Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club

[Petua]

Thanks for the responses to my last post. Now I have a new question. With TiVo Basic, I can't seem to access many of the online features from tivo. For example, under I Have TiVo!, I get a "Sorry, we couldn't find any contracts on your account." message for most of the options. Same goes for online scheduling. It looks as if I need to sign up for service. However, the How do I activate my TiVo Basic Service? support page claims: "TiVo Basic service is automatically activated for DVD integrated models from Toshiba and Pioneer. It is only necessary to activate service if you are upgrading to TiVo Plus service."

[windracer]

That's correct ... TiVo Basic only gives you the basic three days' worth of Guide data. All of the really cool stuff (online scheduling, Season Passes, WishLists, etc.) is part of the TiVo Plus service.

You might have found this when perusing the TiVo Support site, but here are the differences between Basic and Plus:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1199.htm?

If you're a new owner, you should have the option for a free trial of Plus, which lets you try out some (but not all) of the Plus features.

[mikeurz]

I have just downloaded the Beta version software for my Toshiba. Will one of the wirless G adapters listed on TIVOs site that will work with software version 7.1 or higher work with my unit now? Has anyone tried this?

[Rodney]

"Hi, my name is Rodney, and I am a TiVo addict."
I just picked up an RS-TX20 from Best Buy as an open box, no cables or correct remote. This now makes five TiVO boxes in my house. I just couldn't pass up the deal to get a DVD burner and series 2 standalone for $210. And this right after I just purchased the HD10-250. Yikes.

Of course, I had to activate an additional DirecTV receiver, and I had to activate TiVo Plus (What is TiVo without Season Passes and WishLists?), so I can't afford too many more deals!

Anyone know where I can get the true Toshiba remote with the DVD buttons?

-Rodney

[ashu]

Someone asked about Toshiba remoteas a couple of pages ago ... I believe TiVo (or Toshiba?) has 'em.

[gardibolt]

I've tried a couple things to get 30-second skip to work and it still just skips to the end of the program. Does the RS-TX20 support this at all, or has it been disabled like just about everything else useful (e.g. even rudimentary editing, altering recording speed, etc.) ?

[azitnay]

30SS has not been disabled... You must just not be doing it right. Start watching a recording (it's harder to make it work on live TV). Then, press SELECT, PLAY, SELECT, 3, 0, SELECT in order. You'll hear three bings if it worked.

BTW, I'm not sure what you mean by the rest of the stuff you mentioned being disabled... None of it's ever been there in the first place.

Drew

[ashu]

I thought it was 'dings', not 'bings'? Ask Chandler. Or Matt!

Editing was never a feature. The processor can't handle it anyway, and it's moot when you can FFWD with the same awesome TiVo interface when watching a DVD recording.

And you effectively pre-plan your 'recording speed'. It records 8 hours of Basic, 4 of Medium, 2 of High and 1 hour of Best quality TiVo recordings to a DVD. Or any proportional combination of those qualities.

[windracer]

or has it been disabled like just about everything else useful (e.g. even rudimentary editing, altering recording speed, etc.) ?
Like Drew, I'm confused about what you mean by these last options.

Maybe by "recording speed" you mean changing the recording quality? Do you have TiVo Basic or the Plus service? I think you can only change the quality if you subscribe to the Plus service?

[azitnay]

I figured he meant changing the actual DVD burning speed, as most PC DVD burning software packages can do... I'm not sure why you'd ever want it at less than max nowadays, though.

Drew

[gardibolt]

30SS has not been disabled... You must just not be doing it right. Start watching a recording (it's harder to make it work on live TV). Then, press SELECT, PLAY, SELECT, 3, 0, SELECT in order. You'll hear three bings if it worked.

BTW, I'm not sure what you mean by the rest of the stuff you mentioned being disabled... None of it's ever been there in the first place.

Drew


I get no bings, and it just goes zip to the end.
:mad:

Other DVD recorders allow editing and burning to DVD at a different speed than the program was originally recorded at; I had a Philips for a while that was an entry level machine and did that just fine; unfortunately its TV Guide feature was incompatible with my cable and made it fairly pointless. I can only assume Tivo did not want to allow these fairly basic features for some reason.
:mad:


I wish I had known that it was incompatible with DSL; it's always a big headache to disconnect and reconnect everything every 2 weeks to feed Tivo its information. If you hook up wireless to it, will that work, or is there still a problem with DSL running over the same lines?

[gardibolt]

I figured he meant changing the actual DVD burning speed, as most PC DVD burning software packages can do... I'm not sure why you'd ever want it at less than max nowadays, though.

Drew

Since the RS-TX20 won't record on dual layer discs, you're stuck putting a movie at 2-hour speed rather than the max.

[azitnay]

Keep trying to enable 30SS... It works fine on the RS-TX units; you must simply be missing something.

I'm not sure why you think it's incompatible with DSL. You can hook it up to your home network, and it'll work just fine.

As for your other rants, ashu already explained that the TiVo hardware simply can't sustain tasks like transcoding, editing, etc. So, yes, you're stuck with the original recording, at its original recording quality. These machines were meant for simple point-and-click recording, not vast editing tasks. If you want to do major editing, use TiVoToGo, strip the DRM, and do whatever you want with the MPEG's.

Drew

[gardibolt]

Keep trying to enable 30SS... It works fine on the RS-TX units; you must simply be missing something.

I'm not sure why you think it's incompatible with DSL. You can hook it up to your home network, and it'll work just fine.


Drew

No, it won't. If the router is on, TiVo cannot dial in. If TiVo is connected to the phone system, the DSL does not work. If I shut the router off, TiVo can dial in just fine. If TiVo is disconnected from the phone lines then the DSL works fine.

Hence, incompatible.

[azitnay]

Ahh, so you're continuing to use the TiVo modem instead of connecting it via ethernet. You should just be able to put a DSL filter on the TiVo's line, right?

Drew

[SystemJinx]

I get no bings, and it just goes zip to the end. :mad:

I can vouch that the 30 second skip does work on the Toshiba RS-TX20. I have it enabled. Just play a prerecorded program and point the peanut remote at the Tivo. Press Select, Play (above the yellow II button), Select, 3, 0, Select and it will ding 3 times. The 30 skip will be enabled until the unit is rebooted.

Other DVD recorders allow editing and burning to DVD at a different speed than the program was originally recorded at; I had a Philips for a while that was an entry level machine and did that just fine; unfortunately its TV Guide feature was incompatible with my cable and made it fairly pointless. I can only assume Tivo did not want to allow these fairly basic features for some reason.
:mad:

Tivo doesn't offer any editing but as for speed, make sure you are using a 4 speed or faster DVD-R media. I can burn a 2 hour movie in about 30 minutes.

[oly4him]

The audio level on any recorded shows, or shows burned to DVD are a lot lower than the audio level on shows being watched on "Live TV" or when watching pre-recorded DVDs.

Any ideas on what can be done to adjust this?

Thanks

[ashu]

Audio level on shows I record to DVD is perfectly matched with the (original) recording level. Are you using different sets of outputs to a home theater receiver? If so, the DVD's digital audio output may be clipped or amplified to a lesser extent IF you have your receiver set to do this, or if the settings for the two audio signals vary.

[ashu]

Hence, incompatible.

Just like fax machines and dialup modems are incompatible with DSL.

As azitnay said - have you heard of a DSL filter?

I'd Roll my Eyes, but then I'd be accused of being unkind to new members, so :D

[gardibolt]

I have a DSL filter on the line, thank you very much. My fax machine works fine on the phone line too, just not the TiVo.

On the positive side, I tried 5 or 6 more times on the 30-second skip and finally got that to work. Thanks for the encouragement to keep trying. Never did get any bings, though. :p

[andydbrown50]

Basically every afternoon I've been coming home and my DMS is frozen on the screen, (picture is oddly pixalated - is that a word?????). So to get it back I have to unplug it and then plug it back in. Has anyone had this problem and have they been able to resolve it.

[JeffDawg]

problem with my RS-TX60. About every 2-3 days it re-sets itself and gets stuck. I wonder if the hard drive is about to die. Any suggestions?

[scottt]

I got my Toshiba thanks to the BestBuy rebate/coupon deal. I finally got my rebate check which means I can actually break the seal on the box.

How long does the trial TiVo service last? Do I have to "activate" the unit (and start the clock) to use it? I would like to copy DVD's to the unit to watch later (subscribed to BlockBusters DVD service and would like to record some DVD's to the unit). Do I need to activate TiVo service to do this?

I plan to use only TiVo basic service on this unit, but would be nice to have the full service during the fall season startup.

Thanks.

[azitnay]

I believe the trial is typically 45 days.

You don't actually activate the TiVo service during the trial (i.e. you never go to tivo.com and enter your information).

As for your DVD copying, it depends what method you want to use to put them on the box. If you simply want to use the front A/V inputs to record them onto the TiVo, that should work... However, if you're talking about ripping them to MPEG-2 format and using reverse TiVoToGo to get them on the box, I don't think you'll be able to do that during the trial.

Drew

[scottt]

Perhaps I misunderstood. I thought I read (in this thread I think) that you could stick a DVD in the drive and copy it to the hard drive for later viewing. If it was a commercial DVD with copy protection, you couldn't then burn it to DVD (which I'm not looking to do). I just want to store a bunch of movies on the HD for viewing later.

Does the 45 day clock start when I turn the unit on?

[Runch Machine]

You CAN'T copy a DVD from the internal DVD reader to the hard drive. You CAN copy a DVD from a DVD player connected to the video inputs on the front or back of the unit. When you plug the DVD recorder in for the first time it will go through guided setup. It will ask you to subscribe to the Tivo service. If you say no, then it will offer you a 45 day trial. After a day or two you may get a message saying that your free trial is almost up, but it will still last the full 45 days.

[scottt]

Crap. I completely read that wrong (was looking forward to dumping some DVD's to the unit). Guess I can't move my other DVD player upstairs just yet.

Thanks for the info.

[sledhed]

HELP - AUDIO

Ok, new to the forum, just joined today... I bought an RS-TX20 during the BestBuy "sale", and we love it so far (will love the rebate when it gets here too ;-).

BUT - our television has fairly poor sound, and I would like the option of hooking the audio up to our stereo. Since there is only one set of audio outputs, and no RF output, those have to go to the TV (for when we do not care about audio quality that much and the stereo is off). I need a way to hook the thing up to my stereo's auxilliary inputs as well. Stereo is old enough it does not do digital audio.

What can I do? Can I get some sort of adapter to hook the digital audio out to the stereo inputs? Keeping in mind I am on a budget here.

Any ideas welcome. Seems like a great forum for info on this unit. Thanks.

[DarkShadows]

What's the big deal with the 30 second skip?

You are telling me that you have to push that button 10 times for a standard commercial break?

I could see maybe that it would be helpful when you are scanning past the commercials and don't want to overshoot, but it seems like a lotta button crunching to me.

[gardibolt]

HELP - AUDIO

Ok, new to the forum, just joined today... I bought an RS-TX20 during the BestBuy "sale", and we love it so far (will love the rebate when it gets here too ;-).

BUT - our television has fairly poor sound, and I would like the option of hooking the audio up to our stereo. Since there is only one set of audio outputs, and no RF output, those have to go to the TV (for when we do not care about audio quality that much and the stereo is off). I need a way to hook the thing up to my stereo's auxilliary inputs as well. Stereo is old enough it does not do digital audio.

What can I do? Can I get some sort of adapter to hook the digital audio out to the stereo inputs? Keeping in mind I am on a budget here.

Any ideas welcome. Seems like a great forum for info on this unit. Thanks.

I don't believe there's any way to easily convert the digital output to analog for the stereo inputs. Getting a digital/analog converter would most likely cost more than upgrading your stereo in the first place. You could try getting a splitter and some more cables, though it's possible you'd get some signal degradation. You'd probably be most certain if you get an audio switcher (make sure it has at least 2 analog outputs--a lot of them have multiple inputs but only one output), and then you could flip between the TV and the stereo getting the analog output, as you desired. Either of those should run less than $20, with the splitter most likely being cheaper.

[sledhed]

I don't believe there's any way to easily convert the digital output to analog for the stereo inputs. Getting a digital/analog converter would most likely cost more than upgrading your stereo in the first place. You could try getting a splitter and some more cables, though it's possible you'd get some signal degradation. You'd probably be most certain if you get an audio switcher (make sure it has at least 2 analog outputs--a lot of them have multiple inputs but only one output), and then you could flip between the TV and the stereo getting the analog output, as you desired. Either of those should run less than $20, with the splitter most likely being cheaper.

Hm... thanks for the info... wish my TV had audio out jacks. Recently purchased it and did not think of looking for that feature, but I don't know if that is a common feature anyway.

[ashu]

RCA splitters should work just fine for your purpose. get the ones that are a solid little piece that provide two V-shaped outputs, or get the 6-foot-cable (basic stereo RCA that plugs into one of your destination devices at the other end).

I've even used these for Video (my last receiver had inadequate connectors to supports ALL my devices and PC) without any issues.

[azitnay]

What's the big deal with the 30 second skip?

You are telling me that you have to push that button 10 times for a standard commercial break?

I could see maybe that it would be helpful when you are scanning past the commercials and don't want to overshoot, but it seems like a lotta button crunching to me.

I'm not sure a standard commercial break is quite five minutes... Three or four perhaps.

I tend to use 3xFF more than 30SS personally, but 30SS is definitely for me when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to concentrate enough to hit the 3xFF dead-on.

And if you want to know a definite use for 30SS, just ask football fans -- the amount of time between the end of one play and the beginning of another is often just over 30 seconds. I get through full games I only care somewhat about in 45 minutes or so.

Drew

[sledhed]

RCA splitters should work just fine for your purpose. get the ones that are a solid little piece that provide two V-shaped outputs, or get the 6-foot-cable (basic stereo RCA that plugs into one of your destination devices at the other end).

I've even used these for Video (my last receiver had inadequate connectors to supports ALL my devices and PC) without any issues.

Thanks, sounds like that is my option at this point.

I am not familiar with the digital (optical?) output - what can be done with that? Can I pipe that into my PC (other room) or perhaps laptop? Hm...

[windracer]

I am not familiar with the digital (optical?) output - what can be done with that? Can I pipe that into my PC (other room) or perhaps laptop? Hm...
Usually the optical output connects to your receiver for Dolby Digital, THX, etc. Not sure it's practical (or possible) to connect it to a laptop/PC.

[ashu]

And if you want to know a definite use for 30SS, just ask football fans -- the amount of time between the end of one play and the beginning of another is often just over 30 seconds. I get through full games I only care somewhat about in 45 minutes or so.

