If I archive a programme to a hard drive or stick, will a media player "play it" or will only the Humax do so?

As long as it isn't and encrypted HD recording from BBC HD or ITV HD, then you can play them on a computer or a media player that plays .ts files, unless you convert them to another format.

vlcplayer from videolan (it's free) will play SD and unencrypted BBC HD transport stream files

VLC Player does the job, free too. www.videolan.org

VLC doesn't seem to play unencrypted BBCHD files.

thanks guys, so for "normal" tv I just need a player that reads .ts files, i'll do some research, thanks!!

It does on my desktop but stutters a bit on my laptop. How did you get the files without encryption ?

I have the same problem with playing unencrypted BBCHD on a laptop using VLC.

I can play them using Zoom player and CoreAVC codec though.

You can record BBC HD unencrypted by going into non freesat mode and turning the stb off by using the standby button on the remote for 15 seconds or more and then back on.

VLC plays SD .ts files OK.

Are .ts files MPEG 1/2, DivX or Xvid files? Most stand alone multimedia players say they play these formats but not which type of extension?

See the following examples:

http://www.aristacomputers.com/SumVi...er-Retail.html

http://www.aristacomputers.com/Sumvi...terPlayer.html

http://www.aristacomputers.com/WD-TV...AM0000NBK.html

I'm a bit lost as to what to buy to play files I'm going to download from the Humax HDR

SD are mpeg2 transport stream 576i (.ts). HD are h264 1080i (mpeg4) transport stream (.ts)

Thanks, so any MPEG 2 player should be okay fo SD?

I find that 80% of files taken to memory stick from HUMAX play on my laptop no problem, and Windsows Media Player is chosen automatically.

thanks portable, thats good to know