Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club

[alanpgh]

I have one of the early RS-TX units from around May of '04. (I think that is the right approximate date, but not sure.) No problems with recording even with the latest Tivo update.

Good Luck!

Alan

[valmonts2000]

Has anybody tried Taiyo Yuden Valueline 8x DVD-R with RS-TX20? I see 4x works great. But they are hard to find.

[paul001]

(Longtime lurker and non-poster)

I have a TX60 which is working fine (since Nov 2004) and by far the best investment we've had Tivo wise (I know I'm one of the lucky ones!). The only issue we've had is trying to find a new remote for one recently (finally go a new Humax one that works well). Other than that, no problems buring or recording. However I do stick to RiData and Maxell DVD-Rs.

[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..
I think it is FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!! With a $3 muffin fan just sucking air through the unit. I'll put it inside someday. NO more reboots and it seams the speed is back.. The Temp looked like it was fine before reporting 41C now it is 37C and seams to be running perfect... If things change I'll report back. still good after 24hr

[bary]

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
$3 muffin fan appears have done the trick.

[lauraf13]

I'm thinking of buying a refurb, either rs-tx20 or rs-tx60. Anyone have any opinions on that? I'm thinking I can get a few good years out of it and by then maybe the HD stuff will be more available and affordable.

I'm open to any opinions and advice.

Thanks in advance,
Laura

[taz112576]

Anyone else been having a problem with the guide. I know its slower than ever after I received the update. I have 2- tx-20 units and one the guide is very very slow and the other one the guide will not come up at all since the update?

This is really annoying.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

The guide has been a bit slow to respond. Other than that, no problems with the guide.

I still have the freeze screens and the pixelation.

[Pvgibbs]

VERY slow here too on the 7.3.1-oth-01-2-565 version...channel changing is very slow and sometimes the guide shows, but comes up BLANK for a couple seconds. On the good side, no issues with burning DVD-RWs as of late. (I gave up a while back on DVD-Rs, since more than half became coasters). One other symptom - Tivo seems to have a very hard time if there is a "blip" on Digital Cable (comcast) channels. Normally it might pixelate a bit -- now it goes to a full black screen and takes half a second to recover.

What happened to our once great TIVO???....hmmm, where did I put my Sony 2000?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

My RS-TX20 crapped out on me today. The screen completely froze and the only option was to unplug the unit. I have not been able to go past the "Welcome... Powering up" screen. (more info here) (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4321729#post4321729)

It should still be under the 90 day refurb warranty. The only thing is that I don't particularly want to be without it for however many weeks it takes to get it fixed.

[ROB-USA]

Anyone else been having a problem with the guide. I know its slower than ever after I received the update. I have 2- tx-20 units and one the guide is very very slow and the other one the guide will not come up at all since the update?

This is really annoying.

Sadly, yes. Things have been extremely slow. :(

[keshler]

Hello,
Bought a bare-azz used RS-TX20 last week and just got the remote today. Using the "fumble amd find" set-up method I reset the box (kinda scary how long it takes) and changed the area code, got local number saw that changes were been made by viewing the System Info screen and am at the Connect to TIVO Service step. Started at ver 5.4 something but the call has been stuck on the Dowloading step for over 45 minutes so far. Every 10 minutes or so it jumps to live TV but when I check the staus it says it is still downloading. Is this normal? Any idea on how long it should take?

[UPDATE: Thanks for the feedback megazone; thought I had bought a lemon. For the record (and others who need to do this):

Unit was sitting at rev 5.4. Looks like last use was about 13 months ago. Using a phone line it took about 4 hours to change phone location, download current SW rev (saw no option to choose a specific one - This took a good 1.5 hrs), MANUALLY reboot (or it happens at 2am), change the program location, choose options, and download site specific line-up and settings. ]

[megazone]

Yeah, that's normal - it is downloading a software update and over a modem that can take over an hour. It depends on the speed the modem gets, but it can take a long time.

[Joanna531]

Okay, so I bought my RS-TX60 last July. Got it, hooked it up, no problem. Then I went out of town for a month. Shouldn't be a problem except that I lived in New Orleans and Katrina went through before I got home. 3 months later I finally get my stuff back, just pack it all up and haul it back to my parents' house where it promptly goes into storage.