Drew

Football - sure. It's abso-frikkin-lutely perfect for tennis. One 30secFF and two 8 second replays - precisely to the time where the player serves again after the end of the last point. I almost cried as I just watched Roddick get his gluteus maximus handed to him by Muller (and not because I like Roddick - his attitude usually sucks) because I was watching on my Toshiba SD-H400, that lacks 30 second skip :D

[ashu]

Usually the optical output connects to your receiver for Dolby Digital, THX, etc. Not sure it's practical (or possible) to connect it to a laptop/PC.

More and more newer auio solutions (sound cards or on-motherboard chipsets) support digital audio input.

My nForce2 motherboard with the Athlon 2100 XP that is my Media PC has optical I/O :) And it rocks! I have my receiver hooked to this. Not that I capture much audio on the PC, but if I did - it'd be way coler than the current geeky 'how cool is that' facotr ;)

[azitnay]

Football - sure. It's abso-frikkin-lutely perfect for tennis. One 30secFF and two 8 second replays - precisely to the time where the player serves again after the end of the last point. I almost cried as I just watched Roddick get his gluteus maximus handed to him by Muller (and not because I like Roddick - his attitude usually sucks) because I was watching on my Toshiba SD-H400, that lacks 30 second skip :D

So, 14 seconds... That's pretty much what I use for time between pitches (baseball) and time between a foul and the foul shots (basketball) as well.

BTW, you are doing IR - IR - 30SS, not the other way around, right? That way, you don't accidentally see into the future.

Drew

[ashu]

I shut my eyes, or look the other way - and then I do 30SS - IR - IR. I take my chances. And if an ad break has occured, I kinda notice and don't bother with the IR.

It's tennis, after all - not much happens from one point to the next ;)

[steeagle]

Hi, I am new to here. I read previous postings and notice that Toshiba Tivo keeps recording even in standby mode. I check play list and there are tons of shows which I am not interested in. Also it will fill up the hard drive very soon. I am wondering if there is a way I can record the only shows I am interested in. So I don't need to go to play list every day to delete those recored shows and make room to record others. Could someone help me? Thanks.


Steeagle

[scottt]

It is recording suggestions. The "choosing" of what shows to record will get better after you start rating your shows (1-3 thumbs up or down). I like to use suggestions as a guide of how much hard drive space I have left. Suggestions will never "fill up" your hard drive as they are automatically deleted when space is needed for shows you set up to record.

[Runch Machine]

Hi, I am new to here. I read previous postings and notice that Toshiba Tivo keeps recording even in standby mode. I check play list and there are tons of shows which I am not interested in. Also it will fill up the hard drive very soon. I am wondering if there is a way I can record the only shows I am interested in. So I don't need to go to play list every day to delete those recored shows and make room to record others. Could someone help me? Thanks.


Steeagle

Go into the setup menu and look for an entry called TIVO SUGGESTIONS. Go into this entry and set it to NO. Note that Tivo will NOT erase shows you scheduled to record in order to record suggestions.

[irishguywi]

I just got 7.2 downloaded, and now my SPS30S code does not work. Anyone else find this has happened?


okay...just a quick update. The SPS30S code DOES work. When I do the initial SPS, I was waiting for the tones to indicate I should enter the 30S part of it. Those tones never came. In fact, I even got the "bongs" when I tried to enter the 30S part.

However, once I had done the entire code, I got the 3 good tones at the end and the code works. So it appears as though the tones after the SPS are gone in 7.2 on my Toshiba.




Along those lines, I will ask my next question...can anyone tell me if I need TiVo Plus to transfer files off my TiVo now that I am on 7.2? I just have basic at this time, and I am reading conflicting reports that I don't need Plus.

Any comments?

...further update...
I downloaded the Tivo Desktop and installed. It sees my TiVo on the network, but shows no files.
Also, when I go to my TiVo, my MAK is "Temporarily not available"
Is that a bad sign?

[azitnay]

30SS still works fine under 7.2 on RS-TX units... Try SPS30S again.

Drew

[ashu]

Along those lines, I will ask my next question...can anyone tell me if I need TiVo Plus to transfer files off my TiVo now that I am on 7.2? I just have basic at this time, and I am reading conflicting reports that I don't need Plus.

Any comments?

You need PLUS for any transfers onto or off the unit (shows, Music, Photos etc).

It will connect to TiVo for guide data and updates via the network with only Basic, however. But that's it.

[irishguywi]

bummer.
Thanks for the info ashu, I do appreciate it!

[windracer]

bummer.
Get TiVoPlus ... you'll never go back to Basic!

[irishguywi]

i'm sure you are right windracer...
but it is tough to justify the money when Basic is free.

[windracer]

You get what you pay for. ;)

TiVoBasic is nice ... I tried it. But since the TX20 was not my first TiVo, I was already too dependent on WishLists, Season Passes, etc. (not to mention MRV and TTG transfers).

[DarkShadows]

I am recording via the composite front inputs onto my HD and it looks like I can only do a max of 6:59 at a time.

Is there anyway to get around that?

[DarkShadows]

In my case the TIVO Plus came with the 45 Trial, too be honest I had no intention of paying for the TIVO plus but I have become quite dependent on the Season Pass, Wish List.

I really love the easy interface with the Tivo Plus and the online scheduling feature is awesome too when I get the 7.2 update.

[ZeoTiVo]

i'm sure you are right windracer...
but it is tough to justify the money when Basic is free.

what are your recording habits like ? How do you go about setting up recordings now?

[FishTank1701]

i'm sure you are right windracer...
but it is tough to justify the money when Basic is free.
So's warm tap water versus a cold bottle of <pick your brand> bottled water. There's a mighty big difference. Take the 45 day free trial, and you'll never go back.

[slyone]

7.2 now on machine, 45 day trial expired. I turn on to see if I can find the MAK because it told me before that servive was now working. Message says "your free 45 day trial has begun"! Geez, I got another trial? go to web site to get MAK and it says my TSN is wrong? WTF? Strange, would think it was ctivated when I first set it up, I hate to activate it again if I'm stuck in some sort of sweetspot/malfunction w/ free PLUS but I need (or want) the MAK! Any opinions or clarity on what's going on here...THanks! :confused:

[C5John]

Hello, just joined. I'm trying to post a new question/thread but all I can find is the "Post Reply" link in the " Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club" forum. Can I post a question like this? If not, can someone tell me where the link to a NEW thread is located?

Thank for any help, C5John

[azitnay]

The "Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club" is a single (albeit lengthy) thread, not a forum.

Go back to the "DVD TiVo Units" forum, and find "New Thread" button at the left below the list of threads.

Drew

[dizzydeane]

Count me the Toshiba RS-TX club

[C5John]

>>>The "Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club" is a single (albeit lengthy) thread, not a forum. Go back to the "DVD TiVo Units" forum, and find "New Thread" button at the left below the list of threads.<<<


As per my prior post and this response, my questions will be on Toshiba units in particular, not Tivo. So I'll try in this thread.

I own a Toshiba RD-XS32SU ( 80GB HDD, DVD Recorder ) and am contemplating getting a second unit, possibly a RS-TX20 or 60. I am happy with the unit I have (would like bigger HD though) but dont think its available any more. A couple of concerns about getting the RS-TX:

1. I dont really care about the Tivo aspects of unit ( DONT SHOOT ME!), so can the unit be programmed manually, such as like my RD-XS32SU can? I dont have a phone jack near where this unit will be placed so I may not be able to use the Tivo aspects.

2. I see from the specs that the RS-TX doesnt do RAM discs like my unit does. In mine, I can High Speed Dub from HD to RAM or from RAM to HD. Does the RS-TX allow dubbing, high speed or not, from HD to DVD (and vice-versa) at all?

again, thanks for any info, C5John

[azitnay]

1) Yes, the RS-TX units have TiVo Basic, which allow for (you guessed it) basic functionality without a TiVo subscription. This includes three days of program data, and the ability to set up one-time or recurring recordings.

If you truly don't care about the TiVo functionality, I'm not sure the RS-TX units are going to be worth it to you. Most standalone DVD recorder units probably have a decent amount more non-TiVo functionality than these units. However, in my book the TiVo functionality makes it all worth it.

As for not having a phone jack, I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing due to TiVo Basic, the unit will still manually record without a phone connection (someone else might be able to provide a more concrete answer, though). However, you won't get even the three days of program data that Basic provides. You can always connect it via ethernet instead, if that's a better option.

2) The unit does HD -> DVD (that's the main point of it), but no DVD -> HD. By subscribing to TiVo Plus and using the new features in TiVo software 7.2, you could rip a DVD to your computer, and then transfer it to the TiVo, however.

Drew

[Bruzer]

I just completed the 45 day trial with my RS-TX20. I certainly liked many of the features that Plus offered, but as irishguywi pointed out, it's hard financially to justify going to it. I'm going to stick with Basic for awhile and see how it goes.

One thing that I've already discovered (and hope that there's a workaround) is that it will only store recordings for 2 days before deleting them! I haven't found any way in Basic to change this. Does anyone know of a way to change this (other than upgrading to Plus :) ). Thanks.

[azitnay]

It shouldn't delete anything until it needs to. After two days, it marks it as "can be deleted to make room for other programs", but if you never fill it up and give it a reason to, it should never delete.

Drew

[C5John]

For another DVR option. I dont particularly want Tivo, I can program myself. As for other DVD burners, I find that recording to a HD for general VCR type usage is much faster/conveinient than recording to a DVD. The unit I have now (RD-XS32SU) burns to DVD or HD. Recording programs to a DVD to watch later just doesnt even compare with recording them to HD. By the time a DVD loads I could be watching something off the HD already, for instance. I can put chapter marks wherever I want on a show thats on the HD also, making it easier to resume watching a show where I left off.
( RAM DVD allows this also, works like a HD in some ways. Dont know why its not a more popular format.)

Anyway, thats what I'm looking for.... a HD based DVR. The DVD part is optional.

And if what Bruzer said is right about the 2 day limit....TOTALY UNACCEPTABLE. I record so many shows that it may be a week before I watch some of them.

Ps. Anybody know if there are any current units out there with the capabilities of the Toshiba RD-XS32SU??


Thanks for the info.

[C5John]

Oh... ok. Just read what Azitnay said about the deleting thing.

[azitnay]

I'm confused about what you're saying... A TiVo does give you the capability to record TV to the hard drive. That's been the whole point of TiVo all along.

Drew

[Bruzer]

Thanks for the reply, azitnay. I was going by the information in the TO DO list which said something like "Keep Until (Record Date + 2 days)". The other weird thing is that even though I just completed my 45-day trial, I just got another 30-day trial! I wonder if it's related to the recent software upgrade?

[slyone]

Thanks for the reply, azitnay. I was going by the information in the TO DO list which said something like "Keep Until (Record Date + 2 days)". The other weird thing is that even though I just completed my 45-day trial, I just got another 30-day trial! I wonder if it's related to the recent software upgrade?
I too have received another free trial! Yea baby, keep 'em coming! :p

[ashu]

Keep Until should be interpreted as "Will not be deleted ANY sooner than"

It ALSO implies, "Will only be deleted if the space is needed for a SCHEDULED (not SUGGESTED) recording"

[ZeoTiVo]

For another DVR option. I dont particularly want Tivo, I can program myself. As for other DVD burners, I find that recording to a HD for general VCR type usage is much faster/conveinient than recording to a DVD. The unit I have now (RD-XS32SU) burns to DVD or HD. Recording programs to a DVD to watch later just doesnt even compare with recording them to HD. By the time a DVD loads I could be watching something off the HD already, for instance. I can put chapter marks wherever I want on a show thats on the HD also, making it easier to resume watching a show where I left off.
( RAM DVD allows this also, works like a HD in some ways. Dont know why its not a more popular format.)
.

the other thing with the RS TX20 with TiVo interface. Any show you watch off the Hard drive will keep an automatic bookmark at where you left off watching it. When you go back it will have a resume playing option or if you hit play on it will just start palying from where you left off. It keeps a bookmark on every single show specific to that show.

Also TiVo interface has a skip to tick mark and 3 FF/RW speeds that make it very easy to move around in the show along with a bar at trhe bottom that very clearly marks where you are in the show. and there is also a skip back 8 seconds button and you can use a backdoor code to set the skip to end button to instead skip ahead 30 seconds for commercials,

now the best part is that the DVD player has the same interface to move around inside the show and is MUCH better than the standard DVD interfaces out there.

get an Toshiba TiVo with DVD burner. User it in TiVo Basic mode for a week, then try out the free trial of TiVo plus and decide from there on that issue.

one thing for sure - you will like watching shows via the TiVo interface (in either mode) and not feel at all like you have to record the shows to DVD to watch. Then the cool thing is - when you want to archive something to DVD - it is very easy point and click method (again in either Basic or Plus mode) and burn using a DVD-RW and you can stick that DVD into the other DVD recorder you have and edit it with bookmarks and chapters to hide the commercials and so forth. assuming the other DVD recorder has those abilities.

You will know well within the 30 day return period that you made a good purchase.

[steeagle]

30SS still works fine under 7.2 on RS-TX units... Try SPS30S again.

Drew


I think I got lost here. Could anyone explain what are 30SS and SPS30S to me? Thanks.

[azitnay]

30SS is 30-second skip (the ability to change the skip-to-tick button on the remote to function as 30-second skip instead when not fast-forwarding). Very useful for quickly skipping small parts of recordings (i.e. commercials).

SPS30S is the quick acronym for how to enable 30SS. The long version is:

- Start watching a recording (it's harder to do on live TV).

- Hit the following buttons in order:

Select
Play
Select
3
0
Select

After that, you should hear three bings (or apparently, dings), and 30-second skip will be enabled until you either turn it off (with SPS30S again) or the TiVo restarts.

Drew

[C5John]

>>I'm confused about what you're saying... A TiVo does give you the capability to record TV to the hard drive. That's been the whole point of TiVo all along.

Drew<<


Yes, I know. I just didnt want to have to mess with ANOTHER monthly fee (have enough of them) for something that I am totaly capable of doing my self, such as programing a show to record, especially when the unit I have now (Toshiba RD-XS32SU) does pretty much everything the Tivo's do. Of course there's no fee for the basic Tivo but I still would have to contend with the phone cord access thing. I'll probably jump on the Tivo band-wagon eventually though. Thanks for all the info guys,
C5John

[mark14224]

I just received the download for software version 7.2. I then downloaded the Tivo desktop but I keep getting an error message when the desktop tries to open that "the Tivo transfer service has not yet started (or may have been stopped or uninstalled). This service is required by the Tivo desktop. Click retry to continue waiting for the Tivo desktop to start, or click cancel to exit." I have clicked retry and i keep getting the same message. I have completely disabled my firewall and get the same message. I uninstalled the Tivo desktop and reinstalled it and get the same message. I am using Windows XP. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong or what the problem could be?

Thanks,
Mark

[azitnay]

Is it definitely the TiVo Transfer service it's complaining about, or is it the TiVo Beacon service?

