Many people want to watch recorded DirecTV shows on computer and luckily for all, there is a really simple way to do so.
You will need to install a DirectTV2PC application so you can hook up your set-top-box to a PC and watch your DVR recording easily.
To watch recorded DIRECTV shows on the computer, you need to install the DirecTV2PC application on your PC, which is the only part you may have difficulties with.
Next, you need to ensure that your set-top box is connected to the internet and by following the on-screen instructions you can easily connect to your personal computer.
In this post, we will go over everything from installing the DirectTV2PC application to setting everything up and finally watching recordings.
Keep reading and don’t skip anything if you want to get it working from the first try.
How Can I Watch My Recorded DirecTV Shows On My Computer?
As we mentioned in the introduction there are two major parts in establishing the connection. Downloading and installing the app, and then hooking up your personal computer.
We’re going to split the step-by-step tutorial into two parts so you can easily navigate to what you’re looking for.
We shall start with installing the required application first:
How To Download & Install DirectTV2PC App?
Here is how to set up the application that you’re going to be using later in order to connect your set-top box to your PC:
Note: To navigate easily through many of the websites, scroll each page to the bottom first and press CTRL + F to open the search field.
Then type the keyword you’re looking for.
- Go to DirecTV’s official website.
- Find Superior Technology beneath What is DirecTV.
- Locate and click on Beyond TV.
- Press on the Download button.
- Next, click on Download Now and wait.
- Provide your personal information and make sure that all is green.
- When you’re ready press on Submit, which will initiate the installation.
Whenever you are being asked to provide an Activation Key, simply go to the email you’ve provided earlier and locate the last email sent from DirecTV. Your Activation Key should be there.
Once you’re ready with installing the app, you should now go to your DirecTV and make some configurations.
How To Connect DirecTV to a PC?
When you’ve got the app ready you should connect the set-top-box before you can start viewing your recorded DVR content.
- Ensure that your set-top box is connected to the internet.
- Press the Menu button on your remote.
- Go to Parental, Fav’s & Setup.
- Select System Setup > Network Setup > Connect Now.
- Press Continue.
- Press Done.
Your DVR content will now automatically update, and you will be able to observe it using the DirecTV2PC app that you’ve installed earlier.
Keep in mind that once you’re ready you will be viewing your content using the internet, which means that if your PC is not connected you won’t be able to.
In case of any trouble, your internet connection would be the first thing to ensure for both your set-top-box and PC. If you cannot manage to get it working, next we will provide you with alternative ways to view your content.
Alternatives To Watch Recorded DirecTV Shows On Computer
There are quite a lot of 3rd party applications on the internet, which you can try using to connect your set-top-box to a PC and hopefully watch the recording.
However, only a few of them have positive reviews especially working with a DirecTV, and here are some of them:
- VAVOO
- Free Movie Box
- TV 3L PC
- Web TV
If none of the 3rd party applications allow you to watch your DVR recorded content, you can simply download it and play it locally. This is exactly what we’re discussing next.
How To Transfer DVR Recorded Content To a PC?
To do so you will need the mobile DirecTV application downloaded on your smartphone. Once there you will be able to choose a mobile device and transfer the DVR recording to it.
When you’re ready to transfer, simply connect your smartphone to your PC and transfer the content manually.
Another way would be to connect your set-top box to your PC using an HDMI cable to watch the shows in real-time.
During that time use ANY recording software to capture your favorite shows locally and play them later without having to use the network at all.
The third and probably the easiest way to get DVR recording on your PC would be to use the DirecTV website player. You will be viewing the content in real-time, again, and capture them using any desktop recorder.
Why I Cannot Watch Recorded DirecTV Shows on Computer?
If you’re here we can assume that you’re either not able to install the app or you were unable to hook up your set-top box after.
Keep in mind that down below we will discuss only issues related to the DirecTV2PC application and we cannot guarantee success with a 3rd party alternative.
Before we start excluding all possibilities one by one you should be aware that the DirecTV2PC app is only for people with active DirecTV subscriptions. If you’re not subscribed, you won’t receive your Activation Key.
Moreover, make sure that you have downloaded the DirecTV2PC application from the official DirecTV website, otherwise, you might be having a really old and outdated version.
Here is everything you can try:
- Re-install the DirecTV2PC app.
- Power Cycle your set-top-box
- Restart your network connection/modem.
If none of these approaches managed to get your DVR recording in the desktop app, it would be time to reach out to DirecTV customer service.
Keep in mind that the application is long forgotten by the developers, and it will most likely take quite a while for the support team to provide you with feedback.
Read Next: Why are Local Channels not Working on DIRECTV?
Bottom Line:
If you’re still wondering how can I watch my recorded DirecTV shows on my computer, we recommend scrolling up and taking another look at all of the possible methods.
If nothing works, then call DirecTV directly and try to explain your issue.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.