Now a year later I pull it out, hook it up, and after several hours of software downloads it's claiming S03 error every time it tries to connect to Tivo. Last time it made it to about 50% loaded before it freaked out. I rebooted the DMS and now it claims to have connected successfully, but every time I try it again I get the same error.

I did some checking around on the board and tried the KickStart. It got me the green screen, but the green screen didn't last and when I tried connecting again it's the same old error. I'm going to try again with the phone line, see if it's something in the wireless network (I'm using an Apple airport and the Tivo wireless adapter, so there shouldn't be much to screw up here). After that I'm out of ideas except to call customer service which sounds frustrating and futile or replace the hard drive. Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Joanna

[taurus25661]

can anyone help me with how to put the ir code into tivo for a fta box? i have the ircode just do not know how to put it in...also i have got my tx20 yet is the basic service any good?

[jayerndl]

I made a dvd using a program called TyTool using DVD+R media. This DVD plays fine on all my other DVD players but not on the RS-TX20. It will play for awhile and then freeze. Is this a media (DVD+R) compatibility problem or a problem with the way the DVD was authored (i.e TyTool)? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jay

[jessejames632]

Ahh! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!! I was gonna start crackin' the box to pull this POS rental disk outta there!

[aubreygus]

Hi...posted this elsewhere but thought I'd try in the "official owners club"! I'm a complete rookie at this thread business:

Been steady with the RS-TX60 now for almost two years...not that big of a user, but sure comes in handy during foozball season! Anyways, not looking good right now. I'm been reading thru the threads trying to understand if I've got the same problem that I've read a few times which is: zip, zero, nada except for some message saying that it cannot connect to live tv. Every once in a while I can see the guide pop up but as soon as I attempt to select a channel...zip, zero, nada. The only recommendation I've been able to find is a complete restore. Done about five times to no avail. SO, is this the hard drive problem I've been reading about and is it "curable"? The DVD still works and all the "TiVo looking stuff" still seems to show up on the screen, even get the groovy little noises every time I push the remote buttons but it won't play any channels and thus it won't record anything either. Any advice would be most welcome as I am already one of the many suckers who is now in need of a replacement bulb for a Toshiba DLP TV and the cheapest I can go on this DVR fix the better! Thanks in advance!!

[keshler]

Hi,

Thanks to all who answered my initial install questions. Am VERY happy with the unit. Have just been using it as a mega VCR in BASIC mode and it is that plus so much more. A few questions:

1) Clock is set correctly and controls correctly internally but the display clock shows 1 hour behind actual. Assume this is a DST issue. Is there a way to correct this?

2) Any way to offset the time so recordings start 1 min prior to hour in Basic?

3) Would like to use my Cable Modem to update the grid. Tried a generic thumbnail USB adaptor and it was recognized but not supported. First are network upgrades available with Basic? Second if so, I see WUSB11's dare still available and reasonably priced but saw a few posts about the WUSB11 not being compatible with one of the upgrades. Has this been corrected?

4) THEORETICALLY speaking is there ANY way to transfer files (for editing prior to writing) to a PC using the network interface with Basic?. Know enough Linux to execute a program but am not skilled by any means. If so and it's not OK to discuss here feel free to PM me.

Great thread and the size is pretty neat but even using the search engine it has gotten outta control. Any thoughts to freezing it at some point and making this a real subtopic?

Thanks for paving the way for the newbies.

[rrr22777]

Recently bought a Plasma so I am wondering about the picture quality from the RS-TX20 DVD player compared to the up-conversion ones. Is this thing atleast a progressive scan DVD player? Anyone have this AND a upconverted DVD player?

[ashu]

Recently bought a Plama so I am wondering about the picture quality from the RS-TX20 DVD player compared to the up-conversion ones. Is this thing atleast a progressive scan DVD player? Anyone have this AND a upconverted DVD player?

Yup - it does 480P. It's not particularly pretty or special, but being able to use the TiVo navigation interface (except 30 second skip) is neat. Not even as good as my dirt-cheap Toshiba SDK-860 HDMI upconverter from Costco, and not even remotely comparable in PQ to just using a PC upconverting to 1920x1080 ... but the Toshiba RS-TX20 will do the job adequately.

FWIW, most nicer Plasmas have excellent scalers (better thanthe average LCD TV) and the high contrast/brightness and lower native resolution are more conducive to good quality DVD playback. You should be fine until you decide you're not ;)

Oh, and what's a Plama?

