Updated
May 2010
The RedButton Software PVR (RBP)
OVERVIEW
What does RedButton Do?
RBP gives PC users the ability to connect their computer to a cable set-top box and record video for play back later. Video recording may be initiated using an electronic program guide (EPG) from the Internet, or manually, without an Internet connection. RBP interacts with the EPG so recording can be set up using the mouse, with no keyboard typing. Multiple programs may be scheduled for future recording. When RedButton is running, your computer is an HD PVR; when not, your computer is in its original state. The recorded video may be played back under Windows or using the Video Lan Client (VLC) app included with RBP package.
What is Required?
HD Cable Box with a working FireWire port
Computer with a 1394/FireWire port
1394/FireWire cable
10 GB free HDD space
DVD R/W Drive
Software to burn an .iso to a DVD
What is Recommended?
USB Flash Drive (2GB or larger), with RBP installed
10 GB free HDD space per hour of video you’d like to record (depending on video type)
Read the Instructions and the User Notes before beginning
Getting Started.
It will take 45 minutes to an hour to download the 946MB RBP package .iso file from this website. Follow the 13 steps below, which will result in a bootable USB Flash drive. During this process, you will be required to burn the downloaded .iso file to a DVD ROM. Use care to make an .iso disc, not simply a data copy. While it is possible to run RBP from the DVD, it is recommended that you complete the installation instructions and install it on a 2GB or larger USB flash drive. Running RBP from a bootable USB flash device will store your settings and preferences. Running from the DVD does not.
VLC is recommended for video playback. It is included in RBP. Additional VLC documentation is available at http://www.videolan.org/vlc/.
Trouble Shooting.
If you do encounter problems, it is recommended that you contact the developers at info@redbuttonsoftware.com. Cable boxes which lack full support for FireWire are potentially a problem. The RedButton developers can help you assess the nature of the problem you are having, and may be able to offer some direction to help resolve the issue.
If you are having problems with the 1394 port on your cable box, please click here to report the problem to the FCC. For more detailed instructions, please refer to this page.
Caveat.
RBP will NOT record DRM video (pay-per-view, many premium channels, etc.). You should have no problems recording broadcast programming.
Continue to the DOWNLOAD and INSTRUCTIONS