Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club

[megazone]

The TiVo branded adapter works fine with the RS-TX20/60.

And the DVD drive in there *IS* dual-layer - always has been. The software just doesn't support it.

[gnorvell]

I have tried reading through most of this Toshiba owners thread and have not seen this issue addressed. I have been having a problem with the menu and guide navigation being painfully sluggish. I have lived with it for quite some time thinking that it might be corrected with a software update. So far no luck though. Has anyone else noticed this symptom and if so what have you found out? I have seen threads on other forums mentioning similar symptoms with the Humax DVD DVR recorders which I think are basically the same unit with different hard drive capacities.

Any input would be appreciated.

[CaccaMucca]

I have tried reading through most of this Toshiba owners thread and have not seen this issue addressed. I have been having a problem with the menu and guide navigation being painfully sluggish. I have lived with it for quite some time thinking that it might be corrected with a software update. So far no luck though. Has anyone else noticed this symptom and if so what have you found out?
When my RS-TX20 gets sluggish, I reboot it by power cycling it. Sometimes it takes 2 power cycles. I never try to burn DVDs when I see the menu and navigation sluggish. This is where the under powered story started.

REBOOT. If that doesn't help, reformat the box and start new all over again, provided that you've archived all your saved programs on the hard drive.

Hope that helps.

[CaccaMucca]

I actually have a part two for you Toshiba owners!: :D
Anyone use a wireless usb adaptor for networking? I am a little confused on all of that. Does it work pretty well wireless or is wired better? Does a network connection replace the need for the unit to call through the phone line or is it in addition to? :confused:
Any success stories on what brands to buy? That won't put me in the poor house? ;) :rolleyes:
Wired is better. It is faster, as much as 4 times wireless' maximum top speed.
No worry about cordless phone interfering, both being on the same frequency, oh microwave oven, too.
TiVOtoGo has to be painfully slow with wireless. 5 to 6 hours to download via wireless. OUCH. Someone jump in who've actually uses wireless to download programs.

Network connection replaces the phone line.

Good luck.

[windracer]

TiVOtoGo has to be painfully slow with wireless. 5 to 6 hours to download via wireless. OUCH. Someone jump in who've actually uses wireless to download programs.
I'm pure wireless on all three TiVos. With the G adapters on my 230 and 565 boxes, I can MRV/TTG medium quality shows faster than realtime (ex. I just TTG'ed tonight's BSG episode (1.2gb) in 30 minutes).

[robroyme]

hey Jorge had tx20 for awhile. It's on a wireless net work. just purchased another tx20had fun trying to find an adapter for the second unit....wound up on e-bay. only after purchsing 5 other adapters of various types. got another linksys wusb11 v2.8. is it possible to muti-room view using tivo basic?

[robroyme]

I am also new and received the RS-TX20 for Christmas too. I just set it up yesterday and have Comcast. My problem is that the banner on the channel does not match the channel. Also, I am not getting all of my channels through TiVo that I really have. It did not program all of the channels correctly. I have tried everything I can think of and have not had the patience to stay on hold for over 20 minutes to get help from TiVo. Any ideas out there? I know it is related to the cable company selection but I cannot find anywhere to go in and change it. Sorry for such a boring post!
you can also get help on the tivo web site....I had a line up problem they fixed it using only e-mail....Lenn

[azitnay]

hey Jorge had tx20 for awhile. It's on a wireless net work. just purchased another tx20had fun trying to find an adapter for the second unit....wound up on e-bay. only after purchsing 5 other adapters of various types. got another linksys wusb11 v2.8. is it possible to muti-room view using tivo basic?

No, MRV is plus-only.

Drew

[robroyme]

buydig doesn't sell it any more....Lenn

[toshitivo]

Hello everyone - I'm glad I found this forum. I recently got my RS-TX20, and it looks like there is lots of useful information here.

I'm trying trying to consolidate remote controls, so I'm looking for a universal remote that will work with the RS-TX20. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!


P.S. I tried searching this thread before posting, and didn't find an answer. But since there are so many posts, maybe I missed it. Sorry if this is a reposted question.

[robroyme]

Hello everyone - I'm glad I found this forum. I recently got my RS-TX20, and it looks like there is lots of useful information here.

I'm trying trying to consolidate remote controls, so I'm looking for a universal remote that will work with the RS-TX20. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!


P.S. I tried searching this thread before posting, and didn't find an answer. But since there are so many posts, maybe I missed it. Sorry if this is a reposted question.
tivo advertises logitec harmony 880

[windracer]

I use the Harmony 676 and like it a lot. Pretty much any recent URC that supports TiVo should work with the TX20.

[slyone]

well Toshiba has confirmed my unit is dead. I need to get another from BestBuy. Does anyone know what's the best available and secondly, what units come with the free lifetime basic? Thank you very much for responding! :) :up:

[JayDooling]

I have a RS TX-20 & really like mine. But I have a few questions:

1) where can I download an owners manual. I tried the Toshiba site and I don't think they have ever heard of RS TX-20s. I have lost the one that came with mine.

2) is there some place that tells me how much hard disk (or time) I have before I fill it up.

I want to plug my linksys router to connect my cable modem with my TX-20. What are the advantages of that? Can I access the recorded programs on the DVR hard drive on my computer?

I also am considering upgrading to HD TV (I subscribe to basic Road Runner cable). I know I need to adjust the way I connect and therefore need the manual.

Thanks,

Jay Dooling

[JayDooling]

well Toshiba has confirmed my unit is dead. I need to get another from BestBuy. Does anyone know what's the best available and secondly, what units come with the free lifetime basic? Thank you very much for responding! :) :up:

Mine first TX-20 died also. I had it about 8 months and one day it just died while I was listening to a music CD on it. It would not reboot.

I purchased mine at Best Buy. I took it back to the service desk. They took it (probably in error) even though I didn't have a store warranty. I wanted to send it back to Toshiba for their warranty. They couldn't fix it & eventually gave me a full refund (store credit).

Then I bought the last model they had on the floor (no box, no remote or cables) for $300. Best is not carrying them anymore. They seem hard to find.

jay

[slyone]

Well I am quite pleased with the overall results. I got an LG LRM-519 unit and paid the difference. Here is the RS-TX20 manual at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000646MZW/102-3413500-5476965?v=glance&n=172282)

[slyone]

I use the Harmony 676 and like it a lot. Pretty much any recent URC that supports TiVo should work with the TX20.
Do you know if that remote will control the LG LRM-519?

[windracer]

Do you know if that remote will control the LG LRM-519?
It looks like it does ... I went through the web configuration utility and was able to find the LG LRM-519 model listed.

[windracer]

2) is there some place that tells me how much hard disk (or time) I have before I fill it up.
This is an oft requested feature and you may see a lot of references to it on this forum as the FSI (free space indicator).

There is no officially support method of seeing this. The way most of us (without hacked TiVos) do it is to turn on Suggestions. This is what we call a poor-man's FSI. It's not exact, but by watching the number of Suggestions in that folder on your Now Playing List, you can get a basic idea of how much recording time is left on your unit.

I want to plug my linksys router to connect my cable modem with my TX-20. What are the advantages of that? Can I access the recorded programs on the DVR hard drive on my computer?Once your TX20 is on your home network, you won't need a phone line for the daily call anymore. Plus, you can then use features like TiVoToGo (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2178.htm?) to download recordings to your PC and TiVoToComeback (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv251080.htm?) to pull recordings from your PC back onto the TiVo for viewing, or MRV (multi-room viewing (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2018.htm?)) if you have more than one TiVo to transfer shows between boxes.

[slyone]

It looks like it does ... I went through the web configuration utility and was able to find the LG LRM-519 model listed.
Thanks for the input! :up:
could you provide me with a link to that specific page? Thanks :)

[windracer]

Thanks for the input! :up:
could you provide me with a link to that specific page? Thanks :)
I can't give you a direct link to the site since it's part of the Harmony configuration web site (and is thus password protected specific to your own account). I just logged in as myself and added a new device to my profile, looking for your LG model.

You can set up your own account, though, and take a test drive of the configuration web site here (http://members.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ClassId=PrNewUser%2EProcNewUser&RelativePath=ProcNewUser%2F&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2FNew%2FProcNewUser%2FEnd%2Easp&AccountType=TestDrive&DealerId=&PackageId=&PackageReturnUrl=). You can set everything up, and if you do end up purchasing the remote, you can convert your test account to a real one and then download the settings to your new remote.

[slyone]

Thanks, just went thru! Looks good! Geez, I saw just a couple weeks ago a very hot deal on the 880 and passed...now I find myself in the market due to the crappy remote with the LG unit wich I put in the basement cause Tivo is working sweet!! I'll have to see about getting a 676 now. Thanks again for the useful input/info! :up:

[slyone]

Geez, this thread seems like a ghost town!! I choose medium quality recording but it always asks to record at best quality everytime? what gives? All my shows are then too large for 1 dvd to burn to. This problem seems like it might be a bug embedded in the software?? any thoughts?? TIA :confused:

[azitnay]

This is just a guess, but it sounds to me like you're primarily recording shows by switching to a channel with a live show playing, and then hitting the record button. TiVo will always suggest you record the show in best quality in this case, since the live TV buffer is always in best quality and recording the entire program in best is the only way to preserve the live TV buffer (i.e. the portion of the show that's already been recorded).

You can go to other options and change the recording quality, but it'll warn you that the already-recorded portion will be lost.

A far better solution is to tell the TiVo what to record in advance, preferably by using season passes and wishlists (but I see from your past posts that you may be using TiVo Basic, which means you don't have these options; you can still, however, schedule manual recordings in advance).

Drew

[slyone]

Thanks Drew, your assumptions above are exactly correct :eek: ! I do love Tivo, esp. since getting rid of those cable boxes (with the pesky remote habits I had) life is much better now since using only the Tivo remote which controls everything perfectly now! I always seem to start recording from the buffer too :( I guess I have to tweak "my own" habits instaed of Tivo's LOL! Thanks for the info.! :up:

[Loubvar]

Would like my Tivo Settings to revert back to No cable box option.

My Tivo Toshiba tx20 is setup for a Cable Box, I would like to go back to using no cable box, internal tuner. I was not able to figure how to disable this option. The only option is another cable box.

[azitnay]

You'll have to repeat Guided Setup:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1196.htm

Drew

[slyone]

Yea, that's what I had to do too and now works even better now without extra cable box! :D Have to start the whole process over which isn't bad at all though...

[Loubvar]

You'll have to repeat Guided Setup:


Drew

That did the trick, thanks guys!

Lou

[LarryKu]

Yo! Just bought an RS-TX20 and looking forward to using it. Two Questions, please...
1. Does the new Tivo Wireless Adapter work with this unit?
2. Is there anything I need to know to hook this up with a Time-Warner cable box (Pioneer)?
Thanks a bunch.

[billbasey]

Hi,

My TX-20 is freezing up at random (twice now). It either requires a reboot or reboots itself (and goes through the 5 minute welcome process). All is well after the reboot.

Has anyone else had this problem? I've seen a couple of posts, but no resolution. Could it be a bad hard-drive? Shoudl I re-format the TiVo?

I'm 6 months out from buying it, so I'm stuck mailing it back under the limited 1 year warranty if it comes to it (meaning I paying shipping and labor on replaced parts). I'm not unwilling to replace the hard-drive myself if it comes to it.

Thanks in advance for any hard earned advice you might have!

Bill

[ber]

Hi,

My TX-20 is freezing up at random (twice now). It either requires a reboot or reboots itself (and goes through the 5 minute welcome process). All is well after the reboot.

Has anyone else had this problem? I've seen a couple of posts, but no resolution. Could it be a bad hard-drive? Shoudl I re-format the TiVo?

I'm 6 months out from buying it, so I'm stuck mailing it back under the limited 1 year warranty if it comes to it (meaning I paying shipping and labor on replaced parts). I'm not unwilling to replace the hard-drive myself if it comes to it.

Thanks in advance for any hard earned advice you might have!

Bill


Bill i have had the same problem from time to time...maybe once every month or two...it is definitely a pain when it happens if something is taping....because you lose everything during the 5 minute booting cycle....i doubt that it is anything systemically wrong with your unit....probably just a little quirk....mine happens typically if i am in the burning process

[billbasey]

Thanks, Ber. Happened during the Oscars on Sunday, which was a bummer because that was a perfect TiVo show for me. Sat down an hour and a half late, FF thru commercials, bad acceptance speeches, awards I don't care about, drawn out montages, weak comedy bits, songs by Dolly Parton, lifetime achievement awards...and watched most of the show in an hour. Until the TiVo crapped out.

I'll hang tight and hope it is just a quirk. I've got a few months until my 1 year warranty is up.

Thanks!

[Zigcap]

I bought this unit in December. I have it hooked to a dish network receiver. I continually get audio static. When the Toshiba is out of the system audio is ok. When the Tivo is unplugged and reset, the staic goes away for about five minutes and then returns. Changed cables, moved unit away from Dish receiver...no help.

Any help would be appreciated, Toshiba says disconnect and reset...no help.

Thanks

[THOMSON]

Hi everybody, I had a pioneer DVR-533H-S with the T.V. Guide feature which quit working when the guide was upgraded to T.V. Guide 8. I was getting the guide over the air from a local t.v. station as I do not have cable. I am thinking of getting a Toshiba RS-TX20 with the basic Tivo. I understand that tivo uses a phone line. Is that for their program guide? Will it work with just the over the air stations? Thanks

[windracer]

I understand that tivo uses a phone line. Is that for their program guide? Will it work with just the over the air stations? Thanks
Yes, the TX20 will use your phone line for daily calls to download program Guide data and things like software updates. If you have a home network, you could also connect it to that instead of using your phone line.

And yes, the TX20 supports just OTA (antenna) stations along with cable, satellite, etc.

