Using DirecTivo over Vonage (VoIP) - a solution

[RedGrey]

I am successfully using Vonage for both my DSR6000 and my HDVR2. I'm making daily TiVo calls from both, as well as the DirecTV calls so I can order PPV via remote, and subscribe to Sports. Getting it to work took a lot of research and most of the pieces came from other posts on TiVoCommunity. I just wanted to share my complete solution in one place (and document it myself in case I ever need to re-do it.)

Here is what my Voip Phone Line setup looks like:

- Cable Modem internet connection connected to the Cable modem
- Cable Modem connected to Cable/DSL router (I've successfully used both Linksys and NetGear)
- LAN port on router connected to the Vonage ATA (Cisco 186)
- ATA connected to the base unit of an RCA "Wireless Modem Jack"
(uses power lines to create a phone jack from a power outlet -
be sure to get one that specifies it is for modems)
- Phone connected to Output on RCA base unit
- RCA Wireless Modem Jack remote units behind each TV

(Some people have had success connecting the ATA to the home phone wiring, but I never tied since
I don't have phone jacks behind my TVs anyway)



For the DSR6000:

This one is easy, just connect the phone jack on the back of the UNIT to the phone jack. Then go into:

DirecTV Central > Messages & Setup > Recorder and Phone Setup > Phone Connection > Change Dialing Options

Set the Dial Prefix to ",#019" without the quotes. This tells the modem to use 19.9 kbps
(slow enough to work over Voip)

Make a test call..... occasionall the call will fail for me, but it works about 9 times out of 10.



For the HDVR2:

This is more complex because the modem in the HDVR2 does not support the ,#019 prefix so you cannot slow it down below 56k. To make it work consistantly, you will need to use an external modem and a custom cable.

I picked up a 28.8 modem on e-bay for about $10.

To connect to the modem you will need to use the serial port on the back of the DirecTiVo - it looks like a headphone jack. You can use the "TiVo Serial Cable" and a DB9 to DB25 adapter for this, but I don't recommend it because this will require you to pre-program your modem using a computer in order to get it to work. I prefer to make a custom cable and use 2 cross connects to force the modem into the proper mode. The wiring chart is attached.

To make my cable, I cut and stipped the cord from an old pair of headphones and crimped on an RJ45 connector using the first 3 pins on the RJ45. Then I picked up an RJ45 to DB25 adapter and did my custom pinouts, including the cross-connects. I found this to be easier than trying to wire the stereo plug directly to the DB25.

Connect the serial port to the modem, and the modem to the phone jack. Then go into:

DirecTV Central > Messages & Setup > Recorder and Phone Setup > Phone Connection > Change Dialing Options

Set the Dial Prefix to ",#319" without the quotes. This tells the reciver to use the external modem.

Make a test call..... occasionall the call will fail for me, but it works about 9 times out of 10.

Now, to keep ordering PPV by remote working on the HDVR2, you also have to use a separate connection (turns out that the HDVR2 has 2 modems in it - one for Tivo and the other for DirecTV) The DirecTV one does not support using an external modem, but it only runs at 9600 baud so it will work over Voip without a problem. To set it up, use a phone jack splitter to make 2 wall jacks available. Connect the external modem to one, and the built-in modem port to the other. The TiVo calls will use the external modem, and the DirecTV calls will use the internal one.

Kudos to everyone that has posted their own solutions in this forum and the Underground forum!!!

Hope this helps!!

[davsherm]

Nice work!! Thanks for the write up Red.

:up:

[qposner]

I have all the phone jacks in my house wired for Vonage. I assume the wireless modem adapter is not necessary if I run a phone cord to a nearby jack (either from the DSR6000 or external 28.8 modem)? Let me know if I am missing something!

BTW--Which model is dtv sending out with the ffdvr deal? I called and asked, but they don't know which model will go out.

Thanks,
Quinn

[RedGrey]

Correct, if you have your ATA connected to the house wiring and you have jacks neat your DTivos, you don't need to use the Wireless Jacks. You'll still need a splitter if you get an HDVR2.

[mjh]

This is a fantastic post! This needs to become sticky and put into a tips/tricks thread.

Thanks for this. I've been looking for something like this.

[qposner]

On the Rj45 to DB25 adaptor, do I want a male or femal DB25? I am not familiar with cables so I want to make sure I get the correct adapter.

Thanks.

[SteakMan]

Originally posted by qposner
On the Rj45 to DB25 adaptor, do I want a male or femal DB25? I am not familiar with cables so I want to make sure I get the correct adapter. That depends on what your modem has on the back, but 999 times out of 1000 you'll want a male DB25.
-SteakMan-

[qposner]

Thanks Steak.

[epsilondelta]

Sorry to be both skeptical and stupid -- I don't know how Vonnage works.

Does your phone number get passed to DTV via caller ID over Vonnage? Does DTV see it as a "land based" phone number?

DTV's reason for using monthly call-ins is overwhelmingly to prevent commercial fraud.

Has anyone checked with DTV customer service to see if their units have truly completed calls using Vonnage?

Since it's the internet, how long could it be before people are able to spoof fake telephone numbers?

I am really sincere here in being ignorant of the workings of VoIP, but I would hate to see folks get rid of their land line, only to find that DTV suddenly "cares" about the agreement they signed.

epsilondelta

[directivoetherne]

This is a fantastic very helpful post.

Question, Can I use the code ",#019"-- adding the comma for the directivo unit to reduce the modem speed. I am able to do a test call with that code entered but I have not gotten my Vonage adapter yet to test it.

[Consigliere]

RedGray:

Are the modem pinouts and cross-connects fairly standard from modem to modem?

Thanks!

Originally posted by RedGrey For the HDVR2:

This is more complex because the modem in the HDVR2 does not support the ,#019 prefix so you cannot slow it down below 56k. To make it work consistantly, you will need to use an external modem and a custom cable.

I picked up a 28.8 modem on e-bay for about $10.

To connect to the modem you will need to use the serial port on the back of the DirecTiVo - it looks like a headphone jack. You can use the "TiVo Serial Cable" and a DB9 to DB25 adapter for this, but I don't recommend it because this will require you to pre-program your modem using a computer in order to get it to work. I prefer to make a custom cable and use 2 cross connects to force the modem into the proper mode. The wiring chart is attached.

To make my cable, I cut and stipped the cord from an old pair of headphones and crimped on an RJ45 connector using the first 3 pins on the RJ45. Then I picked up an RJ45 to DB25 adapter and did my custom pinouts, including the cross-connects. I found this to be easier than trying to wire the stereo plug directly to the DB25.

Connect the serial port to the modem, and the modem to the phone jack. Then go into:

DirecTV Central > Messages & Setup > Recorder and Phone Setup > Phone Connection > Change Dialing Options

Set the Dial Prefix to ",#319" without the quotes. This tells the reciver to use the external modem.

Make a test call..... occasionall the call will fail for me, but it works about 9 times out of 10.

Now, to keep ordering PPV by remote working on the HDVR2, you also have to use a separate connection (turns out that the HDVR2 has 2 modems in it - one for Tivo and the other for DirecTV) The DirecTV one does not support using an external modem, but it only runs at 9600 baud so it will work over Voip without a problem. To set it up, use a phone jack splitter to make 2 wall jacks available. Connect the external modem to one, and the built-in modem port to the other. The TiVo calls will use the external modem, and the DirecTV calls will use the internal one.[/B]

[RedGrey]

Yes, the pinouts on the modem should be standard so the cross connects will set flow control and DTE correctly.

[mjh]

Originally posted by RedGrey
Yes, the pinouts on the modem should be standard so the cross connects will set flow control and DTE correctly. As a non-hardware geek, how are you specifically setting flow control and DTE? In other words, if I wanted to make these settings by programming the modem, how do I need to be setting these features?

[bonscott87]

Originally posted by epsilondelta


Has anyone checked with DTV customer service to see if their units have truly completed calls using Vonnage?



No need to check. I have ordered a couple PPV's via remote on my T-60 since I've gotten Vonage. They both have shown up on my bills the day I start seeing the 888 number being dialed in my Vonage call screen.

Thus the T-60 at least connects to DirecTV just fine to report PPV's and such. Also I have NFL ST and have had no problems with it all season.

[rogo]

I don't really believe that having Sunday Ticket = having any practical need for a phone line. I'm sure your unit tries to call in once every month regardless of whether you've ordered PPV on the card or have a sports sub... It appears the only thing that causes trouble is having too many PPVs on the card or having a cranky call with DirecTV's CSRs...

Mark

[mjh]

I've managed to get this working... sorta... and I wanted to tell people my experience with it, and maybe see if anyone has any advice.

I have an HDVR2, so my only solution is to use the external modem as described. I bought a one from ebay (28.8 US Robotics FAX modem). Tested the modem on a PC first. It worked just fine. I built the 1/8" headphone to DB25 cable that he described, basically exactly the same as he described. I happened to have a RJ45 to DB25 dongle. I wired it exactly as described, carefully noting which DB25 pins mapped to which RJ45 pins. I cut off 4 of the unused pins inside the DB25 dongle, stripped the ends and wrapped them together to make the cross connects on pins 4&5 and 6&20. I took an unused CAT5 cable and cut off about 12" on one end. I then took the wires on the CAT5 cable that were associated with the DB25 pins 2, 3, & 7 and stripped them.

At first I used an old pair of headphones as RedGrey did. But for some reason I couldn't get this to work. The headphones worked before I cut off the end, but as soon as I did, I'd lose continuity. The headphone cables, as one would expect, had a signal and a ground cable within them. The problem seemed to be that they were in too close proximity to each other and when I cut the cable it was just way too easy for them to contact each other. So I went to RatShack and bought one of their unwired connectors (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F003%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=274%2D284). I made sure to get the Rat Shack folks carefully point out to me which of the three leads on these things were tip, ring and base. I then soldered my stripped cat5 wires to each of those ends, and Voila. The DTiVo was able to make as many successful test calls as I wanted.

But! That's not the end of the story.

Right now it appears that my DTiVo is trying to download 3.1.1b upgrade. And this is a problem. When I use vonage, I occasionally get echos on the line. The modem does NOT like that. It starts to download, and then invariably, the RX light will eventually stop blinking. Then eventually, the modem will hangup the phone (probably initiated from the other end) and then eventually the DTiVo will give a status of "Failed. Call interrupted". Sometimes I can get the download to go for 40 minutes. Other times it will only go for 5 mins. But it always ends exactly the same way.

