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To help you with transferring videos from TiVo To a PC, we have reviewed and compared KMTTG and PyTivo.
TiVo owners are constantly looking for methods to transfer videos and shows from TiVo to their PCs and other software.
This is one of the hardest approaches for TiVo users.
However, with the right software such as KMTTG and PyTivo, the whole process is made easier.
Let us dive into the comparison and see what both software do and why are they so useful.
Table of Contents
KMTTG Overview
KMTTG is one of the most effective alternatives when it comes to facilitating TiVoToGo transfers.
Itโs simply a Java-based program that can create PyTivo metadata, run Comskip, and conduct, decrypt and create closed files that you select from TiVo automatically.
On the other hand, KMTTG can transfer and process shows based on titles and keywords that you have set out directly from TiVo.
In this regard, you will also have a remote control that allows you to access the Season Pass Management, click and manage backup and restore, copy, and many other things.
With this program, you also have the chance to backup and restore channels.
Another selling point for this program is that it has Auto skip Functionality.
This is where you can enjoy skipping the ads hands-free and return to viewing on TiVo.
Lastly, the program has the ability to capture video output directly from the later and current models of SlingBox Pro either on WAN or LAN.
Here are some of the features of KMTTG that you can check today.
KMTTG Features
- Automatic flow for commercial cut, encode, decrypt and flow for downloads.
- Graphical and automated downloads
- Advanced TiVo remote control capabilities
- It has the capacity to backup and restores channels and thumbs ratings
- Hands-free skipping of ads
- Capture capability for Slingbox Video output
KMTTG Linux Installation
Before we get to the installation bit, I have to clear the air and say that KMTTG is written in Java.
This means that their latest versions will require Oracle Java Versions 1.8.0_40 or later for installation. Here is the process of installing KMTTG on Linux.
Install the Java 8 or their latest version
As Iโve explained above, you need the Oracle Java Version 1.8.0_40 or later for the installation. You are required to download Java Runtime Environment from the official link.
Itโs also important to note that earlier versions will not work. Secondly, the Java OpenJDK that comes with the standard Linux distributions does not include JavaFX so it might not work as needed.
Download the KMTTG Installation zip file
The second thing to do is to download the installation zip file. It should be downloaded from the Files area.
Unpack Zip File
The other thing that you should do is unpack the zip file. You can unpack the KMTTG_vxxx.zip file to the desired location.
If you are starting with version v1p0a, you are expected to update the KMTTG installation to the latest official version. This is automatic from the home page.
KMTTG will also check your installed versions against the current versions and they can update them automatically.
PyTiVo Overview
On the other hand, PyTivo is a GoBack Server and an HMO. It is very similar to KMTTG and TiVo Desktop.
Its main function is to load many standard video compression codecs. It also loads outputs mpeg2 video to the TiVo.
One of the biggest differences between PyTivo and TiVo Desktop and KMTTG is the fact that they can load many more files. You should note that PyTiVo is in no way affiliated with TiVo, Inc.
To run TiVo, there are several things that you need. As a matter of fact, you need a compatible TiVo subscription, a python interpreter, and a current release of PyTivo.
You will also need FFMPEG which is used in transcoding audio and videos and a Tivo decode and a Python imaging library.
PyTiVo features
- It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Uses HMO Protocols to server photos and music
- Display Metadata about the video
- Transfer TiVo recordings to TiVo from Computer.
- Transfers compatible video files without transcoding
- Output is 4:3 or 16:9 and Pad your video if needed.
- Transfer end properly
- File sizes are estimated
PyTiVo Installation instructions for Windows
To start using this program, you must be well versed with how to go about it.
There are several things that you need in this case and at the same time know how to combine all of these to make it a reality.
Download and Install Python for Windows
The first step is to download and install this software preferably version 2.7. You can do this using the installer-suggested defaults.
Download PyTivo
The next thing to do is to access the latest version of PyTivo from the currently released page and download it.
Extract the zip
You now have to use the right tool to extract the .zip to the new directory of your choice. You should make a note of the directory.