In my experience, it'll do this if Beacon isn't running, but it starts Transfer itself if it needs to.

Drew

[billyacc]

Count me in on the RS-TX Club. I have the 20, but haven't received the upgrade to 7.2 yet (will check tonight when I get home).

[anth1977]

I'm a newbie and just purchased an RS-TX60. I don't have a phone line but will use one at work for the initial registration.

So I need to network my RS-T60 and have sifted through this thread hoping to find the perfect working USB network adapter. Can people post their success stories with version numbers of the network cards.

[azitnay]

Over the years, I've had good luck with:

Farallon PN796 (USB 1.1)
Linksys USB200M (USB 2.0)
Netgear FA101 (USB 1.1)

All wired, of course.

http://www.tivo.com/adapters/ is a (partial) list of working adapters.

Drew

[mark14224]

I just received the download for software version 7.2. I then downloaded the Tivo desktop but I keep getting an error message when the desktop tries to open that "the Tivo transfer service has not yet started (or may have been stopped or uninstalled). This service is required by the Tivo desktop. Click retry to continue waiting for the Tivo desktop to start, or click cancel to exit." I have clicked retry and i keep getting the same message. I have completely disabled my firewall and get the same message. I uninstalled the Tivo desktop and reinstalled it and get the same message. I am using Windows XP. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong or what the problem could be?

Thanks,
Mark

I think I have figured out why I am getting the error but I don't know how to fix it. I entered the wrong Media Access Key when i first installed the TiVo Desktop. However, since the Desktop never opens (i just get the error) I cant figure out how to change the MAK to the correct one. Even when i uninstall and reinstall it no longer asks me for the MAK when reinstalling so I am assuming this must have been stored in the registry somewhere? How do I correct his?

[Bruzer]

I too have received another free trial! Yea baby, keep 'em coming! :p
Unfortunately, it seems that as quickly as I got another free trial, it's now reverted back to Basic. Well, it was a fun "45 day Plus, 1 day Basic, 2 day Plus" trial period :)

[azitnay]

I think I have figured out why I am getting the error but I don't know how to fix it. I entered the wrong Media Access Key when i first installed the TiVo Desktop. However, since the Desktop never opens (i just get the error) I cant figure out how to change the MAK to the correct one. Even when i uninstall and reinstall it no longer asks me for the MAK when reinstalling so I am assuming this must have been stored in the registry somewhere? How do I correct his?

For the purposes of simply starting up, it shouldn't matter what your MAK is. It seems your problem is elsewhere.

However, uninstalling, blowing away all files and registry keys, and then reinstalling might not be a bad idea, anyway. After uninstalling, the files I know of are all in:

C:\Program Files\TiVo
C:\Program Files\Common Files\TiVo Shared

and the registry keys I know of are all in:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\TiVo
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\TiVo

There could be more files and/or registry keys I don't know about.

Drew

[bare-a-kuda]

Got my TSX20 earlier in the week and my 7.2 yesterday. Luvin' it so far.

[dbelmont]

Proud owner of a new RS-TX20. Please see my post about set-up in the forum.

[Giovanna145]

Hello,
I just received my new rs-tx20 for my birthday from my wife. First unit outputs would not work, took it back to bestbuy-got it sent back to toshiba and was given a new unit because toshiba couldn't fix it. Got a new unit; works perfect (knock on wood); bought the 4YR PSP from bestbuy for 49.99 after reading through 20 pages of problems with this unit. I actually read through all 20 pages so I could ask this since I didn't find it anywhere. Is there a way to find out how much HD space is left on tivo like the PC's. (ie used space 60GB; free space 60GB). Can't think of any other questions but i will keep checking back. FIRST TIME TIVO'R; LOVIN IT SO FARThanks for any input.

PS:after reading through 20 pages, much props to azitnay, ashu, windracer and anyone else i might have missed (sorry not intentional) for the quick and helpful solution to most of the problems

[DarkShadows]

I have had my unit for a couple of months now and twice now with the same CD, had it completely lock up and go to both amber/yellow lights on the front.

Had to hard boot it back up and let it go through this whole drawn out reboot process. In both instances it was recording something as well and had to restart the recordings.

Anyone have this problem before?

This CD by the way was an audio CD of my own making.

[Bruzer]

Still have some newbie questions :)

I have a RS-TX20 with the 7.2 software. I currently connect with a phone line, but am thinking of making the switch to wireless. I looked at the SUPPORT section on tivo.com to see what wireless adapters are supported. The D-Link DWL-G120 looks good, but it specifically says "version B2". In searching the web, it looks like there are 2 "shapes" for this model: one has a traditional looking antenna on the side, and the other looks more like a Star Trek communicator (the antenna flips up and is rectangular). Is one of these considered "B2"? Any other good adapters to consider for the RS-TX and 7.2 software?

Thanks!

[windracer]

Is there a way to find out how much HD space is left on tivo like the PC's. (ie used space 60GB; free space 60GB).
This request is what's referred to around here as the FSI (free space indicator). No, there isn't one. The easiest/quickest way to determine how much free space you have is to look at how many Suggestions have been recorded (assuming you have turned Suggestions on). The more Suggestions there are, the more free space you have (a Suggestion is always the first thing to be deleted if the TX20 needs space to record a show you have explicitly asked it to record.

[windracer]

Any other good adapters to consider for the RS-TX and 7.2 software?
I'm having good results with the Netgear WG111.

Just like with the other vendors, though, you have to be wary of which version/model you are getting. Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, et al. seem to switch wireless chipsets faster than TiVo can keep up with the supported drivers!

[Giovanna145]

(a Suggestion is always the first thing to be deleted if the TX20 needs space to record a show you have explicitly asked it to record.

Is there a way to delete a group of them at a time instead of having to delete it one by one??

Another question for someone that is on the tivo basic. I am still on the trial tivo plus. In the tivo screen it states that "now playing" is a Tivo plus option. So where does the programs that you recorded show up for tivo basic customers??

[azitnay]

No, there is currently no mass-delete support. However, you never have to delete suggestions anyway; they're deleted automatically when necessary.

I'm not sure where you're seeing that Now Playing itself is a TiVo Plus option... Perhaps you could enlighten us. That shouldn't be the case.

Drew

[windracer]

Another question for someone that is on the tivo basic. I am still on the trial tivo plus. In the tivo screen it states that "now playing" is a Tivo plus option. So where does the programs that you recorded show up for tivo basic customers??
Are you perhaps using sorting and/or folders in the Now Playing List? Those are Plus-only options. You still get the Now Playing List with TiVo basic, but it's always sorted alphabetically without groups.

[SystemJinx]

Is there a way to delete a group of them at a time instead of having to delete it one by one??


I found the fastest way to mass delete programs is to merely scroll to them and press the CLEAR button on the bottom left of the remote. It will then ask if you want to delete it and select yes, and then repeat the process over and over.

Using the clear button avoids one screen that asks if you want to play the program, etc...

[sloy2005]

I just got connected via phone line to Tivo after Hurricane Katrinia and I saw that I got 7.2. I was excited b/c I am tired of using a phone line to update and I want to connect it to my wireless network. BTW, I have a Toshiba RS-TX20.

I started by following the directions from tivo's web site-- settings/phone and network settings/edit phone and network/wirless settings.

But I don't have the "wireless settings." All I have is "use network instead."

I do have my Linlsys 802.11g USB adapter plugged into the back, but it can't see my network. I have WEP on.

I just rebooted the Tivo machine and still nothing.

Thanks for your help
Stephen

[rmf2]

I just purchased a tx20. I have a comcast digital cable box with the cable feed coming in from a coax cable. Y/R/W cable - tx20 in to comcast box out. I have a media receiver with my Pioneer 50". Tx20 out with Y/R/W cable to media receiver in on Input 2. DVD's are fine. When viewing Live TV with the Toshiba unit I only get video. I can use the Tivo remote to raise the volume level on the TV, but there is no sound. Can someone please help? This is my second unit.

Thanks

[windracer]

But I don't have the "wireless settings." All I have is "use network instead."
Choose "Use network instead" first. Then you should get the "Change network settings" menu item.

Also make sure your Linksys adapter is supported.

[windracer]

I just purchased a tx20. I have a comcast digital cable box with the cable feed coming in from a coax cable. Y/R/W cable - tx20 in to comcast box out. I have a media receiver with my Pioneer 50". Tx20 out with Y/R/W cable to media receiver in on Input 2. DVD's are fine. When viewing Live TV with the Toshiba unit I only get video. I can use the Tivo remote to raise the volume level on the TV, but there is no sound. Can someone please help? This is my second unit.
Do you have your receiver on when watching Live TV? If I read your setup above correctly, your audio goes from the cable box, to the TX20, to the receiver, so the receiver will have to be on to get audio (which is why DVD playback works).

Or you need to connect audio cables from the TX20 directly to your TV.

[sloy2005]

That's the frustrating part, I never see "change network setting." After choosing "use network instead" my only options are "Yes, I have all of the above," "No, continue using phone line for now," or Why use a network instead of a phone line."

I can't find anywhere that says "change network settings."

Choose "Use network instead" first. Then you should get the "Change network settings" menu item.

Also make sure your Linksys adapter is supported.

[windracer]

What text is on the screen where it says "Yes, I have all of the above?" Do you meet the criteria? Even after selecting "Yes" you still don't see the Network settings option appear?

What exact adapter are you using? Is it supported, as listed here (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2006.htm?)?

Usually when you connect a wireless adapter for the first time, the TiVo will auto-recognize it. It sounds like maybe yours is not being recognized.

[FishTank1701]

II do have my Linlsys 802.11g USB adapter plugged into the back, but it can't see my network. I have WEP on.

There are no Linksys 802.11g USB adapters listed as being compatible with any model of TiVo. Your symptoms sound suspiciously like my own experience testing a WUSB54G adapter. The TiVo, in this case a SD-H400, didn't even recognize that an adapter was plugged in. Since the device isn't recognized, the TiVo doesn't give you a wireless setup menu option.

[Giovanna145]

I'm not sure where you're seeing that Now Playing itself is a TiVo Plus option... Perhaps you could enlighten us. That shouldn't be the case.

Drew

On the Tivo screen there is a * by "now playing" and on the bottom of the screen it states * is for Tivo plus features so that is why I assumed that. I guess they mean the organizing in the now playing is a tivo plus feature.

Thanks Guyz, you all are awesome

[Giovanna145]

Thanks, SystemJinx for the quick way to delete programs; will definetely speed up the process.

FYI everyone: Bestbuy has the RS-TX20 for $250 after rebates. Requirement is that you sign up for Tivo plus. Not a bad deal.

[SystemJinx]

Your welcome Giovanna. :)

[FrancesTheMute]

I've had my RS-TX60 for about 4 or 5 months now. loving every minute of it. Tivo rocks!!!

[robbieree]

just got a TX-RS20 for the house. :up:
love it so far.

quick question...
anyone have a formula for how much content will fit on a DVD?
basic
medium
high
best
??

we did a burn of a news show that i like as a test, and at high.. only 1 hour fit.

thanks.

yeah i did search to no avail.
robbie
ny

[azitnay]

Was your test actually at best? I believe it works out like so:

basic - 6 hours
medium - 4 hours
high - 2 hours
best - 1 hour

If the news show was really high-quality, perhaps it was slightly longer than one hour?

Drew

[robbieree]

thanks for the reponse. and info.

yes - at best quality 1 hour of video took up 99% on DVD.
to clarify.. it fit, but i was concerned about the 1 hour limit.
i will go with your chart and give it a whirl.

[windracer]

I think the manual actually lists the breakdown of recording qualities to what will fit on a single DVD, but azitnay's list looks right to me.

[ashu]

I concur with the azitnay fellow. And the windracer fellow.

6, 4, 2, 1. I burn at the 4 and 2 settings often.

Although the names on the DVD recorders (for the recording qualities of shows to the hard disc) are not consistent with the standalones! So you *may* be right in saying that High is the same as Best. But I always thought they called it something else - like 'Extreme'. Gotta confirm tonight ...

[FishTank1701]

Ditto to what Ashu, Windracer and Drew said. I typically record 2 hr Movies off premium channels in High, and they nicely fit onto a DVD. This info is actually displayed on the recording quality screen under the settings menu.

http://www.comdotorg.net/P1010002.JPG

[E072159]

I've had my RS-TX60 for about 4 or 5 months now. loving every minute of it. Tivo rocks!!!
Francis,

Are you using a network adapter with your RS-TX60? If so what kind? Are you using the latest software 7.2.0? Any issues? I appreciate your feedback.

[E072159]

Could be happier RS-TX60 owner. I just tried to setup my TiVo on the network but have had poor results using a wireless WG111 adapter. I've owned my TiVo for 9 months now and love everything else. Just wish I could get the network connection working. I really don't want to hard wire to the network. My wireless is flawless everywhere else in my home.

[azitnay]

If you're dissatisfied with TiVo's wireless connectivity, you could always try an Ultimate Wireless Network (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2764372&&#post2764372) setup.

Drew

[Bimwad]

One little enhancement I discovered tonight with the 7.2 upgrade -- it now responds properly to a Tivo remote or a universal remote that is capable of sending the List command.

5.4 would acknowledge the button, beep/flash the LED but do nothing else, while 7.2 brings up the Now Playing list immediately. Nif-T.

[FrancesTheMute]

Francis,

Are you using a network adapter with your RS-TX60? If so what kind? Are you using the latest software 7.2.0? Any issues? I appreciate your feedback.


Yes, I have the 7.2 update and I'm using a Linksys USB200M which is hooked into a Linksys WET54GS5 Wireless-g Bridge. i have no issues with the tivo calling home every night to get the programming guide, but I'm having a hell of a time using the Tivo Desktop to transfer shows. I can get shows transferred to my computer, but it's taking around 3-4 hours to transfer 1 hour of "high" quality, which is ridiculous.

[tunabeard]

I've had my RS-TX60 for about 4 or 5 months now. loving every minute of it. Tivo rocks!!!

I just got mine about two weeks ago...I love it :)
Oops....I forgot to mention that I have a TX-20

[backspaces]

Just got my unit today, yea!

I noticed that there was no obvious discussion in the manual on how to hook up my VCR to the unit. I'll need this for a bit while I transfer my VHS tapes to DVDs. I know I need to buy a "signal cleaner" to do this but more important, it wasn't clear to my how I'd hook it up to the RS-TX and how I'd record the tape to HD for later burning.

I suspect this is a pretty dumb question .. but oh well.

Owen

[tunabeard]

Thanks for the reply, LiveBlues.

Sounds like the TiVo Basic that comes with the Toshiba isn't really that much of an added value, since you pretty much need the TiVo Plus to really benefit from its features. The wireless setup seems kinda tricky from what I've read, so I'm not sure I'd want to try it.

