The Watching Live While Recording Something Else Thread

[ZikZak]

someone needed to write this article, so here goes.

One of the most asked questions on the TiVo Help Forum is whether you can watch one program live while the single-tuner standalone TiVo records something else. The answer is essentially, "yes," there are setups (http://www.electrophobia.com/tivo/) to do this, but the real answer is that there are good reasons not to set up the TiVo this way, and the question itself arises from a misunderstanding of the way TiVo is different from a VCR.

With the introduction of the new Dual Tuner tivo, you can use the DT to watch one program live (with tivo trickplay) and simultaneously record another channel. Some new DT users have been asking how to watch one program live while recoding two others. I'll talk about DTs further on... for now, I'm talking about single-tuner tivos.

Folks ask if they can watch something live while TiVo records something else because they are used to the way their VCR operates. The VCR cannot play back a recording while it records something else, it is difficult to program correctly, and is not random-access. In other words, to get to a program you want to watch, you have to fast-forward or rewind the tape to the beginning of the program before you can start watching it. As a result, people generally use the VCR to either (a) record a low-priority program that is in conflict with a highly desirable program that will be watched live, or (b) archive programs they really like. A VCR user watches TV live most of the time, and a recording only rarely.

TiVo is different in a critical way. Unlike the VCR, TiVo can play any recording while it simultaneously records something else. It is also very easy to program, knows when repeats are shown, automatically resolves programming conflicts, and is random-access. Programming is so easy that most TiVo users record everything they ever want to watch, and only rarely watch TV live. This way, you can watch TV "how you want, when you want." TiVo users watch one thing while recording something else all the time--- by watching recorded programs while TiVo records other things in the background.

There are ways to bypass the cable past the TiVo so that you can let it record something while you watch something else live. But in reality there is rarely any need to do this, and while watching truly Live TV, you don't get the benefit of TiVo's trickplay features and the ability to skip commercials.

Firstly, let's say that you want to watch program A and program B which are on at different times. You do this by setting Season Passes for both A and B, and then watching them at your leisure later. No problem.

Now let's say you want to watch programs C and D which are on at the same time. In the vast majority of cases, either C or D (let's say D) will be repeated later in the day or week, usually at 4 in the morning. Again, no problem. Set Season Passes for both programs, and give C a higher priority than D in the Season Pass Manager. TiVo will record C when the programs are in conflict, and then pickup the repeat of program D later on. You then watch them both at your leisure. For more info on the ways to avoid program conflicts, see this TiVo FAQ. (http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv1086.htm?)

The only case when you would ever need to watch-Live-while-recording is the case when you need to watch programs E and F which are on at the same time and never repeated. In 2 years of owning a TiVo, I have never come across this problem. I watch mainly PBS and premium movie channels, however. If you watch much more commercial network TV than I do, your mileage may vary. The "correct" solution would be to get a two-tuner DirecTivo. :)

Some users prefer to watch sporting events and sometimes news live also. However, if you record these events ahead of time and start watching a half-hour or so into them, you can skip commercials and catch up to Live just at the end of the game.

The other situation in which watching-live-while-recording might be necessary is channel surfing. Some people like to channel surf for its own sake, but it's maddeningly slow with TiVo. For me, the combination of TiVo's Suggestions and the TiVo Channel Guide more than makes up for the lack of time-wasting channel surfing. But if you are a diehard channel surfer, you may need to watch-live-while-recording.

OK, so you might be able to come up with other scenarios when you might want to watch-live-while-recording, for instance watching a program when the TiVo is already full of programming! But the point is that it's not usually a pressing issue, and is necessary much less often than with a VCR.

There are also reasons why setting up the TiVo to do this might be more trouble than it's worth, too. We've already seen how doing this prevents you from using trickplay and skipping commercials on the live program. But also, setups that allow watching-Live-while-recording always involve splitting the cable, and this tends to degrade the signal into the TiVo. Because the standalone TiVo uses MPEG compression, it is very sensitive to defects in the incoming signal. Thus you want the best possible signal input for the TiVo. If a splitter degrades that signal, your TiVo picture might end up looking bad. Even if the signal looks perfectly fine directly to the TV, TiVo can have a problem with it. It is possible to improve the signal quality to the TiVo in this situation with a $20-$50 line amplifier from Radio Shack, so it's not an overriding issue. Still, $50 is $50.

The normal setup for this is Coax cable from the Wall -> Splitter, then

Splitter Out #1 -> TV RF IN, and
Splitter Out #2 -> Cable Box -> TiVo -> TV VIDEO IN

Using S-Video cables is preferable to RCA cables, and RCA is preferable to coax. (See TiVo's Diagrams. (http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv1027.htm?)) This setup will allow TiVo to watch all available channels, while you watch analog cable channels live. If you wish to set up to watch all digital channels live, you will need to buy another decoder and setup:
Splitter Out #1 -> New Cable Box -> TV .
You will also need to "tent" the TiVo's cable box, allowing it to receive only commands from the TiVo's IR blasters, and preventing it from receiving commands sent from your cable remote intended for the second box. You will also need to cover up TiVo's "Big Eye" which is also an IR blaster, to prevent it from interfering with the new "watching live" cable box.

To add a VCR, use TiVo's multiple outputs to setup:
Splitter Out #1 -> VCR RF IN -> TV RF IN, and
Splitter Out #2 -> Cable Box -> TiVo -> VCR LINE 1 IN -> TV VIDEO IN 1
|
|--> TV VIDEO IN 2

This will allow the VCR to record analog cable as normal, and archive TiVo-recorded programs when it is tuned to "LINE."

Alternatively, if you use an A/V receiver, set up
Splitter Out #2 -> Cable Box -> TiVo -> Receiver VCR 1 IN.

The only other way to watch-live-while-recording is to use antenna only or cable without a cable box. You wire the cable from the wall to TiVo's RF in, then TiVo's RF out to the TV. You can then put the TiVo in Standby mode (http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv1530.htm?) (Messages and Setup -> Standby), the equivalent of a VCR's "TV/VCR" button. You will be able to use the TV's tuner to watch live whatever you like while TiVo uses its internal tuner to record whatever you've asked it to.

Watching One and Recording Two With the DT Tivo
With the Standalone DT tivo, the standard setup is always:
Cable from wall -> Splitter

Splitter Out #1 -> TiVo RF IN
Splitter Out #2 -> Cable Box -> TiVo Svideo/RCA IN

Tivo RF OUT -> TV RF IN
Tivo Video OUT -> TV Video IN.

with some adjustments for VCRs or A/V Receivers if you have them. For daily usage on the DT tivo, you should be watching all TV (live and recorded) though the tivo, with the TV set to receive its VIDEO input. If you need to watch one while recording two (in other words, if you have **THREE** programs that air simultaneously and never repeat), then you can use standby mode. Set the DT Tivo in standby, and then pick up your TV remote to tune a third live basic cable station.


Summary: you can watch Live TV (without trickplay or commercial skipping) while TiVo records something else, but this is not the pressing issue it is with a VCR. The setup for this would be the same as the setup for your VCR. However, it is hardly ever necessary or desirable because with TiVo you can watch one recording (with trickplay and commercial skipping) while recording something else.

[phone1]

Give 'em hell! :D

Maybe someone should link to this post from the FAQ entry about it. Not that anyone reads the FAQ's. Well put though. :)

[HTH]

My solution to wanting to watch something in conflict with something else recorded where neither is repeated is to get another TiVo.

At present, of all the splits I do, not one is connected to my VCR.

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by phone1
Give 'em hell! :D


Thanks :)

Ya think it'll help? ;)

[bidger]

Originally posted by ZikZak
Thanks :)

Ya think it'll help? ;) It's nicely written and I appreciate your effort. But, given how often threads are started on topics either in the TiVo manual, the FAQ, or in frequent rotation on these boards, do you want to hazard a guess? ;)

[ccwf]

Should mention standby mode as an alternative to splitting for people with cable but no cable box.

[ZikZak]

Standby Mode info added.

[timckelley]

I have a frequent need to split my signal because my wife is a heavy user of the 'Save to VCR' option. Archiving to VCR ties up the TiVO keeping me out of the Now Playing Menu. If I want to watch TV, then, I have to use the TV's own tuner since I can't get to Now Playing. Hence, I have and need a splitter.