[ashu]

Thanks to all who answered my initial install questions. Am VERY happy with the unit.
1) Clock is set correctly and controls correctly internally but the display clock shows 1 hour behind actual. Assume this is a DST issue. Is there a way to correct this?
2) Any way to offset the time so recordings start 1 min prior to hour in Basic?
3) Would like to use my Cable Modem to update the grid. Tried a generic thumbnail USB adaptor and it was recognized but not supported. First are network upgrades available with Basic? Second if so, I see WUSB11's dare still available and reasonably priced but saw a few posts about the WUSB11 not being compatible with one of the upgrades. Has this been corrected?

4) THEORETICALLY speaking is there ANY way to transfer files (for editing prior to writing) to a PC using the network interface with Basic?. Know enough Linux to execute a program but am not skilled by any means. If so and it's not OK to discuss here feel free to PM me.


1. Hmm, I think you can set it to use DST only during Guided Setup? I've never bothered setting any of my 2 Toshibas in Basic mode (they were subscribed as soon as I powered them up!), but perhaps you can repeat GS andfind the option?

2. Hmm, record time offsets may be restricted to Plus service ... it's a software feature, after all.

3. Newer WUSB11s use a chipset that is unsupportd in Linux (closed source, closed minded manufacturers and all that jazz). Unlikely anything TiVo can do about it. Search elsewhere here for more updated info - if it works with ANY Seris2 unit, it'll work with the Tosh.

4. That's hacking talk. Even if WERE possible, discussing it is prohibited here.

Seriously, pay for service - well worth the 12ish monthly. :D

[rrr22777]

Not even as good as my dirt-cheap Toshiba SDK-860 HDMI upconverter from Costco, and not even remotely comparable in PQ to just using a PC upconverting to 1920x1080 ... but the Toshiba RS-TX20 will do the job adequately.


So your Toshiba SDK-860 performs noticeably better then the RS-TX20?

[ashu]

B > A implies A < B. So yes. :p

The Tosh is an ordinary Progressive DVD player, won't blow your socks off with an HDTV. But for that matter, nothing but a TRUE Hi Def DVD player (HD DVD or BluRay) will. If you don't have a compelling reason (VCD, multi-region disc playback, DiVX/WMA file support) to own a new player, just make do with the Toshiba & wait for a combo HDDVD/BR player, should be out in about ... umm ... 24 months? :)

[jamesdelf]

I have a tx60 and have been recording hockey games (usually 3hrs) with quite a bit of success. But sometimes the unit decides to spread one game across 3 or 4 discs and only put about 55-60 mins on a disc. I'm recording at best quality so usually get 2hrs on a disc. Sure, if I had over 4hrs of footage 3 discs is fine but it seems totally arbitrary how it decides to chop the one recording up. Is there anyway to control how the unit puts the shows onto disc? When does it decide to chop up the mpeg2 stream? Surely when dubbing to DVD.
Is it the brand and speed of the discs I'm recording to parrt of the problem? TDK-8x seems to be the worst offender if this is the case. Yet Memorex 16x I used back in Feb were just fine.
Is there some way to get into the underbelly of all this and really control the unit?

[azitnay]

Best quality only allows one hour per disc, not two hours. I believe this is an accurate list:

Best - 1 hour
High - 2 hours
Medium - 4 hours
Basic - 6 hours

So, if you want to get a hockey game on one disc, you should stick to Medium (which I'd imagine won't look too good in such a fast-paced game). High might be a good compromise between quality and number of discs (hopefully only two).

Drew

[mindstorm]

I recently got an S3 and I currenlty have lifetime subs on my RS-TX and on a "regular" Series 2 tivo. Is there any advantage to keeping the lieftime on the RS-TX vs the Series 2 (or vice versa)? Will the RS-TX revert back to "Basic Tivo" operation if I don't continue the monthly subscription after a year (if you transfer a LT sub to a S3, the unit that previously had the LT is given a free year of subscription service). Just wondering which one is the best to keep the LT sub on.

TIA

[windracer]

I'm in a similar situation, except I don't actually have an S3 yet. :D

I'm thinking I will transfer the lifetime from the TX20 since, like you said, it will just revert back to TiVo Basic and still have some usefulness after it's extra year of lifetime expires. The S2 with lifetime is worth more on eBay ... once it doesn't have lifetime, it's not worth much (especially since new boxes are so cheap now).