Can I ask where you bought yours? The cheapest online seller I could find lists it for about $520. Walmart has them on their website for $598, but that's pretty high, and they're not in stock at my local store.

Thanks again!


I'm pretty much new to the forums here (I just signed on this evening for the first time). I have the TX-20 and right now I'm using TiVo Basic. Could someone who's had TiVo Basic and now has TiVo Plus, tell me what they liked now that they did the upgrade.

[FrancesTheMute]

I've never used tivo basic, but i know that I couldn't live without the Season Pass. When i first got my tivo, i was going to school 5 nights a week from 5 pm to 10 pm, so that would mean i would miss every show that i like to watch. season pass was a godsend and allowed me to get caught up on my shows on the weekends!!!

[tunabeard]

I've never used tivo basic, but i know that I couldn't live without the Season Pass. When i first got my tivo, i was going to school 5 nights a week from 5 pm to 10 pm, so that would mean i would miss every show that i like to watch. season pass was a godsend and allowed me to get caught up on my shows on the weekends!!!


Thanks...I'll have to keep that in mind. I like the trial offer and I'm kinda hooked on "Season Pass" function already.

[windracer]

I noticed that there was no obvious discussion in the manual on how to hook up my VCR to the unit. I'll need this for a bit while I transfer my VHS tapes to DVDs. I know I need to buy a "signal cleaner" to do this but more important, it wasn't clear to my how I'd hook it up to the RS-TX and how I'd record the tape to HD for later burning.
It's pretty straightforward. There are composite input jacks on the rear and front of the DMS. Just connect the outs from your VCR to one of those ins. Then, under "Pick Programs to Record" there's a "Record from Camcorder or VCR" option and the software will walk you through the steps (get the source tape to where you want to start, select the length of the recording, press play on the source VCR, press Select on the TiVo to start the recording, and let it go). Once the recording is done, it will show up on your Now Playing List like any other show and you can burn it to DVD from there.

I can't comment on the signal cleaner. I didn't use one, I just understood that my VHS quality was already poor, so I was only moving it to DVD for archival purposes and not to make it look any better. :)

[windracer]

Could someone who's had TiVo Basic and now has TiVo Plus, tell me what they liked now that they did the upgrade.
The DMS was my third TiVo, so I was already hooked on TiVo Plus (since that's all the normal standalone Series2 boxes will operate with). I did try TiVo Basic for a day or two when I first got the Toshiba to see if I could get away without paying another $6.95/month, but once I realized there was no Season Pass/WishList functionality, no sort options in the NPL, and no easy way to browse for recordings by title, channel, etc. I upgraded to Plus immediately.

If you just want a smarter version of a VCR that happens to record to a hard drive instead of tape, stick to Basic (you get the three days of Guide data, but you'll still have to remember to schedule recordings each week). If you really want to see the power of TiVo, try the 45-day free trial of Plus and you won't want to go back.

[FishTank1701]

(you get the three days of Guide data, but you'll still have to remember to schedule recordings each week)

Not sure you're correct about that one. Like you, I dumped Basic for Plus pretty quickly, but I seem to recall that even basic had the ability to set a weekly recording for the same time and channel, just like any VCR. TiVo Basic may be crippled, but not THAT crippled.

Like Windracer said though, try the 45 day free plus trial. Once you've had some fun with TiVoPlus, you'll never go back. :eek:

[azitnay]

Yes, Basic lets you do a weekly manual record (and probably daily too, I don't remember for sure)... But that's no comparison to an actual season pass, of course.

Drew

[windracer]

Not sure you're correct about that one. Like you, I dumped Basic for Plus pretty quickly, but I seem to recall that even basic had the ability to set a weekly recording for the same time and channel, just like any VCR. TiVo Basic may be crippled, but not THAT crippled.
You're right ... just like a VCR you can still schedule manual weekly recordings. I should have been more clear, thanks.

[ashu]

there was no Season Pass/WishList functionality, no sort options in the NPL, and no easy way to browse for recordings by title, channel, etc. I upgraded to Plus immediately.


Don't forget - the absolute and total inability to transfer shows via the network to a PC or another TiVo. Yes, you could burn to DVD, but the point of transfers is to watch it on the device (TiVo/PC/cellphone) of your choice in the location of your choice.


If you really want to see the power of TiVo, try the 45-day free trial of Plus and you won't want to go back.

And don't forget that even the 45-day trial only allows for the recording/searching enhancements - the only way to get the transfers going is to pay for Plus. Worth every single penny :)

And for all the new folks getting TiVos with the $150 rebate, remember that you HAVE TO sign up for a year (in fact you have to prepay, too) to be eligible for the rebate.

[tulipox]

I am a brand new RS-TX60 owner and I love it! However, I'm having a problem....I am trying to transfer a home movie from my JVC video camera without success. I've connected the camera to the Toshiba via firewire and gone through all the screens to get to the point of recording, but I only get a blue screen on the TV (not on the camera screen). I connected via standard RCA plug cable and it works fine, so the problem is DV/firewire connection specific.

Anyone ever had this problem?!? I really don't think it's user error!! Is the JVC camera compatible??

[azitnay]

(in fact you have to prepay, too)

You sure? I know there's a $150 ETF for a cancellation prior to one year now, which is equivalent to the rebate, but I was under the impression that you could still pay monthly.

Drew

[Mike_B42]

Several weeks ago, I applied for and received the TiVo 7.2 software upgrade for my RS-TX20 (original-unmodified). 7.2 includes some great new features, but related or not, the problems that I've had since then outweigh the benefits. Anyone else having similar difficulties?

1. Freezing of the program, live or recoreded; while the cable feed is perfect
2. Much slower response from the TiVo button, as well as FF & RW
3. Occassional complete freezes requiring a 'pull the plug' reboot

Thanks in advance. I'm just looking for a trend.

[rrman]

I haven't had any problems with Tivo 7.2 on my RS-TX20.

[azitnay]

1. Freezing of the program, live or recoreded; while the cable feed is perfect
2. Much slower response from the TiVo button, as well as FF & RW
3. Occassional complete freezes requiring a 'pull the plug' reboot

Could be signs of a failing hard drive.

Drew

[FrancesTheMute]

I've never had the first problem you've described or the 3rd, but the 2nd one has been sorta happening to me. i hit the tivo button and it will take a couple of seconds before i get to tivo central, and sometimes the FF and RW are a little sluggish. But not all the time, just sometimes, so i've just been assuming it's busy doing something in the background like recording or transferring or something. I sure hope my HDD is failing, i've had the tivo only 7 months!!!!

[backspaces]

Just set up my new RS-TX60, and had a surprise. I asked for the 45-day trial of Plus. But rather than the count-down being set to 45, it was set to 5!

Has anyone else had difficulties with this?

TiVo thought it might have been due to Amazon (from whom I bought the critter) having sent me a refurbished model, but that seems odd .. the box and contents absolutely seemed brand new.

I suggested to amazon that they simply credit my account by the amount of the 45-day trial .. which they are doing. So I'll just sign up for Plus using their rebate to hedge the 45 days.

But still, it seems really odd.

Owen

[like2wheel]

It's a glitch with this model, but you will still get the 45 days. If you do a search, you'll find a better explanation & you will see that its quite common.
Better call Amazon back to cancel that credit :p

[azitnay]

I've never had the first problem you've described or the 3rd, but the 2nd one has been sorta happening to me. i hit the tivo button and it will take a couple of seconds before i get to tivo central, and sometimes the FF and RW are a little sluggish. But not all the time, just sometimes, so i've just been assuming it's busy doing something in the background like recording or transferring or something. I sure hope my HDD is failing, i've had the tivo only 7 months!!!!

I probably should have taken #2 out of my quote... That's the one that's least likely to be a sign of HD failure.

Drew

[FishTank1701]

It's a glitch with this model, but you will still get the 45 days. If you do a search, you'll find a better explanation & you will see that its quite common.
Better call Amazon back to cancel that credit :p
Same glitch comes up with the RS-TX20. You start getting end of trial warnings long before it really ends. So how much did Amazon actually give back as a credit?

[backspaces]

Same glitch comes up with the RS-TX20. You start getting end of trial warnings long before it really ends. So how much did Amazon actually give back as a credit?

Well, I figured that 45 days = 1.5 months, so 12.99*1.5 = 19.48 .. or $20 for short.

Boy were they responsive too. I've had a previous order difficulty where a Cinema display for my Mac got lost and they immediately sent me a new one saying if boths showed up, just return one. Trust, can you believe.

Oh, and to top it all off, we have the Prime membership at Amazon where you pay $70, I think, for free 2 day shipping for things you buy. The Toshiba was included in that. So not only did I pay no tax, there was also no shipping.

I am surprised the TiVo phone folks, who were apparently knowledgible, didn't know about the glitch. You'd think it've entered the folk lore by now. BTW: Hit "0" a couple of times to escape their voice phone menus to get to a human.

Owen

[backspaces]

It's pretty straightforward. There are composite input jacks on the rear and front of the DMS. Just connect the outs from your VCR to one of those ins. Then, under "Pick Programs to Record" there's a "Record from Camcorder or VCR" option and the software will walk you through the steps (get the source tape to where you want to start, select the length of the recording, press play on the source VCR, press Select on the TiVo to start the recording, and let it go). Once the recording is done, it will show up on your Now Playing List like any other show and you can burn it to DVD from there.

I can't comment on the signal cleaner. I didn't use one, I just understood that my VHS quality was already poor, so I was only moving it to DVD for archival purposes and not to make it look any better. :)

Thanks! BTW: The signal cleaner is also for macrovision removal so I can back up all my Dr Who commercial tapes! "Signal cleaner" is sorta a euphemism.

[DaisyChain]

Hi.

I was wondering if anyone here could help me. This is the reason that I registered.

We have a Toshiba RS-TX20. It is supposed to record 180 hours I think? We got it so that we could have DVDs of some of our fave shows. For personal in home use of course.

So here is hte problem. Using a basic, 2 hour DVD-R, we start the dub. The quality setting is the 2nd best one. I only try to put an hour's worth of show on there. The machine says it is OK (allows up to two shows, for 99 percent of the dvd).

BUT when it gets almost to the end... it stops every time. Sometimes it also repowers-up! Now sometimes it has trouble if I am trying to watch a taped show while another show is dubbing... or even watching live tv. But it says it is OK if I go to TiVo Central so I don't 'get it'.

The disc does not finalise. The disc does not show as empty if I try to record on it again - including on my computer just to test it out to see if it was the Toshiba misreading it - and it ALSO does not play anything! During play it thinks the disc is blank, I guess.

Any ideas on what to do?? This is hte reason we bought it and it's brand new. It worked for about a week this way, now suddenly it won't dub correctly. Also there is no explanation given and no warning in advance.

Thank you in advance for any help.

[backspaces]

OK, I'll admit it .. I'm a video quality nut.

So when I set up my DMS, I used the Monster Component video cables previously used for the DVD player for the connection from the DMS to the TV. (The TV is a fairly decent Toshiba HDTV aspect ratio unit with lots of inputs.) I also attached a rf video cable from the pass-through to the TV .. for the Watch-Another-Show-While-Recording stunt. Note that my video source is cable without a box .. just the lower 100 channels from Comcast.

Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered the pass-through+TV gave better picture quality than the TiVo+TV! .. i.e. the rf cable worked better than the component setup!

Now I had heard that there was some degrading of signal when using the DMS, but this was way too weird to believe. So I read some of the Forum entries .. some of which suggested that Monster cables aren't really all that good.

Hmm..sez I. OK, lets just take the A/V composite cables that come with the DMS and use them instead of the Monster cables. Well, believe it or not, the quality improved considerably! And as expected, was better than the pass-through by a tad.

I gotta say I'm surprised. Has anyone else had similar experiences? Also, given this bad experience, should I buy another set of Component cables that are better? .. I've seen Recoton & Acoustic Research cables recommended.

One reason I wanted the Component cables was to go from interlaced to progressive. Have folks seen better quality using progressive?

[ashu]

OK, I'll admit it .. I'm a video quality nut.

So when I set up my DMS, I used the Monster Component video cables

Ooohhh - I had an excellent rejoinder for that combination of afflictions (quality nut and Monster user) - "Don't say the two things in the same lifetime".

You seem to have noticed it (the futility and utter crap-ness of Monster products) yourself.

Of course, what you describe sounds WAY more far-reaching than the effect of overpriced crud sold in the garb of cables. Buy some Recotons/ARs and see if you still notice the same thing. Also see whether your TV's input is set to do something funky (post-processing, hues, effects etc) to the component video input.

And Eschew and Eradicate the Monsters forthwith.

[ber]

I bought some new (not monster- just Best Buy) composite cables for my RS-TX 20....figured they would beat the SVIDEO out cable....it was a sheer mess....massive picture quality problems....S-Video was so much better (and really nice and sharp anyway...i just thought the composite would be one step better---it was two to three steps worse!)

Bob

[ashu]

Composite (one yellow cable) < SVideo (one cable with 4 pins) < Component (3 separate cables).

And on my Humax DRT800 AND my Toshiba RSX-20, Component is EASILY the best for PQ. Although my receiver COmponent-upconverts the others anyway (I don't switch TV inputs at all, it only gets one component cable (set) from my receiver's output.

[windracer]

I bought some new (not monster- just Best Buy) composite cables for my RS-TX 20....figured they would beat the SVIDEO out cable....
I think you meant component cables, not composite. S-Video is supposed to be better than composite.

edit: whoops, should read all replies first, ashu beat me to it.

[backspaces]

I'm sending off for a USB/802.11b adaptor for my RS-TX and it occurred to me that possibly Galleon might work with the setup.

Has anyone tried Galleon + RS-TX?

[I tried searching but got billions of hits due to folks listing their setup in their sigs!]

Thanks

Owen

[azitnay]

Sure, Galleon + RS-TX works just as well as Galleon + <any other Series2 standalone>.

Drew

Edit: As long as you're not running TiVo Basic.

[ZeoTiVo]

Edit: As long as you're not running TiVo Basic.

and have the update to 7.2 to run the latest Galleon

[windracer]

Has anyone tried Galleon + RS-TX?
Yup, me too. Running Galleon on Linux, even. No problems with the TX20.

[azitnay]

and have the update to 7.2 to run the latest Galleon

Not just the latest Galleon... Any Galleon :). No 7.1 for RS-TX units, so 7.2 was the first HME-enabled version.

Drew

[sledhed]

Question:
My 45 day trial expired, and I can no longer create wish lists (?) or subscriptions to specific programs for recordings. Have not messed with it much yet, but it appears that the wish lists set up before it expired appears to still be in there.

Will they still work? Is this a back door if you will, allowing me to modify these wish lists into whatever I need, as long as I do not delete them?

Thanks.

[windracer]

I'm pretty sure once the unit reverts to TiVo Basic, any SPs or WLs you have set up will no longer record. Instead you'll get a message in the Recording History about how the show was not recorded because it was requested using a TiVo Plus-only option.