[lfrazier]

Until I can afford a second TIVO, watching live tv on Saturdays and Sundays durring football season has become a necessary evil.:)

[DrDave2]

This is a big help. I needed a way to pass off air HDTV signals to my Mits HDTV. Nothing except a splitter was mentioned in the manual.
Thanks

[jagla]

Nice article -

Cable source to 2-way splitter. One cable to cable box and then to TiVo. The other cable direct to the TV.

On my setup, Tivo gets source from the cable box for all our digital channels-

If I want to watch LIVE TV above analog channels while TiVo is recording, it would appear that I need another cable box, keeping the other blinded as per the TiVo setup.

This evening my wife wanted to watch a digital channel, while TiVo was recording. We were unable to do this as the LIVE analog feed comes direct into the TV without the cable box to see the other digital channels.

Any thoughts or ideas on this would be appreciated


while TiVo is recording

[ccwf]

A cable box is needed to decode digital channels, and cable boxes will only output one channel at a time. So, if you want to watch one digital channel and record another, there is no way around needing two cable boxes. However, if you want to watch only analog channels or (a tiny number of forum members have reported doing this) record only analog channels, then only a single cable box is needed.

[ZikZak]

Added some info on channel surfing. And what the heck.... <bump>

[christopher710]

My wife loves listening to soundscapes(digital music channel 432 Comcast Harrisburg, PA). I've decided to record a couple of hours of it for her so she can listen to the music while Tivo is recording other stuff.

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by christopher710
My wife loves listening to soundscapes(digital music channel 432 Comcast Harrisburg, PA). I've decided to record a couple of hours of it for her so she can listen to the music while Tivo is recording other stuff.

Yep, I do that all the time for myself, except I prefer baroque. :)

[tcumbo]

All I do when I want to watch another show other than the one recording is simply place the Tivo in Standby. Navigate to the settings menu and click on Standby. The Tivo will still record and you can now use the tuner in your TV to dial in any channel you want.

This won't work with any sort of box (cable, satellite) however.



Oops! Sorry for the repeat, I just saw this excellent suggestion a few posts up.

[roykid]

please advise how to make the connections to original tivo model (sony) so we can watch one show and record another. have a multiplexer installed already. also how to connect tv with picture in picture to tivo. also how to activate the second sat input thanks much

[Melissa]

I just got my SA TiVo for xmas, so I'm very new to this. We have cable (no box) (actually we are probably switching to Directivo within a month or so, but that's a whole 'nother thread LOL!). We used a splitter. But I don't use standby mode. Am I doing something wrong? When my husband wants to channel surf, or I want to watch something while something is recording, we just pick up the old tv remote and change the input.

[ccwf]

No, Melissa, that's perfectly fine. Some TiVo remotes have a standby button, so it's just as convenient to use standby mode as to switch inputs. Some do not, in which case using a splitter and changing the input is definitely more convenient.

[Melissa]

Thanks ccwf. Just wanted to make sure I was getting the most out of my TiVo :)
-M

[jochet]

I cannot get this to work, I have tried everything (except the right thing) if their is anyone out their with answers, I have questions.
Regards-Chet

[ccwf]

Chet, post details of what equipment you have (cable box, satellite box, antenna, A/V receiver, TV, splitters, …), how each is connected to the other and with what cables, what input/output jacks they have, and, if possible, their models. Many friendly folk here like to help with setup problems.

If you have more that is not working besides just watching live while recording something else, you may want to look at TiVo's or Electrophobia's wiring diagrams. (There are links in the thread Before you ask—please check these top answers for TiVo questions! (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1604677#post1604677))

[xkahn]

This week I moved and I replaced my old (working well!) cable system with a new digital cable system from Comcast. It seems like Tivo and digital cable fight a little. My biggest problem seems to be with ONDEMAND -- Comcast's online video rental service. Basically, I tune to channel 1 (a channel tivo doesn't even list as a possibility even when I tell it the correct service I have) and select a movie or show and click watch.

Since this service is very much like using a VCR, tivo isn't very helpful here. Tivo can't record scheduled shows, it doesn't know to pause or stop the show when switching channels, etc. Also, I'm not sure but I believe that just trying to switch channels doesn't work, so Tivo ends up recording the ONDEMAND show instead.

So how can I fix this? Tivo needs the cable box to see pay channels. ONDEMAND requires the cable box too. Am I just out of luck and need two cable boxes?

[ZikZak]

xkahn,

You won't be able to program the TiVo to view On-Demand programming, but you should still be able to watch it.

Since you must use the cable box remote to order the On-Demand programming anyway, the following should work:

1. Make sure there's nothing important in the To Do list scheduled to record while you're going to watch the On-Demand movie.

1.5. If you want to record the movie to TiVo, set up a manual recording for the next 2 hours (or whatever) on a random channel.

2. Use the cable box remote to change to channel 1 and order the movie.

3. Watch movie and/or allow movie to record. Do not change channels. You should still be able to use the trickplay features, but the TiVo will be confused about the name of the program. That shouldn't be a big problem, though.

[xkahn]

Hi ZikZak,
Thanks for your suggestions. It's a pretty good way to keep Tivo from interfering with the ONDEMAND broadcast. But it isn't quite what I want, I guess. I'd really like to treat the ONDEMAND content almost as a DVD or VCR device since it can do almost everything those devices can do. In this case, Tivo just gets in the way. (Never thought I'd say that!)

It seems like the only way to fix this is to get a second cable box. :(

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by xkahn
It seems like the only way to fix this is to get a second cable box. :(

That sounds expensive. You could also run a bypass *after* the cable box around the TiVo, as in

Wall -> Cable Box -> Splitter or Cable Box Out #1 -> TiVo -> TV

Splitter Out #2 -> TV

Just make sure the TiVo doesn't try to record anything else while the On-Demand movie is running--- you may have to disable suggestions or unplug the TiVo for this.

In my case, I just use regular Pay-Per-View, record it to the TiVo, and use the TiVo's trickplay features.

[skst]

xkahn, can you put your TiVo in standby during an ONDEMAND broadcast so that it doesn't interfere? Then TiVo is just a passthrough for the cable box output. (I'm quite a newbie, but it sounds like some TiVos don't support standby, so maybe that's the problem here.)

[xkahn]

Skst,
I believe that Tivo will still try to record shows while in standby... But then I could be wrong. Ideally, the Tivo would be completely stand-alone while I watch ONDEMAND, but for that I really would need two cable boxes.

[KellyNewbie]

I am just into my fourth day as a TiVo Series 2 (Toshiba) Basic user, so pls bear with. If you have a TiVo, a VCR and a TV, you have three tuners in your house and so can deal with three channels simultaneously -- I guess this assumes you do not have a cable box supplying only one chan output to you at a time. As I do not have either cable or a cable box, nor a dish -- I am an broadcast-over-the-air kind of guy -- you just need to get the RF input available from the antenna to all three RF inputs. In my case I split the RF out of the wall off to TiVo and to the VCR. The TV RF is daisey chained off the VCR. TiVo also drives the TV off of its composite video (yellow plug) output. So, if I really want to -- actually if my wife would really want to -- I can have tivo catch a program, the VCR catch a program, and watch live TV on my TV -- without the good sound, of course, as the good audio signals go from tivo to home theater amp (Video1 input)and from the VCR to the amp (Video2 input). Seems pretty OK to me, if you need to do three things (three different chans) at once. I think the three devices -- tivo, vcr, tv -- can all be daisey chained together on the RF side. The tivo will need to be put in standby so it will pass the RF signal down the line to the vcr. I haven't tried this one yet, but the chatter on this forum suggests this is a way to go. Actaully, I just remebered that my PC video card has a TV tuner, so I could split the signal again off the antenna and run it to my PC and watch yet another channel on my monitor. Is this too much TV, or what??

[wcadigan]

i'm new at this but here goes. seems to be a lot of good helpful info from people here. i have a new hdtv and hd digital cable box from comcast and pioneer 810 tivo/dvd player. professional installer set up so i can watch one channel while recording another, but i'm not sure i'm getting all possible benefits. installer split signal where it comes out of wall, one to cable box, and one to tivo box. as a result, using input 3 i can watch all cable stations (including hi-def), but using input 1 (the tivo box) he has bypassed the cable box, so i get far fewer channels with which to use tivo features for recording, pausing, etc. is there a simple way for a non-techie like me to improve this? i'm afraid to even look at the connections in the back!