[floriecox]

I recorded the 2-hour March 6th program "24" but can't get it to save to DVD. I ge the message "Failure to save to DVD--Internal Error". I tried two different discs (discs that I have recorded other programs to with no problem). Any suggestions?

[alanpgh]

I've had a TX20 since it came to the market well over a year ago. No problems. I've used it with the phone line and the Home Network. It is an excellent product. And, the DVD Burning function works in the background, so you can use the other Tivo functions while it is burning a DVD.

Good Luck!

Alan

[megazone]

I recorded the 2-hour March 6th program "24" but can't get it to save to DVD. I ge the message "Failure to save to DVD--Internal Error". I tried two different discs (discs that I have recorded other programs to with no problem). Any suggestions?Try rebooting the box and trying the burn again.

[robdls]

Is it possible to back-up the RX20 hard drive? Knowing this information by Wednesday would be great as its going to play a major role in my choice of lifetime service.

Thanks

[windracer]

I haven't cracked my TX20 open yet (like I have done to both of my S2s) but it's my understanding you can back it up (and upgrade the drive) like any other TiVo.

[alanpgh]

I never tried to back-up the hard drive of the TX-20. You can alwys burn specific programs to DVD.

By the way, I've never lost a program on the TX-20 unit. It's been a great machine for well over a year!

[slyone]

Hi,

My TX-20 is freezing up at random (twice now). It either requires a reboot or reboots itself (and goes through the 5 minute welcome process). All is well after the reboot.

Has anyone else had this problem? I've seen a couple of posts, but no resolution. Could it be a bad hard-drive? Shoudl I re-format the TiVo?

I'm 6 months out from buying it, so I'm stuck mailing it back under the limited 1 year warranty if it comes to it (meaning I paying shipping and labor on replaced parts). I'm not unwilling to replace the hard-drive myself if it comes to it.

Thanks in advance for any hard earned advice you might have!

Bill
I too went thru this annoying process/fault. I finally got fed up with mine which was only 6 mos.old! I did of course have a 4 yr. extended warranty so I took it in for repair. I was told multiple parts bad and to just go to BB and get another. Problem was that BB had no more :eek: Only had Humax (no free basic) and LG LRM-519 which I got cause it has much more features with free Microsoft Guide which by the way allows complete series recordings. So, you may very well find your unit is dying :(

[insanity8797]

Hello to all. I recently purchased a brand new Toshiba RS-TX20 from a friend that had been sitting on it for a year or so. It was a steal at $180. I love it so far. I have noticed some bugs related to the DVD player. The Tivo did perform a firmware update for the DVD player. Hopefully, this will correct any issues. Anyways, I love the fact that I can utilize the Tivo basic service on this unit and many of my friends are impressed with this feature. Are there any new units that have Tivo basic service? I could only find some older Pioneer and Toshiba units that have Tivo Basic. Thanks.

[azitnay]

The only units with the option of TiVo Basic are the Toshiba SD-H400, RS-TX20, and RS-TX60, and the Pioneer 810H and 57H.

TiVo Basic isn't very appetizing to TiVo, since they don't get the recurring service fee.

Drew

[cojonesdetoro]

300GB drives are going for $100 nowdays so I figured it was time. I upgraded a few days ago and so far so good. It's a 7200RPM drive but the Tivo is still running at 34C so no overheating. It took a few hours to upgrade and copy all recordings. You just need a PC with bootable CD ROM.

[beberger]

I'm having a problem burning DVD's with my Toshiba RS-RX20 and I'm curious if anyone else has had the same problem. The box goes through the recording process normally, but it seems like is isn't recording part of the information correctly. The bad part of the recording is always somewhere between the 30 and 40 minute marks. It's usually about 7-8 minutes that are bad, but sometimes less. When I play the disk it works fine up until the glitch, then freezes. If I wait the counter will keep going and when it gets out of the 'bad' period it works again. During the bad part the box doesn't respond to things like fast forward, or if it does it will do something unexpected like jump to another part of the disk, to the end of the disk, or to the menu. If I hit the bad part of the disk on fast forward it will freeze up, not updating the time bar that is diplayed on the screen during fast forward, and then jump part the end of the bad period.

These problems happen on 30-50% of the discs I burn. I've been archiving a lot of games recently, so I have quite a stack of coasters. I basically have to skim though each disk on fast-forward to check it after I burn it, and I now have a large stack of ~25 coasters. Usually if I try again it works the next time, but in a few cases I've tried multiple times without getting it to work. I archived a lot of stuff last September/October that I haven't watched yet. I saw this problem with a couple of those old discs, but I haven't watched enough of them to know if the problem has gotten worse or not. I don't really have the heart to check it, to be honest. Not doing anything else with the TiVo while it is burning the disk seems to help, but I haven't tried enough experiments to be sure. Rebooting the box didn't help. I have been using Verbatim 8x DVD-R's, I'm planning to try another brand next. I have not tried a cleaner either, I'll try to pick one of those up as well when I get some more discs.

If anyone else has had similar problems I'd be very interested in hearing what your experience has been. I have not seen this particular problem on this forum, but I skimmed through and it's possible I missed it. A couple of times, I have also had the "failed due to an internal error" problem that has been discussed on this forum, but this is a different issue. (For me, the internal error thing seemed to be specific to trying to save particular programs. I eventually gave up on them and deleted them after watching them to free up the space.)

[tunabeard]

has anyone heard of new feature added called "recently deleted folder"? read that if you accidently deleted a program it will show up in the appropriately named folder. found out about this on blog called "News From Me", the writer Mark Evanier is a very big supporter of TiVo and he posted a story about this today on his blog.

wondering if anyone else heard about this.

[azitnay]

This is a feature of TiVo software version 7.2.2, which you can request here:

http://research.tivo.com/72.2priority/

Drew

[tunabeard]

thanks for the update....

[ber]

A lot of us several months back were having considerable problems recording DVDs...lots of internal error messages, coasters and the like...after the initial change in software....just curious whether these problems have faded (with the subsequent revisions in software)....i know in my case i used to be plagued with the problem and constantly powering down, reseting, etc....though now a coaster is a rarity....wondering if anyone else has seen a positive change over the last few months....

[DarkShadows]

I have had much better luck of late with my unit, although every time I state that in writing i start pumping out coasters again.

In the last two months maybe 3 coasters out of 140 plus discs.

[Bimwad]

The 7.2.2 update just killed my Linksys WUSB11 network connection. Way to go TiVo!

I was thinking about going lifetime before the deadline. Now I'm not so sure.

Update: A restart didn't work. Pulling the cord did and waiting did.

If anybody else runs into this problem, give that a try first.

Gotta love computers masquerading as appliances.

[OrangeCountyBob]

Hi Jorge!

I also have a Toshiba TX20. I just received a software download that allows programs to restore even though I've deleted them quite some time ago. I now realize the hard drive doesn't erase the data when we select delete program. Much like a computer hard drive, wouldn't it be a good idea to defragment the hard disk drive?

My hard drive question: How can I tell how much storage is available on the disk drive?

I am a bit disappointed in the fact I can't record segments of programs to DVD, so I purchased a seperate DVD recorder to resolve my needs.

Thanks,
Bob

[bigredtiger69]

Hello All! I just wanted to chime in and say hi. :)

[medarb]

Anyone know a control code that at least gets the TiVo portion of the RS Tx20 working on Slingbox? Thnaks.

[ashu]

Anyone know a control code that at least gets the TiVo portion of the RS Tx20 working on Slingbox? Thnaks.

It shouldn't vary from a regular Series 2 TiVo! I use one remote (with a 1-2 switch) to control my RSTX and my old 240-series black S2 TiVo. Minor differences (LiveTV/Guide functionality etc) and of course all the different (DVD-specific) buttons. Although you CAN get by with regular TiVo-menu-based DVD player usage!

[Loubvar]

A lot of us several months back were having considerable problems recording DVDs...lots of internal error messages, coasters and the like...after the initial change in software....just curious whether these problems have faded (with the subsequent revisions in software)....i know in my case i used to be plagued with the problem and constantly powering down, reseting, etc....though now a coaster is a rarity....wondering if anyone else has seen a positive change over the last few months....
I too had the internal errors back when 7.2.2-oth...... was being upgraded.
Once that passed, my system was working fine, until this morning. I just made 2 more coasters (Internal error) trying to burn to DVD-R. Is something else going on from TIVO? Any new upgrads?

Also, It would have been a nice idea if TIVO could have forwarned us not to burn at that time.

Lou

[gsriii]

I have a RS-TX20 for around 4 months. Great unit. My only problem is that the video and the auido are out of sync in Live TV. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can clear this up. Thanks.

[Loubvar]

I too had the internal errors back when 7.2.2-oth...... was being upgraded.
Once that passed, my system was working fine, until this morning. I just made 2 more coasters (Internal error) trying to burn to DVD-R. Is something else going on from TIVO? Any new upgrads?

Also, It would have been a nice idea if TIVO could have forwarned us not to burn at that time.

Lou
Just reset system via GUI, failed burning dvd again received Internal error, total = 3 coasters

[mikeurz]

Ive read a few posts here that indicate the Toshiba's are having some trouble burning DVDs. Ive wasted 4 DVDs in a row getting these "internal errors" Ive got the lastest update from TIVO. What else can I do?

[cdeckert219]

I'd recommend that you read this thread:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=214002&page=3

Quick suggestions based on my experience:
1. Consider forcing a hard drive scan (green screen) following the steps listed in the link above.
2. Only use brand name blank DVDs (TDK, Sony, Verbatim work well for me).
3. Only use DVD-RW until you have a number of successful burns
4. Try burning a different program (other than the one that results in a coaster)
5. Try burning a 30 minute program (or something other than a full disc)
6. Try deleting programs from your "Now Playing" list

I have a hunch that my previous burn problems were primarily due to cheap media, and possibly because of a corrupt file on the hard drive.

[cojonesdetoro]

I hate how the rs-tx uses a dumb method to record from a camcorder. When you record from the front inputs, you cannot watch any shows or do anything else with the tivo until recording is done. This seems like a dumb and artificial limitation because Tivo is designed to allow viewing while recording. Why would tivo create this limitation? Usually, dumb and aritificial limitations are in place due to DRM reasons but I can;t see what this one accomplishes.

[danostuff]

Anybody have any issues with the firewire input on the front? I hook up a digital camcorder and follow the instructions and all I get is 1 sec of blank video. It unpauses the camcorder like it should and says it is recording, but nothing. HELP! I am out of ideas. Thanks

[cojonesdetoro]

Anybody have any issues with the firewire input on the front?

I got EXACTLY the same problem you describe. :( It started right after the 7.2.2 upgrade. Before the upgrade, it worked fine. It broke after the upgrade but I don't think it happened immediately after the upgrade.

[Loubvar]

I'd recommend that you read this thread:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=214002&page=3

Quick suggestions based on my experience:
1. Consider forcing a hard drive scan (green screen) following the steps listed in the link above.
2. Only use brand name blank DVDs (TDK, Sony, Verbatim work well for me).
3. Only use DVD-RW until you have a number of successful burns
4. Try burning a different program (other than the one that results in a coaster)
5. Try burning a 30 minute program (or something other than a full disc)
6. Try deleting programs from your "Now Playing" list

I have a hunch that my previous burn problems were primarily due to cheap media, and possibly because of a corrupt file on the hard drive.

Thanks for all your suggestions, they all sound very good, I'll be purchasing the DVD-RW (Sony) very soon.

Lou

[Luclin999]

Hello,

Just picked up a TX20 this afternoon.

I had been waiting to purchase one of these machines for a while now and missed out on that they had become discontinued until just the other day.

Fortunately, I lucked into a display model at the local Best Buy today (at a -very- nice price) and brought it home with me.

So far everything is working beautifully except that the Tivo Channel setup is missing a few of the channels which are available to me on my Dish Network 811 (Essentially it doesn't list the local channels which are available to me, while listing the locals for several other markets).

Am I correct in guessing that I may have to register my machine with Tivo and email them to correct the problem? :confused:

Other than that, everything has worked exactly as expected with my new TX20.

[azitnay]

You can report lineup issues here:

https://customersupport.tivo.com/caseSubmitLineup.asp?

I have no idea whether the fact that you're not a paying customer will matter, but I'd think TiVo would want to get any legitimate issues corrected, since paying customers may be in the same boat.

Drew

[Luclin999]

I sent an email to that address listing out the channels my guide is missing and I guess I will see if they fix it some time next week.

I really am enjoying this machine though. The more I play with it the happier I have been so far.

I had planned on getting a new wireless USB adaptor to plug into the TX20 but decided to try my old US Robotics 1120 just to see what would happen.

Surprise, Surprise, the TX20 recognized, updated and sync'd up with the USR 1120 perfectly. (sometimes keeping older computer parts around really does come in handy). It's made two updates over the network so far without a gitch with an average signal strength reported of 53%.

I picked up 50 Verbatim DVD-Rs yesterday and burned a few shows. Perfect copies all three times.

-Very Pleased.

[xfaj]

I have noted the audio out of sync, in particular when playing back certain store bought DVDs. I think this is a firmware problem that may be corrected through an update if enough attention is brought forth. The problem is often easily noticed if you hook up your digital out to your stereo and the analog out to the TV and then play them simultaneously......you will hear an echo sound in many instances because they are not in sync (not every DVD will have this problem, but many will).
Often this playback method is the only way you will notice the problem because it's only off by milliseconds. However the differential varies from disc to disc and in some instances it is such a big lag that you can see that the lips moving don't match the sound.
Has anyone else hooked up their audio this way and noticed the problem????

[windracer]

Yeah, I've noticed that, but figured it was my setup. Like you, I use digital out (TOSLink) from the TX20 to my receiver and composite audio (red/white) from the TX20 directly to my TV (for regular TV watching). If I don't lower the volume on the TV all the way when using the receiver for audio (i.e., when watching a DVD), the "echo effect" is noticeable due to the delay between the analog and digitial audio streams. Lowering the TV audio removes the echo.