The end result of this is that, even though I'm able to complete a successful test call, because I haven't completed a successful "daily call" I'm still getting the NAG screens saying that I haven't succesfully completed a call since the ice age. (That's a slight embellishment on my part.)

I'm thinking of taking my tivo over to a friend's house with a regular phone line and using it just to complete the download. I think once I get past the download it won't be that big of a deal. But it would seem that Vonage does not have good enough sound quality for a 28.8 modem to download a DTiVo software update. I'm sure that it's good enough for much shorter calls.

I'm thinking of trying to force the modem to a slower speed to see if I can get it to work. Any other ideas as to what I might try?

The other question I have is will I eventually download the entire update piece by piece, or does the entire software update have to come through in a single phone call?

Edit: Added NAG screen info

[directivoetherne]

If you needed to program the modem, how would you do it?

Also, does anyone have a link to a place you could buy a cable that would work off the bat? Is there a specific cable you could buy at Fry's that would work without mods.

[mjh]

Originally posted by directivoetherne
If you needed to program the modem, how would you do it?Well, for someone who isn't a hardware geek, I've done a little learning while working on this project. It looks like you could do this:

AT&R1
AT&S0

AT&R1 tells the modem to ignore RTS (which is what the pin 4-5 cross does). AT&S0 tells the modem to override DSR (which is what the pin 6-20 cross does). After you do these, you'll probably want to make it permanant by doing:

AT&W0

If you do all of that, you should be able to use the serial cable available at store.tivo.com.

[mjh]

Originally posted by mjh
I'm thinking of trying to force the modem to a slower speed to see if I can get it to work.As a followup, I forced the modem to a maximum speed of 19200 bps and everything worked. Of course, it was a four hour download to get everything! But it worked. I forced the modem to a maximum speed of 19200 and a minimum speed of 9600 by doing these commands:

AT&N10
AT&U6

Then saved it to NVRAM with:

AT&W0

[directivoetherne]

thanks brotha

[Consigliere]

Originally posted by mjh
Well, for someone who isn't a hardware geek, I've done a little learning while working on this project. It looks like you could do this:

AT&R1
AT&S0

AT&R1 tells the modem to ignore RTS (which is what the pin 4-5 cross does). AT&S0 tells the modem to override DSR (which is what the pin 6-20 cross does). After you do these, you'll probably want to make it permanant by doing:

AT&W0

If you do all of that, you should be able to use the serial cable available at store.tivo.com.

Originally posted by mjh
As a followup, I forced the modem to a maximum speed of 19200 bps and everything worked. Of course, it was a four hour download to get everything! But it worked. I forced the modem to a maximum speed of 19200 and a minimum speed of 9600 by doing these commands:

AT&N10
AT&U6

Then saved it to NVRAM with:

AT&W0

Please elaborate as to how to go about programing the modem (and reset it when I mess things up) with the above codes. If I wanted to program the modem to work at 9600 bps what codes would I use (the theory being slow and sure is better than fast and undependable)? Also, is there a table of these codes? Many thanks!

[directivoetherne]

Is there a way to send these modem commands if you are using Windows XP?

[dschultznet]

To program your modem, go to Programs, Accessories, Communications, Hyperterminal
Dan:o

[tivobernd]

Originally posted by mjh

The other question I have is will I eventually download the entire update piece by piece, or does the entire software update have to come through in a single phone call?



I am having the same problem you do... I think my record was 25 minutes... Reading about the 3.1.0b problems here it might not be a bad thing that the download fails.... But...

I don't thin the have written that thing smart enough to download bit's and pieces... What is even more annoying is that they would very well have the possibility since Version 3 of the Software to shoot the update down via the SAT instead of using the stoneage phoneline download...

Since I don't have Series 2 I am currently just trying with the build in modem.
Questions:
Does the external modem work on the Series 1 (Hughes) as well?
Did anyone suceed downloading the long .b update through the external modem on Vonage?
Can I do the download with no satellite if I really need to? e.g. take the TiVo to a friends house and hook it up to the phonline there? - Not that I am looking forward to doing that but once the nag screens start...

[milehighmg]

I just tried your solution and got everything to work. Great Post! By the way for any one interested this solution works with the Phillips DSR7000.

[mjh]

Originally posted by tivobernd
Did anyone suceed downloading the long .b update through the external modem on Vonage?Yes. I eventually got it to download. I had to slow it down to 19.2k and it took 4 hours, but it worked.
Can I do the download with no satellite if I really need to? e.g. take the TiVo to a friends house and hook it up to the phonline there?I haven't had to do this, but I have read about others who have said that this works.

[tivobernd]

I just got a 14.4 USR modem from e-bay - I figured 14.4 is probably better than 28.8 - then I don't have to slow it down more...
I hope the ,#319 also works with Series 1 Tivo's...
I'm off to making the cable and the modem should be here towards then end of the week.
I'll report back if/when I get it working...

Thanks everyone here for the great info and advice...

[milehighmg]

O.K. As I mentioned before the solution outlined in the origial posting worked for me like a charm, I have not had a dropped call yet. I have run into a small problem however and I was wondering if anybody has an answer to this one. Here it is: My modem auto picks up incoming calls! Whenever a call comes in the modem answers and starts issuing the handshake hiss. Is there a way to disable it? I have a DSR7000 hooked up to a US Robotics 14,4. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[tivobernd]

Originally posted by RedGrey
I prefer to make a custom cable and use 2 cross connects to force the modem into the proper mode. The wiring chart is attached.


Quick question:
You are cross connecting 6 with 20 in the description but it's 6 and 19 in the picture... Which is right?
Thanks
Bernd

[tivobernd]

I am not 100% if the crossovers on my cable are correct but the USR modem I got today has DIP switches to simulate DTR and it worked with that!!!

Both my TiVo's now have 3.1.0b!!!

Here's the call logs:
11/12/03 7:11 PM 1xxxxxxxxxxx 12122717103 101 min
11/12/03 4:55 PM 1xxxxxxxxxxx 12122717103 93 min

Didn't take too long either...

Thank you so much for this great Idea with the external modem!!! Fantastic...

[mjh]

Originally posted by milehighmg
Whenever a call comes in the modem answers and starts issuing the handshake hiss. Is there a way to disable it?Well, I don't know about this specific US Robotics, but on my USR 28.8, there's a set of dip switches on it. If I turn ON dip switch 5, it disables Auto Answer. If you don't have dip switches, connect it to your computer via a normal straight serial cable then do:

ATS0=0
AT&W

The first one will tell it to answer in 0 rings (i.e. disable auto answer). The second one will write this configuration to NVRAM so that it always boots with this configuration.

[mjh]

Originally posted by tivobernd
You are cross connecting 6 with 20 in the description but it's 6 and 19 in the picture... Which is right?In the picture that I see, it's crossing 6 with 20. Which is what I did.

By doing this, you're basically having the modem override hardware flow control because it's always telling itself that it's ready to send data and it's always telling itself that it's ready to receive data.

[mjh]

Originally posted by Consigliere
Please elaborate as to how to go about programing the modem (and reset it when I mess things up) with the above codes. If I wanted to program the modem to work at 9600 bps what codes would I use (the theory being slow and sure is better than fast and undependable)? Also, is there a table of these codes? Many thanks! Well, this is what I'm using. It's for a USR 33.6 and it works on my USR 28.8. But almost every modem manufacturer has slightly different command strings. I'd try and find a manual online for the make/model number of the modem that you have.

Anyway here's the link for the manual (http://www.usr.com/support/839/83909-ug/six.html) that I'm using for my modem.

[thynk]

Red and all who have followed up - THANKS for the info. I just made the cable, but skipped the RJ45 to DB25 since all we had laying around at work were some DB25 shells and the only "extra" cable I had was some cat3. My cable is a bit longer (~10') since I want everything hidden behind the entertainment center (like the rest of the cables, hubs, lost kittens, small children, etc).

The tests I ran with the external modem connected me about 50% of the time to an ISP, at rates from 14.4-19.2 This struck me as a little odd since the 33.6 PCMCIA modem connected consistantly at 28.8 to 31.3 Maybe I need to blow some more dust off the external modem, or find the AT commands to set it to 14.4 and not worry about it.

The installer is coming on Monday - it will be interesting to see what his/her/it's reaction is. Things haven't gone well with them on the phone so far, since they tried to get me to buy a multiswitch, after DTv and Expert Sat. both told me that I didn't need one. (3lnb dish, 3 inputs needed) They also have issues with the fact that I only have one phone jack in the house for Vonage. Saying that they couldn't hook it up unless there was a jack in both rooms the recievers were going into.

Has anyone tried plugging the Vonage output into an existing phone jack and trying a phone on a different extention? Hard as I try, I can't think of why this wouldn't work, the electrons don't know it's hooked up in reverse. If this works (I'm gonna try when I get home from work tommorow) - I'll post a follow up here and on the Vonage board.

Hopefully this will go as smoothly as the other installs I've had go. "Go outside and run the cables, I'll hook everything up in here while you work on that". Most of the install techs think this is cool, but every so often I run across one that has to assume that all customers don't know how to program a remote, or even know what end of the soldering iron gets hot.

Wish me luck. This will be my first TiVo or Direct TV experience. I'm really glad that I found this thread and did as much reasearch as I did before ordering anything.

[tivobernd]

Originally posted by thynk
Has anyone tried plugging the Vonage output into an existing phone jack and trying a phone on a different extention? Hard as I try, I can't think of why this wouldn't work, the electrons don't know it's hooked up in reverse. If this works (I'm gonna try when I get home from work tommorow) - I'll post a follow up here and on the Vonage board.
[/B]

This will work - but make absolutely sure that your in house wiring is physically disconnected from your old POTS (Phone line from the Phone Company) otherwise there is a good chance that you will fry your ATA...

[thynk]

Originally posted by tivobernd
This will work - but make absolutely sure that your in house wiring is physically disconnected from your old POTS (Phone line from the Phone Company) otherwise there is a good chance that you will fry your ATA...

Thanks for the heads up, since there is no signal coming from the POTS I was going to leave it hooked up for the test. I'll be sure to bring my wire cutters home with me, or maybe they were nice and left a junction box unlocked and I can just unhook me from the system.

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by thynk
Thanks for the heads up, since there is no signal coming from the POTS I was going to leave it hooked up for the test. I'll be sure to bring my wire cutters home with me, or maybe they were nice and left a junction box unlocked and I can just unhook me from the system.