[ashu]

I'm in a similar situation, except I don't actually have an S3 yet. :D

I'm thinking I will transfer the lifetime from the TX20 since, like you said, it will just revert back to TiVo Basic and still have some usefulness after it's extra year of lifetime expires. The S2 with lifetime is worth more on eBay ... once it doesn't have lifetime, it's not worth much (especially since new boxes are so cheap now).

+1

What's your S3 ETA? Mine's more of an ATO (Afford To Own) of $500ish :)
Of course, by then Lifetime Transfers may be gone :eek:

[regularguy]

I'm thinking of biting the bullet and buying the S-3... and my first HDTV... AND a new DVD (but not HD yet).

I have a lifetime Tivo contract that I would transfer ($200???? Jeez!), and I seem to recall that the Toshiba has a bare-bones non-Tivo scheduling utility built in. If I hand the Toshiba down to my frugal college-student son, will he be able make use of it without being saddled with a monthly Tivo payment?

[windracer]

Yes, the Toshibas have TiVo Basic service. So, if you transfer your Lifetime service to a new S3 (before 12/31/06) you'll still have a year of TiVo Plus service for free on the Toshiba. After that, it will revert back to month-to-month, at which time you can cancel the service and it will downgrade to TiVo Basic, which is free.

Keep in mind, though, that TiVo Basic only gives you three days of Guide data, no Season Passes, no WishList, no internet apps, Music & Photos, etc. It's basically just a somewhat smarter digital VCR.

[megazone]

Toshiba and Pioneer units all have TiVo Basic, and if you remove the TiVo Plus they do revert.

[SammyKan]

Does anyone else have a problem where the DVR crashes during the burning process? Sometimes it works great for months and then there are times when practically every attempt at a DVD burn causes it to crash. Sometimes the saving simply fails and sometimes the whole system crashes. I haven't been able to figure out what the issue is. I have tried different brands of DVDs (all DVD-R) without any significant change.

Thanks for your help.

Sammy

[markabtex]

Save yourself the grief and only use DVD-RW discs. I use Maxell brand and have never had a problem. I also have had the "Save Failed Due To Internal Error" problem using DVD-R (all brands). If you want to save a program permanently, just copy it to DVD-R using your computer. DVD-RW aren't that expensive. You can usually find them on sale for about $7 for a spindle of 15 at Office Depot, Office Max, or Circuit City.

[Chester_Lampwick]

Does anyone else have a problem where the DVR crashes during the burning process? Sometimes it works great for months and then there are times when practically every attempt at a DVD burn causes it to crash. Sometimes the saving simply fails and sometimes the whole system crashes. I haven't been able to figure out what the issue is. I have tried different brands of DVDs (all DVD-R) without any significant change.

Thanks for your help.

Sammy

Any time I've had a save failed, it was something about the specific episode. For those problem recordings I transfer through the network and make the DVD with my computer...

[STEELERSRULE]

Anyone,

I can get a Toshiba TX-20 from a local Mom and Pop store on closeout for $101 total.

I know I can download the manual online for it(I think), but i may have to buy a remote from Toshiba. They think they lost it, but if i get it, we are going to search high and low for it.

Would you take this unit at this price?

Also, anyone know how much a replacement remote is for the Toshiba TX-20?

Also, I thought I read that the TIVO basic offered on this unit(which I like by the way, unless someone can post me to a printout for a rebate on this unit if I got LIFETIME put on it) is going to be stopped or discontinued.

Is this true, or is it BS?

Maybe I misread that somewhere, but I thought something about these units is being put too a stop with either the TIVO basic or something else. I can't remember.

Maybe it was something to do with the cards you can buy at Best Buy for like 3 months/6months/Lifetime of service paid. Like they would no longer be able to be applied to this unit and some others.

I don't know.

Any type of guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thax in advance.

[ashu]

101? Buy it! Remote will cost around $35, someone posted a link recently (here or in the DRT800 thread) At 136+remote shipping you'll save bunches over teh ebay price on these bad boys!

As for Basic - BS rumors. It'll always be around!

No idea about prepaid cards.

