The TIVO desktop converts to iPod .h264 which is a lower resolution and bit rate than the

TV. If you have a Mac, you are better of just getting Toast, as it will convert you directly to

TV compatible files, but you still resolution limited due to copyright restrictions. The easiest way I've found to get files off a TIVO is to either use the TiVo download software included with Toast or to login to the TiVo's builtin webserver. It should appear in Safari under Bonjour, then once you connect, change the http to https, use tivo as the username and the TiVo's MAK as the password. The only problem is that you can only download one file at a time, which is also a limitation of the Toast Software, but it does allow you to Queue shows for download.
TEG