You should have access to your portion of the junction box, the part will read Customer Access Panel. It is in there, you can disconnect the telco wiring from your home wiring.

[BerrBrewer]

I wouldn't trust disconnecting your house from the customer panel outside. It will disconnect you, but you're the only one that knows WHY it's not connected.

You're better off disconnecting the first box inside the house "loop" and capping the wires. Then you can light up the whole house with one connection to your ATA device. My house is home-run to a closet, so it was easy to disconnect from the street but I was paranoid some technician would reconnect me and smoke the ATA.

BTW, loving Vonage and am about to try the external modem trick described here. My modem is a 9 pin though so it's back to RS... Thanks for thread!

[thynk]

Originally posted by thynk
Red and all who have followed up - THANKS for the info. I just made the cable, but skipped the RJ45 to DB25 since all we had laying around at work were some DB25 shells and the only "extra" cable I had was some cat3. My cable is a bit longer (~10') since I want everything hidden behind the entertainment center (like the rest of the cables, hubs, lost kittens, small children, etc).

The tests I ran with the external modem connected me about 50% of the time to an ISP, at rates from 14.4-19.2 This struck me as a little odd since the 33.6 PCMCIA modem connected consistantly at 28.8 to 31.3 Maybe I need to blow some more dust off the external modem, or find the AT commands to set it to 14.4 and not worry about it.

The installer is coming on Monday - it will be interesting to see what his/her/it's reaction is. Things haven't gone well with them on the phone so far, since they tried to get me to buy a multiswitch, after DTv and Expert Sat. both told me that I didn't need one. (3lnb dish, 3 inputs needed) They also have issues with the fact that I only have one phone jack in the house for Vonage. Saying that they couldn't hook it up unless there was a jack in both rooms the recievers were going into.
[b]

Wish me luck. This will be my first TiVo or Direct TV experience. I'm really glad that I found this thread and did as much reasearch as I did before ordering anything.

WELL - that didn't work. After running several tests on the external modem via the laptop and connected about 90% of the time after lowering the speed down to 19k - the TiVo won't even talk to the modem. I see some activity on several of the front panel lights, then the rx/tx flash together quickly twice - then DirectTivo claims the modem isn't responding.

I've tried reloading the profile that I saved last night, power cycling the modem and finally set everything back to factory defaults. I'll pull out the custom cable and double check it, but every pin was checked before I brought it home. I have noticed that the responce to the AT commands are not "OK" but rather a "0" - I wonder if the TiVo is looking for that?

Suggestions, clues, hints, strong cup of coffee?

[mjh]

Originally posted by thynk
the TiVo won't even talk to the modem. I see some activity on several of the front panel lights, then the rx/tx flash together quickly twice - then DirectTivo claims the modem isn't responding.I had similar problems. I made my 1/8 inch to DB25 cable using an old pair of headphones. And I could not get any continuity through the headphones. So I went to ratshack and bought this (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F003%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=274%2D284). I then used a piece of Cat5 crimped with an RJ45 connector on one end and nothing on the other. I wired the open end of the Cat5 to the 1/8" jack and then plugged the RJ45 into an RJ45->DB25 converter (just like this one (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=276-1406) except male).

I could not get any continuity using the jack from the old pair of headphones, hence the TiVo couldn't talk to the modem. Once I used cable that I knew had continuity and a 1/8" connector that I knew had continuity everything worked much better.

[thynk]

Originally posted by mjh
I had similar problems. I made my 1/8 inch to DB25 cable using an old pair of headphones. And I could not get any continuity through the headphones. So I went to ratshack and bought I then used a piece of Cat5 crimped with an RJ45 connector on one end and nothing on the other. I wired the open end of the Cat5 to the 1/8" jack and then plugged the RJ45 into an RJ45->DB25 converter (just like except male).

I could not get any continuity using the jack from the old pair of headphones, hence the TiVo couldn't talk to the modem. Once I used cable that I knew had continuity and a 1/8" connector that I knew had continuity everything worked much better.

Thanks for the response! I think the cable is ok - checked every pin several times both when I made it and again tonight. The problem was I thought I was being smart when I started playing around with the AT commands last night. I still don't have it all the way going, but have gotten to "negotiating..." a few times - in fact it's locked up there three times now. Looks like maybe it's time to look for a different modem - either a slower one so I don't have to worry about the speed issues, or a newer one that has documentation... somewhere.

This one is driving me nuts - the AT commands for speed don't work, so it's probably set in a register someplace - and I can't google it out of the net. Wonder if the thrift store still has one (the same I was I laughing at last time we were there ;-)

[babino]

Hello All! Thanks so far to everyone for the help to get DTIVO working over vonage. I'm getting closer, but have a stumbling block impeding my succession.

I went to ratshack at bought the RJ45/DB25 converter (see link from quoted post), but am having a tough time deciding which cables in the converter are which. The converter comes with 8 wires attached inside to the RJ45 plug portion of the device which in turn you are supposed to plug into the corresponding holes in the serial plug. How do I know which wires are which? The wires are color coded, but there is no indication anywhere which number they are, i.e. Red #1, Yellow #2, etc... to number 8.

They are ordered like this if you look into the plug with the RJ45 connector wires on top:

X X X X.
.X X X X

.|||||||.

Gray Yellow Red Orange
Brown Green Black Blue

Would it be:

Gray=1
Yellow=2
Red=3
Orange=4
Brown=5
Green=6
Black=7
Blue=8

I believe I have a handle on the RJ45 to the Stereo plug, but the serial connection is giving me grief. Thanks for any help/advice that someone is willing to give!

Regards,

Babino


Originally posted by mjh
I had similar problems. I made my 1/8 inch to DB25 cable using an old pair of headphones. And I could not get any continuity through the headphones. So I went to ratshack and bought radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F003%5F001%5F004&product%5Fid=274%2D284. I then used a piece of Cat5 crimped with an RJ45 connector on one end and nothing on the other. I wired the open end of the Cat5 to the 1/8" jack and then plugged the RJ45 into an RJ45->DB25 converter (just like radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=276-1406 this one except male).

I could not get any continuity using the jack from the old pair of headphones, hence the TiVo couldn't talk to the modem. Once I used cable that I knew had continuity and a 1/8" connector that I knew had continuity everything worked much better.

[mjh]

Originally posted by babino

X X X X.
.X X X X

.|||||||.

Gray Yellow Red Orange
Brown Green Black Blue
If I understand how you're holding the connector, it should be:

Gray=8
Brown=7
Yellow=6
Green=5
Red=4
Black=3
Orange=2
Blue=1

If, as you look into the serial connector case, the RJ45 pins are on top, and the blue wire is all the way to the right and the gray wire is all the way to the left, then the above should be correct. The only other possibility is:

Gray=1
Brown=2
Yellow=3
Green=4
Red=5
Black=6
Orange=7
Blue=8

Try it both ways and see what works.

[babino]

Thanks for the speedy reply! I'll have to try tomorrow when I can buy a new plug from the shack. I'll post my results.

Once you put the pins in, they are virtually impossible to remove them since they lock into the holes; unless someone knows how to get them out. I've tried to pull them out and push from the outside, no luck.

Originally posted by mjh
If I understand how you're holding the connector, it should be:

Gray=8
Brown=7
Yellow=6
Green=5
Red=4
Black=3
Orange=2
Blue=1

If, as you look into the serial connector case, the RJ45 pins are on top, and the blue wire is all the way to the right and the gray wire is all the way to the left, then the above should be correct. The only other possibility is:

Gray=1
Brown=2
Yellow=3
Green=4
Red=5
Black=6
Orange=7
Blue=8

Try it both ways and see what works.

[cactus46]

Thanks to all who have created the path for DTiVos and Vonage calls. My approach was to set up my second-hand USR 33.6 Sportster FaxModem on my series 1 stand alone TiVo since my DirecTiVo service would be installed the next day.
Using the serial cable supplied with the series 1 standalone and a DB9 to DB25 adapter to connect to the USR, setting the dip switches in the back and the appropriate 'AT' codes made the manual jumpers unnecessary. However, my Sportster did not like the 'AT&H0' nor the 'AT&I0' codes. But the rest of the commands and the switch setting in the back give a reliable connection. [For those with series 1 standalones, this modem approach is a good way to go and is not too difficult to implement for defective modems.] This worked like a champ on my series 1 even though the internal modem works fine.
My DirecTV was installed the next day but my modem didn't work on the new HDVR2. So I took my HDVR2 to a friends house with a regular phone line and did the long, almost an hour, download, reset and a shorter download. Then taking the unit home and reconnecting the modem, forcing a daily call, The HDVR2 worked with the modem and has been working for several days now.

[Lenco]

Originally posted by milehighmg
I just tried your solution and got everything to work. Great Post! By the way for any one interested this solution works with the Phillips DSR7000.

I have the DSR7000 as well.
Which solution did you use? External modem or just the dialing prefix?

BTW - What does the /17 ean after the model number?

-Lenco-

[mjh]

Originally posted by babino
Once you put the pins in, they are virtually impossible to remove them since they lock into the holes; unless someone knows how to get them out. I've tried to pull them out and push from the outside, no luck. There is a specific tool that you can get that lets you unlock them so that they can be pulled out. But I've found that if you take a needle nose pliers and use it to gently grip the pin from the outside, you can (again gently) twist and push the pins and they'll release. It's a little crude but it works.

[bonscott87]

Is there anybody like 9th tee selling kits of these premade? I have no skills to make my own cables but might be willing to buy such a kit.

[cactus46]

You can buy a serial cable from the TiVo Store: https://store.tivo.com/main.aspx on the page 2 of the accessories you can find a serial cable, and a DB9 to DB25 Adapter at http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=26-209 - DB25 male/DB9 female. Then if you use a US Robotics 28.8, or 33.6 external modem, you can use the appropriate 'AT' codes and switch setting to replace the hardwiring if you would prefer not to use a soldering iron.

I can give you the dip switch settings and the 'AT' codes that I used with my 33.6 USR Sportster FaxModem and I modified no cables. My HDVR2 works great with Vonage.

John

[gtrogue]

I've tried everything to get my Hughes Series 1 DirecTivo to connect but I keep getting "couldn't connect" messages or sometimes (mostly) the thing hangs at "negotiating". I let it go once and the Tivo was at "negotiating" for hours after the ATA had hung up the connection. I had to pull the plug on the Tivo to recover. Anybody have any ideas? Is there a way to force the internal modem to an even slower speed?