[ccwf]

Originally posted by wcadigan
is there a simple way for a non-techie like me to improve this? Getting another cable box is the simplest and most flexible solution. There are others.

[souperbait00]

it may surprise the ZikZa, but there are people who can sit through a show with commercials. now since TiVo wasn't smart enough to make all models able to record more then 1 program at the same time, people need to watch tv as it happens like the rest of the world.

so i was thinking of buying a tivo as a gift. but the draw back are...#1 if something is lifetime it means your lifetime not a machine that could decide to go crazy at anytime.

so you said that the directTV tivo records 2 programs that are at the same time....but don't you need the dish? so that doesn't help.

so I'm not seeing how tivo is something good. it seems to work just like a VCR. sept with less of a headache. so i think i may pass cause this only seems like a headache. so it does everything a vcr does minus a tape. which i think is stupid since i can watch a tape anywhere... tivo should come up with a removable memory.

i wanted to get this so my mom doesn't have to keep missing shows she forgets to record, plus she deals with alot of tapes since she watchs alot of tv but doesn't have time to watch it, and deals with shows that on at the same time, so she had to use more then one VCR. so it would just be easyer in one place but that seems not to be what i thought tivo can do.

maybe tivo will find someone who watches tv and listens to problems they have and improve. its just a digital vcr... so what if it can skip commercials on live tv....so can my VCR its called fast forward. :(

[wcadigan]

what would others be (w/o getting another digital cable box)?

[skst]

Skst,
I believe that Tivo will still try to record shows while in standby... But then I could be wrong. Ideally, the Tivo would be completely stand-alone while I watch ONDEMAND, but for that I really would need two cable boxes.
Yes, TiVo will still record while it's in standby, but because it's in standby, it won't generate a signal on the RF feed, so it won't interfere with you watching ONDEMAND through the bypass. Of course, if "recording" means your TiVo tries to change your cable box's channel, then there's an issue. Two ways out of that are: 1) don't tell TiVo to record while you're watching ONDEMAND, or 2) get a second cable box.

[ZikZak]

Update: added wiring diagrams and info about digital cable boxes.

[brenrher]

In setting up two feeds from the wall, one should use a more recent RF splitter, than say one sitting around the basement from a few years ago. I haven't confirmed this yet, but for those of you in the know, I think it needs to have a range of up to 900 or 1000 MHz in order to split the video signal with full strength?

[dsbrady]

Three months ago, I got a standalone Tivo while I had basic analog cable. I managed to get our system set up to have Tivo, a VCR, a DVD player, and an older TV (circa 1996) working well together so that we could record 1 thing on Tivo, 1 thing on the VCR, and watch something different on live TV, if we so chose.

However, with Comcast's recent price increase, we decided to get DirecTV since the package costs essentially the same but with twice as many channels. We went with the free equipment and installation offer from DirecTV.

Of course, we didn't realize how many differences there were between DirecTV receivers and that our options for using Tivo with the basic receiver were quite limited.

I ended up buying a higher-end receiver (RCA, about $100) and currently am using an IR cable from Tivo to the receiver.

However, if I'm right (and I haven't been able to find anything on here or with DirecTV that contradicts this), there's no way to watch something while I'm recording something else, or to record one thing on Tivo and record another on our VCR. I'm guessing this is because the only "tuner" is in the receiver itself (as opposed to a VCR or Tivo having a tuner built-in).

I know that ideally we would just get the DirecTV tuner with Tivo built in, but we spent $600 on our Tivo 3 months ago (system plus lifetime service). We still have the original DirecTV tuner, so I suppose we could hook that up to the VCR (but we'll have to manually set that receiver to the channel we want to record).

Are there any other options I'm missing? I know this thread says you don't need to watch live TV, but a lot of shows do not repeat later that week (e.g/, the majority of prime time shows).

Thanks!

[skst]

I'm not familiar with the DirecTV receivers, but AFAIK they're like cable settop boxes, so they're what you need to use to select a channel. That means, although your TiVo and VCR each have a tuner in them (or else they couldn't record anything at all), they're useless. (That's why I'll never get a settop box.)

You might want to check one of these threads.

"Before you ask—please check these top answers for TiVo questions!" (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=150060)
"How to set up VCR with record one and watch one channel with cable box option????" (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=151437)
"Recording a channel while watching another channel?" (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=150700)

[dsbrady]

Originally posted by skst
I'm not familiar with the DirecTV receivers, but AFAIK they're like cable settop boxes, so they're what you need to use to select a channel. That means, although your TiVo and VCR each have a tuner in them (or else they couldn't record anything at all), they're useless. (That's why I'll never get a settop box.)

You might want to check one of these threads.

"Before you ask—please check these top answers for TiVo questions!" (id 150060)
"How to set up VCR with record one and watch one channel with cable box option????" (id 151437)
"Recording a channel while watching another channel?" (id 150700)

(vBulletin isn't letting me post links to the threads--it thinks they're to "other sites." Grrr.)

Thanks. I had tried those threads, and most of those were regarding cable. It seems like you can split the cable input (which was what I was doing when we had basic cable), but I don't think that's an option with satellite, since the VCR probaby can't interpret the Satellite signals itself.

I guess I'll think of something.

Scott

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by skst
I'm not familiar with the DirecTV receivers, but AFAIK they're like cable settop boxes, so they're what you need to use to select a channel. That means, although your TiVo and VCR each have a tuner in them (or else they couldn't record anything at all), they're useless. (That's why I'll never get a settop box.)

Just to clarify: it's the tuner in the TiVo that's useless when you have a digital sat or cable box, not the TiVo itself, since the TiVo can control the digital set-top box.

[skst]

Yes, absolutely. That's what I meant. Thanks for clarifying. (The VCR can probably control the settop box, too, since many of them ship with cable mice. But since you could only use one device that way, why would you pick the VCR.) :)

[ccwf]

ZikZak,

TiVoOpsMgr's post (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1726904#post1726904) today on the subject should be incorporated into the information in the first post (especially the links).

[ZikZak]

Done. Thanks!

[TiVoStephen]

Thanks Charles for referring me; and big thanks to ZikZak -- very nice article.

[Jerry317]

Hello,

I have previously posted the following but this thread may have additional suggestions for my problem.

Due to circumstances beyond my control I must go with a Tivo Standalone Unit. I am a Cablevision customer with a Cable Box and have Digital IO service.

In addition to Tivo's great features my main interest is to be able to watch one program and record another. I believe this is possible but here is my problem:

Being in the New Jersey/ New York viewing area I want for example to be able to watch Live Hockey on FSNY Channel 88 which is scrambled while I record a program on NBC Channel 4.

I have heard that this is not possible due to the fact that the SA Unit has only one tuner and FSNY is scrambled. The reverse would be possible, which would be to watch NBC Live and record FSNY which would be no help to me.

So my question finally is, with Tivo's SA one tuner unit can I watch Live Hockey on Scrambled FSNY and record a program on NBC and if so how would I make the connections?

Thanks again for all your previous help.
---Jerry---

[ccwf]

Split the cable before the cable box and attach TiVo to the split without the cable box.

[Jerry317]

ccfw,

Thanks for the reply.

You said "Split the cable before the cable box and attach TiVo to the split without the cable box". I'm sorry but can you expand on this?

Do you mean after the splitter connect one to the Tivo and the other to the cable box?

After these are connected how do I make the connections to the TV?

Thank you so much for the reply I appreciate the help very much.

---Jerry---

[ccwf]

Originally posted by Jerry317
Do you mean after the splitter connect one to the Tivo and the other to the cable box? Yes. After these are connected how do I make the connections to the TV? Does your TV not have the ability to accept multiple sets of inputs? If so, you should consider getting an A/V switcher or receiver.

[Jerry317]

ccwf,

Sorry I am so dense but that is why I asked for help.

My TV is a Sony Wega 32" flat screen 1-1/2 years old and has a myriad of inputs.

What I was hoping for was a step-by-step connection procedure.

Again, "Split the cable before the cable box and attach TiVo to the split without the cable box" was welcome help but not enough for my limited knowledge.

---Jerry---

[ccwf]

If you post what inputs your Wega has, what outputs your cable box has, and what outputs your TiVo has or what TiVo model you have, then folks here can post specific instructions.

[Jerry317]

ccwf,

I have whatever is needed.