I didn't really think this was a firmware problem ...

[LarryKu]

For some reason, it sticks in my head that I cannot use my Toshiba with Direct TV, Is this correct?

[azitnay]

You can indeed use it with DirecTV (as long as you have a compatible receiver)... But unlike a DirecTiVo combo box, which functions as a DirecTV receiver as well as a DVR, you must set the RS-TX up to control your existing DirecTV receiver, via either a serial or an IR cable.

See here for a compatibility list:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?threadid=128743

Drew

[magnum68]

Hi everyone, I'm planning on buying a Toshiba TX20 and i would like to know if anyone has ever connected a camcorder (both digital and analog camcorder) to the front inputs to transfer the video to Tivo's hard drive? If you have please tell me how good was the video quality. I own a digital and an analog camcorder and my fear is that the videos that I would like to transfer over to tivo's hard drive would lose video quality. Your feed back will be grealy appreciated.

Thanks
magnum68

[gardibolt]

Mine is burning DVD-Rs fine (I try them on the computer and they play OK), but it won't play them back. Instead, it just whirs for a few minutes, then reboots. Any suggestions?

[supershanefx]

I just purchased a refurbished model and everything works except live and recorded tv are all pixelated! DVD playback is fine. PLEASE HELP!

[DarkShadows]

Hi everyone, I'm planning on buying a Toshiba TX20 and i would like to know if anyone has ever connected a camcorder (both digital and analog camcorder) to the front inputs to transfer the video to Tivo's hard drive? If you have please tell me how good was the video quality. I own a digital and an analog camcorder and my fear is that the videos that I would like to transfer over to tivo's hard drive would lose video quality. Your feed back will be grealy appreciated.

Thanks
magnum68

I have done it many times using the Firewire input on the front, the quality to my eyes is as good as the source video.

[Runch Machine]

I just purchased a refurbished model and everything works except live and recorded tv are all pixelated! DVD playback is fine. PLEASE HELP!

I don't understand your request for help. The unit you have is obviously defective. Take it back. It appears that the hard drive is bad.

[mgulko]

Hi everyone! :) I too am a proud (?) TX20 owner. It has been working fine until Tuesday night, May 9. (I only mention the date since I don't know when this thread will be read.) Tonight, while watching my DirecTV TiVo (I'm a junkie), I noticed that the Toshiba unit was stuck on Welcome. When I switched to that unit, I noticed there was no activity. Couldn't even turn the power off using the switch on the front of the unit. :confused: So is it the RAM or the hard drive or what? :( We have all sorts of stuff we have been recording on it getting ready for a summer of mostly reruns. Can anyone help me so I don't have to go cold turkey? ;) Your assistance will be most appreciated!

[azitnay]

There's no hard power-off button on the front (you're probably referring to the "ON/STANDBY" button, which simply switches standby on and off)... You'll need to pull the plug, wait 10 seconds or so, and plug it back in.

Hopefully it comes up. If not, the hard drive is the most likely culprit. If you're comfortable with that sort of thing, you can pull it out, test it, and replace it if necessary. But that's a better discussion for the TiVo Upgrade Center forum.

Drew

[mgulko]

I don't think it is the hard drive.

So I thought I'd be a little clever.

My Toshiba RS-TX60 was getting hung up at the Welcome Screen. After a while, I realized it was rebooting almost every hour. Yikes! :eek:

Came to these forums and saw I was not alone. :) But it is not true - misery does not love company. Yeah, I have that new software that seems to be the concern.

I read all sorts of posts on this all over the place, in all the forums. I forced the system to connect to the TiVo service and it did download the information apparently okay at the beginning.

I continued to search as to why the unit kept rebooting. Thought I had all sorts of answers and solutions. But none of them seemed to work. The system was still rebooting and on occasion getting hung up at the Welcome Screen, or Almost There.

I told the system to connect via the phone line instead of the USB network adapter. I was doing that because now it was coming back with an S03 error when it was trying to load the data. After 3 reboots in-between, it did complete the connection and the loading. I think.

Then, reading another post about how to try and get into the diagnostics as the system was booting up, I figured I'd do a manual restart. I also thought to myself ... "Mark, maybe there is a problem with your To Do list, etc. Why not get rid of it and try and have a cleaner startup process?"

So as I was choosing to restart, I also chose the "Clear program information & To Do List." Pressed Thumbs Down 3 times and then enter.

That was 10 hours ago. The message on the screen is that the system is still trying to clear the program information and the To Do list and it will take about an hour. In Vulcan time maybe.

I read in one of the posts that you can try and do a scan of the hard drive if you can catch the system as it is booting up. I know that it probably refers to a pure Series 2 machine and that mine is a Toshiba DVD unit. But it is running Series 2 software.

In any event, I was not able to get the system to stop the startup process by pressing the Pause key on the remote. (Could it be that the remote has a different address than factory configured because I have so many remotes that it did not read the Pause? Or could it be that the directions on how to do it came out in 2004 long before this latest software update?)

And since I have been able to watch programs in between the reboots, and it has started recording programs in between the reboots, neither function being allowed to complete because the reboot took charge, I don't think it is the hard drive.

Any help or guidance is most appreciated - truly appreciated.

Mark

There's no hard power-off button on the front (you're probably referring to the "ON/STANDBY" button, which simply switches standby on and off)... You'll need to pull the plug, wait 10 seconds or so, and plug it back in.

Hopefully it comes up. If not, the hard drive is the most likely culprit. If you're comfortable with that sort of thing, you can pull it out, test it, and replace it if necessary. But that's a better discussion for the TiVo Upgrade Center forum.

Drew

[ihatebestbuy]

I have a RX-TX20 which i bought from best buy in Dec. 2004 (with the extended warranty).
Anyway, 2 weeks ago, it started acting up. It would play for a couple of seconds, then freeze a few seconds, over and over again.
I took it to best buy, just got it back and they said it cant be fixed. The said its not made anymore and it cant be replaced. They offered me a plain ole tivo box in exchange. I told them to call the police because i was going to make a scene :)
Since i got it back, it plays a lot better, but the remote is still sluggish in responding and I cant connect to the tivo service, after "preparing to connect" it reboots.
Anyone have any advice? Does Toshiba still make this unit (or a comparable one) so I can go to BB and raise the living dead demanding a new one?
This thing is a linux box with a DVD burner, i refuse to believe it cant be fixed.
Please help.

[cojonesdetoro]

Give 'em hell. They push those damned warrantees because they make a fortune in profits from them. In general, it's a bad idea to get those warrantees. They rarely pay for themselves and fulfilment can sometimes be more headaches than it's worth.

There are still Humax recorders with DVD writers. I think BB doesn't want to fulfill the warranty because THEY do not sell a Tivo DVD writer but they ARE still made. If anything try to get a DVD recorder without TIvo before getting a plain Tivo.

If you decide to get the Tivo repaired, it does sound like a hard drive problem. There are companies that will sell you a newly imaged hard drive that will install in your unit. You won't have your recordings but you will have a working unit. If you're intent on keeping the Toshiba then try sending it to a Tivo repair shop so they can install a new drive and test it.

BTW, there are some poeple who wilfully engage in fraud by deliberately damaging end-of-life hardware in order to file a warranty claim and get upgraded hardware. This sounds like a fun scam but can lead to jail time. It's not worth the risk.

EDIT; This is not an accusation. I have just read some posts where people use that as an argument to justify a warranty.

[dageeza]

hi .
Toshiba replaced my defective sdh400 to a sx -60. nice. one problem I cannot get the remote to work with my TV or audio receiver . The old remote worked great to control my polaroid TV and sony reiever. this thing is driving me crazy. i much prefere the old remote . anybody have any ideas to where i get get a remote that comes with the SDH400 or any solutions to programming the remote, the remote flashes as though it programmed but nothing happens?? any ideas are much appreciated.

[Rover4x4]

I've been using my Toshiba TX20 for over 1 year with no problems. Is there a link to or can someone describe their experience copying VHS tapes to DVD using the TX20? I could not find tech notes on Toshiba's site. Is anyone using the TX20's with a pc as well? Thanks!

[cojonesdetoro]

hi .
Toshiba replaced my defective sdh400 to a sx -60....

Whoah, big score! An Sdh400 goes for less than $200 used on Ebay. An Sx-60 can go $400-500.

The SDH400 remote will not work with your sx-60. I believe the sx-60 uses the Standard Tivo peanut remote. it uses different IR codes.

Your best bet is to get a universal remote. I have a URC8910 that I was able to get working with my Phillips SA1 (device code 1 ), My sx-20 (device code 2) and half a dozen other appliances. OFA does a good job supporting devices but I needed a little extra help. Read my posts and responses by others. There's a guy on this board named "remoteguru" who knows more about remotes than anyone I have corresponded with. He gave me the information I needed to get all the functions working on the sx-20. The URC8910 can be had for <$20. If you decice to get really technical and have teh ability back up your remote to a PC you can get a JP1 cable for $15.

Another option is one of those high end logitech remotes but I don't know much about them. I think they run $75-$150.

[Fandango2002]

I have a RX-TX20 which i bought from best buy in Dec. 2004 (with the extended warranty).
Anyway, 2 weeks ago, it started acting up. It would play for a couple of seconds, then freeze a few seconds, over and over again.
I took it to best buy, just got it back and they said it cant be fixed. The said its not made anymore and it cant be replaced. They offered me a plain ole tivo box in exchange. I told them to call the police because i was going to make a scene :)
Since i got it back, it plays a lot better, but the remote is still sluggish in responding and I cant connect to the tivo service, after "preparing to connect" it reboots.
Anyone have any advice? Does Toshiba still make this unit (or a comparable one) so I can go to BB and raise the living dead demanding a new one?
This thing is a linux box with a DVD burner, i refuse to believe it cant be fixed.
Please help.

This EXACT same thing has happened to me at the SAME store. My RX-TX20 started rebooting in an infinite loop one morning. It would never even get to the main menu. Tried all troubshooting methods found on this site without sucess. So, since I have the PSP extended warranty, I brought it to BB 3 weeks ago. They never called me. So I make my third call to them over the last week today and they say it can't be fixed. They say "come down to the store - we'll give you a new one". Knowing that Toshiba doesn't make this unit anymore, I say: "Do you have the same model in stock?" After being forwarded around the store for awhile, I get somebody that actually sounds intelligent and courteous. He says they don't have any and to call tomorrow and ask for another guy from "home theater" that wasn't in today. "He should be able to find an equivalent replacement." So I go onto the BB website and they don't even carry the HUMAX anymore. They basically don't have a replacement for my unit.

What should I do? Should I demand a DVD burner *and* a standalone TiVo unit? Or, should I just get my unit back and try to fix it myself? (I'm a PC tech for a living so I know my way around hard drives, images, etc.) Maybe get my money back and buy a HUMAX? I really loved that Toshiba unit when it worked. Any advice is apreciated. Sorry for the long read.

[Runch Machine]

Check the underground section of this web site for information to optain a drive image. You can then install a new drive into your machine.

[Fandango2002]

Check the underground section of this web site for information to optain a drive image. You can then install a new drive into your machine.

Thanks for the advice. I figured I could find some good info in the underground section if I needed it. However, I just read a few posts about people just contacting Toshiba directly and getting replacements. My unit is not even a year old yet - does anyone think Toshiba will just give me another refurbished one? I'll open it up and replace the drive if I have to but I'd rather just get another one if I can.

[cojonesdetoro]

Thanks for the advice. I figured I could find some good info in the underground section if I needed it. However, I just read a few posts about people just contacting Toshiba directly and getting replacements. My unit is not even a year old yet - does anyone think Toshiba will just give me another refurbished one? I'll open it up and replace the drive if I have to but I'd rather just get another one if I can.

Definitely call Toahiba but adding a drive is not hard once you have an image. I upgraded m sx-20 to 300GB and it took about 20 minutes of my time and several hours to copy recordings unattended. Pretty cool considering that 300GB drives can be had for $100.

[cyndums]

howdy,
i have a toshiba rs-tx20 and have been a burning fool for about a year now. i've tried to burn a dvd of a movie that i tivo'd but continue to get an "internal error" message every time...and i've tried over and over and over - you get the gist. anyway, i tried to burn other recordings and the same problem happens. i was using a cheap dvd-r (dynex 16x 120min 4.7gb) and didn't have problems up until this week. i tried a different brand (memorex 16x 120 min 4.7gb) and had the same problem. then i unplugged the unit for the heck of it, plugged it back in and was able to burn on the memorex. then i tried one of the cheapo's (dynex) again and got the "internal error" message. when i tried the memorex, i still received the error message. i'm wondering if the problem is just intermittent at this point or are my cheapos ruining my precious tivo machine. what should i do? i'm wondering if the problem really is internal and should i take it to get looked at? any help is greatly appreciated!

[ihatebestbuy]

I called Toshiba, and they said that it could certainly be fixed. Its 140 dollars. The guy i spoke to was very helpful, saying that i should talk to best buy and have them pay for it. So at least that is one avenue to go. I am also filing against best buy in small claims court, the notion that is cant be fixed was just absurd.

Anyway, is it the general consensus that its the hard drive?
I am willing to go at it myself (Im not the best with hardware, but I do have a comp sci degree, so I am not clueless)
What else could it be? I mean this is basically a linux box with a modem and dvd burner. I guess it could be something on the mother board.
Any opinions?

[crosley123]

Based on some recommendations here after my Toshiba DVD/TiVo stopped working, I did the "Pause 57" boot. Seemed to work fine - got the green screen of defrag or whatever it is doing.

Problem is it only stays on the green screen for less than one minute and then it tries to reboot. Then back to green screen. Then reboot. Never stops. Let it run for 10 hours overnight and it is still doing it. Finally unplugged it.

Any suggestions? I know there are other codes out there to reinstall, etc. but I do not want to lose my programs or make the issue worse.