[cactus46]

gtrogue,

Are you using the internal modem in your DirecTivo? If so, does your modem work on a normal phone line? If it is an external, can you tell us what brand/model modem you are using? Does it have DIP switches? What set up string did you use? Are you using the modified serial cable or the stock TiVo serial cable?

What setup string are you using for the phone in the DirecTiVo? On the Vonage web page what setting are you using for the Bandwidth Saver found on the 'Features' page?

We need a little more information to answer your question, imo.

Good luck.

John in Phoenix

[gtrogue]

I use the highest quality bandwidth setting. I am using the internal modems of my GXEBOT and DSR6000 with the ,#019 dialing prefix. They both have no problem connecting via my POTS line.

I think I'm going to install TurboNet or AirNet and not worry about the dialup. I don't order any PPV so the DirecTV part is no problem.

[cactus46]

gtrogue,

You may want to look at this thread: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1542368&highlight=019#post1542368

I have no experience with the DSR6000 but the TurboNet worked great on my SA 1 and Vonage does, too with the internal or external modem. Another consideration with Vonage is the quality of your ISP service. Even my HDVR2 works well with Vonage and an external modem.

John in Phoenix

[MD_TIVO]

Seems like a lot of hoops to jump through in order to use Vonage. What are the advantages of Vonage versus the disadvanges including increased hardware costs and questionable reliability?

I've looked into using Vonage, but so far I don't see the real advantage.

[gtrogue]

MD_TIVO, A basic phone line in my area cost $33/month once taxes and fees are added. That fee doesn't include voicemail, caller id, or any other features, just the phone line. Vonage costs around $27/month total and includes 500 minutes of long distance, caller id, call waiting, voicemail, and much more.

[MD_TIVO]

That makes sense. I pay Verizon around $37, which includes caller id, call waiting, and call forwarding. I would switch to the cheaper Vonage if I could easily wire up all the phones in my house, including the directivo.

[aristoBrat]

$14.99/month Vonage Basic 500 Plan.
500 minutes of US nationwide long distance, local, regional, plus calls to Canada every month. Only 3.9¢ per minute after the first 500 monthly minutes

All plans come with:
FREE Voicemail
FREE Caller ID with Name
FREE Call Waiting
FREE Call Forwarding
FREE Call Transfer
FREE Three Way Calling
Free Calling to Vonage Users
Any area code of your choice Keep your current number
Virtual Phone Numbers
Toll Free Plus
Great International Rates
Int'l Fees to Canada Waived!
Money-Back guarantee


We're super light landline users, so we just signed up for this plan. It beats the pants off of Cox's $45/month bundle.

I'll deal with the DTiVo "not phoning home" daily nag message until DTV releases 4.0, which can "home home" over broadband -- although I'll have to take my DTiVos somewhere with a real phone line for them to get the update. :D

[mjh]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
I'll deal with the DTiVo "not phoning home" daily nag message until DTV releases 4.0, which can "home home" over broadband -- although I'll have to take my DTiVos somewhere with a real phone line for them to get the update. :D That's certainly a reasonable strategy. I wanted to get my DTiVo working over vonage for a number of reasons:[list=1] The nag screen was much more annoying than I anticipated it being. After the first month, it came up once weekly. Then about two weeks later, it started coming up once daily. I wanted to get the 3.1.1b upgrade to fix the sound problems - yeah I coulda taken it to a friends house, but I didn't know how long it would take to complete the download. I like that I can vote with my thumbs up/down on what I think is a quality show. I like that I can send my opinions to advertisers by watching interesting commercials and skipping boring ones. Believe it or not, I like that there's some amount of data about my viewing that's uploaded when I make the daily call.
[/list=1]
$.02

[BerrBrewer]

Ok... I need a little help here getting my HDVR2 to connect.

I've been through the forum and tried to connect my BestData 56k V.90 modem with a home-built cable adapter (1/8" stereo plug, cat5 cable, DB25/RJ45 with pins 2/3/6 wired, 25->9 adapter). Cable tests out fine and I set the modem using the strings AT&R1, AT&S0, AT&W0. Command strings to force the slow speed (&N10, &U6) don't work and neither did AT&D0&H0&I0&R1&W0 (I think H0 & I0 fail). Dial prefix ,#319.

Problem is line never goes off hook during the call attempt and fails to negotiate. My question is do I *need* to do the hard-wired cross connects (6->20, 4->5) or can it work with modem settings only? Am I missing something or do I just need to go pick up an old 33k modem?

[BerrBrewer]

Just a follow-up for the list.

After adding the jumpers in the DB25 (6->20 & 4->5) everything worked fine! My download over Vonage lasted about 25 minutes and completed sucessfully. For me, the hardware solution worked better than trying to flash the software register settings into the modem. Thanks to all those who came before... the nag screens were getting old!

[philipsona]

I recently was looking on the message boards for a way to configure Tivo w/vonage and was told that you should use the "#019" configuration. I attempted to do this and it failed. I then went in and changed the dialing prefix to include 1 and the test call was successfully completed. This celebration might be premature as it has not completed it's daily call in, but it looks promising. I love Vonage it's features and the fact that it is a company that breaks away from the other CLECS and ILECS and makes the big boys of Bell South and MCI nervous. I will keep Vonage till the end.

[directivoetherne]

Does anyone know of a vendor that sells a complete solution for VOIP users for this? i.e. plug and play.

[aristoBrat]

That's a good point. Wonder if someone and 9thtee or weaknees knows there's a market for this? :D

[cburns14]

I tried the dialing codes on my new Phillips DSR7000 unit, but I can't complete a call via my vonage account. So I like the idea someone else had about just taking the box to a friends place, and setting it up there. However, what happens once you lose power? Do you have to go through this setup all over again? If someone could answer that for me, it could save me a headache in advance if it won't work.
Thanks in advance.

[aristoBrat]

The initial setup (that requires a telephone) is done once when you setup your box. So long as you don't choose "Clear and Delete Everything" (or whatever it's called), you won't have to dial in again. :)

[Francesco]

OK, question:

I want to continue using CahceCard (or Turbonet or Airnet) for the TiVo calls on my DSR6000s, but also want to order PPVs. What prefix string should I try? I have had no success getting the DirecTV calls to work using *99,#034,#401 though the broadband part works. I know it's routing the DirecTV calls because they show up on my Vonage account... about 200 a month... Should I just drop the ATA's "fax" prefix and do ,#019,#401?

[Francesco]

OK, nobobody knows, huh?

I moved one of my unhacked DTiVos over from my POTS line and it seems to work on the DirecTV call without a slowdown prefix.

But my Turbonet (now CacheCard) DTiVo does not get through to DirecTV, though it does route the calls to the Vonage line.

How do I set the prefix, then? ",#034,#401" or the other way around?

[bonscott87]

The DirecTV side of the call works over Vonage with my old T-60 as well as my HDVR2. Only the T-60 can call Tivo though. I have the slow down code on the T-60 but not on the HDVR2 (obviously cause it doesn't work).

This past month I noticed TONS of calls from all three receivers to the DirecTV 800 and 888 numbers. Obviously none of them were connecting and kept trying. Then I remember I lowered by Vonage bandwidth to 30K. I upped it back to 90K and all three made a successful call to DirecTV overnight.

So the moral is to at least check your Vonage bandwidth setting and set it to 90k for a couple days and see if that helps. With your broadband Tivo I don't think you need the slowdown code at all since it only effects the Tivo call anyway.

Some things to check anyway.

[k2ue]

I'm gonna try something -- I've ordered the parts: a serial to ethernet box that will appear to my XP as a local serial port that can run PPP, and then extended to where the HDVR2 is by a pair of HomePlug ethernet-over-powerline boxes. If it works I'll get a 115K connection. My wife is sucessfully using HomePlug to connect to my Cable Modem + Router, so I'm hoping for success -- will report back in a week or so.

[Rojindo]

HELP! I have DirecWay and Net2Phone. I do not have LAN. Can I connect either Directv-TIVO or stand-alone TIVO to my satellite-only system??

[k2ue]

Originally posted by k2ue
I'm gonna try something -- I've ordered the parts: a serial to ethernet box that will appear to my XP as a local serial port that can run PPP, and then extended to where the HDVR2 is by a pair of HomePlug ethernet-over-powerline boxes. If it works I'll get a 115K connection.

Success! I'm using a Moxa DE-211 Serial-to-Ethernet box, a Radio Shack 26-209 9-25-pin Adapter, and a Tivo Serial Cable. Also used, but not necessary if you have Ethernet near the HDVR2 are a pair of GigaFast PE902 HomePlug adapters, to extend my network over the powerline. If you use these do NOT plug them into a UPS or surge protector -- they need to put a radio signal on the powerline WITHOUT it getting filtered off.

The Moxa (sold by neteon.net) is set with all switches off, and I used a fixed IP of 192.168.1.220 mask 255.255.255.0. No Gateway entry is needed, since that address only talks to your XP computer, extending a serial port. The Moxa software was set to put the box on COM4, unused on that XP machine.

The Serial-via-PPP-on-XP was set-up per www.b-lan.com/otto/tivo3xp, using a fixed IP of 192.168.1.218 thru 219 (I have a Linksys router and use the 192.168.1.xxx block for everything).

Setting the HDRV2 for a Dial Prefix of ,#211 resulted in successful Test and Daily calls (after I remembered to turn the Guest account ON -- it was set to OFF previously).

Expensive, but independent of Vonage (or any phone line), and fast.

[Rojindo]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to get my nephew to translate it a bit.

So, you're saying there is a way for me to install and continue to use DirecTV/TiVo without a hardline phone, just a VoIP-satellite phone/Net system. Thanks.

[k2ue]

Originally posted by Rojindo
So, you're saying there is a way for me to install and continue to use DirecTV/TiVo without a hardline phone, just a VoIP-satellite phone/Net system. Thanks.

If you are referring to my message, above, it appears you can (except for PPV) operate an HDVR2 (or similar) with ONLY a broadband connection (of any type). But I'll be more confident of that statement after I see a software update download on PPP.

Does anyone have experience with the last software update over PPP?

[RightHere]

Not neteon.com, neteon.net. Moxa DE-211 price is $149.

VERY interesting idea! Compared to Vonage's basic plan, this pays for itself after about 6 months after you include the startup costs. No resale market for this though (in case DTV happens to come to their senses and enable the USB ports for network devices). They also have 2 port devices if you have multiple Tivos in the same location.