In my first post (today @ 6:19 PM) I said, "Due to circumstances beyond my control I must go with a Tivo Standalone Unit". I did not say I have a Tivo I said I must go with a Tivo. I would think that would mean that I have not purchased Tivo as yet because I wanted to make sure I would be able to do what the remainder of my post contained.

Many helpers (and thank goodness for them) in this thread gave step-by-step connection procedures, which is what I needed.

In any event thank you for half of the procedure. I will look elsewhere for the other half.

---Jerry---

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by TiVoOpsMgr
Thanks Charles for referring me; and big thanks to ZikZak -- very nice article.

I'm glad you liked the article! Do I get a free plush doll? :D

Jerry317, you should use a coax splitter to split the cable from the wall. One of the splits should go to the cable box's RF INPUT. The other goes to the TiVo's RF input.

From there, wire S-Video (if available --- otherwise RCA video) and RCA sound outputs from each box to "input 1" and "input 2" respectively on the TV. That's pretty much it. Change channels to Video 1 to see the cable box output, and go to Video 2 channel to see the TiVo output. Be sure to re-run Guided Setup on the Tivo to tell it that you are using cable without a box.

Note that you will not be able to Tivo digital scrambled channels at all with this setup.

[Jerry317]

ZikZak,

Thank you so much for the complete information.

This is exactly what I needed and not only that I understand your very clear procedure.

Now I can go get my Tivo.

I so much appreciate your help.

---Jerry---

[ccwf]

In addition to what ZikZak wrote, if you get a TiVo+DVD combo model, you probably want to use the component outputs instead of S-Video.

[Jerry317]

ccwf,

Should I opt for that it's good information to have.

Thanks,
---Jerry---

[ccwf]

Depends on whether or not you have a DVD player or recorder and want one. You'd be better off asking whether or not it's worth it to buy a TiVo+DVD combo model in the TiVo Coffee House area since relatively few people will see your question here, and we would be getting off-topic.

[Jerry317]

ccwf,

I will do that.

Thanks,
---Jerry---

[WH_Pratt]

There are ways to bypass the cable past the TiVo so that you can let it record something while you watch something else live. But in reality there is rarely any need to do this, and while watching truly Live TV, you don't get the benefit of TiVo's trickplay features and the ability to skip commercials.
Despite your reasoning above, there are times when there is a need to watch another program live while the Tivo is recording. I have my system wired accordingly & use a second cable box so that I may access all available channels

[ZikZak]

Originally posted by WH_Pratt
Despite your reasoning above, there are times when there is a need to watch another program live while the Tivo is recording.

That is what "rarely" means.

[jafj]

My Scientific Atlanta cable box from Bright House Network had an added module on the back which lets me send the output of whatever channel I have selected to my vcr set to recieve on channel 3. I can then Bypass the cable box and use my tv's tuner to watch any channel it can tune. I just got TiVo today and have not tried it, but suspect that with this setup going to TiVo instead of the vcr, I should be able to record one channel on TiVo and look at another on the tv's tuner. Right?

[lvirden]

Originally posted by ZikZak
The only case when you would ever need to watch-Live-while-recording is the case when you need to watch programs E and F which are on at the same time and never repeated.


It's sometimes fascinating, but nearly always frustrating, to watch people, who don't know me, tell me why that I don't want to do something that I'm pretty certain I do want to do.

However, this article certainly, if one ignores the extraneously verbage, does present some alternatives
to someone who is pretty certain they know what they want or need.

Thanks.

As for "the only case" - hmm. Let's see. here's one real world example of where I've been asked about watching live tv. My wife wants to watch live tv because the 40 hrs of tivo is usually filled with programming specified by the other 5 members of the family, and once she has watched those programs in which she has an interest, she'd rather not just sit and look at a blank tv screen.

However, she can't use the standard tivo 'live tv' option, since the tivo's busy recording various programs for the 5 or 6 of us - and since series 2 standalone tivo appears to use its 'live tv' tuner to record, she is left watching all the weird things that the rest of us are watching, until the next one of her shows is recorded.

So, she can spend out the $400-$600 for her own tivo with lifetime subscription, or we could work out the splitting, etc. so that she could watch something on another tuner somewhere - either the tv, the vcr, etc.

We finally worked things out, but it took asking a number of people who were certain we didn't need it
before we got everything cabled correctly.

Right now, we are fortunate to have figured out a setup where we can watch tivo, video tapes (sometimes that's the only medium that some programming's avaialble on), dvd, or non-tivo'd live tv.

It does require using several remote controls - that's the scariest part ... keeping track of all the
devices.

So to someone really interested in doing such a thing, just know that there are choices if you too have
some personal reasons why you are pretty certain that you want/need to do it...

[wcadigan]

how did you wire your various components?
I have invested a lot of money in an LCD HDTV which must be watched live to appreciate it. If I wire with a splitter between the wall and the digital HDTV cable box, then I can only Tivo analog stations (25% of all that I get through the cable box), and since I am told the splitter degrades the signal, the picture is not as clear as it coud be. Other than getting a second cable box, I would love to hear other possible solutions.

[ZikZak]

wcadigan,

Many HDTV cable boxes have multiple outputs. Have you tried wiring the box's analog outputs to the TiVo and digital outputs to the TV? This would allow you to do most of your watching through the TiVo, but still watch HDTV live. (You couldn't watch-live-while-recording-something-else, though)

[mdscott]

Amplifying on what ZikZak said:

The Motorola DCT 5100 (used by Comcast in many markets) can be hooked up:

Component (or DVI) video to HDTV with optical audio to AV receiver or TV.
S-video (or composite) and L/R stereo audio to TiVo

When you are watching HD "live" the TiVo will be receiving an SD version of the output -- downconverted by the 5100. The main problem is to make sure (I simply record) that TiVo does not change channels during the program because if it does you will not see the normal warning while watching HD.

There are a number of us who have similar setups.

mds

[lvirden]

Originally posted by wcadigan
how did you wire your various components?

Okay, let's see if I can recall how I have everything cobbled together.

My television has 3 video inputs - coaxial, s-video, and a red/yellow/white rca plug type of signal.

Currently, I have a coaxial standard signal cable system feed that I split into two parts.
The first part goes into tivo, the second part goes into my vcr.

I use two of the tivo video outputs - one to the television's coaxial, the other to the vcr's audio/video input plugs (allows me to spin tivo recorded shows onto tape - my only video recording format right now).

I have output from the vcr going into the television's red/yellow/white input plugs.

I have output from my dvd going into the television's s-video input.

This allows me to watch television either tivo live, or via the vcr's tuner.

[wcadigan]

Guys,
Thanks for the responses. I do have, from my digital HD cable box, component cables going to my tv, and s video going to tivo, but as you point out, I can't record while watching live tv with this set-up. The only way I can figure to do that is to split the signal, run one signal through the digital HDTV box, the other directly to tivo, and only be able to record analog channels, right?

[brenrher]

It's worth mentioning that it appears Comcast's DVI port on the 5100 STB is not enabled in many markets. Folks should be aware that that hooking up via DVI cable and not seeing a picture means there is a problem only if the STB's DVI port is enabled.

[brenrher]

However, this article certainly, if one ignores the extraneously verbage, does present some alternatives
I don't think there is extraneous verbage - some topics don't lend themselves to 10-second sound bites. ZikZak has presented valuable information as a volunteer and his style of presenting the information is appropriate.

[mariahk63]

I have read the entire thread and understand how to split the signal for cable. I have tivo with dish network. I want to watch live tv and record. Can this be done with a splitter? If so, exactly how? Thanks.

Maria

[ccwf]

For satellite, you will need a second satellite receiver.

[wcadigan]

OK, so i broke down and got another cable box! i now split the signal coming out of the wall. one goes to hd cable box and then to tv. oher goes to non-hd (different model) cable box and then to tivo and then to tv. I can watch live tv while recording on another input, BUT, now if i change channels with the remote (non tivo remote)on the live tv box, it also changes the channel on the cable box linked to tivo, so the show i'm recording changes! AARRGGHH! any suggestions?

[ZikZak]

You should "Tent" your tivo's cable box, either by physically enclosing the tivo's IR blasters around the sensor in some way, or by putting tivo's cable box in a closet where it won't see your other remote's IR.

[wcadigan]

thanks

[Randy Boecker]

Ok, I've been through this thread, but I want to verify my specific setup to see what's what. Please bear with me, I'm on day 3 of my Tivo....