[ber]

OK, sounds like you are having the same problem as I am. I thought it was because of 8x disks, it is not.....I burned at least 25 8x disks without fail...... For a while I was able to reuse the DVD-R disk because the error was occuring before any info was written. I unpluged the unit for about 20 minutes and the next save attempt almost made it to the end before it failed. I even tried a head cleaner (no luck). EMailing Toshiba was been worthless (see other posts). Let us know if you find anything out.


My unit worked perfect since FEB up until yesterday....i seem to have two problems similar to that quoted above...when burning disks...i continue to get "internal error" after between 0 and 10 percent....

When i get past 10 percent save the machine stops...flickers...and then starts powering back up again from scratch....i was wondering (a) if any of the prior posters figured out what the problem was and (b) if any other individuals have any suggestions....i have been using 8X disks...without problem for months....so i suspect that is not the issue....the only change at all that has occurred was the recent update to the new tivo software....THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

[ZeoTiVo]

My unit worked perfect since FEB up until yesterday....i seem to have two problems similar to that quoted above...when burning disks...i continue to get "internal error" after between 0 and 10 percent....

When i get past 10 percent save the machine stops...flickers...and then starts powering back up again from scratch....i was wondering (a) if any of the prior posters figured out what the problem was and (b) if any other individuals have any suggestions....i have been using 8X disks...without problem for months....so i suspect that is not the issue....the only change at all that has occurred was the recent update to the new tivo software....THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

perhaps the old release just ignored the 8x and burned at a lower speed. Now with 7x software it is trying to burn at 8x and failing. I use TDK DVD-RW 4x discs and they burned on 5x and 7.2. I know that various brands have various results. I tried to copy the 4th firefly DVD on my PC and with those TDKs the fourth one just would not play on the RS TX20 or SD H400 but did play on a plain DVD player.
I redid it with a Compusa 4x DVD-RW I had and it played perfectly. Go figure ?

Guess the point is to try some different brands and speeds to see what works now.

[JoelLI]

Just got a Toshiba RX-TS20.
First, I want to network this into my Apple Extreme/Express network. Which network adapter is best, or doesn't it matter? Do I need to upgrade to 7.2 (I assume this is done by phone line) to use 54mbs "g" units (system shows v5.4). Will this work with Mac networks?

Next, if I want to drop in a larger HD into the Toshiba unit (e.g. 300gb), what do I do (any specs on the HD -- EIDE vs SATA; does new software self-install or do I have to copy the 120gb contents onto the new drive; or, is there some guy with a dark back room that I should find who does this for living?)

[DarkShadows]

My unit worked perfect since FEB up until yesterday....i seem to have two problems similar to that quoted above...when burning disks...i continue to get "internal error" after between 0 and 10 percent....


I purchased my unit in July and have burned discs on a few different types of media.

First I used Fuji, then TDK, then Phillips, also I have been running 7.2 for the past three weeks all with no problem.

Then last weekend I picked up some Sony DVD's burned through the first 9 or so with no problems until last night.

Last night I had two stop burning at exactly the 9% point and indicated an internal error. The second time it completely shut down and reset itself.

I just wonder if this is a media isssue or a software update issue, or an internal problem with the unit.

I don't want to send the unit back in for service if it's a media issue, let me know what you guys decide to do on this.

[sledhed]

I'm pretty sure once the unit reverts to TiVo Basic, any SPs or WLs you have set up will no longer record. Instead you'll get a message in the Recording History about how the show was not recorded because it was requested using a TiVo Plus-only option.

Apparently it had not reverted completely to basic yet (not sure if it does it in stages?), but now the guide has changed and the todo list does not show any of the programs I scheduled via subscription / program name...

So I spoke too soon. And I am just too cheap to go for TiVo plus - heck, I am only paying $15 a month for my basic wireless cable. We don't watch enough TV to make it worth Plus, perhaps 5 or 6 programs a week we like to watch regularly. Back to programming it like a VCR. But that is OK, that is how we did it before the Toshiba deal at BB that I could not pass up... $100 after rebate was just too good. Now I can record like a VCR but if I decide to keep, burn to superior (and cheaper) DVD media... DVD-R if I want to keep it and RW if I am not sure.

[sledhed]

I purchased my unit in July and have burned discs on a few different types of media.

First I used Fuji, then TDK, then Phillips, also I have been running 7.2 for the past three weeks all with no problem.

Then last weekend I picked up some Sony DVD's burned through the first 9 or so with no problems until last night.

Last night I had two stop burning at exactly the 9% point and indicated an internal error. The second time it completely shut down and reset itself.

I just wonder if this is a media isssue or a software update issue, or an internal problem with the unit.

I don't want to send the unit back in for service if it's a media issue, let me know what you guys decide to do on this.
I read some negative comments about Sony media when I was looking for DVD-RW, they had it cheap at Staples (25 DVD-RW for $15 I believe), but I passed based on the reviews on the DVDR help dot com web site... are these -RW or -R? Either way, try a different brand, esp. one you know works for you. That is what I would try.

[DarkShadows]

They are -R I have burned two tonite and they are okay, I think I will return the other spindle of 25 I have and pick up the Fuji 30 packs which are on sale this week for about $9.00.

[CaccaMucca]

Hi all,

I have a RS-TX20 since mid Janurary and recently started having problems burning the shows on the hard drive to DVD. I believe it has to do with the software upgrade that was pushed down 2 weeks ago by TiVo. The new software allows one to download the shows recorded on the DVRs to their computer. RS-TX20 seemed to be under powered to begin with, but now with the new software, it is super slow. Now I have about 33% failure rate transferring to my DVDs.

I'm going to reset the box to factory tonight and get a clean start, but it still would have the new software .........

Anyone else out there experiencing the same problem that I having?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim

[CaccaMucca]

My unit worked perfect since FEB up until yesterday....i seem to have two problems similar to that quoted above...when burning disks...i continue to get "internal error" after between 0 and 10 percent....

When i get past 10 percent save the machine stops...flickers...and then starts powering back up again from scratch....i was wondering (a) if any of the prior posters figured out what the problem was and (b) if any other individuals have any suggestions....i have been using 8X disks...without problem for months....so i suspect that is not the issue....the only change at all that has occurred was the recent update to the new tivo software....THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!


I'm having the same problem. I blaming the software upgrade, 7.2.

Any thoughts?

[ber]

I'm having the same problem. I blaming the software upgrade, 7.2.

Any thoughts?

Hi Guys, I posted two days ago about the new problem burning discs...i.e, internal error. I think i had two to three failures over the course of eight months. Then my machine went thru 10 discs....TDK, Sony and Office Depot all 8X failing on every single one. When they made it past 15 or 20 % the machine just shut off...and began powering up again.

One of the earlier posts (which i had quoted from concerning my origianal problem) indicated (though with no followup) that the problem seem to be resolved after he/she had unplugged the machine for 9 hours. I might add that the original post which i was relying upon was made months earlier will before the new TIVO update.

Here is what i did. I first unplugged my machine for ten minutes. I let it go thru the power up cycle....and tried again....thinking what is the difference from shutting the machine off for 10 minutes or 9 hours....same exact problem. So i unplugged it completely overnite....powered back up....now it is working perfect again....burned 10 8X discs in a row with not even the sign of a problem....I would suggest that everyone that has a similar problem try this avenue....i have no idea of course (a) why it was caused in the first instance or (b) why the solution worked.....I would note that i have had the new TIVO upgrade of software for about three weeks...so it didnt start until two weeks thereafter...so i am still guessing...though happy it is working again.

On a similar topic (given some of the feedback i have received) how does one know what the burning speed is...i assume that it cannot be changed... like one can with a computer dvd burner (when i simply tell it to burn for example 8X discs at 4X)????

Thanks everyone for your assistance!

Robert

[larrs]

Hi all,

I have a RS-TX20 since mid Janurary and recently started having problems burning the shows on the hard drive to DVD. I believe it has to do with the software upgrade that was pushed down 2 weeks ago by TiVo. The new software allows one to download the shows recorded on the DVRs to their computer. RS-TX20 seemed to be under powered to begin with, but now with the new software, it is super slow. Now I have about 33% failure rate transferring to my DVDs.

I'm going to reset the box to factory tonight and get a clean start, but it still would have the new software .........

Anyone else out there experiencing the same problem that I having?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim

Add me to the list. I only got my Toshiba two weeks ago and burned maybe 2 or 3 discs with no problem prior to the upgrade. Now, every disc I've tried will either fail with the "internal error" or will fail at the end of burning (when I believe it is finalizing), each case causes the unit to reboot, which roally messes up any recording that is taking place at the time. Also, my user interface is markedly slower than before the upgrade, it reminds me of the speed of my Series I box, leading me to believe the software upgrade has screwed up something.
I am calling Tivo. BTW, thanks to this forum, I am not simply packing up my Toshivo and taking it back to Best Buy- I guess I'll ride out a fix from Tivo.

[Tiresius]

FWIW, I have the Toshiba RS-TX20, got the 7.x update several weeks ago and have not had any trouble burning disks since then.

I burn maybe 2-3 disks a week. The media I'm using is 8x TDK -R from a 50pk spindle that I got months ago. The only other media I've ever used on this machine is a 25pk of 4x TDK discs. No trouble with any of those either. So, of the 75 odd discs I've burned in the past six months I have never had a failed burn.(knock on wood)

Maybe the 7.x has some media compatibility issues that were not there before? Maybe I'm just lucky for having only used one brand of media(TDK 4x & 8x) & haven't run into any media issues.

Of the people having trouble since the upgrade, are there any of you that have NOT changed media brands at all and are now having trouble using the same media you've used all along?

For those of you having trouble, I wish you the best finding the answer - what a pain huh?

Cheers,
Ray

[larrs]

FWIW, I have the Toshiba RS-TX20, got the 7.x update several weeks ago and have not had any trouble burning disks since then.


For those of you having trouble, I wish you the best finding the answer - what a pain huh?

Cheers,
Ray

Yes, the media that worked a few days ago now fails without fail!

[larrs]

I called the Toshiba Tivo support number (800-319-6684) and someone actually answered on the first ring. He also was aware of issues like I reported since the upgrade to 7.2 and said Toshiba was working with Tivo to alleviate the problem trhough an upgrade. He took all of my info and said I would get a call as soon as they determined what to do and a possible timeframe.

Now, they may never follow up, but if they fix the issue, I'll be happy. At least I was not on hold like I have been for the last 20 minutes with Tivo support!

If you are having an issue, I would recommend that you report it- the more that do, the faster they'll address it.

[larrs]

After 25 minutes on hold with Tivo, I got a tech who hadn't heard of any issues. However, since I had been on hold so long, she took the time to check with the software techs and she said they indicated they were aware of issues with some Toshiba units since the upgrade. She said that they are working with Toshiba and that it is apparently an issue with their (Toshiba's) burner software/firmware. She also indicated a fix would be forthcoming.

If you are not having problems, I can only surmise that it may be due to a different burner in your unit. There are often different burner models (even different production runs can be different) used in any DVD recorder series.

Welcome to the issues that these "multipurpose" products can have.

[DarkShadows]

Of the people having trouble since the upgrade, are there any of you that have NOT changed media brands at all and are now having trouble using the same media you've used all along?

Like I stated earlier I am going to take back my last spindle of Sony DVD's even though i was 4 for4 last night with them and then pick up the Fuji 8x again.

If the Fujis start to fail then I will try the POWER DOWN.

[ber]

After 25 minutes on hold with Tivo, I got a tech who hadn't heard of any issues. However, since I had been on hold so long, she took the time to check with the software techs and she said they indicated they were aware of issues with some Toshiba units since the upgrade. She said that they are working with Toshiba and that it is apparently an issue with their (Toshiba's) burner software/firmware. She also indicated a fix would be forthcoming.

If you are not having problems, I can only surmise that it may be due to a different burner in your unit. There are often different burner models (even different production runs can be different) used in any DVD recorder series.

Welcome to the issues that these "multipurpose" products can have.

LARRS thanks for following up with TIVO....obviously post any new info you get- as should others- when there is an interim update of software...i don't use TIVO to GO....so this upgrade obviously was just a hassle...my system before it started working again (ie, by shutting the system down for a nite)...messed up taping for me too! Missed the pilot for Veronica Mars...thankfully it is going to be rebroadcast SAT!.. If any of you with problems try the same solution i did (ie, shutting the machine down for the nite) let me know if it works...worked perfect for me....though i have no clue why....Thanks again

[larrs]

LARRS thanks for following up with TIVO....obviously post any new info you get- as should others- when there is an interim update of software...i don't use TIVO to GO....so this upgrade obviously was just a hassle...my system before it started working again (ie, by shutting the system down for a nite)...messed up taping for me too! Missed the pilot for Veronica Mars...thankfully it is going to be rebroadcast SAT!.. If any of you with problems try the same solution i did (ie, shutting the machine down for the nite) let me know if it works...worked perfect for me....though i have no clue why....Thanks again


Will do. I am going to try to shut down for the day tomorrow as I am off to a football game and it looks like not much is in the to do list for tomorrow. I'll post again Monday of that works...

Have a great weekend!

[backspaces]

Just a FYI: I sent for a Linksys WUSB12 a few days ago, got it 1/2 hr ago. It was recommended by TiVo customer support as easily compatible.

I plugged it into the back of the Toshiba, turned on the TV, got an immediate message on the screen saying it detected the new network device. Wow!

It steped me thru the setup by first asking if I would allow a firmware upgrade to the Linksys. Yup sez I. The rest was trivial .. just needed to know the name of my wireless network. The wireless accesspoint is a vanilla AirPort.

Now *that's* plug & play.

[DarkShadows]

I called the Toshiba Tivo support number (800-319-6684) and someone actually answered on the first ring. He also was aware of issues like I reported since the upgrade to 7.2 and said Toshiba was working with Tivo to alleviate the problem tnrough an upgrade. He took all of my info and said I would get a call as soon as they determined what to do and a possible timeframe.


Thanks for the phone number I just called and no kidding 2nd ring a girl picked up took all my information down.

If you call be sure to have the following info available:

Serial #
TIVO SERVICE#
DATE PURCHASED

I am off to the store now to exchange my Sony media for the previously fail proof Fuji's I have used in the past.

They are the Fuji colored discs that come in a 30 pack of 10 DVD's to a spindle, Staples has them through today for $9.00 I believe.

[TiVoEvan74]

TiVo is now violating child labor laws? A "girl" answered??!! Perhaps you mean a woman... :-)

[DarkShadows]

She may very well be a woman, but I kid you not this individual sounded like she was right off the "Yellow Brick Road".

[TiVoEvan74]

We're not in Kansas anymore that's for sure!