I'm wondering about enabling the guest acct though. Isn't this dangerous?

[k2ue]

Originally posted by RightHere
I'm wondering about enabling the guest acct though. Isn't this dangerous?

No, there's a check box that only allows locally attached hardware to use the guest account with no password -- from outside you would have the same password control as any other user name.

[RightHere]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but then you also need to remember to set up a pwd on that guest acct after you enable it, right? Otherwise it's probably blank? I didnt' see that info listed in the instructions anywhere, so that's why I'm asking.

[k2ue]

Originally posted by RightHere
Maybe this is a dumb question, but then you also need to remember to set up a pwd on that guest acct after you enable it, right? Otherwise it's probably blank? I didnt' see that info listed in the instructions anywhere, so that's why I'm asking.

Good point -- I'm not sure what it defaults to, but I certainly did set a unique password when I enabled it.

[k2ue]

Originally posted by RightHere
Not neteon.com, neteon.net. Moxa DE-211 price is $149.


I corrected the address in the post -- thanks for catching it.

[loki2043]

couldnt you just get into the directivo and run somthing like minicom and change the modem speed through there and save it??? sounds to me like it would work but im a newbie so give me a break:D

[ADent]

Weaknees sells a preconfigured modem and seperately a serial cable.

Wouldn't that work?

[RightHere]

Originally posted by ADent
Weaknees sells a preconfigured modem and seperately a serial cable.

Wouldn't that work? I assume it would, but I think paying $99 for a modem is a LITTLE pricey (I'm trying to be nice to the advertiser). Also, there's no guarantee that it would be preconfigured with the settings you need to use Vonage. I believe they are slightly different from what you'd need to just use any old external modem.

[loki2043]

what about my idea???? (check last 2 posts)

[loki2043]

bump

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by loki2043
couldnt you just get into the directivo and run somthing like minicom and change the modem speed through there and save it??? sounds to me like it would work but im a newbie so give me a break:D
"Getting into the DirecTiVo" is a lot of work. Check the Underground forums on here...

[gfoulks]

I just ordered Vonage service and was checking out what posts I could find where people where using there Vonage in a Wireless G network and DirecTivo.

Has anything changed with the Vonage hardware that will require me to use an external modem to make daily calls?

[astribli]

Well, thought I would add my $.02 worth.

Just finished hooking up my Philips DSR7000 via external modem and Vonage. Works great.

I still don't understand why the internal modem doesn't work with Vonage. By using an external modem, with it's speed slowed down (either using an old piece of hardware or AT settings), we are saying that the internal modem doesn't have the capability of just slowing down to whatever speed the phone line can handle? The ability for modems to slow down as needed depending on noise/quality of phone line has been part of the modem standard since day 1 (in the 1970's). Why can't the internal modem simply slow down to something less than 56K? Besides, not everyone has phone lines that can connect at anything higher than 28K.

Actually amazing it works at all considering all the pathways the signal is making. Here is my setup:

1. DSR7000 to US Robotics Sportster 56k modem, slowed down to 14.4 using AT commands.

2. US Robotics modem to RCA wireless phone jack (don't have a jack next to Tivo).

3. RCA Wireless phone jack to Vonage ATA phone adapter

4. Vonage phone adapter to my Linksys Router/Firewall

5. Linksys Router to Motorola Cable modem

6. Cable modem to Comcast to Internet

Sure beats using SBC !

[Nugent]

I have a HDVR2 and an imminent switchover to Vonage. To make my DirecTiVo work, I picked up a cheap US Robotics Sportster 28,800 fax modem on eBay.

Using an old headphone jack and cable, with a DB25 jack from RS, I made up a TiVo to modem connector as described by RedGray (thanks!), complete with the 4-5 and 6-20 jumpovers.

My problem is that the modem does not seem to be responding to the Tivo's attempts to dial out. Yes, I set the prefix to #319. I presume the test call goes via the external modem, not the internal one.

Please give suggestions for troubleshooting. I also need advice on the appropriate dip switch settings:

1. DTR normal/override
2. Verbal/numeric result codes
3. Suppress/display result codes
4. Echo/no echo offline commands
5. Auto answer on/off
6. Carrier detect normal/override
7. Load NVRAM/factory defaults
8. Dumb/smart mode

TIA!

[gfoulks]

Maybe you should try to connect through Vonage first before trying to mess around with the external modem. From what I'm hearing the new ATA's are now able to make the calls now....

I'll know more later this week when my ATA arrives and I set it up.

[Meinrad]

If the new ATA's really work better, than I might be a Vonage customer sooner than later. I just wasn't up for doing the external modem thing.

[astribli]

You need to place a comma "," before the code. It should be ,#319

Use the PAUSE button to place a comma (I think), it shows you on the screen which buttons are what when progamming in the codes.


Originally posted by Nugent
I have a HDVR2 and an imminent switchover to Vonage. To make my DirecTiVo work, I picked up a cheap US Robotics Sportster 28,800 fax modem on eBay.

Using an old headphone jack and cable, with a DB25 jack from RS, I made up a TiVo to modem connector as described by RedGray (thanks!), complete with the 4-5 and 6-20 jumpovers.

My problem is that the modem does not seem to be responding to the Tivo's attempts to dial out. Yes, I set the prefix to #319. I presume the test call goes via the external modem, not the internal one.

Please give suggestions for troubleshooting. I also need advice on the appropriate dip switch settings:

1. DTR normal/override
2. Verbal/numeric result codes
3. Suppress/display result codes
4. Echo/no echo offline commands
5. Auto answer on/off
6. Carrier detect normal/override
7. Load NVRAM/factory defaults
8. Dumb/smart mode

TIA!

[Nugent]

What a difference, a comma makes! Thanks, astribli for spotting that I hadn't spotted it.

My external modem now works properly via POTS. My Vonage switchover is tomorrow. I'll try connecting via Vonage using both internal and external modems and report back here.

[Nugent]

Ok, here is the report:

Hardware: Cable internet (Charter) via a Motorola S85100 Surfboard Cable Modem (Circuit City), Vonage ATA Motorola VT1005V, Directivo HDVR2, US Robotics Sportster 28,800 external fax modem, set up as per RedGray's directions.

I set the dial-in number to my local number, of course including the 1-area code.

The result: Both the interal Directivo and external USR modems work via Vonage!

Conclusion: I shouldn't have spent $2 plus shipping on eBay for the external modem.

If the internal modem remains reliable, I am willing to give the USR modem and home-made interface cable to the first worthy user willing to pay shipping.

[scottt]

Nugent, are you using any prefixes on the HDVR2 when using the internal modem with Vonage?

[Nugent]

Nope - no prefixes, and it still seems to be working ok. Successful calls when I checked Monday.

[nerdtech]

Nugent:

I have a HDVR2 as well - and am looking at Vonage as an option for voice.

I was just wondering if this is still all working for you - with the equipment that you are using:

- HDVR2
- Vonage ATA Motorola VT1005V
- Cable Modem/DSL

Are you a recent subscriber to Vonage - and is this a newer Motorola box that you got from them? Interested to hear...

[PhilEkins]

semi off topic but does anybody have regular D* receivers that they are using w/ vonage and did they work ok over the broadband phoneline ??

[Nugent]

nerdtech: my hardware, as you listed, is working fine. Yes, I am a recent Vonage customer with the new Motorola box and have cut the Bellsouth cable. I am happy with Vonage, especially the price. It's not perfect - for example: no power, no phone - but meets all my needs. Some features are really cool - I take it to my girlfriends place when I visit there (different state) and people who call me are really confused when I tell them I'm out of town.

I you or anyone else wants to sign up, I'd appreciate referring you. I get a little kickback from Vonage and it doesn't cost you. Let me know.

I previously posted that my Directivo dial-ins worked without any modifications. Well, it appears that this is unreliable after some experience. So just in case I am withdrawing my offer of a modem - sorry! However, it works just great with the external modem, which was easy and cheap to implement.

[scottt]

Originally posted by Nugent
nerdtech: my hardware, as you listed, is working fine. Yes, I am a recent Vonage customer with the new Motorola box and have cut the Bellsouth cable. I am happy with Vonage, especially the price. It's not perfect - for example: no power, no phone - but meets all my needs. Some features are really cool - I take it to my girlfriends place when I visit there (different state) and people who call me are really confused when I tell them I'm out of town.

I you or anyone else wants to sign up, I'd appreciate referring you. I get a little kickback from Vonage and it doesn't cost you. Let me know.

I previously posted that my Directivo dial-ins worked without any modifications. Well, it appears that this is unreliable after some experience. So just in case I am withdrawing my offer of a modem - sorry! However, it works just great with the external modem, which was easy and cheap to implement.

Um, how unreliable?

[qposner]

So whats the final verdict on the newere Motorola ATA's??? I have been with Vonage since last summer and have a Cisco ATA. Intitally the Motorolas were having problems with voice and the C iscos were reliable. However, if the nrew Motorolas are more reliable AND the HDVR2 is making calls, I may have to see if Vonage will swap mine out.

So, whats the verdict??!!! Any help is, as always, appreciated. :)

[qposner]

So whats the final verdict on the newer Motorola ATA's??? I have been with Vonage since last summer and have a Cisco ATA. Intitally the Motorolas were having problems with voice and the C iscos were reliable. However, if the nrew Motorolas are more reliable AND the HDVR2 is making calls, I may have to see if Vonage will swap mine out.

So, whats the verdict??!!! Any help is, as always, appreciated. :)

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by PhilEkins
semi off topic but does anybody have regular D* receivers that they are using w/ vonage and did they work ok over the broadband phoneline ??


I have been using regular D*TV receivers on Vonage for a couple of years. They make their calls as needed. I have not had a problem with them.:D

[gfoulks]

Being a new Vonage customer I have one of the newer Moto's and it works just fine with my DirecTivo. Simply put

,*99,1AREACODE in the dial prefix and make your call. Works every time for me.

[expoke]

Newbie here. Same problem. Cisco ATA and Philips DirecTV 7000 and won't work with Vonage.

When you say it works with the Moto, do you mean that you've not had to modify the internal modem speed as described at the beginning of this post? I have the Cisco and if it would be easier to swap out for a Moto, that's what I'll do...

Just completed the instructions as detailed in the opening post, but every time it gets to the dialing step, it fails, stating that the line is busy...