I have a Dish Network 6000 receiver that I use for most of my channels. I also have "lifeline" cable that I use for just the locals for now (Dish still doesn't carry my local independent local channel) I don't have a cable box, I just have the cable IN line running directly into the Coax input on the Tivo. The satellite receiver is connected using analog audio and S-Video.

Now, a common scenario at my house is on Wednesday nights when Enterprise is on the local cable channel. I travel frequently, and need to be able to record Enterprise. In the past, with a VCR, my wife could watch whatever she wanted on satellite while the VCR was recording Enterprise over the cable.

Is this still possible with the Tivo? If I put the thing in standby mode, will it still record the local cable channel while we watch something on satellite? It would seem that if the VCR can record one channel over cable while we watch a different one, the Tivo should be able to do this as well. I know I'm screwed in terms of watching a show on satellite and recording a different show. It's how Tivo handles cable input as opposed to satellite where I'm still confused.

Thanks in advance.

[ZikZak]

Randy, if you put the unit in standby, you will be watching cable live, not the satellite, since you've got the cable hooked up to the RF in.

If you run an additional line from the sat box to the TV inputs, then you can watch satellite live while Enterprise is recording by switching inputs on the TV.

However, since the reason that you want to do this is simply that:

Now, a common scenario at my house is on Wednesday nights when Enterprise is on the local cable channel. I travel frequently, and need to be able to record Enterprise. In the past, with a VCR, my wife could watch whatever she wanted on satellite while the VCR was recording Enterprise over the cable.

this should not be a serious issue for you since now your wife can watch any previously recorded program while Enterprise records. Once you've set up Season Passes for all the programs you like to watch, and Now Playing starts filling up with programming goodness, chances are you both will stop watching live TV at all.

[rongopai]

Greetings,
I have a series one 60 hr Phillips Tivo with a splitter and also a selector switch on the TV for the Tivo, Cable Box, and VCR. I just added a Comcast digital cable box (Scientific Atlanta) to my existing analog setup and dropped the DirectTv (External box w/IR Blaster).

I like to surf the digital channels without affecting the recording of the generally higher priority analog shows. I would to be able to:
* Record/View analog channels through the
RF connection
* Record/View Digital channels through the S-Video
connection (IR-Blaster)
* Use the 'Channels I recieve option to select the input.

I am not trying to record more than one program at a time.
I would like to avoid getting a second cable box.

Whif of the Guided setups should I use to navigate this tricky path.
* When I select Cable and No Cable Box there is
no option to add the cable box later.
* When I select Cable with a cable box it refuses to
use the RF port for anything except specific channels
origonating from the cable box (2-4).
* Any combination with satellite only provides options
for a satellite box.

I don't see why there is any hardware reason why this can not be achieved since I have been doing essentially the same thing with Directtv for a while. Perhaps a software upgrade is required to enable this feature but I would understand if it is not a high priority for Tivo. Any help that you can provide is most appreciated.

Thanks

[ZikZak]

Sorry, that can't be done currently, as you've discovered. You were probably using the "Satellite with Cable" option when you had DirecTV, but there is no analagous "Cable with and without a box" option in Guided Setup. You're right: this could probably be achieved in software, but TiVo has never done it.

I'd say your best bet would be to hook it up the other way around, with the cable box feeding the TiVo and the analong line to your TV for channel surfing. You'll get better picture from the TiVo this way too, since you would be using the higher quality inputs instead of the RF.

[TivoGeezer]

Correct, this cannot be done with the standard Tivo software. It is a feature I asked for a long time ago, directly to Tivo, before I found this forum, and they apparently blew it off. It seems like a pretty normal thing to want to do.

Once I hacked my Tivo and added a network connection, so I could get a "bash" prompt (see the "Underground" forum here for more information), I found that there is a program, written by the user "embeem", to do exactly this. You create the initial setup to get digital cable through the cable box with IR to the A/V inputs, and then add the second source of analog cable to the R/F input. Then you remove the duplicate channels from the lineups (also with his software) and it works like a champ.

Again, this unfortunately requires a hacked Tivo but once you do that and get this installed, life is beautiful.

[doans]

I didn't see this specific question asked, but pardon me if I missed it somewhere.
I have a Tivo Series 2 connected via an RF splitter so that I may watch something else while I am recording another program. This setup works fine except that I have to use the old TV remote to change the channel when using the direct RF input (Tivo connected to S-Video input of TV).
I can put the Tivo in standby and the power on/off, mute, and adjust the volume with no problems. But, changing the channels does not work. Why? I can mute, power on/off, and adjust volume directly through the TV but can't change the channel?? Doesn't seem to make any sense.
If anybody could clarify this or give me a suggestion it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[bmillsap]

If you mean with the TiVo remote, I don't think the TiVo remote will control channel changes on your TV - just on the TiVo. You can configure the volume and TV Power buttons to control your TV, but not the channel changes. Idea being, I assume, that when you have a TiVo you won't be changing channels on the TV any more.

[lip89]

I followed Tivos set up for using an RF splitter to run record on Tivo and watch something else. It works fine. YOu get a very powerfull splitter and run the cable line from the wall to the splitter. Then you run one coax to your cable box and one to the back of the TV. I can record Tivo in with my s-cable mode and then switch it to Component 1 to watch tv well recording. It works fine, there are no issues with it... and yes you do have to use your old tv remote to switch inputs to watch tv...but the issue is solved...unless you dont have various inputs on your tv..most have them

[lemur]

Thanks for the tip even though I'm not user knowledgeable! I'll bring it up again when I get my Tivo working again. And my son, who of course, is a whiz with anything electronic can help. Just don't give him a car to fix
I have a program very dear to me that I sleep through, maybe this could help. Thanks, and BTW you sure are smart!!

[MattP]

Is there any hack to always disable the RF feed, even when the TiVo is in non-standby mode? It actually boggles my mind that TiVo fails to expose such an option; I have a 7-year old VCR that allows you to choose channel 3 or 4 for the RF output when the VCR is on or to never actively output the VCR's video onto the RF signal, since using RCA video and audio output isn't exactly bleeding edge technology. It's all the more maddening because obviously this is just a software issue, since you can pass through the RF input to the output, but only after the awkward navigation of "Read New TiVo Messages & Setup" and then "Standby." Of course, that can be done blindly (without looking at the TiVo screen) with a press of the TiVo button, page down, select, page down, select. Well, at least it could if TiVo didn't insist on throwing some un-removable advertisement onto the bottom of your main menu for random periods of time.

In any case, I have analog cable and a TiVo Series 2, I have a TV with PIP, and I can't use PIP with truly live TV and TiVo "on" because TiVo insists on actively transmitting out the RF, even though I have it happily hooked up to the TV via S-Video and RCA audio. So I can't do PIP with TiVo in one window and live TV in another, nor can I just watch live TV without PIP while TiVo records something else without the annoying menu navigation (makes me long for the "Power" button on the remote of my friend's original Sony model). I realize I could get around this design flaw by splitting the cable signal, but as I already have to split the cable signal once for my cable modem, I'd rather not split it a second time--even the "why the hell would you want to do this" original post on this thread points out the signal degradation issue with this solution. So I'm wondering if there are any secret option hacks to just always passively pass through the RF input to the output and never display a TiVo signal on it?

[HTH]

On a TiVo Series 2, you can use TiVo Slow PageDn Select to do Standby. It works regardless of a star menu item at the bottom of TiVo Central.

The simplest way to disable the RF feed out of the TiVo is to not hook it up to anything. Go with the splitter and ask your cable company to increase your signal strength to compensate. Using a 3-way splitter is also better than two 2-way splitters. I wouldn't worry about the signal strength that much; they'd put one on your line if you wanted installation in an additional room.

[KingBoo]

Getting to the back of my entertainment center is a pain so I want to run this past the knowledgeable people on this forum to help save some backache. I have a series-2 standalone 40 hour TiVo, Comcast digital cable (Motorola DCT2224), Panasonic VCR, RCA receiver, and an Xbox. Currently I'm runnng a spliter from my main cable to the cable box and the TV with the signal running from the cable box to the TiVo to the receiver with a line out to the tv (standard setup). I want to switch so that the TiVo gets the analog cable signal (my trending shows we really only record the analog channels anyway) so that we are able to watch OnDemand when we want to (I record a lot so the TiVo is constantly in use) maximize my subscription to Comcast. If I run the cable from the splitter to the VCR to the TiVo to the receiver, and from the splitter to the cable box to the receiver will that work? I'm pretty sure that it will, but as I said I want to make sure before I move all my stuff around. It should be noted that I'm aware that I'll have to now use the IR Blaster to change the channels on the VCR. Thanks for any and all assistance!

