a required reg key.

 

[HomerDK]

The exe file for the converter is in the system, but clicking on it nothing happens.

 

[AngelProcesser]

What if you drop a file on it?

 

[HomerDK]

Ok I managed to convert the file in cmd prompt. So it is possible, but the right click function would be easier.

 

[HomerDK]

Yes dropping a file on it also convert the file to dvr-ms.
Ok, so there is an easier way to do it instead of cmd prompt. But strange anyways.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Yes, seems odd not to have a menu option that should be standard - I have no more time this evening to research this but will tomorrow.

 

[HomerDK]

Ok thank you very much.
I see also that when converting to dvr-ms file the subtitles are gone. Is it possible to keep them?

Thx

 

[AngelProcesser]

Perhaps if you left the converted file in the same directory?

 

[Offsprung]

Other than backing up, adding a dvd/cd especially one that REQUIRES "ripping" makes absolutely no sense. Why would you encrypt it to DVD and put up with the extra slowness? And if no encryption, why burn to DVD just to copy back? Transcoding to and from HD is much quicker.
Why do people wish to convert files that have limited use to ones that can be used anywhere? Answer should be obvious, to use them anywhere.
My point on google was missed. "WTV TO AVI"!
Rogue files? So flame me or not, I took the advice of the more helpful people and researched and tested them.
DVRMSToolbox - Did not test, commercial removal is $$$$ and requires reboot.
Seven tool is fine except batch is dos mode only, but there is a "ROGUE" script for automation. And for some reason it appends " - DVRMS.dvr-ms" to the end if not long enough already.
Basically:

%WINDIR%\ehome\WTVconverter.exe "C:\Users\Public\Recorded TV\*.wtv"

Someone needs to make a tool that calls the DLL as win does.
Lifextender is amazing and free. Auto commercial removal.

Rogue or not it appears the answer to the question...
"WTV to AVI" conversion is MCEBuddy. And is FREE!!!
Has a lot of features I have yet to explore, But it took a WTV and made an AVI. Free and Simple!

 

[AngelProcesser]

Offsprung, are you confusing video editing tools with codec packs?