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by Don_Corneo
The main thing is to keep hammering Tivo for a solution. They created the problem. We have paid a lot of money for their equipment and I did not see any warnings about Tivo not working over Voip systems. I believe absence of such warnings makes Tivo responsible for coming up with a viable solution that does not require us (end users) to buy/build a fix.
Actually, if you're using your TiVo, that means you pressed "Select to Agree to TiVo's terms and services" on one of the setup screens.

TiVo Service Terms and Conditions
No functionality is represented or should be expected with respect to TiVo DVRs without a paid subscription to the TiVo service. Receipt of TiVo service is subject to the terms of the TiVo Service Agreement. The TiVo service is accessed through a standard telephone line and is available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, local and long-distance toll charges may apply.
I'm all for finding a solution, but the idea that TiVo is at fault for their equipment not working on a non-standard phone solution that you chose is .... aggravating.

[nerdtech]

If I was able EASILY to have my USB ports on my DirecTiVo active to receive information, I would LOVE that. HMO option available or not - this is something that is NOT an outrageous request. :)

[expoke]

It's not DirecTVs or Tivo's responsibility to fix the Series 2 DirecTivo connection limitations because of a user agreement? That's laughable and absurd. You must work for these companies to find this expectation aggravating.

I've got USB ports in the back they are fond of pointing out, but have no further function on my DirecTivo Series 2 than to be a really neat place to stick my finger in... THAT'S aggravating!

Yes if you call Tivo, they will just pass us D*Tivo guys to DirecTV for answers, and DirecTV has said the same thing for months now: We have absolutely no idea when we will enable the ports and fix this problem. THAT'S aggravating!

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by expoke
It's not DirecTVs or Tivo's responsibility to fix the Series 2 DirecTivo connection limitations because of a user agreement? That's laughable and absurd. You must work for these companies to find this expectation aggravating.
The fact that their modem doesn't work on a Voice-over-IP telephone connection isn't any more of a "connection limitation" than the fact that their modem doesn't work over a Cellular telephone connection.

The product was designed to work over a standard telephone line. It does. To honestly think that DTV is responsible to make it work over every telephone technology is what aggravates me. THE ISSUE ISN'T THAT THE DIRECTIVO DOESN'T WORK, IT'S THAT VONAGE DOESN'T WORK LIKE A STANDARD PHONE LINE. Make Vonage responsible for having VOIP act like a standard phone line and the problem is fixed.

If you want to rant about USB ports not being active so you can make broadband phone calls, post in a "I WANT MY HMO NOW" thread. God knows there are plenty of them here. :rolleyes:

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by Don_Corneo
VOIP is a standard telephone line actually. The only difference is that it works over a digital backback instead of an analog one.
Do you really want to stand by that statement? :D

[expoke]

That link does not allow us to submit our question once we select what unit we have. Once again, we are referred to DirecTV.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
Do you really want to stand by that statement? :D

Actually, I do. Every other piece of equipment I have that was/is manufactured to operate over "standard phone line(s)" does. My other D*TV receivers work fine over Vonage. The D*TV receiver that my DVR replaced made it's calls with no problems. My internal fax modem (which was built way before VOIP works great over Vonage, clearer faxes then over analog service lines. And Vonage is looking into what they can do for its customers. I had a Vonage tech spend 2 hours with me trying everything he could. I had a D*TV tech do the same.

And as pointed out in another post I read related to this problem, TiVo (NOT D*TV) required the use of a piece of hardware that defies the current standard for modems, in that it cannot negotiaite speed. It is beyond reason (except it would cost TiVo less per call; businesses pay for the actual length of time a line is used) why TiVo would have a modem built (as per TiVo specs) this way.

As a side note, I have seen posts (on other boards) about homes with older wiring have had to be rewired to work with TiVo. In at least one case the phone company had to switch the "line pair" to a house because the lines had degraded and TiVo would not connect. Had TiVo used a standard modem, none of this would be an issue. So, yes, this is TiVo's fault. All they needed to do was use current modem standards instead of reinventing the telegraph.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by expoke
That link does not allow us to submit our question once we select what unit we have. Once again, we are referred to DirecTV.

The link should send you to http://customersupport.tivo.com/caseSelector.asp?. If it doesn't, try copy/paste. If you still don't get in, select a different DRV that is NOT a D*TiVo unit. Continue until you come to a page that has "Contact support" with two selection boxes and a text box, as described in my previous post above with the link.

[expoke]

Ok I specified a different model and submitted it. I anticipate they'll just use that misrepresentation as an excuse to pass me off, but we'll see... I'll advise when I hear something.

Another idea to bring this issue to their attention is for someone to set a date in advance, far enough to publicize it sufficiently here and among other circles, and on that date we'll all call Tivo/DirecTV and express our frustration with this problem. People could call anytime, as often as they want.

One more idea, and one that may avoid wait times on the telephone: We could all send a standard letter to the same locations as well. Wouldn't take long to cut/paste text into word, put a stamp on it and throw it in the mail.

I'm up for both ideas. They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Not as much fun though...haha

[bonscott87]

Don, I'm not sure why you think it's Tivo's problem.

Vonage states specifically that analog dial-up modems will not work with their service. Period. They fact that some work and some don't is all in the YMMV category. Vonage doesn't support modem use through their service. How you equate that to being a Tivo problem is beyond me.

Also keep in mind that Tivo's have been around long before Vonage was the gleam in some developer's eye. Thus how could they tweak their modem protocol to work with something that didn't exist yet. Not withstanding the fact THAT VONAGE DOESN'T SUPPORT DIAL UP MODEMS ON THEIR SERVICE.

Ok, I'm done. :D

[Meinrad]

Do not send these complaints to Tivo. It is not Tivo's problem in any way shape or form. DirecTivo's (actuallly DirecTv PVR's powered by Tivo) are controlled by DirecTv. They buy rights to the software and use it. Tivo can not just decided they want to do something to the software and upload it to our machines. If DirecTv would pay Tivo to fix it, then it would get fixed.

Actually, I think something to that effect was even iterated by someone form Tivo on these boards. Anything DirecTv asks them to do they will do, but they have to be asked.

If you want to bug someone, bug DirecTv, they hold all the cards.

[BioTechnician]

Help, have the new motorola ata and the HDVR2 with the tivo serial cable. Also have an external us robotics 14.4 modem which i have tested with my computer to connect. The problem is when i hook the tivo serial cable to my modem it is not deteched unless i use a null modem cable adapter but does not connect. I have tried jus the serial with the ,#319 and the *99 commands but fails to negotiat every time. but when i use just the serial it does not detect my modem at all. I have tried several modems any help would be great.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by Meinrad
Do not send these complaints to Tivo. It is not Tivo's problem in any way shape or form. DirecTivo's (actuallly DirecTv PVR's powered by Tivo) are controlled by DirecTv. They buy rights to the software and use it. Tivo can not just decided they want to do something to the software and upload it to our machines. If DirecTv would pay Tivo to fix it, then it would get fixed.

Actually, I think something to that effect was even iterated by someone form Tivo on these boards. Anything DirecTv asks them to do they will do, but they have to be asked.

If you want to bug someone, bug DirecTv, they hold all the cards.


TiVo SPECIFIES what hardware and software is to be used to work with their service. D*TV's "control" is limited to the channels you get. DirecTV has no control over the hardware or software except as ALLOWED by TiVo. That is why units like mine (and it appears it is in all D*TiVo units) have two seperate modems. D*TV's modem communicates without a problem. It's the modem for TiVo that is the problem. People who use TiVo SA units also have the same problem as the D*TiVo using VOIP.
If you remove all the D*TV specific hardware/software, you are left with the almost the same hardware/software found in a SA. The basic setup of the 'motherboard' is the same, even between brands (As required by TiVo). The only software specific between D*TV and TiVo is the interaction with D*TV service programming (i.e. guide, PPV). What D*TV really does is supply a similar unit to the SA at a cheaper price and lower monthly service fee. Of course there is also the convience of having one 'box' instead of two and the dual tuners (which as far as I understand is not available in a SA). If D*TV had the DVR's built to it's own specs, then the hacks and other codes probably wouldn't be the same as SA's, if they'd work at all. I tried one code that I found on a SA board that worked exactly the same in my Samsung (who specifically builds D*TiVo's only, no SA's).
What it boils down to is D*TV pays for the right to USE the "TiVo" logo and services. The manufactures pay for the right to use the "TiVo" logo and to build the units as per TiVo specs using the required hardware and installing the required software. TiVo retains fulls rights to the hardware and software. This is most evident with the following statement I found on the TiVo site:

"As disclosed in its most recent annual report, TiVo has been awarded 49 patents and has over 100 patent applications pending. These patents and patent applications protect its original DVR software and hardware design, as well as additional features that enhance the TiVo service and enable networked home entertainment."
Also look at your system info screen where TiVo specifically states it owns and controls its software and hardware.

D*TV is owned by Hughes, who is also with Philips. But RCA, Samsung and Sony are independent (and there are a couple of others). Both Samsung and Sony make must of their own hardware and electronics, but look inside. My Samsung has a Western Digital hard drive. Samsung makes its own hard drives, so why is there another company's product in it? It costs more to build using another manufactures product. Simply because TiVo at the time required Western Digital hard drives (as with the SA). D*TV could care less what hard drive is used since they simply sold Samsung the right to manufacture receivers for them.
Maybe D*TV should have made sure the contract with TiVo required better support of the TiVo specific parts (used losely). We might be able to blame D*TV for that, but I spoke to Samsung about the problem (after all they did build it) and they informed me that TiVo, not D*TV, required the specific hardware to be used. It would have been cheaper (Equals more profit) for Samsung to use their own products, but they were not allowed to do this under manufacturing contract with TiVo.
I have to believe the reason TiVo sends use back to D*TV for tech help is because we don't pay the high rate that SA owners do (especially if you own more than one). TiVo just can't be bothered with us 'cheap' D*TiVo DVR owners.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by BioTechnician
Help, have the new motorola ata and the HDVR2 with the tivo serial cable. Also have an external us robotics 14.4 modem which i have tested with my computer to connect. The problem is when i hook the tivo serial cable to my modem it is not deteched unless i use a null modem cable adapter but does not connect. I have tried jus the serial with the ,#319 and the *99 commands but fails to negotiat every time. but when i use just the serial it does not detect my modem at all. I have tried several modems any help would be great.