Heeeeeeeeeeeelp! :)

[benj_m]

Recently purchased a RS-TX 20, but it didn't come with a manual and Toshiba doesn't seem to have one online and can't seem to find one in their distributer's [Fox Industries] warehouse. I needs some help here friends. I can't figure this box out on my own. Does anyone have any advise on how to get a manual online. I've certinally tried every avenue that I can think of. Hell, I'd pay somebody if they'd go to Kinko's and run off some copies! I'm stuck with this machine and no idea how to run it.
Thanks for any help,
~Benj

[azitnay]

Amazon has both the quick-install guide and the manual available in PDF format:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000646MZW/sr=8-1/qid=1149607329/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-2189024-8633650?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Drew

[sledhed]

Thanks for the advice. I figured I could find some good info in the underground section if I needed it. However, I just read a few posts about people just contacting Toshiba directly and getting replacements. My unit is not even a year old yet - does anyone think Toshiba will just give me another refurbished one? I'll open it up and replace the drive if I have to but I'd rather just get another one if I can.
I would call them and see - perhaps they will give you a new unit, maybe a tx60! Should be free in any case since it is under warranty, but I would be a bit leery about someone else's refurb vs. the machine you have and KNOW how it was treated since new... tempting to just replace the HDD yourself, if indeed that is your problem... kind of a gamble though...

[sledhed]

I am considering upgrading the storage capacity in my TiVo, what is the largest hard drive anyone has successfully put in a Toshiba RS-TX20? And what brand did you use?

[ekgb]

Sorry if this has been addressed before - but this thread is over a 1000 posts now.

My TX60 can't get past the power-up / almost there screens. I've searched and read about the "pause" button to get into a diagnostics mode. But I can't seem to get into that mode. Any instructions that I've read talk about the green light - but I guess that's for the Tivo brand machines since these Toshibas don't have that. So anyway, is there a well know way to get into the service menu or diagnostics mode on these Toshiba machines?

Ed

[PatC]

Sorry to hear of so many people have problems with the TX20-60's. I would call Toshiba as they replaced my out of warranty SD-H400 with a refurb TX60.

I like it so far, but have been have problems with the IR blasters and my Comcast Motorola DCT-2000 STB not changing channels. This setup worked great with my SD-H400, but with the TX60 it seems to miss changing to all the upper premium channels, e.g. HBO 301, 302, etc. I ran the suggested setup and checked to IR blasters and also manually set the codes. The suggested setup was using the recommended codes for this Comcast box, with 000 and no enter for digital STB. Any suggestions? What works with your TX20-60 and the Comcast DCT-2000 STB. Any help appreciated, Pat

[PatC]

hi .
Toshiba replaced my defective sdh400 to a sx -60. nice. one problem I cannot get the remote to work with my TV or audio receiver . The old remote worked great to control my polaroid TV and sony reiever. this thing is driving me crazy. i much prefere the old remote . anybody have any ideas to where i get get a remote that comes with the SDH400 or any solutions to programming the remote, the remote flashes as though it programmed but nothing happens?? any ideas are much appreciated.

Toshiba also replaced my defective SD-H400 with a TX-60. :) I agree the old SD-H400 remote was better than the TiVo Peanut remote. Anyway, the new TX-60 Peanut remote worked fine controlling both my Toshiba TV (Power On) and Sony reciever (Power On and Volume) after programming it. Have you tried all the codes? I thought the remote would work my Toshiba TV out of the box, like the SD-H400 did, but I was wrong and had to program it too. It only lets you control the volume on the reciever or the TV, not both. I preferred using the TV Power On and Volume instead. Sorry that's all I got.

[windracer]

But I can't seem to get into that mode. Any instructions that I've read talk about the green light - but I guess that's for the Tivo brand machines since these Toshibas don't have that. So anyway, is there a well know way to get into the service menu or diagnostics mode on these Toshiba machines?
Interesting point ... I guess I've never tried a kickstart on my TX20 before.

edit: yikes, it looks like the alt.org Wiki pages have been hacked. I went to lookup the kickstart information and the entire page has been replaced with links to meds! Looks like a lot of pages were re-scripted this way ... ugh!

[azitnay]

Yep... I wouldn't so much say hacked as spammed, since anyone can go in and edit them, but it's definitely been a problem for alt.org in the past.

It looks like it's back now (people are pretty vigilant about restoring it), but I figured it was best to have an uneditable copy available somewhere as well, so:

http://www.zitnay.com/tc/tivodiags.html

Drew

[ekgb]

OK - I somehow managed to stumble across the correct timing of the "pause 57/56/58". A green screen came up and said that it found a serious problem and that it would try to fix it, and that it could take 3 hours. Great I thought! But then the green screen went away and the power up/almost there screens started to show again. Is that normal? I.e., is this part of the fixing process or did it loose it and now I'm back to square one? I would have expected the green screen to stay put.

Ed

[ber]

using my TX-20 machine can i transfer something with is on DVD (i.e., it is a DVD - not copy protected of course) to VHS.....i know that you can transfer stuff that is already on the hard drive to VHS.....but what about a disc.?

Thanks

[ryan87500]

I also just brought my TX-20 to Best Buy, but mine was because my dvd player kept on skipping. I was still under 1 year warranty but Best Buy assurmed me they would fix it. Well they decided it is not cost effective to repair it. They told me to pick out a new unit, and as others have noticed there are not any comperable units. I was able to find the rx60 on clearance as a open box for $440, but I only paid $300 because I took part in the 50% tivo special best buy had last July. So now they want me to pay $140 plus tax for the new unit. I ended up calling toshiba and have to send it to them to fix. How can best buy offer this service plan and not actually care to fix the unit if it doesnt make them money? Hopefully Toshiba fixes my unit or replaces it with the new one. I would never buy anything from Best Buy again, and as I can see it looks like everyone has a problem with there service plan.

[megazone]

using my TX-20 machine can i transfer something with is on DVD (i.e., it is a DVD - not copy protected of course) to VHS.....i know that you can transfer stuff that is already on the hard drive to VHS.....but what about a disc.?Sure, just play the DVD and record the output. There is nothing special about it.

[billyacc]

If anyone can help, I have the RS-TX20 and I just got the Harmony 880 remote. It was working fine until yesterday. When I turned the unit on I couldn't hear anything coming from the Tivo. I reinstalled the Harmony and reset the Tivo with no luck. If anyone has had this problem, please let me know. :eek:

[EvilMidniteBombr]

whew. I actually read (ok, i skimmed some) all 37 pages. Took a few days but I got through them.

Hi everyone! I bought a refurbed Toshiba RS-TX20 a few weeks ago from woot(dot)com for $274.99 (w/s&h) and I haven't had a problem with it so far. With all the DVD problems and such everyone posted about, I've got to admit, I was starting to worry that I had bought a piece of doodoo. So far, I've burned 5 or 6 DVD's (Imation 8x) with no errors. Yet.

Side note: I have found the Standby function very useful. I am still using my original DVD player (it has more features than the TiVo) and it's video is connected straight to my TV via composite cables. The RS-TX20 out is connected to the S-video input of the TV. All that to say that the S-video (tivo) and composite inputs use the same channel and the only way to watch the DVD player is to put the TiVo in standby. ok ok. I'll stop babbling.

That being said, I have some questions...

Is there a channel number for the front composite/s-video inputs? I know the rear inputs are accessed with channel #00 but I haven't been able to determine which channel # the front ones are.

I have connected my DVR to my home network and installed TivoDesktop. I can access pictures and music from my PC through the Toshiba. I cannot see the To Do List from the desktop, though. wazupwidat? FYI: Yes I have a TiVoPlus account.

Last question... I have this beeping in my house that has been going on for years and no matter what I do I can't find it... ;)

[windracer]

I have connected my DVR to my home network and installed TivoDesktop. I can access pictures and music from my PC through the Toshiba. I cannot see the To Do List from the desktop, though. wazupwidat? FYI: Yes I have a TiVoPlus account.
You can't see/manage your To Do List from TiVo Desktop. It's only for publishing music/photos and transferring recordings.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

You can't see/manage your To Do List from TiVo Desktop. It's only for publishing music/photos and transferring recordings.
Sorry, I meant to say Now Playing list. But it turns out that I just didn't wait long enough. I have access to the list now. Thanks for the answer though!

[corky1]

I just purchased the Tohsiba RS-tx20. I'm not good at wiring and setting up stuff and would really appreciate someone telling me what cables/wires go where!

Here is what I am trying to use with the Toshiba:

Time Warner Cable Box Explorer 3250HD
Samsung HLN 4760 DLP TV
Bose Freeplay Audio System

Two other basic questions;

Can I use by Harmony 656 remote?

If your program the Toshiba to record a program can you watcy another channel at the same time?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

If your program the Toshiba to record a program can you watcy another channel at the same time?


Short answer, no. But you can record live TV and watch anything on your now playing list or a DVD.

If you have another signal (via splitter or VCR) coming into your TV you can watch a different channel while recording with the TiVo.

[ashu]

And the Harmony (any, not just the 656) will control this with no problem.

[corky1]

Short answer, no. But you can record live TV and watch anything on your now playing list or a DVD.

If you have another signal (via splitter or VCR) coming into your TV you can watch a different channel while recording with the TiVo.


According to the owners manual, you can!
you put the dms in standby mode, the signal in standby mode bypasses the tivo so you can watch one channel while recording another.

[azitnay]

Actually, I believe you don't even have to put the unit in standby on this particular model -- the RF output is passthrough-only.

This only applies for cable without box or antenna, of course.

Drew

[corky1]

Actually, I believe you don't even have to put the unit in standby on this particular model -- the RF output is passthrough-only.

This only applies for cable without box or antenna, of course.

Drew


Drew,

Sorry to ask a newbie question, but I use a Time Warner HD Box, so when you say this only applies for cable with box or antenna, can you explain?

Thanks in advance,

David

[Mikeguy]

I just got a nice deal on some Office Depot DVD-RW 4x DVDs, and only noticed that they were 4x disks when I took the disks home.

Have others had success with these? (I believe they may be made by Ridata.) When I spoke with Toshiba just now, they told me that only 1-2x DVD-RWs will work, but I don't have much confidence in the rep.'s advice (she seemed to be guessing from the manual) and it appears that others have had success with 4x re-recordable disks here.

Thanks for the help--

[ber]

I just got a nice deal on some Office Depot DVD-RW 4x DVDs, and only noticed that they were 4x disks when I took the disks home.

Have others had success with these? (I believe they may be made by Ridata.) When I spoke with Toshiba just now, they told me that only 1-2x DVD-RWs will work, but I don't have much confidence in the rep.'s advice (she seemed to be guessing from the manual) and it appears that others have had success with 4x re-recordable disks here.

Thanks for the help--

I think you should probably be fine with those discs....in short....most of them will work....a few may result in disc failures....but given that they are RW you shall be all set...then you should still make out well.....Toshiba seems to use the 1-2X excuse every time users encounter burn errors....report back on how they are working and good luck

[Mikeguy]

Thanks for the advice. Office Depot seems to have a money-back guarantee, and so I'm just tempted to open up a package and try a disc out.

But if anyone has had experience with these, please just drop a post. Thanks--

[corky1]

TIME WARNER SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA 3250HD

Do I need to leave the cable box on all the time? Or will the TX-RS20 turn it on via the ir cable to record a show?

[corky1]

Using a scientific atlanta 3250HD with the RS-TX20 and a Samsung DLP HD TV, will I still be able to receive the High Def channels?

[ashu]

Leave. Everything. On. Always.

Series2 TiVos (like the RS-X20) can't record HD. Feed it the SVideo cable from your cable box.

[corky1]

Leave. Everything. On. Always.

Series2 TiVos (like the RS-X20) can't record HD. Feed it the SVideo cable from your cable box.

when routing the signal, cable box to toshiba to tv, will I still be able to watch live hd using componant cables?

[ashu]

when routing the signal, cable box to toshiba to tv, will I still be able to watch live hd using componant cables?

Yup. Just be sure not to change channels on the box when your TiVo 'thinks' it is recording something!

Also watch out for TiVo-enforced channel switches during HD viewing time. (I just start watching an SD-recorded show off the TiVo at such times)

[corky1]

Yup. Just be sure not to change channels on the box when your TiVo 'thinks' it is recording something!

Also watch out for TiVo-enforced channel switches during HD viewing time. (I just start watching an SD-recorded show off the TiVo at such times)


I am goint to "attempt" to hook this all up tomorow! I am really bad at this kind of stuff, hope I can figure it all out!! What is "SD-recorded show"???

I use a Bose freestyle audio system, plan on using an optical audio cable from the tx20 to the Bose, will I have to leave the bose system on all the time, or can the remote be "taught" to turn on the Bose with the TV?

[ashu]

Your TiVo records in Standard Definition (SD)

You certainly DON'T have to leave the Bose on. Your audio and display are the only things that should ever be turned off/on in the entire setup.

Not sure about powering on the Bose witht he TiVo. In addition to a bunch of fancy skulduggery (the kind that amkes most audiophiles cringe) that that company engages in to sell their products, they also often use RF (Radio Freq.) remotes. Most remotes (including all TiVo remotes) only do IR (InfraRed)

[EvilMidniteBombr]

According to the owners manual, you can!
you put the dms in standby mode, the signal in standby mode bypasses the tivo so you can watch one channel while recording another.

But if you connect as such: wall --> cable box --> Tivo --> TV

You cannot change channels on the cable box without messing up your recording. If you split the signal before the cable box and run it to a VCR or into the TV and use the component or S-video inputs to connect the TiVo to your TV you can watch whatever you want (in non-HD or digital). You'll just have to use the TV or VCR to change channels.


If you connect: wall --> TiVo --> TV

You can record w/ Tivo and just watch TV by changing the channels on the TV via the passthrough connection.

[corky1]

Your TiVo records in Standard Definition (SD)

You certainly DON'T have to leave the Bose on. Your audio and display are the only things that should ever be turned off/on in the entire setup.