[azitnay]

Remote for $24.58 + $9.75 shipping = $34.33 (currently listed as not in stock):
http://www.pacparts.com/electronics/part.cfm
Manufacturer: Toshiba
Part No: AH801151

Remote for $49 (free shipping):
http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-dvd-remote.php

Manuals (under "Product Manuals"):
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-RS-TX20-Recorder-Series2-Digital/dp/B000646MZW/sr=8-1/qid=1159904041/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-2123019-9689728?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Drew

[Chester_Lampwick]

Okay, the manual shows TiVo Basic, so which is it?

[ashu]

Okay, the manual shows TiVo Basic, so which is it?

What on earth do you mean?

Basic is available for free, and regular TiVo service (as an optional bu HIGHLY recommended add-on) for 12.95 pm or 6.95 with MSD if this isn't your only subbed TiVo (one unit on account has to be Lifetimed or at full rate - 12.95)

Oh, and SteelersSuck, I doubt you can get a rebate for a non retail box version without a barcode and full-price (or close) cost price receipt. Wouldn't that be an awesome deal, though ... $150 rebate on $154 annual fees? :) And on a $136 unit!

[PETER-SWIZZLER]

With the Toshiba Unit is there anyway to get Lifetime without the 12.95/month or $lifetime change. Interested in the season pass feature.

[azitnay]

Assuming by "get Lifetime" you meant "get Plus", the only real option any more is to pay $12.95 a month. If you already have an active TiVo on your account, that drops to $6.95 per month.

The only exceptions that I know of would be:

1) If you still have a Series1 unit on which lifetime was purchased before January 2000... If so, that unit would still qualify for the one-time lifetime transfer, so you could transfer it to the Toshiba (though I'm not sure that would be the smartest option).

2) If you still have an unused lifetime gift subscription card (since discontinued), you could use that.

Drew

[ashu]

And the Lifetime 'Basic' sub is altogether different (and woefully incomplete, unless you use the TiVo as a spare VCR!)

[digitaloutlaw]

Hi there - I'm new to this forum, and just got my RS-TX20 yesterday. I plugged it in last night and went though the setup (I'm in Canada - so I used the 00000 Zip). The unit dialed up and updated - yet the sw ver is 5.4.something. Does it need to go to 7.2 for me to use the USB ports for networking? I did plug in a USB network adapter that was listed on the Tivo site as being compatible, but for some reason its not getting an IP off my router. Also, what sw ver do I need to be to get the Canadian setup so I can get my Rogers guide?

I've been trying to read up the posts - but I can't seem to find what I need.

thanks
DO..

[azitnay]

I'm not sure about your networking problems... It should work under 5.x.

Canadian support will definitely require 7.x, though, so I'd force a few more dialup connections to see if you get 7.x, and then try networking again.

Drew

[digitaloutlaw]

I'm not sure about your networking problems... It should work under 5.x.

Canadian support will definitely require 7.x, though, so I'd force a few more dialup connections to see if you get 7.x, and then try networking again.

Drew

Thanks for the quick reply Drew! I'll try that tonight!

[ashu]

And it needs to reboot (which it only does around 2am by default) to nstall the update. Check under Network connections to see whether it says Pending Restart (telltale sign of an update waiting to be installed) and force a reboot (pull the plug, wait a few seconds, replug :)

[digitaloutlaw]

And it needs to reboot (which it only does around 2am by default) to nstall the update. Check under Network connections to see whether it says Pending Restart (telltale sign of an update waiting to be installed) and force a reboot (pull the plug, wait a few seconds, replug :)

Thanks! I will try that too. Question - do I need to subscribe to TivoPlus for this to happen? I was on the Tivo site forum, and a post said that if you have Tivo Basic only, you cannot use the network functionality and the unit will not upgrade to the latest SW.

[azitnay]

http://www.pvrcompare.com/tivobasic.html confirms that TiVo Basic supports connecting via ethernet.

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv079902.htm confirms that TiVo Basic's latest software version is 7.2.2. I don't think they'd hold you back on 5.x simply because you're not subscribed to Plus.

Drew

[slyone]

http://www.pvrcompare.com/tivobasic.html confirms that TiVo Basic supports connecting via ethernet.

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv079902.htm confirms that TiVo Basic's latest software version is 7.2.2. I don't think they'd hold you back on 5.x simply because you're not subscribed to Plus.

Drew Yes, you are correct, this happens to be my setup also.

[Bimwad]

Boxes running in Basic mode have software versions concurrent with Plus and other TiVos. Features are disabled, but they all run the same code.