There is a post by RedGray at the beginning of this thread that may help you. It requires you to modify some wires needed to force the modem into a mode that works with TiVo. It appears that those who have done it can connect to TiVo as needed.
Also, you can to take the DVR to someone's house that has regular analog phone service (if you don't still have one). Once you complete the initial setup, the info is stored in the unit until it is reset (so don't reset it unless you have an analog phone line available). If you can't stand the nag screens, you can take the unit to an analog phone line once a month to keep them at bay.
Other than that, you are in the same boat with the rest of us. We have to wait and see if TiVo's version 4.0 software will also be available to D*TiVo owners.

[BioTechnician]

',#319" does not slow the modem down it just allows you to use an external modem.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by bonscott87
Don, I'm not sure why you think it's Tivo's problem.

Vonage states specifically that analog dial-up modems will not work with their service. Period. They fact that some work and some don't is all in the YMMV category. Vonage doesn't support modem use through their service. How you equate that to being a Tivo problem is beyond me.

Also keep in mind that Tivo's have been around long before Vonage was the gleam in some developer's eye. Thus how could they tweak their modem protocol to work with something that didn't exist yet. Not withstanding the fact THAT VONAGE DOESN'T SUPPORT DIAL UP MODEMS ON THEIR SERVICE.

Ok, I'm done. :D

To avoid getting involved with technical problems, Vonage warns you that modems don't work with their system. This is more than likely do to problems such as that we are expierencing with the TiVo modem. Not all modems are created equal!
They do offer a dedicated fax line (read dial up modem).
Also, a Vonage tech spent 2 hours with me trying different settings, both available to users and available only to Vonage in-house, to get TiVo to connect. The tech also has TiVo and has the same problems. Vonage is limited to what they can do by the hardware at both ends (read ATA and TiVo), but they are trying to find a workable solution. The way the tech remedied his problem was by installing wireless phone jacks. But this does not work for everyone.
At this time it is all guesses, but it seems that the TiVo modem cannot handle the clearity of a digital network nor the speed of the packets over the digital network. The main problem is that the TiVo modem speed is fixed with no room for adapting to line conditions. It can not 'tell' the server to 'slow down'.

[bonscott87]

Don,

You are forgetting the fact that Vonage STILL doesn't support dial-up modems other then fax line (which runs at 9600 or less). Call them up, look at the license agreement, check the FAQ's. It's simple: Vonage doesn't (still) support analog dialup modems. Period. You can't change the facts as much as you want to. So please, stop with your thread hijack and go complain elsewhere, maybe start your own thread. This thread for the longest time has been about helping people with technical solutions to get their DirecTivo to work over Vonage. All of your posts and replys to those posts should be removed to clean it back up to it's original state.

[Meinrad]

Originally posted by Don_Corneo
TiVo SPECIFIES what hardware and software is to be used to work with their service. D*TV's "control" is limited to the channels you get. DirecTV has no control over the hardware or software except as ALLOWED by TiVo.


LoL, you go ahead and keep believing that. People who actually work for Tivo have posted otherwise.

[edrock200]

Just got the motorolla ATA and it works great with the Tivos! I made Vonage switch out my cisco because my Tivo's wouldn't dial on them. I'm happy I did because I just made 5 calls in a row with no problems. :)

[edrock200]

*sigh*...well, I take it all back. It worked great for a while...then my ATA decided to do a firmware update...and now all calls are failing again. I'm just spoke with Vonage and one of the tech guys is working with his managers to see if he can roll my firmware back and figure out whats going on. He said if we find a compatible firmware he can lock my ata on that firmware and send it to motorolla for comparison to the new one to see what happened.

[qposner]

I emailed Vonage to see if they would send me a Moto ATA to check against my Cisco. Here was there response:

"Unfortunately, we cannot temporarily supply you with a Motorola
adapter. However, we will be able to swap the Cisco device for the
Motorola ATA. There is $99.95 swap fee and we will credit you $40.00
once you return the Cisco device."

That seems a bit ridiculous to me. They want to charge $60 when they could be helping their support position if the Moto works!

[bmiller]

Originally posted by qposner
That seems a bit ridiculous to me. They want to charge $60 when they could be helping their support position if the Moto works!
You think yourself integral to testing this configuration? I'm sure they have their own labs and they don't want to have to start swapping out everyone's Cisco device just because they feel like it. When you signed up, didn't it say they don't support TiVo? Seems to me I read that and it's the reason I didn't sign up.

[qposner]

Ahh, the sweet hum of a condescending voice.

Actually, no, I do not consider myself "integral to testing this configuration". I just don't see what the problem is with swapping out an ATA. Its not like we have to buy them and they lose money. I would even be willing to pay shipping.

[expoke]

Here's what I wrote to Tivo and DirecTV:

"When will our USB ports be enabled on the back of my Series 2
DirecTV-enabled TIVO units?

The telephone connection does not work with my VoiP setup, and signs are
everywhere that more and more people are using these VoiP types of
service.

It's been at least months. The number of customers with this problem is
growing, because this limitation is not brought to our attention when we
all bought these units.

We're always being referred from Tivo to DirecTV, and DirecTVs answer
has been the same for months: There is "no idea" when it will happen.

All of us would greatly appreciate honest efforts to address this issue.""

***As I said, here's DirecTV's response to my request for assistance with this matter (total bullsh**):

"Thank you for writing. At this time, the USB ports on the TIVO are not
being used [WHAT?!? SURELY YOU JEST!]. Just as personal computers are rapidly evolving, we expect
DIRECTV System receivers to incorporate many new features in the coming
years [YEARS?? AND WHAT DOES THE COMPUTER ANALOGY HAVE TO DO WITH IT??]. We will enhance our programming service as the receiving
equipment evolves.

All DIRECTV System receivers bring you excellent picture and sound
quality and on-screen program information. However, the on-screen menus
of each brand may have a slightly different "look and feel." Also, each
manufacturer of DIRECTV Systems offers various receivers which each
offer a different array of features. The availability of certain
features depends on the receiving equipment you own [THIS ENTIRE PARAGRAPH IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT]. If you have
questions about DIRECTV Systems and their future features, we suggest
you see our web site for a list of system manufacturers at
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/OurPartners.jsp#Manufacturers

I hope this information is helpful [DO YOU REALLY?]. Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,

Anjali
DIRECTV Customer Service"

**...and now here's Tivo's BULLSH** response:

"Thank you for contacting TiVo Customer Support. I understand you would like the USB ports enabled and the modem modified on your DIRECTV DVR.

Unfortunately, I do not have any information to help you. The DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service and the TiVo service received are both offered and supported by DIRECTV. Any changes to the hardware or software will be provided by DIRECTV [INSERT FAVORITE PASSING THE BUCK MOTION HERE].

For support of DIRECTV products, please call DIRECTV at 1-800-DIRECTV or: 1-800-531-5000.

If you are interested in purchasing TiVo products [HAHA! THE NERVE TO MAKE A SALES PITCH!], including the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service, you can find more information at tivo.com/get.

Kind regards,
Dave
TiVo Customer Support"

...like I'm going to buy anymore of their trash!

[expoke]

Here's what I wrote to Tivo and DirecTV:

"When will our USB ports be enabled on the back of my Series 2
DirecTV-enabled TIVO units?

The telephone connection does not work with my VoiP setup, and signs are
everywhere that more and more people are using these VoiP types of
service.

It's been at least months. The number of customers with this problem is
growing, because this limitation is not brought to our attention when we
all bought these units.

We're always being referred from Tivo to DirecTV, and DirecTVs answer
has been the same for months: There is "no idea" when it will happen.

All of us would greatly appreciate honest efforts to address this issue.""

***As I said, here's DirecTV's response to my request for assistance with this matter (total bullsh**):

"Thank you for writing. At this time, the USB ports on the TIVO are not
being used. Just as personal computers are rapidly evolving, we expect
DIRECTV System receivers to incorporate many new features in the coming
years. We will enhance our programming service as the receiving
equipment evolves.

All DIRECTV System receivers bring you excellent picture and sound
quality and on-screen program information. However, the on-screen menus
of each brand may have a slightly different "look and feel." Also, each
manufacturer of DIRECTV Systems offers various receivers which each
offer a different array of features. The availability of certain
features depends on the receiving equipment you own. If you have
questions about DIRECTV Systems and their future features, we suggest
you see our web site for a list of system manufacturers at
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/OurPartners.jsp#Manufacturers

I hope this information is helpful. Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,

Anjali
DIRECTV Customer Service"

**...and now here's Tivo's BULLSH** response:

"Thank you for contacting TiVo Customer Support. I understand you would like the USB ports enabled and the modem modified on your DIRECTV DVR.

Unfortunately, I do not have any information to help you. The DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service and the TiVo service received are both offered and supported by DIRECTV. Any changes to the hardware or software will be provided by DIRECTV.

For support of DIRECTV products, please call DIRECTV at 1-800-DIRECTV or: 1-800-531-5000.

If you are interested in purchasing TiVo products, including the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo service, you can find more information at tivo.com/get.

Kind regards,
Dave
TiVo Customer Support"

...like I'm going to buy anymore of their trash!

[nerdtech]

So I was all hot to move my voiceline to Vonage and ditch SBC [Ameritech]. But, lucky for me, I did some checking and some research first.

I called Speakeasy [my DSL provider] to make SURE that I was not required to have an SBC-provided voice line. Good thing that I did this.

Indeed, it turns out in my case that it is REQUIRED by Speakeasy [DSL] that I have an active line from SBC [Voice] for them to provide me DSL service. What does this mean?

Any poor sap that tries to move their phone line over to Vonage, and who is using Speakeasy for DSL in Southeast Michigan - will essentially "cut off their own heads". You move your phone to Vonage, and if your SBC line is disconnected - then your DSL stops working - voila! No more data OR voice!

Just a heads-up, and a warning. Check with your DSL providers first, before gettin' hooked up with Vonage - and see if the DSL service needs to be "piggy backed" onto an existing Bell phone line or not.

Also, the Speakeasy rep suggested that I just get "metered service" on the voice line - but I want to keep our existing voice number to use with Vonage - so this is not an option, either.

Cable modem users, I think, need not worry about this all. Just DSL users.

And please do correct me if I am wrong about any of this - but hearing this information from Speakeasy [and not Vonage or SBC] seems to give a bit more legitamacy to the info - particularly since Speakeasy wants to keep seeing my monthly DSL payments. :)

[edrock200]

Yes most DSL companies require a dial tone to get service unless you get a business class RADSL or dedicated pair which is expensive. Qwest is trying to change that, and hopefully it will work:
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/02/25/1325214&mode=thread

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
Do you really want to stand by that statement? :D

Below is a copy of an email I received from TiVo.com customer support:

Hello Don,

Thank you for contacting TiVo Customer Support. I understand you would like to know what is meant by a standard phone line.