[backspaces]

A friend lent me a copy of a DVD a month ago and I still hadn't gotten around to watching it .. and I wanted to give it back to him.

Being new to my Toshiba/TiVo box, I thought I'd record the DVD to HD. So I popped it in and went to TiVo central.

But I couldn't figure out how to record it!

At first I thought it was a copy protection scheme. But I know its not a copywrite violation .. the TiVo doesn't allow recording back to DVD of the commercial media. So I presume there's no legal reason to not be able to time-shift my friend's movie. And naturally I could just rip/burn the main feature if I had to but I'm a bit uncomfortable with breaking the law. (Not too much however :) )

Could some kind soul point me to the "record a DVD to HD" area? Sorry for being so dense.

[TiVoEvan74]

The little I know about this (which really is little) is that you could do this if you played the DVD on some other unit with its cables plugged into the front of the Toshiba box. Then it would go into Now Playing.

Otherwise, you're stuck. Plus, if it's a DVD of a commercial movie, it's probably copy protected and you shouldn't be making a copy anyway (as you allude to!).

[SystemJinx]

Could some kind soul point me to the "record a DVD to HD" area? Sorry for being so dense.

It's not possible to copy a DVD directly to a Tivo HD using the Tivo's internal DVD drive. (There may be a hack, but I don't know of one.) You should be able to hook up another dvd player to the Tivo using its composite inputs, but I've heard of people running into problems from the Macrovision flag that's included in the DVDs signal. You would need to buy a seperate box that will clear the signal and hook it up between the DVD player and the Tivo to remove the flag.

[CaccaMucca]

[QUOTE=DarkShadows]

I am off to the store now to exchange my Sony media for the previously fail proof Fuji's I have used in the past.

QUOTE]


I've never had problems with both Sony nor Fuji medias.
I ruined about 15 Fujis since the software upgrade.

[CaccaMucca]

I called the Toshiba Tivo support number (800-319-6684) and someone actually answered on the first ring. He also was aware of issues like I reported since the upgrade to 7.2 and said Toshiba was working with Tivo to alleviate the problem trhough an upgrade. He took all of my info and said I would get a call as soon as they determined what to do and a possible timeframe.

Now, they may never follow up, but if they fix the issue, I'll be happy. At least I was not on hold like I have been for the last 20 minutes with Tivo support!

If you are having an issue, I would recommend that you report it- the more that do, the faster they'll address it.



I called both TiVo and Toshiba on the matter.

TiVo help desk - states they've never heard of any issue wih the 7.2 software upgrade and told me to call Toshiba. As far as TiVo is concerned this is not their problem.

Toshiba help desk - clueless. Told me that I'm having a hardware problem.

Question, how are they going to get the software patch to us??? TiVo is not going to risk repairing a small number of Toshiba users and take some other, possibly larger, a group of users down by pushing the software through the net. Even though they've pushed 7.2 down our throat.

[TiVoEvan74]

Are we talking DVD-Rs for the failure? Or are DVD-RWs also affected?

[backspaces]

It's not possible to copy a DVD directly to a Tivo HD using the Tivo's internal DVD drive. (There may be a hack, but I don't know of one.) You should be able to hook up another dvd player to the Tivo using its composite inputs, but I've heard of people running into problems from the Macrovision flag that's included in the DVDs signal. You would need to buy a seperate box that will clear the signal and hook it up between the DVD player and the Tivo to remove the flag.
Does anyone know why? It certainly is not against the law: the copy protection protocol used by TiVo for VCR seems quite sane: you can copy protected media to HD but it will not allow copying the material to the DVD. In this case, the DVD drive should be able to be used to copy the DVD to HD, marking it as protected, thus not able to be copied to the DVD via the internal burner.

This protocol seems really weird to me and indeed does push me toward breaking the law: I'll just rip/burn the borrowed DVD, thus creating an "illegal" instance of the movie.

I suppose the other solution is to buy a combo DVD/VCR and simply plug it into the Toshiba, and copy using the VCR/Camera copy technique. But wow, this is bizarre.

[aphexii]

Hey guys,

Trying to help out a friend here and thought this would be the best place to ask.

He currently has a Sony kdf60xbr950 60" LCD RP HDTV and the Toshiba RS-TX20 via Component...

Unfortunately the video quality looks fairly bad, filed with grain and artifacts. All the options were adjusted, nothing seems to make a difference, looks almost like the video is being played from a VCR, not a DVR. Looks the same w/ both live tv and recorded programs...

They currently only recieve HDTV via OTA, and they are really only looking to record SD content...

The TV does a fairly good job showing SD content when hooked directly into cable, but when using the Tivo its pretty bad.

Anyone have any ideas?

[Kracko]

I puchased a RS-TX60 last Wednesday and burned two DVD's yesterday with no problems. I'm running 7.2 and while both DVDs were DVD-R one was a Verbatim and the other a Sony.

I'm just providing information in the event it helps you guys and Tivo solve the problem.

[Runch Machine]

Hey guys,

Trying to help out a friend here and thought this would be the best place to ask.

He currently has a Sony kdf60xbr950 60" LCD RP HDTV and the Toshiba RS-TX20 via Component...

Unfortunately the video quality looks fairly bad, filed with grain and artifacts. All the options were adjusted, nothing seems to make a difference, looks almost like the video is being played from a VCR, not a DVR. Looks the same w/ both live tv and recorded programs...

They currently only recieve HDTV via OTA, and they are really only looking to record SD content...

The TV does a fairly good job showing SD content when hooked directly into cable, but when using the Tivo its pretty bad.

Anyone have any ideas?

I have the 70" version of the same TV. I am reasonably satisfied with the picture quality from the Toshiba RS-TX20. Perhaps the feed from your cable company into the Toshiba isn't very good. DVDs look great

If the PQ problem is only when the signal soruce is cable, and if DVDs look good, then the problem is most likely that the cable signal is weak.

They have a great TV that wasn't cheap. My recommendation would be to get an HD-DVR from the cable company, or, even better, switch to Directv and get an HD-Tivo. Prices have come way down and the quality is really excellent.

It doesn't make sense to me to spend lots of money on an HDTV and feed it a garbage signal.

[aphexii]

I have the 70" version of the same TV. I am reasonably satisfied with the picture quality from the Toshiba RS-TX20. Perhaps the feed from your cable company into the Toshiba isn't very good. DVDs look great

If the PQ problem is only when the signal soruce is cable, and if DVDs look good, then the problem is most likely that the cable signal is weak.

They have a great TV that wasn't cheap. My recommendation would be to get an HD-DVR from the cable company, or, even better, switch to Directv and get an HD-Tivo. Prices have come way down and the quality is really excellent.

It doesn't make sense to me to spend lots of money on an HDTV and feed it a garbage signal.

But why would the cable feed look fine going directly into the TV, only to get significantly worse when using the Toshiba?

[azitnay]

Does anyone know why? It certainly is not against the law: the copy protection protocol used by TiVo for VCR seems quite sane: you can copy protected media to HD but it will not allow copying the material to the DVD. In this case, the DVD drive should be able to be used to copy the DVD to HD, marking it as protected, thus not able to be copied to the DVD via the internal burner.

This protocol seems really weird to me and indeed does push me toward breaking the law: I'll just rip/burn the borrowed DVD, thus creating an "illegal" instance of the movie.

I suppose the other solution is to buy a combo DVD/VCR and simply plug it into the Toshiba, and copy using the VCR/Camera copy technique. But wow, this is bizarre.

It would generally not as simple as copying files from the video DVD to the TiVo's hard drive.

This is simply a feature that these units don't support.

Drew

[azitnay]

But why would the cable feed look fine going directly into the TV, only to get significantly worse when using the Toshiba?

The Toshiba is capturing and MPEG-encoding everything it receives before sending it on to the TV. Even at Best Quality, there is still going to be a decent of amount of quality loss.

Some people are simply more affected by this quality loss than others.

Drew

[DarkShadows]

Are we talking DVD-Rs for the failure? Or are DVD-RWs also affected?


I have only used DVD-R's no RW's to this point.

To update my situation I purchased the Fuji DVD's again and the first four discs all failed at various points. 6%, 9% 94% 97%.

So I unplugged the machine for 30 minutes, mainly cause I had a show coming on I needed to record, after that point I have had 5 discs in a row that have burned properly, so I don't know what to think at this point.

Wait to hear back from Toshiba and see what they say, if this problem still is an issue and there is nothing they can do about it I will send back the unit.

[Tiresius]

Hmm

Someone mentioned that the problem might be related to the DVD drive used in the unit. To my understanding it is indeed common for different drives to be used over time based on availability & updgrades. So, units purchased during a window of time are likely to have the same drive. Does anybody know how to check the drive brand/model without voiding warranty?

The two most likely possibilities I see for one unit to work while others don't are the media used, or the drive in the unit. Other than purchase date, I'm not sure how we might determine if the drive is likely to be different.

So, my unit's profile of these factors:
No burn problems with TX-20.
I purchased it in January of '05.
The only media I have used is TDK -R disks, one 25pc spool of 4x, and one 50pc spool of 8x.

Anybody out there with this profile that has had failures? If so, I guess my whole theory goes out the window.

Cheers,
Ray

[CaccaMucca]

Hmm

Someone mentioned that the problem might be related to the DVD drive used in the unit. To my understanding it is indeed common for different drives to be used over time based on availability & updgrades. So, units purchased during a window of time are likely to have the same drive. Does anybody know how to check the drive brand/model without voiding warranty?

The two most likely possibilities I see for one unit to work while others don't are the media used, or the drive in the unit. Other than purchase date, I'm not sure how we might determine if the drive is likely to be different.

So, my unit's profile of these factors:
No burn problems with TX-20.
I purchased it in January of '05.
The only media I have used is TDK -R disks, one 25pc spool of 4x, and one 50pc spool of 8x.

Anybody out there with this profile that has had failures? If so, I guess my whole theory goes out the window.

Cheers,
Ray

That would be me.
Purchased in January '05 and got my $100 rebate from Tivo.
No burn problem before the software upgrade.
I've reformatted my hard drive - started from scatch. Toshiba seems more responsive. No burn problem since, still have not tried to burn while my hard drive is recording. Will try that next.

[ber]

Hmm

Someone mentioned that the problem might be related to the DVD drive used in the unit. To my understanding it is indeed common for different drives to be used over time based on availability & updgrades. So, units purchased during a window of time are likely to have the same drive. Does anybody know how to check the drive brand/model without voiding warranty?

The two most likely possibilities I see for one unit to work while others don't are the media used, or the drive in the unit. Other than purchase date, I'm not sure how we might determine if the drive is likely to be different.

So, my unit's profile of these factors:
No burn problems with TX-20.
I purchased it in January of '05.
The only media I have used is TDK -R disks, one 25pc spool of 4x, and one 50pc spool of 8x.

Anybody out there with this profile that has had failures? If so, I guess my whole theory goes out the window.

Cheers,
Ray

My unit was purchased in Feb 05....as noted in my prior posts...no problems post upgrade until a week ago...then i had failure after failure...with Sony, TDK and Office Depot 8X discs....after shutting the unit down for the nite...everything has run perfect since...and i have burned numerous discs. It looks like shutting off the unit completely for a period of time (between 30 minutes to 8 hours) is apparently providing a solution....doesnt get to the heart of the problem however...and whether it will repeat

[DarkShadows]

After shutting mine down for about a half hour the other day I was able to burn numerous discs.

But then last night I tried and ended up with 6 coasters in a row all with the Fuji DVD-r's which had been working without a problem.

Still waiting to hear back from Toshiba I am right at that 90 day window on labor with the warranty so if they don't know of a fix then my unit will be going back soon.

[lssmit02]

Just got a Toshiba RX-TS20.
First, I want to network this into my Apple Extreme/Express network. Which network adapter is best, or doesn't it matter? Do I need to upgrade to 7.2 (I assume this is done by phone line) to use 54mbs "g" units (system shows v5.4). Will this work with Mac networks?

I have my RS-TX60 connected to my Mac network via an Apple Airport Express, connecting at 54mbs using WPA encryption. It works under both system 5.4 and 7.2.

Details: I have a Linksys USB200M USB-to-ethernet network adapter plugged into the USB port in the back of the Toshiba. I then run an ethernet cable from this adapter to the LAN ethernet port on the Airport Express. I have the Airport Express set up in WDS mode as a remote base station. I have wireless security set to WPA Personal, and a closed network. The Airport Express attached to the Toshiba connects to the Internet through my other Airport Express which is connected to the cable modem, two floors away. Note: I have the router connected to the Internet set to distribute IP addresses, too. This all works like a charm.

Good luck!

[TiVoEvan74]

Hmm... did you discover that it didn't work with just one AE? Is it an old house with lots of plaster, solidly built? Or is it simply a distance problem, two floors being two much?

We're running a closed Mac network too.. with just one AE, but only 1 floor away from the TiVo, with a Linksys wireless adapter off the TiVo.

[prof_fate]

I need a copy of a UPC code from an RS-TX20 box.
I bought a catory serviced unit form bestBuy and it did not include the box (or manuals, cables, etc).
Anyone got one that they can email or fax to me by chance?
I tried the online pre-approval rebate thing, but a)it doesn't work, claiming errors on their end, and b)you need the UPC numbers to even submit that way.
PM me or replay here.
thanks!

[azitnay]

Unless someone at the rebate fulfillment house is asleep at the switch, you're not going to be able to use someone else's UPC... Each one has the unit's TSN listed on it.

Drew

[TiVoEvan74]

Plus, the rebate program and form explicitly rules out demo or open box units. Sorry, you're out of luck (and should be!).

Enjoy the RS-TX20... it's still worth it.

[prof_fate]

Unless someone at the rebate fulfillment house is asleep at the switch, you're not going to be able to use someone else's UPC... Each one has the unit's TSN listed on it.

Drew

Not an issue. All they need is a photocopy. I have photoshop and some skills. I can make the TSN number match mine. if any local store had a box i'd just go there and take a photo of it and go from there. however, the only boxed units i can find are 250 miles away.

[prof_fate]

Plus, the rebate program and form explicitly rules out demo or open box units. Sorry, you're out of luck (and should be!).

Enjoy the RS-TX20... it's still worth it.


It would have been nice to know this ahead of time. I did save $50 by going open box, but could have gotten a boxed unit if i wanted to wait about a week. this was not explained to my by teh Best buy folks (4 of them at 2 different stores...but they certainly played up the rebate and made sure i had copies of the receipts and rebate forms!)

[azitnay]

Not an issue. All they need is a photocopy. I have photoshop and some skills. I can make the TSN number match mine. if any local store had a box i'd just go there and take a photo of it and go from there. however, the only boxed units i can find are 250 miles away.

In that case, I hope TiVo will stop allowing photocopies.

I'm guessing most of us around here aren't going to be too supportive of defrauding a TiVo rebate promotion with Photoshop.