Not sure about powering on the Bose witht he TiVo. In addition to a bunch of fancy skulduggery (the kind that amkes most audiophiles cringe) that that company engages in to sell their products, they also often use RF (Radio Freq.) remotes. Most remotes (including all TiVo remotes) only do IR (InfraRed)


Actually the Bose Freestyle does use IR, I currently control it with a Harmony 659 universal remote.

[corky1]

But if you connect as such: wall --> cable box --> Tivo --> TV

You cannot change channels on the cable box without messing up your recording. If you split the signal before the cable box and run it to a VCR or into the TV and use the component or S-video inputs to connect the TiVo to your TV you can watch whatever you want (in non-HD or digital). You'll just have to use the TV or VCR to change channels.


If you connect: wall --> TiVo --> TV

You can record w/ Tivo and just watch TV by changing the channels on the TV via the passthrough connection.


Using the first scanario, wall -->cable box ---> Tivo --- TV

can I use the pass thru and just use a coax cable to say "antenna" on the tv and then use that input? Will I be able to change channels with the tivo remote then?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Using the first scanario, wall -->cable box ---> Tivo --- TV

can I use the pass thru and just use a coax cable to say "antenna" on the tv and then use that input? Will I be able to change channels with the tivo remote then?

I don't think so. In this cases your TiVo is using the cable box as it's source signal. Whatever channel that cable box is on is what your TiVo is seeing and recording. Once you are recording you cannot change the TiVo channel. You can change the cable box channel but the TiVo will blindly record whatever channel you change to. As far as it knows, it's still recording the same show.

I am not 100% on this but if you connect cable box to the Tivo and the pass through output to the input of the TV you may be able to use the TV to tune channels and surf while the TiVo is recording off of the cable box. (This is assuming that you also have the TiVo connected to the TV using one of the other signal outputs for viewing the cable box thru the TiVo)

You would need to get advice from those that use a cable box for their setup. Mine is not set up that way and therefor I am not able to give an answer based on experience.

Do I have you totally confused?

[ashu]

Do I have you totally confused?

You expanded my (in retrospect) statement about the Cbale box changing channels to something else when the TiVo 'thinks' it is recording something.

I've one-upped that situation - my cable box is also a DVR! So if it has a scheduled recording set to change channels, a simultaneous TiVo recording may not be on the right channel!

[corky1]

I can't get the toshiba tivo remote to control my bose freestyle av system.

The Harmony remote did, so I know it's an IF code, but the code listed did not work!

H E LP!!

[toshitivo]

Thanks for the advice. Office Depot seems to have a money-back guarantee, and so I'm just tempted to open up a package and try a disc out.

But if anyone has had experience with these, please just drop a post. Thanks--


I picked up some of the same Office Depot DVD-RW 4x this week also, and the two DVD's I've burned so far on the RS-TX20 have worked fine, no problems.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

You expanded my (in retrospect) statement about the Cbale box changing channels to something else when the TiVo 'thinks' it is recording something.

I've one-upped that situation - my cable box is also a DVR! So if it has a scheduled recording set to change channels, a simultaneous TiVo recording may not be on the right channel!

I'm just glad that I am not using a cable box. :D

[corky1]

Leave. Everything. On. Always.

Series2 TiVos (like the RS-X20) can't record HD. Feed it the SVideo cable from your cable box.

Got it all hooked up! Used S Video to feed the cable to the TX20. Still cant find the remote code for the Bose! Thats a bummer, BUT the biggest issue is picture quality. I'm using componant cables from the tx20 to my Samsung DLP HDTV, and the picture quality is comprimised, especially on HD Channels, as opposed to cable box direct to tv!!

HD used to be crisp and awesome, now it's just a tad better than digital!

I'm not sure if I want to sacrifice Picture quality.....

[Mikeguy]

I picked up some of the same Office Depot DVD-RW 4x this week also, and the two DVD's I've burned so far on the RS-TX20 have worked fine, no problems.
Isn't the Internet a great thing, to get an answer to a particular question like this?

;)

Thanks for the advice, and I'll start using them now!

[corky1]

when routing the signal, cable box to toshiba to tv, will I still be able to watch live hd using componant cables?

My HD quality sucks using component from the tx to the tv, would SVideo do better?

[ashu]

Umm, once it goes 'through' your TiVo, it has been re-encoded to SD (yes, even for Live TV) and is no longer HD. So if it's only barely better than digital, you should be happy.

When using a Series 2 (SD) TiVo, ALL your HD viewing has to be DIRECTLY from the Cbale Box over Component (or, better yet, HDMI/DVI) to your display. Live (shudder)

And join the clamoring for a quick release of the Series 3 HD-capable TiVo :)

[Autosound]

Just wanted to say hi to all the RS-TX owners and to let you know I'm a proud owner of a TX-20 w/lifetime. I have to say, this is a rediculously long thread.

[corky1]

Umm, once it goes 'through' your TiVo, it has been re-encoded to SD (yes, even for Live TV) and is no longer HD. So if it's only barely better than digital, you should be happy.

When using a Series 2 (SD) TiVo, ALL your HD viewing has to be DIRECTLY from the Cbale Box over Component (or, better yet, HDMI/DVI) to your display. Live (shudder)

And join the clamoring for a quick release of the Series 3 HD-capable TiVo :)

So .... in order to "watch" live HD I need to add another cable from the cable box to a seperate input on the tv, and then select that input when watching?
What does "SD" stand for?

[corky1]

Umm, once it goes 'through' your TiVo, it has been re-encoded to SD (yes, even for Live TV) and is no longer HD. So if it's only barely better than digital, you should be happy.

When using a Series 2 (SD) TiVo, ALL your HD viewing has to be DIRECTLY from the Cbale Box over Component (or, better yet, HDMI/DVI) to your display. Live (shudder)

And join the clamoring for a quick release of the Series 3 HD-capable TiVo :)

I'm assuming SD means standard defination. If I put a HDMI/DVI cable from the cable box to the TV, and set that input on the tv, will the toshiba tx 20 remote still change channels on the cable box? I think it would?

[corky1]

Umm, once it goes 'through' your TiVo, it has been re-encoded to SD (yes, even for Live TV) and is no longer HD. So if it's only barely better than digital, you should be happy.

When using a Series 2 (SD) TiVo, ALL your HD viewing has to be DIRECTLY from the Cbale Box over Component (or, better yet, HDMI/DVI) to your display. Live (shudder)

And join the clamoring for a quick release of the Series 3 HD-capable TiVo :)

Will HD Content go thru Svideo cable? Just found out that my box does not have a DVI out.

[ashu]

Yup. SD = Standard Def, HD = High Def.
HD is ONLY carried across component, HDMI, DVI.

TWO devices would change channels on the HD cable box
1. your HD box remote, for when you watch HD directly on your TV via HDMI or component. This would ALSO change the output over the SVideo/Composite lines to be the same, without your TV 'knowing' about it, meaning you COULD mess up recordings in progress. I keep an eye on the red light, and turn off suggestions
2. your TiVo, using the IR cable, would change channels whenever it needed to, to record a show on a certain channel. This (of course) would also change the output over HDMI/compoennt to be the same, and interrupt any live HD viewing session. I find it best to switch to watching a recorded TiVo show when this happens.

[corky1]

Yup. SD = Standard Def, HD = High Def.
HD is ONLY carried across component, HDMI, DVI.

TWO devices would change channels on the HD cable box
1. your HD box remote, for when you watch HD directly on your TV via HDMI or component. This would ALSO change the output over the SVideo/Composite lines to be the same, without your TV 'knowing' about it, meaning you COULD mess up recordings in progress. I keep an eye on the red light, and turn off suggestions
2. your TiVo, using the IR cable, would change channels whenever it needed to, to record a show on a certain channel. This (of course) would also change the output over HDMI/compoennt to be the same, and interrupt any live HD viewing session. I find it best to switch to watching a recorded TiVo show when this happens.

This is all so confusing, but with your help I think I'm getting to understand it!
I'm off to purchase another set of composite cables to hook the set top cable box directly to the tv, as you explained above.......................
I did notice last night while watching, what I thought was HD that the picture was bad and the blacks were irredicent.

Thanks again

[ashu]

While multiple composite (yellow) cables will do, you can pick up a theeesome of cables - 'Component' colored Red Green Blue to make it easier to remember connectivity, or colored Red Yellow White if you want to track the cable/color of outlet thing yourself. Yes, you can safle use a set of RYW cables you have lying around, and in all but the most demanding situations/lighting/distances/interference settings you won't notice a difference compared to a much more expensive set of cables. (Not trying to start a holy war on this issue here, folks!)

Either way, if cables you use are mildly shielded, half-good and not subject to massive lengths or interference, they'll all work fine.

Don't get ripped off by Worst Buy etc and buy overpriced Moncrap cables :)

[corky1]

While multiple composite (yellow) cables will do, you can pick up a theeesome of cables - 'Component' colored Red Green Blue to make it easier to remember connectivity, or colored Red Yellow White if you want to track the cable/color of outlet thing yourself. Yes, you can safle use a set of RYW cables you have lying around, and in all but the most demanding situations/lighting/distances/interference settings you won't notice a difference compared to a much more expensive set of cables. (Not trying to start a holy war on this issue here, folks!)

Either way, if cables you use are mildly shielded, half-good and not subject to massive lengths or interference, they'll all work fine.

Don't get ripped off by Worst Buy etc and buy overpriced Moncrap cables :)

Got the component cables, hooked them up, much better!
Thanks so much for all your help!

[corky1]

While multiple composite (yellow) cables will do, you can pick up a theeesome of cables - 'Component' colored Red Green Blue to make it easier to remember connectivity, or colored Red Yellow White if you want to track the cable/color of outlet thing yourself. Yes, you can safle use a set of RYW cables you have lying around, and in all but the most demanding situations/lighting/distances/interference settings you won't notice a difference compared to a much more expensive set of cables. (Not trying to start a holy war on this issue here, folks!)

Either way, if cables you use are mildly shielded, half-good and not subject to massive lengths or interference, they'll all work fine.

Don't get ripped off by Worst Buy etc and buy overpriced Moncrap cables :)


All hooked up, one last problem... the toshiba tx 20 will bring up the tv input screen when I press the "tv input" button, but .... I don't have any way of moving the bar, i.e changing the input and accepting???? I can do this with the tv's remote, but I'm trying to get it all to work on one remote. I would assume the top big arrow button would move it up and down, but it does not. I did try reprogramming the remote, and different codes, no luck. Any ideas, am I doing something wrong?

[ashu]

The TiVo peanut remote may just be incapable of cycling through your HDTV's Inputs. Mine also shows me ONLY the name of the input, and cannot cycle. (Sceptre HDTV)

I doubt you can 'teach' it, and you may have tor esort to either continued use of the TV remote for input switching, or get a smarter Macro based programmable (MX500 etc) or State-aware programmable (Logitech Harmony) remote to replace everything.

[corky1]

The TiVo peanut remote may just be incapable of cycling through your HDTV's Inputs. Mine also shows me ONLY the name of the input, and cannot cycle. (Sceptre HDTV)

I doubt you can 'teach' it, and you may have tor esort to either continued use of the TV remote for input switching, or get a smarter Macro based programmable (MX500 etc) or State-aware programmable (Logitech Harmony) remote to replace everything.

I have a harmony H659, maybe this is the answer?

[reedie]

My toshiba rs-tx20 w/tivo stopped working. I can't find the receipt for it, so I don't remember how long it's been exactly, but i think it's about 11 month old...

Two days ago it just restarted and then showed a gray screen (frozen i guess) right after the "welcome! powering up..." screen. It doesn't respond to any response but it does make some noises.. nothing alarming. Is this something I could fix myself? If not, what do I do?
I unplugged it and let it sit for about 24 hours, plugging it back in just leads to the same problem - welcome screen shortly followed by a gray screen. I just took the cover off, but don't know if i should try to plug the harddrive into my pc to see if it's still functioning or broken.
I searched this thread but didn't find anything exactly like what I have, please help.
Thanks.

[cojonesdetoro]

Sounds like a dead drive. Could be the drive is corrupt or just plain dead. You can try to get an image and re-image the drive. If you're not inclined to do technical stuff you can try to send it in for repairs. There are a few services that will repair it and also sell you a new drive.

Before that, check cables and make sure that everything looks plugged in okay.

[reedie]

Sounds like a dead drive. Could be the drive is corrupt or just plain dead. You can try to get an image and re-image the drive. If you're not inclined to do technical stuff you can try to send it in for repairs. There are a few services that will repair it and also sell you a new drive.

Before that, check cables and make sure that everything looks plugged in okay.

the cables seem fine, if the hdd is the problem, what are the odds that i will be able to get an image of it? Do I just connect it to my pc for that? What services do you mean? Toshiba offered it for $70+shipping, are others cheaper?
I'll try to take out the hdd right now and hook it up to my pc then, that's what i should try first, right?

[cojonesdetoro]

Be careful connecting to a PC. Windows has a nasty habit of writing stuff to drives it sees when it boots. If the drive is okay then Windows will trash the boot sector. There's a ulitity to fix this. You can try using some of the boot CDs mentioned in the drive upgrade posts to see if you can examine the drive.

There are places where you can get drive images. Some are legal and some are not.

If Tivo says they'll fix it for $70 then maybe that's your best route. That sounds like a very fair price to me. They are probably not making any money off the repair. Maybe they subsidize the cost in anticipation of not losing a subscriber.

If you are intent on fixing it yourself them maybe ptvupgrade.com is a good choice. I believe they can provide you with a CD that has a legal image of the Tivo drive. They can also provide support. Another option is to buy an upgrade drive from them . Of course, you have to determine if the drive is the probelm.

[bluibri]

I keep getting the Green Screen of Death on my Tivo RS-TX20 Toshiba DVR. It gets to the GSOD and then reboots about a minute later and goes back to GSOD. Its been doing this for 24 hours, what do I need to do here?

