How Does CTU/ all other Rip HDTV feeds?

i was just curious how ctu or other groups rip the hdtv feed from their cable/
satelite box or w/e.
do they store it on a dvr then rip from the dvr? or do they rip it directly to
their computers?? i thought they had protections against it.. maybe not?

any insight?

they rip it straight to their computer using something like this:

http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/eng/products/