Drew

[azitnay]

It would have been nice to know this ahead of time. I did save $50 by going open box, but could have gotten a boxed unit if i wanted to wait about a week. this was not explained to my by teh Best buy folks (4 of them at 2 different stores...but they certainly played up the rebate and made sure i had copies of the receipts and rebate forms!)

If Best Buy truly made you believe you could get the rebate, you at least have grounds for return if nothing else (and I'd push for them to honor the rebate themselves).

Drew

[prof_fate]

I am not defrauding or trying to defraud on the rebate.
i bought a Tivo unit, paid for a subscription. i did my part.
I will call BestBuy and ask about the UPC and rebate. perhaps i can get a manager to do something. I have gone 'round the mulberry bush with a differnet BB location about a dishwasher - you cannot get face to face with a manager in those places. I did 'win', and got a smokin deal a floor model fridge 3 days before Xmas once (they had the wrong tag on it...i paid $689 for a $1100 fridge) without much hassle. Perhaps the christmas spirit? The dishwasher incident was NOT a pleasant 3 days, 2 trips, 5 or 6 phone calls....

as to best buy - they will take ANYTHING back in 30 days. I will check on this - perhaps i can return it and get they can get a boxed unit in. problem is - only 4 boxed units in the entire region of 11 stores.

if i go that route (will save about $100 - $150 rebate less $50 open box discount) then my TiVo number will be different - how difficult is it to 'move' one's subscription from a unit to another (monthly plan)?

Since this was a factory serviced unit (it was used in ohio, on a network - i know this cause i had to re-set it) i presume it has been repaired. it may be better now than a 'new' unit.

at some point the hassle factor exceeds the benefits.

Like the wireless connector. I got a WG111, but NOT a WG72 serial number. it downloads the program listings just fine, but the media servier works when it wants to.

[azitnay]

Given that Best Buy misled you, if the only way to get the rebate is going to be returning your used unit and buying a new one for $50 more, I'd push for Best Buy to give you a $50 discount.

You don't move a monthly plan -- you simply cancel the original monthly and sign up for a new monthly. Actually, since it's been less than 30 days, you should even be able to get a refund from TiVo for the original month you paid for.

Drew

[MikeRadio]

After purchasing my brother a HUMAX unit, I decided to get a Toshiba with built in DVD due to the bigger hard drive.. 160 hours.

I LOVE the integration, and am tired of copying things to a standalone DVD burner, especially the new Sony I bought which is a pain when it comes to copy protection. I do follow the law, bujt copying from a Tivo to a DVD for my own use and to empty the Tivo shouldnt be illegal!

That being said, with the Toshiba units... can you copy to DVD a movie recorded on Tivo.. or TV show.. without incident? I know it has copy protection, and I am not talking about copying purchased DVDs.. but over the air shows.

I see it has a function where some are "restricted" from being burned.. Is this common or not?

Also, I have comcast.. does the cable company control the Macrovision being sent down on shows?

Help appreciated. Unit coming tomorrow!!

[Rick 5155]

I have Comcast digital cable and can dub directly to DVD (on my Toshiba RS-TX20) any movie from HBO, STARZ, or Encore that I have recorded. The same applies to any TV show as well. Just go to now playing and select your program or movie and then select record to DVD.

[Tiresius]

I have Cox cable and also have not run into a show or movie that could not be burned straight to DVD. Wording in the manual seems to indicate that there may be some content that cannot be burned, but in practice I have never seen this happen ...yet.
It has already been stated here, but you cannot directly copy from a DVD to the hard drive. I have also found that I cannot record from my Cable Company PVR to the Tivo via the firewire inputs, so I have to use S-Video. Camcorder via the firewire works fine and the PVR to a PC works as well, so this appears to be another Tivo copy protection mechanism.

[ber]

From the group of individuals who were having errors burning disks since the recent software upgrade by TIVO?

My system played fine for a while....a week or so...then the same problem again...and the same solution...powering down for an extended period....think i may try some 4X discs

[cochise49]

:up: I have a 60 and have made several recordings. I haven't viewed any of them yet. I have had two Tivos with HMO since March 04 so most of the features were familiar. One issue I have is that if you want to record more than 60 minutes, the Toshiba unit requires you to use one DVD-R for each hour. I always Tivo in best quality so maybe I could get an entire movie on one DVD-R if I reduced the quality. Don't really want to do that. I don't think the unit supports dual layer technology so I will have to deal with that minor detail. The unit is great. My original Tivo2 with a Weaknees drive upgrade fell to the floor when the entertainment center shelf failed while we were on vacation. Wouldn't boot anymore so I replaced it with this one that already had 200 hours built-in. I will look forward to seeing if a drive upgrade will be possible to do but feel that 200 hours is plenty if I am burning the best stuff to DVD.

[TiVoEvan74]

And we record in Basic, so we get the full 200 hours! Plus with the option of DVDing, I'm not sure we need to upgrade the HD at all.

[CaccaMucca]

From the group of individuals who were having errors burning disks since the recent software upgrade by TIVO?

My system played fine for a while....a week or so...then the same problem again...and the same solution...powering down for an extended period....think i may try some 4X discs


I reformatted my hard drive on my TX-RS20, started fresh, basically returning it to the factory state, had only 1 out of 20 disks go bad. I stopped burning when Tivo hard drive is recording another program. RS20 locked up totally once requiring me to pull the plug on it. Will burn some tomorrow and post my results.

[DarkShadows]

I unplugged mine last weekend for six hours then powered up and went back to the Fuji DVD-R's.

The first 6 burned just fine then the next two failed. Since that time I have burnt 21 discs with no problem.

I am still waiting to hear back from Toshiba it's been a week since I called them and no response.

Honestly I am kinda in a quandry with this thing if i send it back and they send me another, more than likely per some earlier posts I will still have the same problems.

For now if i am buying 30 discs and can burn 22-25 of them without fail I can live with that.

[tunabeard]

On a scale of 1(being the lowest) to 5(being the best)
how would you rate various Blank DVD -R Media?

Verbatim, TDK, Maxell, Fuji, Sony

[DarkShadows]

On a scale of 1(being the lowest) to 5(being the best)
how would you rate various Blank DVD -R Media?

Verbatim, TDK, Maxell, Fuji, Sony


Verbatim********* 3

TDK************* 4

Fuji************* 4+

Maxell*********** 2

Sony************ 3

[ashu]

Caveat: Fuji and TDK rank 5 IF the UPC/bar code says "Made in Japan". Otherwise they're a solid 3.

Taiyo Yuden magic, of course.

I'd put Sony/Maxell/Memorex/Verbatim at a consistent 2.5ish, and the noname cheap spindle-less (cakeboxes) sets at a 1 through -1 :)

[tunabeard]

Verbatim********* 3

TDK************* 4

Fuji************* 4+

Maxell*********** 2

Sony************ 3


I've never tried using any other media except Verbatim. I usually see stores like Comp USA sell base generic(non-Verbatim) and rarely ever see any TDK nor Fuji and places like Rite-Aid of all places sell Maxell.

What about Best Buy and Circuit City? what do they common sell out of?

[DarkShadows]

What about Best Buy and Circuit City? what do they common sell out of?

I don't typically buy my media from Best Buy, although they have I think Memorex on sale now, Circuit City moves tons of TDK and Sony.

I buy my Fuji's at Staples, 30 packs last week were going for $8.94.

[tunabeard]

I don't typically buy my media from Best Buy, although they have I think Memorex on sale now, Circuit City moves tons of TDK and Sony.

I buy my Fuji's at Staples, 30 packs last week were going for $8.94.

____________________________________________________________ ________

cool thanks for the followthrough "Dark", I'll have to take a quick spin to the Staples by me here in Staten Island and check those out.

[CaccaMucca]

From the group of individuals who were having errors burning disks since the recent software upgrade by TIVO?

My system played fine for a while....a week or so...then the same problem again...and the same solution...powering down for an extended period....think i may try some 4X discs

I'm finding out that I have to power down the unit after every burn in order to get a 100% burn rate, that is without failure.
My failure rate increases on 2nd burn and up. I used to get 100% burn rate while burning when my Toshiba was recording another program off the cable, now it has 100% failure rate.

All this started with the 7.2 software upgrade.

I believe the issue is with the processing power of the box, it is under powered and anything you ask it to do while the DVD is burning, bye bye DVD media.

I don't use nor need the Tivo on the Go. I want to go back to 5.x or whatever software I had before 7.2 was pushed down my throat.

[ber]

I'm finding out that I have to power down the unit after every burn in order to get a 100% burn rate, that is without failure.
My failure rate increases on 2nd burn and up. I used to get 100% burn rate while burning when my Toshiba was recording another program off the cable, now it has 100% failure rate.

All this started with the 7.2 software upgrade.

I believe the issue is with the processing power of the box, it is under powered and anything you ask it to do while the DVD is burning, bye bye DVD media.

I don't use nor need the Tivo on the Go. I want to go back to 5.x or whatever software I had before 7.2 was pushed down my throat.


Thanks for the information. My Toshiba problems also date back slightly after TIVO to GO....although there appears to be a bit of confusion with Toshiba and Tivo on this issue...and whether the problem exists...clearly seems, based upon the feedback here...to exist.

The one thing which i have never correlated...until you suggested it....is the failure rate of burns- while TIVO is recording a program...thanks for the hypothesis..my machine now appears to be working ok....but i think you might be right....it burns welll--when it is idol- and there are system failures...when it is recording additional programing.

Bob

[Tiresius]

Hey guys, I hate to burst your bubbles but... the Tivo is ALWAYS recording. In fact, since live TV is always recorded at Best quality, it's probably working harder then than with most scheduled recordings, unless you always record at Best.

Maybe there is some other issue that causes the failed burns while a scheduled recording is going, but it seems unlikely to me that it is workload or processing power related. Just my humble opinion. I hope that Tivo & Toshiba can sort it out soon, especially for those of you that are up against return deadlines.

[CaccaMucca]

Hey guys, I hate to burst your bubbles but... the Tivo is ALWAYS recording. In fact, since live TV is always recorded at Best quality, it's probably working harder then than with most scheduled recordings, unless you always record at Best.

Maybe there is some other issue that causes the failed burns while a scheduled recording is going, but it seems unlikely to me that it is workload or processing power related. Just my humble opinion. I hope that Tivo & Toshiba can sort it out soon, especially for those of you that are up against return deadlines.


I see your point, but there must be more processing power involved when actually storing and saving it longer term on the hard drive. I've seen it time to time where Toshiba gets sluggish scrolling throught the menus etc. when it is recording.

I'll ask the community members to chime in on their thoughts.

Thanks

[TiVoEvan74]

also, it's NOT always recording. You can switch it to a Live TV channel that you don't receive, and it will STOP recording to the hard drive. That's a way of eliminating unwanted TiVo noise at night... and, likely, a way of testing the too much processing demand for the tasks. (By the way, if it were that, wouldn't Human DVD TiVos also show the same problem.)

[azitnay]

I see your point, but there must be more processing power involved when actually storing and saving it longer term on the hard drive. I've seen it time to time where Toshiba gets sluggish scrolling throught the menus etc. when it is recording.

Can't see why there would be... The live TV buffer is MPEG-encoded (always at best quality), just like anything else, and stored on the hard drive in the live TV buffer.

Drew

[Knowbusiness]

New to the thread, just bought an open box 20 at Best buy. Found out later it was a return (someone's info was on it). I paid $199, which nets the rebate. For those who paid more, you just got to push the issue a bit. Best Buy is working to get them off the shelf and clear space.

[TiVoEvan74]

Clear space for what?

[TiVoEvan74]

It's been awhile and I may have asked this before... but are the burning problems showing up with the -RW discs? Or is it only -R discs?

And, besides cost, why wouldn't it make more sense to get -RW, unless you really are just thinking archives... and given the failure issues... wouldn't -RW make more sense. I mean if someone is getting only 60-70% success rate, then, at least, with -RW, they'd be set and there'd be no money lost!

In fact, the -RW would become more price competitive at that rate!

[ashu]

Umm, their Magnolia (utter overpriced crap) Home Theater showrooms?

[DaisyChain]

Well, no one replied to my message whatsoever ;) But I see you have all been discussing this same issue I've been having.

My Toshiba TiVo is brand-new and I only got burns for about a day before they began failing with 'internal error' at about 98 percent done. Basically at the point of finalising. Maddening.

I'm using Sony DVD-R that I bought not long after the TiVo. Will be watching this thread hoping for news. Had no idea that it was the software download (when and where did that happen?).

So even though it wasn't for me per se, thanks for saving me a trip back to the store anyway :)

ETA: Kind of a silly question, but... Would it work to hook the TiVo up to a separate DVD burner? Entirely separate unit? If so, should we avoid buying the same brand (Toshiba)? In case of any built-in problems the hardware has with this new software update? I know that sometimes same-brand hardware doesn't work due to it being on the same type of remote... That's what I have had happen in the past anyway. Remotes just stop working (yes, yes there are batteries in them :P)

The only reason we'd keep the DVR at this point if it doesn't burn too, is due to the ample storage on the unit. We actually wanted the Humax 80 hour but no one had it. This one was the last in stock (it was still in the box). Looks like we should have held out for the Humax DVR/DVD burner?? :(

Any input is welcome. I'm not very techy, obviously. Oh and... whatever TiVo to Go is, they can keep it. I just wanted my plain old DVD/DVR.

[TiVoEvan74]

Just curious DaisyChain, whether you have tried DVD-RW disks?

Also, does your Toshiba burn DVDs if you aren't using it for other things?

In other words, is it really a complete door stop or do you have some DVD burning abilities?

I've never used a separate DVD burner with a TiVo, but posts on these boards say it's doable, but that built-in DVD burning gets you the TiVo menus and is preferred! (obviously not if the burning is flakey!)

[ber]

It's been awhile and I may have asked this before... but are the burning problems showing up with the -RW discs? Or is it only -R discs?

And, besides cost, why wouldn't it make more sense to get -RW, unless you really are just thinking archives... and given the failure issues... wouldn't -RW make more sense. I mean if someone is getting only 60-70% success rate, then, at least, with -RW, they'd be set and there'd be no money lost!

In fact, the -RW would become more price competitive at that rate!

Excellent question and comments. I have had problems off and on for over a month on burning failures....sometimes during the "preparation" phase and sometimes in the saving phase. I finally called TIVO...their technical suggestion was to do an entire system reset. My problem was i wanted to save a lot on programs on my drive before doing this. I decided to do two things- after reading a number of posts...i decided to get the slowest speed discs i could find, i.e., less than 8X....and i also decided to get -RW( for the reasons mentioned in the referenced post).....in short i got a 25 pack of Sony 2x DVD-RW for $15 at Staples....burned six without problems...i then consulted the RS TX 20 manual...which specifies that this speed is compatible with the machine (and I wonder if maybe the 8X and highers are simply not compatible- though 8X definately used to work regularly before that TIVO software update.