Thanks for all the help you can provide..

[reedie]

Be careful connecting to a PC. Windows has a nasty habit of writing stuff to drives it sees when it boots. If the drive is okay then Windows will trash the boot sector. There's a ulitity to fix this. You can try using some of the boot CDs mentioned in the drive upgrade posts to see if you can examine the drive.

There are places where you can get drive images. Some are legal and some are not.

If Tivo says they'll fix it for $70 then maybe that's your best route. That sounds like a very fair price to me. They are probably not making any money off the repair. Maybe they subsidize the cost in anticipation of not losing a subscriber.

Thanks for the warning, I'm glad I waited for you reply. Also, just to clarify, $70 is what toshiba quoted me (i still have the warranty on parts and I'd only be paying for labor and shipping) and with shipping it should be about $100, but I am slightly worried that they will either not fix the problem or charge me more than they orginally quoted. By the way, kind of irrelevant, but my firewire input also stopped working, I wish they would have sent me a new unit so that all my problems would be fixed... hmm i wonder what will happen to my homevideos on the tivo, probably trashed. Good thing I backed up.

[cojonesdetoro]

I'm pretty sure the firewire issue is due to a recent Tivo software upgrade. Mine stopped working as well and I have read messages from others about the same. It seemed to coincide with an upgrade at the time.

[windracer]

I keep getting the Green Screen of Death on my Tivo RS-TX20 Toshiba DVR. It gets to the GSOD and then reboots about a minute later and goes back to GSOD. Its been doing this for 24 hours, what do I need to do here?
Try unplugging it and leaving it off for (literally) a few hours ... sometimes once everything has a chance to cool down things work themselves out.

Note to reedie: the gray "Powering Up" screen and the GSOD (green screen of death) are two separate things. The GSOD means the software is basically running a chkdsk on the drive. Being stuck at the gray screen means your disk is not even booting.

I don't think I've tried my Firewire input since getting the latest update. I'll have to check this out.

[reedie]

Note to reedie: the gray "Powering Up" screen and the GSOD (green screen of death) are two separate things. The GSOD means the software is basically running a chkdsk on the drive. Being stuck at the gray screen means your disk is not even booting.

Thanks for the correction. Here's the update on my info, it's not much though. I hooked it up to the pc and booted it with and without the mfs tool boot cd. without the cd the drive shows up as just unallocated space, i don't know if this is normal, but it looks like the drive isn't totally dead. using the mfs tools 2.0 floppy, it just says unknown partition table, i guess that could be normal too. Is there any way to transfer some files from the hdd or try to do so, without things getting really complicated??
Could getting one of those instantcake dealies from pvrupdate still be the answer?

[corky1]

Yup. SD = Standard Def, HD = High Def.
HD is ONLY carried across component, HDMI, DVI.

TWO devices would change channels on the HD cable box
1. your HD box remote, for when you watch HD directly on your TV via HDMI or component. This would ALSO change the output over the SVideo/Composite lines to be the same, without your TV 'knowing' about it, meaning you COULD mess up recordings in progress. I keep an eye on the red light, and turn off suggestions
2. your TiVo, using the IR cable, would change channels whenever it needed to, to record a show on a certain channel. This (of course) would also change the output over HDMI/compoennt to be the same, and interrupt any live HD viewing session. I find it best to switch to watching a recorded TiVo show when this happens.

Any thing I can do to improve recording? The quality is good but the video is really really dark, blacks are almost irredicent!

[windracer]

I hooked it up to the pc and booted it with and without the mfs tool boot cd. without the cd the drive shows up as just unallocated space, i don't know if this is normal, but it looks like the drive isn't totally dead. using the mfs tools 2.0 floppy, it just says unknown partition table, i guess that could be normal too.
Did you boot into Windows with your TiVo drive attached? If so, it won't boot in your TiVo anymore, which is probably why mfstools doesn't recognize it anymore. You'll need to restore a backup image (or get the Instant Cake CD) to get the drive working again.

[megazone]

Thanks for the correction. Here's the update on my info, it's not much though. I hooked it up to the pc and booted it with and without the mfs tool boot cd.I really, really hope you didn't hook the TiVo drive up to a Windows PC and then booted the PC into Windows. If you did, you just corrupted the drive and it will no longer work in the TiVo. Windows will grab any drive it sees when it books and write to it, and when it does it breaks the TiVo formatting. Which can also make it not show up as expected in MFSTools.

At that point, yeah, you may as well re-image it with InstantCake.

[azitnay]

Are we forgetting about MakeTiVoBootable? I believe Windows only corrupts the boot sector, which can be repaired pretty easily without reimaging.

Drew

[reedie]

Thanks for all the posts, I was going to try to restore a backup file onto a new drive and connect it to tivo, to see if it is the drive after all. I did boot it in windows mode though, now I wish i didn't... I just couldn't get the ide cables right and instead of booting from cd it loaded into windows. Anyways, I didn't have my own backup file, it's someone else's, and when looking at instructions I came across this warning:
"If your image came from a different TiVo unit (the first three letters of the 15 digit TiVo Service Number MUST be the same)"
is there any way to check if it is? and What if it isn't?

[windracer]

The first three numbers of the TSN are the model number. For the TX20, it's 565. As long as you've got an image from another TX20 (565) you'll be fine. That warning means you shouldn't take an image from another model (like a 230 or 140) and try to restore it to your 565 ... it won't work.

The TSN is printed on the label on the back of your unit, next to the serial number and various bar codes.

[reedie]

The first three numbers of the TSN are the model number. For the TX20, it's 565. As long as you've got an image from another TX20 (565) you'll be fine. That warning means you shouldn't take an image from another model (like a 230 or 140) and try to restore it to your 565 ... it won't work.

The TSN is printed on the label on the back of your unit, next to the serial number and various bar codes.

awesome, thanks!


OMG IT WORKS!!! And now my drive is 300gig (180gb larger i think), yay! Thank you everyone for your help. I hope it doesn't overheat, this is one of the newer faster maxtor drives (standard 7200 rpm ata133), are stock tivo drives cooler?

Now that i know it was the drive, I could always change it or maybe try to repair the bootsector on the older on, i don't know.

Thank you so much.

EDIT: Another update, as if anyone cares :-) , I realized that the stock drive was 5400rpm where as this one (diamondmax 10) is 7200rpm and does get hotter. Apparently it's also louder, because I hear it accessing and it shakes the tivo a bit... I think that's kind of normal, but I'm not sure. What do you think?

Also, I see static, the screen flashes a couple of times, but it did the exact same thing when I first bought it, and then the new firmware was installed and it worked beautifully. I think it's some composite out bug or something, I don't know, but I am not worried. I wonder if firewire works right now, lol.

[corky1]

RS-TX 20 fed by a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD box via svideo, Samsung DLP T V via composite cables.

The recording playback quality is terrible, dark! I've calibrated the tv. nothing helps. Is this due to the fact that this is a digital signal converting to sd? Forget about HD that is unwatchable. I'm only recording digital channels but the playback is horrible.

I'd like to be able to record, that's what this thing is for!!

Should I just forget about digital and feed coax in to the RS-TX20?

Thanks in advance.

[billyacc]

Anyone have issues with the Audio out? I do not have an optical receiver so I can not test the optical port, but the RCA audio out is not working on my unit. I can record a show and watch it with no audio and then burn it to a disk and watch on another DVD player and hear sound.

Can the Audio out jacks be replaced in this unit?

Any help would be appreciated.

[reedie]

Anyone have issues with the Audio out? I do not have an optical receiver so I can not test the optical port, but the RCA audio out is not working on my unit. I can record a show and watch it with no audio and then burn it to a disk and watch on another DVD player and hear sound.

Can the Audio out jacks be replaced in this unit?

Any help would be appreciated.

It does sound like a problem with the audio-out jacks, but it seems strange that both of them are broken (or is that the usual?)
Could it be the audio in port on your tv?


Also, my own question. I was watching my tivo today and the screen went gray for about 30-50 seconds, just like it looked when it was broken (though the first time it stopped working it actually rebooted, whereas here picture just disappeared), but then it came back. So I think it's ok now, but I am worried that it's a precursor of more problems to come.

[billyacc]

It does sound like a problem with the audio-out jacks, but it seems strange that both of them are broken (or is that the usual?)
Could it be the audio in port on your tv?



Also, my own question. I was watching my tivo today and the screen went gray for about 30-50 seconds, just like it looked when it was broken (though the first time it stopped working it actually rebooted, whereas here picture just disappeared), but then it came back. So I think it's ok now, but I am worried that it's a precursor of more problems to come.

I tried it on multiple televisons and used multiple types of wires with the same result.

Can't help you on that one. I hope it doesn't crash!

[reedie]

I tried it on multiple televisons and used multiple types of wires with the same result.

Can't help you on that one. I hope it doesn't crash!

That's ok, i am overreacting. Just right now it restarted as I was watching something and I was ready to freak out, but then realized it was 2AM so it is just doing the firmware update. Yay for no more firewire support :-( , I wish they would fix that.

I'm sorry about your problem, i guess it's definitely the tivo then, this is kind of a useless suggestion but maybe there is something in the audio settings?

[tarch]

awesome, thanks!


OMG IT WORKS!!! And now my drive is 300gig (180gb larger i think), yay! Thank you everyone for your help. I hope it doesn't overheat, this is one of the newer faster maxtor drives (standard 7200 rpm ata133), are stock tivo drives cooler?

Now that i know it was the drive, I could always change it or maybe try to repair the bootsector on the older on, i don't know.

Thank you so much.


Can you please tell me exactly what you did to get your Tivo up and running again? I'm having the same problem that you did. As well as where you got any images or tools from.
Thanks in advance.

[reedie]

Can you please tell me exactly what you did to get your Tivo up and running again? I'm having the same problem that you did. As well as where you got any images or tools from.
Thanks in advance.
I got an image from another member of this forum, I am not allowed to distribute it, you can look here:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62430&perpage=20&pagenumber=7


then I followed these instructions:
http://Tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/step1.php

I found them to be the simplest.
Good luck.

[billyacc]

That's ok, i am overreacting. Just right now it restarted as I was watching something and I was ready to freak out, but then realized it was 2AM so it is just doing the firmware update. Yay for no more firewire support :-( , I wish they would fix that.

I'm sorry about your problem, i guess it's definitely the tivo then, this is kind of a useless suggestion but maybe there is something in the audio settings?

I tried that as well. Thanks for the suggestion!

[costaricaboy]

Does anyone know if the RS-TX series supports the saving of camcorder footage shot in 16:9 format in that aspect ratio? So far, I've had no luck in getting the camcorder footage to come out in the correct format (16:9). When I save from my camcorder to the RS-TX unit, the unit "squeezes" the video into 4:3 format --my wife likes it since she says we all look thinner :)

So far I have tried recording to the unit via s-video and firewire.

I still have not explored all the output options in my camcorder (Sony) so there way be so way there to preserve the aspect ratio, but I wanted to see if anyone else has encountered this issue and discovered a workaround.


Thanks,

Doug
i have the same problem with recording 16:9 footage from a camcorder. the footage gets vertically squeezed by the tivo. i think the tivo is supposed to recognized the 16:9 tag but for some reason with my panasonic PV-GS300 camera, the tivo does not recognized that the footage is 16:9. if anyone knows how to fix this problem, please help.

[reedie]

i have the same problem with recording 16:9 footage from a camcorder. the footage gets vertically squeezed by the tivo. i think the tivo is supposed to recognized the 16:9 tag but for some reason with my panasonic PV-GS300 camera, the tivo does not recognized that the footage is 16:9. if anyone knows how to fix this problem, please help.

I use a canon zr200 and I have the exact same problem. So I just shoot in 4:3 (i realized the zr200 isn't a "true" widescreen camera, so why bother..). I would be interested in a solution though. I find it really odd that it does that, but i guess it's because the tape doesn't actually have black space at top and bottom of th picture (which is what the lcd on my camera shows) so it kind of makes sense.

[windracer]

Speaking of camcorders ... some of you have mentioned problems with firewire with the latest update. I hadn't tried recording over firewire in a while (you had me worried), so I did a test tonight on 7.3 and it worked just fine. What kind of problems are people seeing?

With regards to 16:9 vs. 4:3, I haven't gotten into the habit of filming in 16:9 on my Panasonic GS300 so can't help you there. :rolleyes:

[insanity8797]

My Tivo Central menu doesn't display a Music & Photos option. I installed a Tivo USB wireless adapter on my Toshiba RS-TX20 last night and installed Tivo Desktop on my PC and I haven't had any luck. Is Music & Photos a feature of Tivo Plus? I am currently using Tivo Basic. Any help is appreciated.

[azitnay]

Yes, M&P is Plus-only.

Drew

[insanity8797]

Yes, M&P is Plus-only.

Drew

I guess I should RTFM (read the f'n manual) a little better next time. I found my answer right after this post in the users guide. Thanks for your help. I guess I'll be upgrading to Tivo Plus.

[reedie]

Speaking of camcorders ... some of you have mentioned problems with firewire with the latest update. I hadn't tried recording over firewire in a while (you had me worried), so I did a test tonight on 7.3 and it worked just fine. What kind of problems are people seeing?

With regards to 16:9 vs. 4:3, I haven't gotten into the habit of filming in 16:9 on my Panasonic GS300 so can't help you there. :rolleyes:

Oh, good, I guess. That must mean it's a hardware problem. The problem is that the tivo does not recognize any firewire inputs.

Also, about Tivo Desktop or whatever, I can't get it to work because my tivo doesn't have a media key (it always says temporarily unavailable).. any idea why?

[windracer]

Also, about Tivo Desktop or whatever, I can't get it to work because my tivo doesn't have a media key (it always says temporarily unavailable).. any idea why?
Do you have the TiVo Plus service? You don't get a MAK with TiVo Basic. If you do have Plus, check the System Information screen. There is a line called TiVoToGo and it should read "a,a,a" and not "i,i,i".

