If you want automation, I'm still figuring that out. Then, you can convert it to another format with the stand alone Handbrake program using a custom preset that enocdes the audio in a surround format (instead of downmix). The most foolproof way to preserve the surround is to download the files with ctivo using the 'decrypt' option which simply downloads and unencrypts the mpeg2 files, preserving whatever the original content was. So, I'm still working on a way to make this happen. Unfortunately, comskip doesn't work with them. But I've found that some of the Handbrake encoder formats that are included in ctivo (like the 'AppleTV' one) do preserve the surround sound. The problem is that most of the 'built-in' encoder formats (like all the ones that start with 'Quicktime') are set to downmix the surround audio to stereo audio (2 channel). So, you usually want to convert the files to a different format which is something that is part of what ctivo is designed to do. Further, files of this type are generally pretty large. For instance, quicktime doesn't support it. Next, the files are basically in Mpeg2 format which is not playable by all devices. The files on the Tivo are encrypted so when a program transfers the files to your computer they have to be unencrypted in order to be of ANY use. I assume you are referring to ctivo? Let me lay down a little groundwork and I hope I don't make any mistakes with the details here. My biggest issue at the moment is figuring out a combination of options that will skip commercials but also maintain surround sound playback. There are many options and it relies on several pieces of underlying open source software to make all the tricks happen. Anyway, there are quirks with the software.

It's hard to tell for me since my mavericks machine is a faster machine. Some have reported much better performance with ctivo. For me they are mostly interchangeable with ctivo having a somewhat nicer interface. I used itivo (a predecessor of sorts that doesn't work on newer mac os versions) on a snow leopard install and I'm now working with ctivo as well I can say that ctivo is quite similar. After not having a cable or OTA tv for years I'm astounded with how many and how intrusive the commercials are!

My primary uses are: A) copy recordings off the tivo when I want to make space and/or 'archive' stuff.

Ctivo is one option depending on what you want to do.

Ctivo windows