[Kracko]

I had an odd problem yesterday that I don't recall seeing discussed here.

I have my video camera plugged into the DVI port and yesterday no matter what I tried Tivo didn't see anything coming in. The Tivo would detect that the camera was there and turned on but it would not see the video or audio.

I tried resetting to no avail and finally pulled the plug out for about an hour. That seemed to fix it. I've recorded 3 2 hour tapes since that with no problem. (I haven't burned any of these yet.)

[TiVoEvan74]

ber thanks for the report... glad the DVD-RWs by SONY are working well. That's a good price isn't it? 25 for $15! I need to get over to Staples right away!

Did it take a long time to burn them? Don't they usually say 15 minutes for a 1 hour show? Or is that for Basic Quality?

[ber]

ber thanks for the report... glad the DVD-RWs by SONY are working well. That's a good price isn't it? 25 for $15! I need to get over to Staples right away!

Did it take a long time to burn them? Don't they usually say 15 minutes for a 1 hour show? Or is that for Basic Quality?


Your welcome

Yes it was a good price...i picked them up Saturday for $14.99...hopefully that Sale is not over...given that sometimes they start new sales on Sundays. I didn't even see these 2X discs at Best Buy....I was a bit concerned that the 2X would take hours to burn the disks...not the case. I put two hours of programing at High Quality (or whatever the second best quality is on the Toshibas...and it took just a little longer than when i used to burn at 8X....it says 59 minutes to burn 2 hours of stuff...on the menu ....but it took about 25 minutes or so...I would definately recommend (and no i don't work for Sony!!!! ha ha) for everyone with problems to at least give these 2X speed DVD-RW's a shot....the specs on them are identical to those in the Toshiba RS-TX20 manual...so it is worth a shot!

[mxylplik2]

Will the composite audio output and the digital optical output work at the same time (RS-TX 60)?

I have the component video and composite audio to VIDEO 1 on the back of my tv so that we don't have to turn on the receiver every time we watch tv. But I would like to be able to feed a better audio signal to my receiver when I watch movies. So, I can mute VIDEO 1 and then turn on the receiver when I want to hear sound out of my 5.1 system. Thanks.

[Runch Machine]

Yes, both audio outputs work at the same time. I have mine hooked up the same way you plan to connect yours.

[Bigtattoo]

I find it interesting that your Video 1 input is component (Y,Pb,Pr) as most TVs this would be a composite A/V input (Y,W,R) no matter the R/W outs on the Toshiba are analog and your proposed digital audio connection to your receiver should work fine.

[larrs]

New to the thread, just bought an open box 20 at Best buy. Found out later it was a return (someone's info was on it). I paid $199, which nets the rebate. For those who paid more, you just got to push the issue a bit. Best Buy is working to get them off the shelf and clear space.


I believe these units (Tivo in General) are causing problems for BB. I recently bought a Humax to add to my other three Tivos that was an open box and returned it after it wouldn;t even make it through the setup. Best Buy sent me a card that said somthing like: "Our records indicate that you recently returned a Tivo unit you purchased from us. Please log on to the following address and take a few minutes to tell us your experience and why you returned the unit." I haven't done it yet, but I'll bet it is because of all the returns.

[larrs]

I find it interesting that your Video 1 input is component (Y,Pb,Pr) as most TVs this would be a composite A/V input (Y,W,R) no matter the R/W outs on the Toshiba are analog and your proposed digital audio connection to your receiver should work fine.

My new plasma hasa component on vid one as well. I believe this is a trend in new sets. Mine are actually:

Vid 1: component
Vid2: component
vid 3: HDMI
Vid 4: S-video
Vid 5: composite

Looks like we'll need an A/V receiver from now on if we have more than one legacy composite piece of equipment.

[ashu]

My new plasma hasa component on vid one as well. I believe this is a trend in new sets. Mine are actually:

Vid 1: component
Vid2: component
vid 3: HDMI
Vid 4: S-video
Vid 5: composite

Looks like we'll need an A/V receiver from now on if we have more than one legacy composite piece of equipment.

That's the way to go! Get one with good component up-conversion (mine does that to SVideo and Composite, and even up-converts composite to SVideo - Yamaha HTR-5790) and you'll be golden!

[Tiresius]

Looks like we'll need an A/V receiver from now on if we have more than one legacy composite piece of equipment.
That's the way to go! Get one with good component up-conversion (mine does that to SVideo and Composite, and even up-converts composite to SVideo - Yamaha HTR-5790) and you'll be golden!

Just one guys opinion but I disagree. I really prefer to do video switching with the TV and run all audio to BOTH the TV and the receiver. This way I can watch TV without having to fire up a whole rack of audio gear and roomful of speakers just to watch "Seinfeld" reruns. When I want to watch Movies or "Smallville" in full 5.1 glory, then I fire up the big receiver.

This is really easy with my Harmony remote. If I want to watch a DVD or Tivo'd TV with the reciever, I choose the activity "Watch Tivo-DVD Surround" if I just want to watch some simple TV and don't need all that gear I choose "Watch Tivo-DVD". The remote knows exactly which gear to fire up, which inputs to set and where to control volume for each activity.

I have three primary AV sources for watching stuff
1. Tivo-DVD unit(Component -480p)
2. Roku Photobridge(Component -1080i)
3. Cox Cable HD-PVR(DVI -1080i)

These equate into 6 different activities on the remote, plus a few others for various audio-only listening. I have other input sources on the TV that I'm not using right now, but I'm really glad they're there so I could hook up a VCR or my series 1 tivo if I needed to. I believe that even the non DVD series two tivos have s-video as they're best video connection.

Didn't mean to run a Harmony remote add to the group. (but it is really cool)

I did want to point out that I really dislike the idea of having to fire up a big power comsuming, heat generating rack of gear to watch a little simple television. It's very disturbing to me that TV manufacturers might acutally be cutting BACK on inputs to save $5-10 on a $3,000+ big screen TV
Don't get me wrong I love big, thunderous, multichannel sound as much as anyone - when I'm watching T2 or Alias, but I certainly don't need 700+ watts worth of audio for sitcoms & the evening news.

The bigger and badder your receiver is, the less sense it makes to fire it up for EVERYTHING you watch.

There are downsides to my way of doing it, one of which is more cables. Without a great activity based remote like the Harmony it might also be more complex to control.

Again -just one guys humble opinion/preference.

Cheers,
Ray

[ashu]

Don't get me wrong I love big, thunderous, multichannel sound as much as anyone - when I'm watching T2 or Alias, but I certainly don't need 700+ watts worth of audio for sitcoms & the evening news.


Mine has this HUGE round knob on the right side ...
:D


The bigger and badder your receiver is, the less sense it makes to fire it up for EVERYTHING you watch.


TV speakers are generally AWFUL (even when they aren't woefully inadequate). If I've paid for better speakers, I WILL use them ALL the time, rather than miss dialogue and even stereo separation!
[/quote]


Again -just one guys humble opinion/preference.


And I don't think any the less of you for it ... that's why they're called opinions/preferences ... and recommendations :)

[Giovanna145]

Had a quick question for the tivo finatics. There is a favorite channel set up in the setup menu. How do you access the favorite channels? IE; on my tv, i could click on the button "fav chan" and scroll up/down on the list of fav channels. Thanks.

[Bigtattoo]

My new plasma hasa component on vid one as well. I believe this is a trend in new sets. Mine are actually:

Vid 1: component
Vid2: component
vid 3: HDMI
Vid 4: S-video
Vid 5: composite


With the trend towards all external devices going more and more to digital I guess this shouldn't be too surprising.

[CaccaMucca]

Excellent question and comments. I have had problems off and on for over a month on burning failures....sometimes during the "preparation" phase and sometimes in the saving phase. I finally called TIVO...their technical suggestion was to do an entire system reset.

Sorry to burst your bubble, I've reset my system twice, no dice. I'm getting 100% internal failure rate.

Unplugging the Toshiba for more than 6 hours helped only once and back to internal errors.

WE NEED A SOFTWARE FIX PERIOD!!!
I DON'T USE TIVO TO GO, SO PLEASE GET IN BACK TO THE PREVIOUS VERSION.

This sucks.

[jjohnson_123]

Your welcome

Yes it was a good price...i picked them up Saturday for $14.99...hopefully that Sale is not over...given that sometimes they start new sales on Sundays. I didn't even see these 2X discs at Best Buy....I was a bit concerned that the 2X would take hours to burn the disks...not the case. I put two hours of programing at High Quality (or whatever the second best quality is on the Toshibas...and it took just a little longer than when i used to burn at 8X....it says 59 minutes to burn 2 hours of stuff...on the menu ....but it took about 25 minutes or so...I would definately recommend (and no i don't work for Sony!!!! ha ha) for everyone with problems to at least give these 2X speed DVD-RW's a shot....the specs on them are identical to those in the Toshiba RS-TX20 manual...so it is worth a shot!

I have an RS-TX60 and could also not burn any dvd-rs after the recent software upgrade. I wasted about 4 dvd-rs before I found the posting in this forum. The spindle of dvds I had were FujiFilm 8x. I tried to reset the machine from the tivo menu - the burn still did not work. Then I pulled the plug for about 45 minutes and tried again - it still did not work.

Last night I tried the Sony DVD-RW option with the 2x speed DVD-RWs and it worked! So, thanks guys. I may try to buy DVD-Rs that are less than 8x, I may need to shop around, though, because I didn't see anything less than 8x in the Staples I was in last night.

I'm looking forward to the software patch and want to use the rest of the spindle of 8x dvds that i still have (obviously).

thanks again.

[DarkShadows]

Sorry to burst your bubble, I've reset my system twice, no dice. I'm getting 100% internal failure rate.

Unplugging the Toshiba for more than 6 hours helped only once and back to internal errors.

WE NEED A SOFTWARE FIX PERIOD!!!
I DON'T USE TIVO TO GO, SO PLEASE GET IN BACK TO THE PREVIOUS VERSION.

This sucks.

I feel your pain I talked to TIVO today and the droid who works there told me that there is nothing wrong with the software update, that it's working fine with other DVD burners such as the Humax unit.

It's really starting to piss me off when I read the some peeps on this site have sent their units to Toshiba to be fixed and come back with the same problem and Tivo says that the problem is not on their end.

Doesn't anyone out there know how to re load the old software on this unit to test this theory of the software being the issue?

Obviously TIVO is not going to do anything and Toshiba could care less since they are moving out of the TIVO partnership.

[TiVoEvan74]

Well, complain in writing and via the web site.

Also, flood the TiVo suggestions web site with a specific request to fix this.

http://research.tivo.com/suggestions/2web519.htm

---->>> By the way, anyone tested DVD-RWs at faster than 2x to see if they work?

[ber]

Well, complain in writing and via the web site.

Also, flood the TiVo suggestions web site with a specific request to fix this.

http://research.tivo.com/suggestions/2web519.htm

---->>> By the way, anyone tested DVD-RWs at faster than 2x to see if they work?


YES TIVOEVAN74, I have the same question.... has anyone else other than me tried the 2X speed discs...they definately cleared up the problem entirely for me!!! As indicated in my prior post i used Sony 2x DVD-RW discs....they have worked perfect...no errors at all!!!! Though when i went to get another pack they were much more expensive...i think the Staples i went to had mislabled them at $14.99 for 25!!!!

[ber]

I feel your pain I talked to TIVO today and the droid who works there told me that there is nothing wrong with the software update, that it's working fine with other DVD burners such as the Humax unit.

It's really starting to piss me off when I read the some peeps on this site have sent their units to Toshiba to be fixed and come back with the same problem and Tivo says that the problem is not on their end.

Doesn't anyone out there know how to re load the old software on this unit to test this theory of the software being the issue?

Obviously TIVO is not going to do anything and Toshiba could care less since they are moving out of the TIVO partnership.


Question Dark Shadows...when you reset entirely...does the system during its 1 hour reset process...immediately add the TIVO to GO software as the operating system...or does the machine initially have the factory software version in place ...i assume unfortunately the former...i would have been great in retrospect...for TIVO not to automatically force new versions of the software on us...and allow us to elect its use...to the extent we needed it....why afterall with the RS-TX is there any need whatsoever to have TIVO to GO.!!! None of us need it....and it is just causing a problem....please though- and i think you can buy the discs in packages of one....for all of our benefit....go get a SONY 2x DVD-RW and let us know if it works in your machine!!!!!!...as i stated before...the manual for the TOSHIBA expressly states that this speed and version is compatible...and if your using 8X and 16X or even 4X discs....toshiba can always hide behind the fact that they are not necessarily compatible....i used 8X before this switch in software...they just dont work now!!!

[azitnay]

Had a quick question for the tivo finatics. There is a favorite channel set up in the setup menu. How do you access the favorite channels? IE; on my tv, i could click on the button "fav chan" and scroll up/down on the list of fav channels. Thanks.

I believe there is an option in the guide to display only favorite channels.

Drew

[ashu]

I believe there is an option in the guide to display only favorite channels.

Drew

Hit the Info (or Enter on the Toshiba SD-H400) remote button while viewing the Guide. Lots of godo stuff there :)

[sledhed]

Question Dark Shadows...when you reset entirely...does the system during its 1 hour reset process...immediately add the TIVO to GO software as the operating system...or does the machine initially have the factory software version in place ...i assume unfortunately the former...i would have been great in retrospect...for TIVO not to automatically force new versions of the software on us...and allow us to elect its use...to the extent we needed it....why afterall with the RS-TX is there any need whatsoever to have TIVO to GO.!!! None of us need it....and it is just causing a problem....please though- and i think you can buy the discs in packages of one....for all of our benefit....go get a SONY 2x DVD-RW and let us know if it works in your machine!!!!!!...as i stated before...the manual for the TOSHIBA expressly states that this speed and version is compatible...and if your using 8X and 16X or even 4X discs....toshiba can always hide behind the fact that they are not necessarily compatible....i used 8X before this switch in software...they just dont work now!!!

Just FYI - My RS-TX20 has had no problems burning a DVD before or after the upgrade. TiVo Basic only. I have used Maxell DVD-RW 2x, and DVD-R: Fuji (TY Japan) 8x, Verbatim 8x. I have even burned DVD-R while watching a TiVo recording and it slows down the save a bit (25 or so minutes normally), but no coasters. I have not checked all of these DVDs for playability, since I am archiving programs on them, but from what I read on here it seems coasters / partial burns with errors give error messages... I suppose I should check the DVDs to make sure they are good more often though.

[TiVoEvan74]

Appreciate the feedback, especially on the types of DVDs you've used. So, Maxell DVD-RWs 2x work.

Has anyone tried returning a coaster? In other words, if the DVD manufacturer or retailer guarantees them for a year or whatever against failure...