[reedie]

Do you have the TiVo Plus service? You don't get a MAK with TiVo Basic. If you do have Plus, check the System Information screen. There is a line called TiVoToGo and it should read "a,a,a" and not "i,i,i".

aww :-( I thought i could at least transfer files with tivo basic. I don't want to pay for plus, although I guess I could try the free trial, maybe a little later. Mine does say "i,i,i" by the way.
Thanks.

[windracer]

aww :-( I thought i could at least transfer files with tivo basic. I don't want to pay for plus, although I guess I could try the free trial, maybe a little later. Mine does say "i,i,i" by the way.
Yup, you don't get any of the media/networking features with the Basic service ... just the three-days of Guide data.

Try out the free trial of Plus, if you dare. Once you have Season Passes, TiVoToGo, and all the other cool home media features, you'll want it for good, and then you'll have to pay for it. :cool:

[Chip718]

Hello. I have Toshiba RS-TX20s and I was wondering if anyone has experienced a problem with red and green tones that start in the left side of the screen that eventually spreads to the whole screen. This is followed by lines taking over the whole screen. This happens on both video play back, as well as the Tivo menus.

I though that this may be a bad unit, but it has happened on both of my RS-TX20s. Can anyone else tell me if they ever experienced this before. Thanx for any info

[reedie]

Hello. I have Toshiba RS-TX20s and I was wondering if anyone has experienced a problem with red and green tones that start in the left side of the screen that eventually spreads to the whole screen. This is followed by lines taking over the whole screen. This happens on both video play back, as well as the Tivo menus.

I though that this may be a bad unit, but it has happened on both of my RS-TX20s. Can anyone else tell me if they ever experienced this before. Thanx for any info

I was hoping someone would help you by now, because I can't. But just so you don't feel abandoned, I have not had problems like you descirbe. I always use composite outputs (yellow, white, red). It's posisble i've had a green cast or something, but nothing severe enough for me to remember. Sorry.

[alanpgh]

No problems with my unit. Bought it well over a year ago (maybe 18 mo.) when these units were introduced to the market.

[windracer]

No video problems like that here either. What connections are you using? Component?

[13junk]

Over the course of the past 6 months my RS-TX 20 Tivo has stopped responding to my remote about once or twice a month. The batteries are fine, and I have no IR interference. It controls my stereo volume and powers the tv on and off just fine. If I open the front of my entertainment cabient to "cool" down the space or if I play around with the select button on the unit it normally starts responding. The past 3 or 4 times I've had to uplug and reboot the unit.

Tonight I've had the same problem. None of my previous tricks have works. And on reboot the front panel display on my unit shows gobblety gook. Random lines and partial display text. I can see the image fine and get to the menus through the select button, but the remote has no effect on the Tivo unit.

I'm at a loss at to what to do I've reset my remote and uplugged several times. Do any of you have some advice for me?

[jackmbernstein]

I have a RS-TX20. No problems with the unit. Just upgraded to a 300 gb drive. Followed weaknees instructions and all the recorded programs from my 120gb drive, as well as settings, were transferred tp the 300.

[13junk]

So I unplugged it over night. Plugged it back in. For about 10 minutes after the reboot completed it worked just fine. Then back to remote not working, and front display on the unit showing gobblety gook.

I tried burning shows off onto a dvd and that works fine.

it records thing that I have season passes to still.

I can do all the menus and things with the select button toggle on the front of the unit.

Guess I'll have to take it in.

[rcobourn]

So I unplugged it over night. Plugged it back in. For about 10 minutes after the reboot completed it worked just fine. Then back to remote not working, and front display on the unit showing gobblety gook.

I tried burning shows off onto a dvd and that works fine.

it records thing that I have season passes to still.

I can do all the menus and things with the select button toggle on the front of the unit.

Guess I'll have to take it in.
It's a pretty good bet that the ribbon cable that connects to the front panel has worked it's way loose. If you've upgraded the HD on the unit, it's easy to knock that cable ajar. As I understand it, it can cause permanent damage to the unit if the cable comes off, so I'd suggest opening the unit and checking that cable immediately. Note that while I know this info applies to the Pioneer units, I've not opened a Toshiba, but I think the situation with that unit is similar.

[corky1]

My rs tx 20 works great EXCEPT when I playback anything I recorded. The picture is very dark. I've fooled around with picture settings on my tv, even had it recalibrated.

any one else getting dark recordings? What can I do??

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[corky1]

My rs tx 20 works great EXCEPT when I playback anything I recorded. The picture is very dark. I've fooled around with picture settings on my tv, even had it recalibrated.

any one else getting dark recordings? What can I do?? Commercial DVD's play back great.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[Fragster14]

when routing the signal, cable box to toshiba to tv, will I still be able to watch live hd using componant cables?
Yup. Just be sure not to change channels on the box when your TiVo 'thinks' it is recording something!

Also watch out for TiVo-enforced channel switches during HD viewing time. (I just start watching an SD-recorded show off the TiVo at such times)

Wait is this correct? My understanding is that not only can the Tivo not record HD programing, but it can't even relay it to the TV live. So if you plug the cable box into the tivo and the Tivo into the TV, even if you are using the best quality cables available (component) throughout the whole chain, the Tivo still won't be able to relay the HD signal. I've tried a few times and talked to some store reps who seem to know what they are doing. The only way that I can get an HD signal is to split the signal coming from the cable box, with one going to the Tivo and the other going straight to the TV. Then when I want to watch a show in HD, I have to change to a different video mode so that I can watch the HD with the Tivo completely not involved. Is there a better way???

Another question... I switched to a different brand (a better brand actually) of DVD-R's and the Tivo won't burn anything to it, I get an internal error every time. I think they are 8x disks though. Will this make a difference? I do know for sure that they are DVD-R's, not DVD+R's.

Last question... Whenever I watch TV through my Tivo, the colors are always bad. Usually the picture has a slightly yellow hue to everything, making faces and people look like they are living in the Simpsons world or something. If I really really screw with the TV settings to remove the color and all that too the extreme, it can look better, but then all the other colors on the screen (blue, green, red, etc.) look light and in poor quality. Plus I have to change all the settings back when I want to watch HD or play video games or something. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks so much if anyone can help me. I've been lurking for awhile but will try to contribute from here on out. This is an awesome little community. Thanks!

[corky1]

The unit does not support HDTV and won't even pass it thru, so we have to switch inputs.

As far as picture quality, I have been experiencing crushed blacks and lousy colors too. I read that using S Video gives better quality than any other type of cable, so I am going to try it tomorow. My recordings suck quality wise, almost too dark to watch.

[corky1]

I hooked up the S Video out to my Samsund HD TV and the picture quality of recorded material was no better, still crushed blacks and a dark picture. I'm beginning to think the Toshiba is a piece of crap!

[alanpgh]

I've had my RS-TX connected to my Sony HD TV for over 18 months. It produces a very good SD picture, and the Tivo and DVD burning have been excellent. Maybe there is a difference between early versions and current versions of the RS-TX, but probably not. Perhaps some of you just got a bad unit.

Good Luck!

Alan

[corky1]

I've had my RS-TX connected to my Sony HD TV for over 18 months. It produces a very good SD picture, and the Tivo and DVD burning have been excellent. Maybe there is a difference between early versions and current versions of the RS-TX, but probably not. Perhaps some of you just got a bad unit.

Good Luck!

Alan

My "unit" produces a good sd picture, plays commercial dvd's great, what it does is records with crushed blacks and a really dark picture. I contacted Toshiba, what a joke, they told me it was normal! What is the point of having a DVR when you can't enjoy watching your recordings?????

[Fragster14]

Hhhmm, well like I said before, mine doesn't have an issue really with blacks or anything like that... It's just that it has a yellow hue to everything, even when it's simply displaying TV, non-recorded. So if I watch TV straight from the cable box it looks great, but when watching regular live TV (or recorded) through the Tivo, it's all simpsons all the time, and it's been this way pretty much since I got the unit about 16 months ago. Video is sent from the cable box to the Tivo via an S-Video cable and via a component cable from the Tivo to the TV itself. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[corky1]

Hhhmm, well like I said before, mine doesn't have an issue really with blacks or anything like that... It's just that it has a yellow hue to everything, even when it's simply displaying TV, non-recorded. So if I watch TV straight from the cable box it looks great, but when watching regular live TV (or recorded) through the Tivo, it's all simpsons all the time, and it's been this way pretty much since I got the unit about 16 months ago. Video is sent from the cable box to the Tivo via an S-Video cable and via a component cable from the Tivo to the TV itself. Does anyone have any suggestions?


Check your component cables to make sure they are hooked up correctly. We've all made the mistake of putting the wrong colors in the wrong slots, and this could effect colors. Just a thought?

[corky1]

One last thing I am going to try is to split my cable and bypass the digital HD Set top box and feed the rstx20 with cable from the wall. Perhaps its the set top box inbetween causing the lousy picture quality. I currently have the tivo fed from the box via svideo, and the tivo to the tv via component. I plan on trying wall to tivo, tivo to tv.

I'll let you know!

[corky1]

One last thing I am going to try is to split my cable and bypass the digital HD Set top box and feed the rstx20 with cable from the wall. Perhaps its the set top box inbetween causing the lousy picture quality. I currently have the tivo fed from the box via svideo, and the tivo to the tv via component. I plan on trying wall to tivo, tivo to tv.

I'll let you know!


I have been thinking about this, and I don't think it will work, if I put a splitter and feed the tivo directly, what will change channels?

[azitnay]

If you want to switch from using a cable box to not using a cable box, you'll need to rerun Guided Setup.

Drew

[corky1]

If you want to switch from using a cable box to not using a cable box, you'll need to rerun Guided Setup.

Drew

And how will channel changing work? Do you feel running without a cable box will improve picture quality?

[azitnay]

The TiVo will use its internal tuner to change channels instead of sending channel changes to the cable box via IR or serial.

As long as you're willing to live without the ability to record premium and digital channels, it's a much better setup overall, since you're taking the somewhat klunky IR or serial connection out of the picture... But I don't see why it would improve picture quality.

Drew

[corky1]

The TiVo will use its internal tuner to change channels instead of sending channel changes to the cable box via IR or serial.

As long as you're willing to live without the ability to record premium and digital channels, it's a much better setup overall, since you're taking the somewhat klunky IR or serial connection out of the picture... But I don't see why it would improve picture quality.

Drew


So will I need to use multiple remotes? Or will the toshiba remote "talk" directly to my cable box? any quick way to see if it would improve picture quality without re running setup?

[azitnay]

If you go with this setup, you won't be using the cable box at all, so there will be no need for anything to "talk" to it.

Unless you mean during those times when you want to watch something only available on the cable box... In that case, yes, you'd have to use your cable box's remote.

I believe you can change your video source without running Guided Setup by going to TiVo Central -> Messages & Settings -> Settings -> Video -> Video Hookup... That should allow you to at least see how it looks through the RF connector, though you'll still have to rerun GS if you want to take the cable box out of the equation for real.

Drew

[corky1]

If you go with this setup, you won't be using the cable box at all, so there will be no need for anything to "talk" to it.

Unless you mean during those times when you want to watch something only available on the cable box... In that case, yes, you'd have to use your cable box's remote.

I believe you can change your video source without running Guided Setup by going to TiVo Central -> Messages & Settings -> Settings -> Video -> Video Hookup... That should allow you to at least see how it looks through the RF connector, though you'll still have to rerun GS if you want to take the cable box out of the equation for real.

Drew

I wonder if it's all worthit, since I watch 99% HD, I just wish this darn thing made decent off the air recordings that I could watch! Someone told me it has to do with the fact that the digital signal from the cable box has to be compressed in order for the toshiba to record it? Whatever the case, the darkness is unwatchable!

[kvmwildcat]

My RS-TX20 started to "lose" my Tivo settings, recordings, Season Passes, etc. Tried rebooting, unplugging, waiting two days and holding my breath, etc., and as a last resort ran the "clear settings and delete everything" option.

Unit then sat on the "clearing and deleting everything, may take up to an hour" screen for 48 hours. Unplugged, rebooted, etc., and after it cycles through the welcome screen, goes right back to the "clearing and deleting" routine.

My call to Toshiba resulted in them telling me to ship it to them and have "repair" done for $139. According to them, I should have called as soon as I noticed the data was being deleted or lost (a gasp from the service tech when I told her I ran the clear and delete everything option...).

Does the problem sound like a corrupt drive, and if so, would a WeeKnees replacement drive kit solve this problem? I would rather replace myself with a nice new HDD and get it back to working order sooner than ground shipping all the way across the country to Toshiba will allow.

Anybody with the same problem? Any info would be great. -- Thanks!

[timckelley]

My boss's daughter has a Toshiba with DVD burner, and she's had to send it in for warranty repair 5 times! She just got it back again, and is about to test it to see if it finally works. She's frustrated because her TiVo spends so much time in the shop, that she misses her shows.

[Dan203]

I have one of these as well and I don't really like it. It's by far the slowest TiVo I have ever used, and has needed to be sent in for repair twice in the year or so I've had it. At this point I've pretty much relinquished it to being a DVD player and a backup which is only used when absolutely needed.

Dan

[corky1]

I have one of these as well and I don't really like it. It's by far the slowest TiVo I have ever used, and has needed to be sent in for repair twice in the year or so I've had it. At this point I've pretty much relinquished it to being a DVD player and a backup which is only used when absolutely needed.

Dan

I wish I had read all this before spending my hard earned cash on this piece of junk, as far as I am concerned the crushed blacks make it unusable as a tivo, it's an expensive dvd player!

[windracer]

I've had my TX20 for over a year now ... not a single problem with it. The picture looks fine on my 42" plasma (taking into account my crappy analog basic cable) using component out. I love having trickplay while watching DVDs. But yes, it is the slowest of my three TiVos.