[ccwf]

Originally posted by KingBoo
If I run the cable from the splitter to the VCR to the TiVo to the receiver, and from the splitter to the cable box to the receiver will that work? I'm pretty sure that it will, but as I said I want to make sure before I move all my stuff around. It should be noted that I'm aware that I'll have to now use the IR Blaster to change the channels on the VCR. TiVo cannot change channels on the VCR. I would run the connection from the splitter to TiVo to your receiver. Either connect the VCR's inputs to the other set of TiVo's outputs or to the receiver.

Although splitter to VCR to TiVo will work, that configuration would require that you be sure the VCR is off whenever TiVo wants to record.

Finally, you will need to repeat guided setup and tell the TiVo DVR you no longer want it to control a cable box.

[KingBoo]

Thanks for the help, I wasn't sure how TiVo handled direct cable connections. You've saved my back much trouble!

[zati1]

okay. i've studied these threads long and hard and i still can't seem to find a way to make this work. and i know, i know, i should have been able to by now since i'm sure i've already read it 20 times.

anyway, i'm trying to hook up cable, no box (with a splitter so i can watch live tv+record) to a tv...to the toshiba sdh400. for some reason i can't get it to work. i've gotten it to the point where i have a second splitter coming out of the tv, since there is only one input there...so i can record on tivo and watch live tv, but now somehow the VCR is out of the loop. i can't see anything playing or recording on the vcr. the way i have it set up now is basically a giant mess of wires because i played the "let's see what happens when i hook this wire up to...THIS!" game. =/

any help is appreciated, thanks

jonathan

[mdscott]

From your post you have a TiVo and a VCR to connect to a TV with only a single input. I will assume that this is an RF coax connector.

My suggestion would be"

Cable to splitter

Splitter A side --> TiVo --> A/B switch

Splitter B side to VCR --> A/B switch

A/B switch to TV

You would switch between the two inputs to the TV via the A/B switch

mds

[zati1]

so i have to go buy something called at A/B switch? why doesn't it say anything about that in any of the manuals/diagrams? and where can i get one, i can't find it at best buy.

[ZikZak]

mdscott's recommendation is good; you will be able to watch & record on both the TiVo and VCR independently. Splitting the cable might result in poorer video quality, however.

If you don't need to record with the VCR very often, you could set up Wall -> TiVo -> VCR -> TV. If you're using RF cables, you will be able to play back anything you like on the VCR without affecting the TiVo. You can record on both machines, too, by putting TiVo in standby mode. In Standby, you will also be able to watch live while recording.

Note that you do *not* need a splitter to watch live and record when you use cable with no box.

[rexie]

Your post was very helpful and thanks for taking the time. However, my situation is that I have just purchased a tivo, have comcast digital box and an HD tv and may want to watch an HD program through the component input rather than the video input I am using for the TIVO. Can I do this? Thus far, each time I change the TV source, Tivo seems to change the recording source. Can I do what I want? If not, I think the tivo goes back to best buy and I wait for the next big thing...thanks!

[dmlove51]

The Comcast box can only output one channel at a time, so you can't watch HD on the component input on your TV, and have input 1 (TiVo) set to a different channel. However, you definitely CAN watch HD on the component input on your TV, and have the TiVo record that channel (the recording won't be in HD, but it will still be better than SD).

[dmlove51]

and yes you do have to use your old tv remote to switch inputs to watch tv...but the issue is solved...unless you dont have various inputs on your tv..most have them

Get yourself an inexpensive universal remote like the One For All 6131 (less than $20). It controls every single one of my components - TV, TiVo/DVD combo, Sony receiver, JVC VCR, Motorola cable box. And, at Jim Spence's suggestion, I've modified it to switch TV inputs with one press of a button.

[rexie]

Thanks very much! I'm going to do some more doodling with a splitter to see if I can get to what I am after.

[dstrat]

I like the tivo service but I have yet to find the right hook up for me to watch one channel and record anther at the same time. My wife is a horrable channel sufer, and while she surfs so does the recoded material. Lost count of the times my recorded shows are messed up with all kinds of differnt shows. So with me having a cable box, from what I have read on the posts, I cant really watch one record one can I? Unless I forgo the cable box and just get the basic cable signal? So what I am asking now is putting the tivo in stand by would still record shows? And this would free the wife to surf all she wants with out messing up the scedualed stuff? And would a a/b switch allow a two way cable box set up?

[ZikZak]

dstrat,

As is stated in the original post, you need to split the cable upstream of the cable box. One split goes to the cable box/tivo/tv-video-input while the other goes to the TV's RF input. Your wife can channel surf with the TV remote while TiVo records off the cable box. Take the cable box remote and hide it safely away, so that your wife cannot change the cable box channels while TiVo is recording.

[SonicJMC]

I get so irritated at not having my trickplay that I just get frustrated and turn it off! I ONLY use the bypass splitter for 2 situations

1- My TV is capable of turning on at a certain time, so I use it to wake me to the news in the morning. This bypasses my home theater. (My bedroom is the same room with the entertainment system, I don't have a seperate bedroom and living room)

2 - I sometimes turn on TV just for cartoons to fall asleep to (sometihng leftover from childhood, helps me sleep when insomnia kicks in). This also bypasses the theater.

Oh, there is one other reason.
I don't want people f-ing with my DVR, so they are only given my TV remote to use. Sorry, no trickplay for my disrespectful friends friends! LOL!
What part of "Don't f*** with that!!!" Don't they understand?!

[ObiWanJenkins]

Staten Island Cable (Time Warner). I can't run a splitter from the wall directly to the Tivo nor the TV and receive the signal. I must have a box for both analog and digital cable. Time Warner is the only company I have ever seen do this. Does this mean I MUST have two boxes to watch one channel and record another?

[SonicJMC]

Yes, that is exactly what it means. Enjoy the double box rental fees!

[ObiWanJenkins]

Forget that! At $10/month, I'll just live without the feature!

[cpsilo1]

Originally posted by ZikZak
mdscott's recommendation is good; you will be able to watch & record on both the TiVo and VCR independently. Splitting the cable might result in poorer video quality, however.

If you don't need to record with the VCR very often, you could set up Wall -> TiVo -> VCR -> TV. If you're using RF cables, you will be able to play back anything you like on the VCR without affecting the TiVo. You can record on both machines, too, by putting TiVo in standby mode. In Standby, you will also be able to watch live while recording.

Note that you do *not* need a splitter to watch live and record when you use cable with no box.

Maybe this is a stupid question, but how do I put the TiVo on Standby?

[ccwf]

Originally posted by cpsilo1
Maybe this is a stupid question, but how do I put the TiVo on Standby? TiVo article on standby mode (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1530.htm)

Instructions may be slightly different for different models. Additional, some models of TiVo remotes have a button that actives standby mode. Universal remotes can also send the standby sequence.

[Karl_Schubert]

ZikZak,

This directional and information posting is incredibly helpful. Thanks to you and everyone else who has provided clarifying information on how to do this under many circumstances. I have both a TiVo S2 & a TiVo "Classic" and the situation of one with a cable box and one without and you've covered it all.

Thanks! :)

Karl.

[anth26]

It is possible to record regular(non-digital cable) TV on one output while watching live tv of the digital cable on another output?

[ZikZak]

Yes, split the cable before the cable box. One split goes to the cable box; the other goes to tivo's RF input.

[richtfan]

what about the digital output connection that has to be made between the av receiver and the directv receiver w/tivo? bypassing that would be silly and detrimental to the sound quality.

how does that factory into the equation?

[ZikZak]

Why are you trying to bypass a DirecTivo?

[robbieree]

thanks for the write up. i was looking for a setup with two cable boxes.. watch one while recording another. you spelled it out. thanks again.

[MothershipRyan]

So how would I go about this for my dish network box?

Would I just do the same thing as noted above for the cable boxes? i.e get a splitter?

I am completely new to the satellite game and the wife wont get off me about watching and recording.