In most cases, it should be referred to as the< install folder> after this, you are supposed to go to the directory and make a copy of the file. You can name your copy as pytivo.conf.
You should be very sure to put the correct path to ffmpeg.exe in the server section.
After this, you are now required to grab a 32 or 64-bit build of FF Mpeg for PyTivo and eventually copy the ffmpeg.exe file from the above step to \<install folder>\bin\. If you cannot find this directory, itโs always advisable to create it.
I know you want to handle the .tivo files properly. If this is the case, then grab the special version of tivodecode.
The next step is to extract tivodecode.exe and tdcat.exe. This will be extracted from the Zip file that was downloaded above and eventually drops them to \<install folder>\bin\.
This next stage will vary depending on whether you are using Windows Firewall or not.
If you do, then you should add a Windows Firewall exception for UDP 5353. This is to make sure that the windows wonโt block the share announcements.
This is actually the most common reason why TiVo shares donโt show up. The shares can as well disappear from the playing list on the TiVo.
Moving on, start PyTivo by simply extracting the file \<install folder>\paytivo.py.
PyTivo is now running and for that reason, you should click the Pytivo HYPERLINK โhttp://localhost:9032/โ home page.
KMTTG vs. PyTivo: Price
With all the team that works behind the scene to bring you some of these functionalized abilities, you can expect that the software is available at a cost.
However, the cost between KMTTG and PyTivo vary greatly. Luckily, there are some free alternatives. One of these Free alternatives is TiVo Desktop.
KMTTG is also a Free but open source software meaning that you will be required to pay for some upgrades. Just like KMTTG, PyTivo is also Free and open-source software.
KMTTG vs. PyTivo: Ease of use
One of the most important aspects of every software is how easy the software is to use especially to beginners and how friendly it is to all types of users.
Although these two programs take an extreme technology, there are certain complaints and praises for the two of them especially when it comes to the ease of use.
To give you the best answers for this category, we checked what previous and current users are saying on Videohelp.com.
Most of them are happy with the effectiveness of KMTTG and how easy the tool is to use. One of them claims that this tool is awesome and helps take videos from TiVo and cuts off all the commercials and save them to the computer.
Another one says that she has been using this app for a long time and there are few issues.
On the other hand, PyTivo users are very happy that the program is effective and works as expected.
However, few users are complaining about the ease of use. Most of them believe that KMTTG is easier to use.
KMTTG vs. PyTivo Alternatives
When it comes to applications and their role in making work easier and more secure, KMTTG and PyTivo have been around with all their effectiveness.
But are there any alternatives to this application for windows? The fact remains that choosing suitable software is not a piece of cake.
A lot of the alternatives to KMTTG have been with us for a long time. Though, most of them have been negatively reviewed because of bugs and cost.
Here are some of the alternatives for KMTTG and the best replacement.
TiVo Desktop
This is a similar program that is currently available for free to all TiVo users. The software works with the network-connected TiVo Box.
It can as well work with Mac and the PC. It works similarly to these two alternatives. Its main selling point is the fact that itโs free yet highly effective software.
It was released generally as an app for windows 10 and Mac. However, it has been updated to all the latest versions. The latest update was in 2016.
FAQs
What is Pytivo?
This software is both an HMO and a GoBack Server that helps get videos from TiVo and save them on your desktop.
What is KMTTG?
This software is a program based on Java functionality. Similar to PyTivo, it works to transfer the downloads from TiVo to your computer and helps skip ads hands-free.
Can I transfer shows from my TiVo to my computer?
Yes, there are some easy ways of doing this. However, you will need software for that purpose. The best two software for this work is PyTivo and KMTTG.
What file format does TiVo use?
Tivo uses MPEG-2.
Final verdict
If you have had a difficult time differentiating between these two software, now you have satisfactory information that can help you greatly decide between the two.
We have also discussed one of their most popular alternatives. TiVo Desktop is Free and works similarly to help you get shows from TiVo to your PC.
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