I guess I've been lucky with my box.

[corky1]

I've had my TX20 for over a year now ... not a single problem with it. The picture looks fine on my 42" plasma (taking into account my crappy analog basic cable) using component out. I love having trickplay while watching DVDs. But yes, it is the slowest of my three TiVos.

I guess I've been lucky with my box.


Digital cable seems to be the problem

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Just curious. For all of you that have had problems with your TiVo units and have had to send them off for repairs. Were you able to get credit from TiVo for your downtime or did you have to pay for the service anyway?

FYI... I still haven't had any significant problems with my RS-TX. Aside from being too dark (adjusted TV settings for that) and having to reboot it once after it locked up. Other than that, I love it.

[corky1]

Just curious. For all of you that have had problems with your TiVo units and have had to send them off for repairs. Were you able to get credit from TiVo for your downtime or did you have to pay for the service anyway?

FYI... I still haven't had any significant problems with my RS-TX. Aside from being too dark (adjusted TV settings for that) and having to reboot it once after it locked up. Other than that, I love it.


Share with us all how you were able to adjust your tv settings to compensate for the dark picture! Using my Samsung DLP, and componant cables, I don't think you can adjust much.

[windracer]

Share with us all how you were able to adjust your tv settings to compensate for the dark picture! Using my Samsung DLP, and componant cables, I don't think you can adjust much.
I used Avia to adjust the settings on my 42" Panny plasma.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Share with us all how you were able to adjust your tv settings to compensate for the dark picture! Using my Samsung DLP, and componant cables, I don't think you can adjust much.

It was nothing special. I just messed with the brightness and contrast settings until the picture was satisfactory. My TV is a RCA 32" tube that's almost 10 years old. So I don't have the picture quality that today's TV's have.

[Newspix100]

I came across a floor model tx-20 tonight at a local store that I can grab for $100. No cables, no remote but I already use a Harmony so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't really need another TIVO ( I have two), but thought it might be nice to have an integrated burner. What do you guys think?

DT

[windracer]

The TX-20s have TiVo Basic, so you could use it as a VCR replacement without paying a monthly fee for TiVo Plus. You'd get three days of Guide data, basic manual recordings, and a DVD player. Not a bad deal ... I'd probably snag it.

[cojonesdetoro]

I came across a floor model tx-20 tonight at a local store that I can grab for $100. No cables, no remote but I already use a Harmony so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't really need another TIVO ( I have two), but thought it might be nice to have an integrated burner. What do you guys think?

DT

Jump on it. It's a steal.

[cojonesdetoro]

BTW, I have an RS-TX20 with a 300GB disk and it seems to work fine. it's a little slower than the original 120GB but not all that bad.

What's the largest drive anyone has put in this unit? I'm considering going up to 500GB.

[Rodney]

It's by far the slowest TiVo I have ever used

You must not have an HR10-250. Now that is the slowest TiVo I use. The RS-TX20 is next, though.
Count me in with the lucky ones, I have not had to send it in for repair. Though a friend of mine has the same unit and she had to ship hers to Toshiba.

[LarryMus]

... and I have no idea what the part number is. Can anyone out there fill me in on the model number of this remote control so I can order a new one. thanks!

[azitnay]

As long as you don't mind the fact that it says Humax and not Toshiba (they're identical otherwise), you can buy this one:

http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-dvd-remote.php

Drew

[LarryMus]

Thanks Drew. If all else fails I'll go ahead and purchase the Humax remote. But I'd at least like to try and get a Toshiba remote first. I've found a place that claims to have some in stock out here in Los Angeles but I just wanted to be certian the model number's matched before I make the purchase.

[cojonesdetoro]

You must not have an HR10-250. Now that is the slowest TiVo I use. The RS-TX20 is next, though.
The slowest I have seen was my stock HDR312 Series 1 after I put 2 120GB drives in it and filled it with recordings. However, upgrading main memory to 32MB and putiing in the cache card made it very responsive. My TX20 is bearable with a 300GB drive but not as fast as the enhanced HDR312. Of course, the 312 also uses an OS with less features and presumably, less lines of code.

[windracer]

Can anyone out there fill me in on the model number of this remote control so I can order a new one.
There're a bunch of numbers on the circuit board of mine:

- RB35A
- SPCA-00037-000
- 2DC-01800

Hope one of those helps.

[LarryMus]

The model number I got from pacparts.com is AH801151
Can anyone confirm?

[Bimwad]

An informal poll:

Is your TX-20/60 slower after the 7.3.x update?

Mine is pathetically slow during live channel changes, using the Guide (which was never fast to begin with), slower to bring up the NP screen...and on and on. The net effect is that the lag between a command and response is almost unacceptable.

And it's even worse if you use it in Basic mode, because none of the new features are of any benefit, yet the negative effects like the poor response, and non-sensical changes like going from "Pick Programs to Record" to "Find Programs" in the main menu are foisted upon what was a well-functioning machine before. I think it would be almost better if TiVo omitted Basic machines from any future updates altogether, if subsequent software updates are going to be like 7.3.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I've noticed that my machine has been a little slower lately. Response to commands from the remote is delayed. Menus seem to take longer. Channel changes seem to be a tad bit slower but it isn't that bad.

One thing concerns me. I noticed last night while watching recorded programs that occassionally the program would pause or freeze. It's not the same thing as pausing with the remote where you see the progress bar at the bottom of the screen. It freezes the video (and audio) for different amounts of time. Sometimes it can be a spilt second other times it is for two or three seconds. It hasn't gotten bad enough that the program is unwatchable. But it does worry me a bit.

Anyone else had this problem? Combine the freezing with the slower response and I wondered if the hard drive might not need defragging. Is that necessary or even possible?

[linenoise]

Mine started todo the same thing after it upgraded this week to 7.3.1

[LarryMus]

FYI... if anyone else is in need of a new Toshiba remote for their Tivo I ordered one yesterday and got it today from www.pacparts.com for 25 bucks. I've seen them on ebay for 40! The part number is: AH801151. You can also order it over the phone.

[alexdad]

I've had my RSTX60 for almost a year now, and have had mostly good luck burning DVDs using DVD-R 4x disks from Verbatim, Maxell, and Memorex.
But as these 4x disks have mostly disappeared from stores I'm forced to consider other options, and I'm looking for other users' experiences.
-Is there any good source for 4x DVD-R disks?
-Are 8x disks (or 16x disks) usable (a minimum of "coasters")?
-Will 8x disks (or 16x disks) damage the DVD burner?
-Are DVD-RW 4x disks eventually going to be my only option?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I've had my RSTX60 for almost a year now, and have had mostly good luck burning DVDs using DVD-R 4x disks from Verbatim, Maxell, and Memorex.
But as these 4x disks have mostly disappeared from stores I'm forced to consider other options, and I'm looking for other users' experiences.
-Is there any good source for 4x DVD-R disks?
-Are 8x disks (or 16x disks) usable (a minimum of "coasters")?
-Will 8x disks (or 16x disks) damage the DVD burner?
-Are DVD-RW 4x disks eventually going to be my only option?

I recently bought a 50 pack of 16x Maxell DVD-R. I have burned a dozen or two of them and so far <crosses fingers & knocks on wood> I have had zero errors. Granted, I haven't gone back and watched each one, but they appear to read just fine.

Of course, as we all know, now that I wrote the above I will not have another successful burn... Ever...

Edit to add: My unit is a RS-TX20. I don't know the difference between the two or not but I just thought I would add that.

[ashu]

Shockingly, the Costco 100-pack BoGoF TDK deals have worked well for me. Didn't buy any the last time (last week) they were on sale, but bought one set of each of (the inkjet printable) +R and -R. The TDK -Rs are cheap CMC 16Xers and neither my Humax DRT800 nor my Toshiba RS-TX20 have complained. There are reports that the current batch of TDK -Rs are Made in India (yes, one of the largest sources of blanks in the world!) and are way better than the past use-once-throw-away-soon products that specific factory was 'well-known' for!

In the past, Fuji 8x MIJapan -Rs (Taiyo Yuden's in disguise) have worked perfectly as well ... I've since run out.

To be safe, you could always stock up on 4X or 8X Taiyo Yuden's from, say, supermediastor.com (sic?) etc. The NEC drives in TiVo bruners have never reported to have balked at TY's!

[cojonesdetoro]

FYI... if anyone else is in need of a new Toshiba remote for their Tivo I ordered one yesterday and got it today from www.pacparts.com for 25 bucks. I've seen them on ebay for 40! The part number is: AH801151. You can also order it over the phone.

+$10 S/H

[cojonesdetoro]

Regarding remotes:

If anyone is interested in using a JP1 compatible remote on the RS-TX20 then search my posts and look at the threads. I was helped by one user on this board who was a "remote guru" (I forgot his actual handle but you can find it). He gave me all the information I needed. I now have a One For All remote that performans all the functions available for my RS-TX20. It also manages 6 other devices of my home theater setup.

[valmonts2000]

Hi everyone,

I am a latecomer to TIVO. I just bought an RS-TX20 on ebay and the seller claimed it was in excellent condition. But I have couple of issues and will be grateful to you all for any help. I have read every post of this thread before I posted this.

The Basic TIVO functionality(scheduling, recording) works great but dvd recorder failed to record any even though it plays movies just fine. In the very first try, it went to 27% and then stayed like that for an hour. Finally I got tired of it and cancelled saving. I visually checked the disk and it actually burned that 27%. In the next try, it wont move from 0% at all. I turned it off overnight and tried but no success. Now it does not move from 0% complete at all. I have used different make DVD-R disks(4x and 16x). I also cleaned the drive with air blast and cleaning disk.
The second problem is that it does not record from camcoder or VCR. I tried S-video and composite video from both front and rear of it and the device can't locate the signal from the camcoder. if i connect the same camcoder to my A/V receiver, it just shows everything fine.
My software version : 7.3.1-oth-01-2-565 abnd DVD firmware - DVD-RW DVR-109RZ 1.25
I opened the cabinet and every cable is tight plus it's very clean.

Please help!

[cojonesdetoro]

Sounds like a bad DVD drive.

Try connecting the camcorder to both front and back inputs and see if it works.

I would try to get the Ebay seller to take the unit back.

[Thanatos]

Do any of you have a Toshiba RS-TX20 and a Philips Pronto remote? I just ordered the player, but it is coming without a remote. I would greatly appreciate it if I could get a copy of your pronto .ccf.



Thank you
Jason

jasonhorstman@charter.net

[valmonts2000]

Thanks a lot. I finally got a DVD(just one) successfully burned yesterday night. I used a 4x Verbatim one and powered off the unit for 6 hours. Is it possible that the DVDwriter is approaching it's term? I tried connecting the camcoder to both front and back(s-video & composite) but no luck. I ordered a firewire cable online that's arriving today. That's my last hope. If that works I can live with it for now. TIVO function works just great though.

Sounds like a bad DVD drive.

Try connecting the camcorder to both front and back inputs and see if it works.

I would try to get the Ebay seller to take the unit back.

[bary]

Driving around the screens is SLOW and it is resetting itself 2-3 times a day.
Sofware is 7.3.1-oth-01-2-565..

Anyone else got this going on, or know of a fix? Was fine til about 2 months ago...
Toshba said unplug wait a bit replug in .. No help..

[sledhed]

An informal poll:

Is your TX-20/60 slower after the 7.3.x update?

Mine is pathetically slow during live channel changes, using the Guide (which was never fast to begin with), slower to bring up the NP screen...and on and on. The net effect is that the lag between a command and response is almost unacceptable.

And it's even worse if you use it in Basic mode, because none of the new features are of any benefit, yet the negative effects like the poor response, and non-sensical changes like going from "Pick Programs to Record" to "Find Programs" in the main menu are foisted upon what was a well-functioning machine before. I think it would be almost better if TiVo omitted Basic machines from any future updates altogether, if subsequent software updates are going to be like 7.3.

Agreed! I use my TX20 in basic mode, and the slowdown is so bad lately... my wife loves the TiVo for time shifting and skipping comercials but it has become hard to use because of the slow down. You end up skipping too far forward or deleting the wrong program... :eek:

[bary]

yes it is bad .. something is wrong ..

[bary]

yes it is bad .. something is wrong ..

Called Toshiba today .. They are saying my harddive is bad... $139 for them to fix it... too werid that it was fine before this new load... got to wonder

[azitnay]

If you're technically inclined, check the TiVo Upgrade Center forum for advice on how to replace the hard drive yourself. You can certainly do it for a lot less than $139.

Drew

[skatefan20]

I've noticed that my machine has been a little slower lately. Response to commands from the remote is delayed. Menus seem to take longer. Channel changes seem to be a tad bit slower but it isn't that bad.

One thing concerns me. I noticed last night while watching recorded programs that occassionally the program would pause or freeze. It's not the same thing as pausing with the remote where you see the progress bar at the bottom of the screen. It freezes the video (and audio) for different amounts of time. Sometimes it can be a spilt second other times it is for two or three seconds. It hasn't gotten bad enough that the program is unwatchable. But it does worry me a bit.

Anyone else had this problem? Combine the freezing with the slower response and I wondered if the hard drive might not need defragging. Is that necessary or even possible?

Same here.
:confused:

And now Tivo is saying that it did not record my latest program because there was no video signal(?????). I just watched the program while it was running!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

My freezing/pixelation problem is getting worse. I am going to try unplugging the TiVo overnight or during the day tomorrow and see what happens.

[freeze12]

My Toshiba RS-TX20 is also suffering from Tivos screwed-up update! Slow response when changing channels,slow response banner,slow guide & when I go into guide & enter a channel & go into the channel to record sometimes a different cannel pops up to record & other problems since 7.3 . I have burned quite a few DVDs with success & the only thing that never worked from day one is the S video connection. Tivo gave me 3 months free service due to Tivos botched up software update.Hope they will get this fixed soon!