A standard phone line (analog) will have a chord (land-line) connected to the TiVo DVR, a cell phone is not a standard phone line.

I gather that an analog-digital-analog service (such as VoIP) is not compatible with the low grade non-industry-standard modem required by TiVo for its service.

Do I Need a Land-Based Phone Line to Complete Guided Setup? http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv2054.htm?

Can My TiVo Digital Video Recorder Make a Daily Call on a Phone Line with DSL? http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv1061.htm?

Why Does My DVR Need to Be Connected to a Phone Line/Why Does My DVR Need to Connect to the TiVo Service?
http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv020301.htm?

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

You may also visit our web site at: http://tivo.com/support, to use our interactive troubleshooting guide, find a graphical solution to answer your questions or submit a case to one of our technicians. If you need to make any billing changes or update your customer information you can do this online at: http://tivo.com/manage.

Do you have a home network? With our new Home Media Option you can use your DVR to listen to music or view photos from your PC, share programs with other DVRs in your household, and schedule recordings remotely from the web. Check it out at: http://tivo.com/new.

Kind regards,
Dennis
TiVo Customer Support


I have also found the following in TiVo's FAQ's:

If I have a broadband connection (cable modem, DSL), does that mean I don't need to use my regular phone to connect to the TiVo service anymore?
That's right! If you have a broadband connection in the home and a TiVo Series2, you can connect to the TiVo service directly by connecting your DVR to your network. This feature will be available to all subscribers (Except D*TiVo subscribers) with a TiVo Series2, whether or not you purchase the Home Media Option package.*

*You will still need to use a standard phone line for your initial call during Guided (or Repeat Guided) Setup.

All we need to do is have DirecTV and TiVo make TiVo software version 4.0, or later, or version 5.0 available to D*TiVo owners. TiVo owns the software (check your DVR system info page where TiVo clearly states it owns the software/hardware), so all D*TV can do is ask for it, or may have to pay for it which may present a problem.

[aristoBrat]

Originally posted by Don_Corneo
all D*TV can do is ask for it, or may have to pay for it which may present a problem.
Yeah, and having a Pay-Per-View billing system and signal theft prevention policy that both currently rely on land-based phone calls from receivers might also be a small problem for D*TV.

FWIW, there's already a thread with an online petition you can sign to request HMO and other updates: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=109505

[gfoulks]

Just hook up a external modem to your DTivo... Then you can make your daily calls without any problems. You can even get a preconfigured modem and cable /w adapter from Weaknees. I did and I was up and running in 3 minutes. In two months my Vonage service will have saved me enough money to pay for the modem upgrade.

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by aristoBrat
Yeah, and having a Pay-Per-View billing system and signal theft prevention policy that both currently rely on land-based phone calls from receivers might also be a small problem for D*TV.

FWIW, there's already a thread with an online petition you can sign to request HMO and other updates: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=109505

Thanks, I signed up on the petition, but I'm really not interested in getting HMO. All I want is the home networking availability. This is separate from HMO. (See the end of my post above.)

As an added note: D*TV TiVo Specialty Group, 1 (800) 793-4102 (Call this number to inform D*TV you want TiVo software version 4.0 or higher) has informed me users of D*TiVo with VoIP face a double problem. One is that TiVo has not made the new TiVo software (4.0 or higher) available to D*TV. Two is that D*TV must test the newer TiVo software's compatibility with the D*TV access card. The D*TV access card is tied into working with the TiVo software, though the Rep could not explain how or why.
The Rep also informed me that TiVo does control the software and hardware used for TiVo part of the unit. D*TV just works out compatibility with its own software and hardware. (When you make the setup call, it is to the TiVo server and the software upgrade is controlled by TiVo.)
The Rep made a request on my behalf for D*TV.com to make a web page specifically for D*TiVo users.
The failure of the TiVo daily calls using VoIP is caused by the non-industry standard modem (#1) TiVo required installed in the units. D*TV used a industry standard modem (#2) for its part which is why their once a month call has not been a problem.
D*TV needs a kick in the @$$ to support us in getting the newer TiVo software and testing it for compatibility quicker.
TiVo needs to be bombarded to let them know we refuse to be treated as an unwanted step-child. The TiVo software and hardware is strictly their responsibility. They need to provide newer version to D*TV in a timely fashion so that D*TV can test its compatibility and then get it to us.
At this point the only advantages that the D*TiVo units have over SA units is the dual tuners and integrated TiVo/D*TV receiver unit. Unfortunately, mainly for VoIP users, the integrated unit causes a big delay in getting the newer and better TiVo software.

I'll wait to see what TiVo's response to support D*TiVo is before I make a final decision about keeping the D*TiVo.

To any who hasn't bought a D*TiVo unit yet and has VoIP, I recommend reading the posts here and on other boards. You may want to consider buying a SA where you can use the home networking option (you DO NOT have to get HMO if you don't want it, HMO is not a part of home networking nor is HMO needed to use home networking) or try one of the work-arounds suggested. You can always bring the unit over to an old analog land-line every 30 days also.

[tivoremedies]

I didn't realize that this was still a big deal! I've been using Vonage for just over a year and my series 2 connect perfectly every time! I bought a preprogrammed external modem kit off of some guy on ebay specifically for series 2 Tivos and Directivos for like 60 bucks shipped. When I got it in the mail, I hooked it up and everything has worked fine ever since.

I have his email address if anyone is interested.

If your thinking about switching, Vonage is definatly the way to go! IMO

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by tivoremedies
specifically for series 2 Tivos and Directivos for like 60 bucks shipped. When I got it in the mail, I hooked it up and everything has worked fine ever since.

I have his email address if anyone is interested.

The problem for me is that spending more than $20.00 for a 'ready to use' fix is making the D*TiVo more expensive then it's worth to me. For the price D*TiVo was offered, it was more convenient then buying a new VCR, and a lot less expensive than buying a DVD recorder, to replace my VCR that decided one day to stop working. The duel tuners was a good incentive. But now I'm rethinking everything. For the costs involved, buying a new VCR and using one of my old D*TV receivers and TVs with it seems more cost effective. I'm very leery about spending more money and the fix not working to my expectations. At this point I'm not into building/configuring a workaround.
I maybe interested in the guy you bought your modem from since it is the cheapest price I've heard of for a ready to use setup.
How long have you been using this setup you have? Have you tried manually making connections with a lot of success?

[qposner]

I would appreciate some info on this guy as well. If we have a ready to go otion, I would be interested.

[pigvig]

Me too!!! I have a DSR7000 and this seems to be the only solution (until v4 software).

[tivoremedies]

Originally posted by Don_Corneo
The problem for me is that spending more than $20.00 for a 'ready to use' fix is making the D*TiVo more expensive then it's worth to me. For the price D*TiVo was offered, it was more convenient then buying a new VCR, and a lot less expensive than buying a DVD recorder, to replace my VCR that decided one day to stop working. The duel tuners was a good incentive. But now I'm rethinking everything. For the costs involved, buying a new VCR and using one of my old D*TV receivers and TVs with it seems more cost effective. I'm very leery about spending more money and the fix not working to my expectations. At this point I'm not into building/configuring a workaround.
I maybe interested in the guy you bought your modem from since it is the cheapest price I've heard of for a ready to use setup.
How long have you been using this setup you have? Have you tried manually making connections with a lot of success?

to me, there is no comparison as far as tivo and vcr. : ) Tivo is awsome in the respect that it learns what type of programming you like the more you use it. Ive been using my setup for just over 7 mos. Any manual connects that I have made have gone through sucessfully. (I usually just let the tivo do its thing, though)

I got permission from Ryan M.(the tivo modem guy) to post his email address for you guys who are interested: tivogod@smgcommodities.com

[Don_Corneo]

Originally posted by tivoremedies
to me, there is no comparison as far as tivo and vcr. : ) Tivo is awsome in the respect that it learns what type of programming you like the more you use it. Ive been using my setup for just over 7 mos. Any manual connects that I have made have gone through sucessfully. (I usually just let the tivo do its thing, though)

I got permission from Ryan M.(the tivo modem guy) to post his email address for you guys who are interested: tivogod@smgcommodities.com

Thanks for the help. I sent an email requesting the info about the modem setup.

I've had the unit for only a month, but like the D*TV receiver I had (for about 6 months) with a similar suggestion list, it rarely picks shows I like.

[strange_69]

Ok, I bought an external modem, made the cable, plugged it in and now it can't get past negotating (sp-1). I can get it to work about half the time on my landline but only about 1 in 100 on Vonage. Is there an init string or something that I should do to my modem? I have a US Robotics Sportster 28800 Fax Modem and also a SupraFaxModem 288 (which I am using cause it looks better). Is it also possible that some dial in numbers work better than others? If so, please post trouble free numbers so that I can try. Thanks everyone.

[cactus46]

What is the model # of the TiVo? Dialing prefixes vary. Since you have Vonage, do you care about the area code? If not, I can give you my access number in Phoenix. :)

John

[strange_69]

Hughes Series 2.

[strange_69]

Also, it appears that I have the same modem that weak knees uses (US Robotics) if anyone could let me know the dip switch/init string setup I would be greatly appreciative. Thank you.

[Neutron]

I apologise if this has been discussed before, but is there any way to get a Directivo to use the USB ports or is it hopeless? I would like to, when I get mine, connect it to my wireless LAN.

[cactus46]

The switch settings on my USR 33.6 Sportster Faxmodem are 2, 4, 6 are up (off) and the rest are down (on).

AT&D0 [this is a zero, not the letter 'O']
AT&H0
AT&I0
AT&R1
AT&W0
AT&W1

You can find out more about these commands in your modem manual or in the following thread:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66115&highlight=voip.

A couple of the above AT commands didn't take with my Sportster but were compensated by the above manual switch settings.

In the HDVR I have a dialing prefix of ',*99,#396' [without the ' '] and the dialed number 1-602-528-4765 [includes the 1-area code-7 digit #].

What is your bandwidth setting on the Vonage site under 'Features'?

I hope this helps and if you have any questions, please let me know.

John

Edit: original post had the 'off/on' definition reversed. I had a 50-50 chance of getting it right! :) I'm sorry if this has inconvenienced anyone.

[cactus46]

Originally posted by Neutron
I apologise if this has been discussed before, but is there any way to get a Directivo to use the USB ports or is i