Thanks.

[ZikZak]

You can't do it with satellite at all without another satellite receiver. See the original post in this thread for details.

[Jacquelyn11]

Newbie member here! I've scanned your FAQ's and found a wealth of info.

I do have an opinon question on setups.

We currently have a 2 directv receivers, one with a separate Tivo. We have purchased a combo DirecTV/Tivo Unit to be installed tomorrow. We have splitters already on one line (and will on the 3rd).

My question is this: Which unit is the easiest to do the "Watch Live while Recording" mode? The combo Unit or the seperate units? The installer is coming tomorrow morning so a quick reply is helpful!

Thanks in advance!

Jacquelyn :D

[ZikZak]

My question is this: Which unit is the easiest to do the "Watch Live while Recording" mode? The combo Unit or the seperate units? The installer is coming tomorrow morning so a quick reply is helpful!


This thread is mostly applicable to the standalone models. The dual tuner DirecTivos are superior for watching live while recording, because they have two tuners. Especially given that satellite cables are much more difficult to split, you probably want to go with the DirecTivo. Some features of the standalone will not be available, however, such as program folders and Home Media, but you already have the standalone for that.

[hhf]

i have a tivo and a dvd/vcr player both connected with a rf splitter. the vcr/dvd connects to the tv with the rf cable. the tivo connects to the tv with the 3 colored cables. the vcr/dvd works ok. i get video through the tivo but no audio. any suggestions?

[ReaDOnlYP]

The 3 colored cables are component video. Those don't have sound. You need a red and a white cable from tivo to audio in on your TV for sound.

[hhf]

thanks for the reply. i must be slow. the cable that i have is red, white and yellow. i have the red and white from tivo to audio on the tv. the yellow is connected to the video.

[ReaDOnlYP]

Are the red and yellow plugged into the input or output of the tv? BTW check you PMs hhf.

[tivoash]

I have Comcast Digital Cable with HD capability and would like to watch tv through my digital cable box while recording something on TiVo. However, when I put my TiVo in standby mode to do this (we have the splitter set up) my guide does not come up from Comcast. Any helpful solutions?

Thank you!

[scottyboy218]

I've been reading all these threads, and maybe I missed it, but I don't see any info on how to set my particular one up

I've got directv coax line running into a splitter, one line is feeding into the back of the tv, the other is feeding into the sat1 spot on my tivo box

Unfortunately I'm not able to link you since I haven't posted enough, but my tivo box is a HUGHES HR10-250.

Hughes HR10-250 (HR10250) Back Panel Connections

-SAT IN (2 Sets)
-Off-Air Antenna In (1 input with internal splitter to 2 internal tuners)
-Audio L/R output (1 sets)
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface that carries both digital video and
audio on a singe cable)
-Y, Pr, Pb Component Video Outputs capable of 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
output formats
-S-Video
-Composite Video (RCA Jacks)
-Phone Jack
-VCR Control
-Digital audio out (Dolby AC3)
-USB Connector

I have no cable box or VCR.

Is it possible with this setup to...

A) Record something while watching another show live?
B) Record two things simultaneously?

Thanks!

[ZikZak]

You can't split a satellite line that easily, and even if you could, your TV can't tune it.

The DirecTivo is designed to record two simultaneously or watch-live-while recording.

You need to run two separate cables from the satellite dish and plug them both into the satellite inputs. It's possible to use a stacker/destacker to send two signals down a single cable from the dish, but in either case, you need to go work at the dish itself if you don't already have two feeds. If you're uncomfortable with that, you can get an installer to help you out.

[Lukej]

This thread is mostly applicable to the standalone models. The dual tuner DirecTivos are superior for watching live while recording, because they have two tuners. Especially given that satellite cables are much more difficult to split, you probably want to go with the DirecTivo. Some features of the standalone will not be available, however, such as program folders and Home Media, but you already have the standalone for that.

You currently CANNOT put a dual-tuner series 2 in standby mode and watch anything. All you will see is snow. Courtesy of Tivo's latest software "upgrade." :rolleyes:

[mkbomb]

Howdy!
Coax from outside goes to a 2 way splitter. One Line to Cable Modem, the other to Digital Cable Box. Then, Dig Cable Box Coax goes out to Tivo S2 DT. Finally, S2 DT goes out via S-Video and White & Red RF to TV.
How can I accomplish being able to watch Live TV while recording w/ the S2 DT?
Also, will I need to use the Cable Box remote to surf live TV while recording w/ the S2?

I did attempt a search for a strictly Cable Modem/Digital cable setup with no luck :(
Thanks very much in advance! -Mike :D

[ZikZak]

Well, the entire point of the DT is to be able to record two-at-once, or equivalently to watch-live-while-recording.

Split the cable again, and send the analog line to the DT. The cabling from the cable box to the DT should be RCA or Svideo for better video quality.

Never use the cable remote for anything other than ordering PPV.

[mkbomb]

Well, the entire point of the DT is to be able to record two-at-once, or equivalently to watch-live-while-recording.

Split the cable again, and send the analog line to the DT. The cabling from the cable box to the DT should be RCA or Svideo for better video quality.

Never use the cable remote for anything other than ordering PPV.

Thanks! Is a Target-bought splitter good enough? I believe its G.E. Brand.

[ZikZak]

Thanks! Is a Target-bought splitter good enough? I believe its G.E. Brand.

Probably. If the picture appears pixellated, you may have too many splits--- get a cable amplier from Radio Shack.

[mkbomb]

Well, the entire point of the DT is to be able to record two-at-once, or equivalently to watch-live-while-recording.

Split the cable again, and send the analog line to the DT. The cabling from the cable box to the DT should be RCA or Svideo for better video quality.

Never use the cable remote for anything other than ordering PPV.

OK, here's what I've hooked up this morning:

Coax from street to a 2-way splitter(G.E. 5-900mhz).
From splitter: one coax to digital cable box(Sci Atlanta Explorer 2000), the other coax to S2 DT.
S-Video and RCA from cable box to S2 DT.
S-Video and RCA from S2 DT to TV.

Last night, gastrof was kind enough to saty online with me and said this:


To be honest, I'd have split the cable three ways and done a double run to the TV, especially with a DT TiVo.

What you're doing now is splitting the signal strength in half, and then at the TV splitting one half into two quarters.

Not good, especially with digital.

It'd be better if "everyone" got an equal one third. (By the way...an amplifying splitter is the better choice in what you're doing, not a regular splitter.)

Anyway, since at this moment you only have one cable line coming to the TV, try this-

DO split the cable again at the TV, and run one to the TiVo directly, the other to the cable box. (Makes no difference which goes to which. They're equal.)

Then have the cable box feed the cable box inputs on the Dual Tuner TiVo.

I'm sure you can do the math from that point on... :p

If you need more help, let me know, but I may not be on much longer.

(Also, I'd still advise re-doing things later with a three way split, and an amp/splitter.)

I'm confused! In my current setup, what needs to be changed according to gastrof's suggestion? Man, I feel like I'm almost there, this is exciting! Thanks in advance, guys and gals. -Mike
:D

[ZikZak]

You should be fine the way you have it. If you wanted to record TWO programs and watch another live, you could replace the 2-way splitter with a 3-way splitter and send another coax to the TV. I think that's what gastrof was probably getting at, but if you need to do that, you're watching too much TV. ;)

But your setup should work fine right now (you can add the third line later ifever and whenever you want). Run Guided Setup and have fun!

[mkbomb]

You should be fine the way you have it. If you wanted to record TWO programs and watch another live, you could replace the 2-way splitter with a 3-way splitter and send another coax to the TV. I think that's what gastrof was probably getting at, but if you need to do that, you're watching too much TV. ;)

But your setup should work fine right now (you can add the third line later ifever and whenever you want). Run Guided Setup and have fun!

I just tried to change the channel with the s2 remote while recording a show, and a msg came up asking me if I "want to change the channel and stop recording, or just continue recording?". Is this possibly because, like I read and was told, Time Warner is disontinuing analog in my area(nyc)? Or do I need to run guided setup like you said to teach the s2 about my new split input? I did already familiarize the s2 with the new s-vid input via the cable box. Thanks as always :D :p :)

[ZikZak]

You need to rerun guided setup to tell the tivo about the analog input. You'll still get that message when recording something off of the cable box, since you only have one of those.

Keep in mind that the more you watch tivo, the less you'll want to watch live TV. Set SPs for everything you watch, and two weeks from now you'll forget what Live TV is.

[mkbomb]

You'll still get that message when recording something off of the cable box, since you only have one of those.


I'll still get that message, meaning I WON'T be able to switch the channel and watch Live TV w/o cancelling the recording?

I realize that TiVo will change my habits completely-it's the Wife that really would like the option to simultaneously record and watch Live TV.

[ZikZak]

I'll still get that message, meaning I WON'T be able to switch the channel and watch Live TV w/o cancelling the recording?

Not if it requires changing the channel on the cable box. You've only got one of those, so you can only have one feed from the cable box at a time, whether it's recording or you're watching it live.

I realize that TiVo will change my habits completely-it's the Wife that really would like the option to simultaneously record and watch Live TV.

Record her programs too.

[mkbomb]

Not if it requires changing the channel on the cable box. You've only got one of those, so you can only have one feed from the cable box at a time, whether it's recording or you're watching it live.



Record her programs too.

How come I was able to record shows on the s2 dt BEFORE I split the cable last night? What purpose did splitting the cable serve, then? I appreciate your time, Zak.

[ZikZak]

Now the S2 can record off of BOTH the cable box and the analog cable simultaneously, or you can watch analog live while recording.

[mkbomb]

Now the S2 can record off of BOTH the cable box and the analog cable simultaneously, or you can watch analog live while recording.

Ok, here's the dumb question-How do I go about watching the analog channels? with which remote, or setting? as I mentioned before-I was unable to switch channels with the tivo remote while recording. Is there something crucial here that I'm missing? Thanks again. :D

[mkbomb]

Ok, here's the dumb question-How do I go about watching the analog channels? with which remote, or setting? as I mentioned before-I was unable to switch channels with the tivo remote while recording. Is there something crucial here that I'm missing? Thanks again. :D

Hahaha,
Wow. Just sitting here, drinking some beers, and browsing the TiVo site's specials. It just dawned on me. The reason I got my factory renewed 80hr box FREE with 12.99 per mo. service is because it's the Single Tuner version!!! I am an idiot. I apologize for annoying you while unknowingly having signed up for the sngle tuner box. :o :( :D
-Mike

[Olvera67]

I didn't see it, so I will apologize if I missed it, my question is in regard to watching a program that I set to record. Will the Tivo continue to record, like let's say a movie or sporting event, if I come in an hour into the recording and jump back to the start to watch it from the beginning? Can I do that or do I have to wait for the recording to complete before I watch?

[ZikZak]

It will continue recording.

[littlejoel]

OK, so I think I've got this, but not quite sure. If someone can double check this for me, it would be greatly appreciated.

I have a digital cable box (no DVR capability) and a S2 single tuner tivo. I want to be able to record a program with Tivo (say network TV), while at the same time be able to watch an HBO movie (channel 500s) or an HD channel (700s). I also want to be able to record the HBO movies on Tivo while watching another program. I also have a cable modem and a A/V receiver, and I have a HDTV.

So, from the wall I need a 3-way splitter (#1 to the Cable modem, #2 to the cable box, #3 to the tivo). Then, from #2 I need A/V cables to the receiver (which then runs to the TV via S-video cable). From #3 I also need A/V cables to the receiver.

The problem is, I don't see how the tivo will be able to record HBO movies, as there is no decoding of the cable to the tivo.

Any help would be appreciated.

[ZikZak]

You won't be able to watch HBO on tivo if you set it up that way... for the reasons you point out.

What you probably want to do is split the cable three ways: one to the modem, one to the cable box, and one to the TV. Wire S-video and audio from the cable box to the tivo, and HD cables from the cable box to the TV.

Record all the SD television you want to watch on the tivo, and watch the recordings at any time. In the case of an unresolvable conflict, you can watch network TV through the TV tuner as the TiVo records the second program. To watch HD programming, you will have to do so when the tivo is not recording other things; there's really no way around that unless you're willing not to ever tivo any digital/scrambled channels or you're willing to get another cable box.

I think that what you probably really want is an S3 tivo.

[littlejoel]

Thanks for that. I figured I was pretty much screwed, but just wanted to see if someones figured this out. I'd go with the S3, but it's too expensive right now. Would another possibility be to get a dual tuner from the cable company, and just use the tivo to record SD tv?

[ZikZak]

Generally, hooking up a tivo to a DVR is a bad idea; you'll keep confusing each other.

[littlejoel]

So, then, back to your recommended setup. Can I record channels such as HBO, etc with this configuration, then? Oh, and would I also have to change the way Tivo controls the cable box, or is my current setup (Tivo uses the IR emitters to change channels) still going to work?

I just read my tv manual, and I can put a cable card into the back of the tv. Does that solve my problems of not being able to record while watching HD?

[ZikZak]

So, then, back to your recommended setup. Can I record channels such as HBO, etc with this configuration, then? Oh, and would I also have to change the way Tivo controls the cable box, or is my current setup (Tivo uses the IR emitters to change channels) still going to work?


Yes, use the IR blasters to control the cable box, and the tivo can record anything the cable box puts out (as long as it's SD)

I just read my tv manual, and I can put a cable card into the back of the tv. Does that solve my problems of not being able to record while watching HD?

Yes, this will allow the TV to be its own cable decoder. You will be able to watch any cable channel on the TV while tivo records off the cable box.

[littlejoel]

Thanks for all your help. Hopefully I can get a cablecard from the cable company for relatively inexpensive.

[freedug]

So, I think I've gotten into a no win situation here.

Had a DirecTivo for years, which i loved. We recently moved into town, and now have access to a Fiber Optic network. We get internet, phone and TV thru our provider. But, since it's fiber, it's A. all digital and B. comes thru FO line rather than coax.
When we moved in we got a S2DT Tivo. I can't figure out how to trick it to get the dual tuner to work. I can't split the coax because there is none. I thought I was being smart and I got 2 cable boxes hooked up (1 for each tuner). I tried using the Coax out on my cable box (Which is an Amino - if you wanna see the box, google burlingtontelecom)When I go thru the guided setup, it gets stuck in a loop trying to get the channels set up (keeps telling me to go to the Tivo site for finding my channels). I called Tivo and they said it's because my channels are all-digital and I'm screwed.
I next tried an RF modulator and ran the composite video and audio plugs from my cable box into the RF in on the Tivo box... no good.
My next thought is to try and find a Digital to Analog converter box (the ones they're creating for the big switchover in 2009 for All Digital TV), but no one has any on sale until next year.
Any thoughts?

[JimSpence]

I believe the DT can only accept one plain analog cable and a cable box.

[freedug]

i think it's ridiculous that we are 1.5 years away from getting rid of the analog spectrum for TV, and Tivo can't record 2 digital channels at once. I hope tivo can retrofit the S2DT box i JUST bought to accept 2 digital lines, or buyers beware, your box will be obsolete in a year and a half...

[JimSpence]

There is the Series 3 TiVo.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=51

[freedug]

um, yeah... for 500 to 800 bucks.... um, no

[jcrouch702]

This isnt working for me... Ill have a season pass recorded, and someone will go to watch something...i come back later to watch my season pass, and whatever theywere watching is what recorded... i dont get it. I got TiVo because American Idol and Biggest Loser come on at the same time. I NEED to watch one and record the other, and they dont do reruns of those...especially american Idol. PLEASE HELP

[anotherme]

:confused:Can I use a technique essentially like this to use my series 2 tivo to record programs on the non-hd channels when I am not home and to watch HDTV live on my new HDTV? I am assuming that the tivo could be recording on the non-hd channel while I watch HDTV as well?

I am not any kind of rocket surgeon, but I am hoping this is the kind of thing I need to do. Any advice or changes that I would need to make to the original post description to make this work in my case??

Thanks all,
anotherme

[classicsat]

Like what? If you want to record SD and watch HD separately, you need two boxes from your provider, an SD box for the TiVo to record, and an HD box to watch direct. I do that an it works fine.

[anotherme]

Can you describe the set up for me. I am not seeing it. I do understand that the other box would be good to get the premium channels both for sd and hd. -- I was figuring on using only one box, but OK.

Does the HD tv have two places to input the cables? What if I change the channel? Isn't that going to mess up the box or the tivo or something? Or do I use the input button - input 1, input 2, etc??

Sorry I am slow.

anotherme