At this point, it's 7.3.1, which you'll soon regret receiving for reasons well-covered elsewhere.

[digitaloutlaw]

thanks guys. I went through the setup again and found I finally got 7.3.1 this morning. I started the Canadian setup, and chose Antenna (since I use analog cable), but it skipped alot of channels. I'll play with it tonight again, and will try to get my SpeedStream USB NIC working with it as well.

thanks again
DO..

[windracer]

I'll play with it tonight again, and will try to get my SpeedStream USB NIC working with it as well.
Keep in mind that that particular NIC isn't listed as supported (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2184.htm?).

[azitnay]

Actually, if it's the SS1001, it's at least reported to work on the wired page:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2183.htm?

Drew

[windracer]

Whoops ... forgot about wired vs. wireless. Sorry about that!

[digitaloutlaw]

Whoops ... forgot about wired vs. wireless. Sorry about that!

with 7.3.1 my SpeedStream NIC is working perfectly now! I also have a Linksys WUSB11 v.2.5. I know that only 2.6,2.8, etc are supposed to work. I plugged it in the the heck of it, and the Tivo saw it, and said it needed to upgrade the drivers. It did, and went through the wireless config. It saw my wireless router, but couldn't connect. Is this standard for a non-approved NIC? I thought that the tivo would just ignore it or not detect it. Has anyone tried a wusb11 2.5 at all and got it to work?

thx
DO..

[windracer]

It saw my wireless router, but couldn't connect. Is this standard for a non-approved NIC? I thought that the tivo would just ignore it or not detect it.
I think that's about the same thing others have been seeing with "unsupported" adapters, which is why it's so confusing/hard to troubleshoot. It seems like something in the wireless drivers for Linux changed in the 7.3.1 release that "broke" a lot of unsupported adapters that used to work. But, since they were unsupported in the first place ...

[digitaloutlaw]

I think that's about the same thing others have been seeing with "unsupported" adapters, which is why it's so confusing/hard to troubleshoot. It seems like something in the wireless drivers for Linux changed in the 7.3.1 release that "broke" a lot of unsupported adapters that used to work. But, since they were unsupported in the first place ...

It was actually mine fault :p - forgot to put this NIC on my MAC list for access. Now it connects and is working great! I thought that I would have to go out and buy another wireless NIC - but now i can use my Linksys wusb11 v.2.5! Woop!

thanks for everyone's help. Now I just need to get my wife used to Tivo again. We used to have DirecTivo - and when we got rid of it, we were both jonesing for it. Only thing I'm noticing different is a delay in response from the RS-TX20.. something to get used to I guess.. :)

thanks again
DO..

[FishTank1701]

My RS-TX20 has recently started acting strangely (not that this unit wasn't always a bit strange). It'll be in Live TV mode, and react to the remote's pause, FF/RW etc keys. However, when pressing the TiVo button, it will respond with the appropriate sound, but never go to the menu.

In order to regain full control, a reboot via power disconnect is required. Afterwards, the box is ok for a few days, but then it ends up back in this state. Has anybody else run into this quirk?

Thankfully, this box is on 6.95/mo status, and not lifetime, and I got it at a really good price. I'm beginning to think it's time to replace it with a $50 DVD player and cablevision's $9.95 DVR until the price of a series 3 comes down to a more sensible level.

PS: Happy Halloween Everybody! :)

[Chester_Lampwick]

My RS-TX20 has recently started acting strangely (not that this unit wasn't always a bit strange). It'll be in Live TV mode, and react to the remote's pause, FF/RW etc keys. However, when pressing the TiVo button, it will respond with the appropriate sound, but never go to the menu.

In order to regain full control, a reboot via power disconnect is required. Afterwards, the box is ok for a few days, but then it ends up back in this state. Has anybody else run into this quirk?

Thankfully, this box is on 6.95/mo status, and not lifetime, and I got it at a really good price. I'm beginning to think it's time to replace it with a $50 DVD player and cablevision's $9.95 DVR until the price of a series 3 comes down to a more sensible level.

PS: Happy Halloween Everybody! :)

Maybe you could pass it on to me for a good price? I'd be willing to buy a fixer upper.....

[sledhed]

I noticed BB has a pioneer dvd burner for sale this week for $59, model DVR-710B5PK. Is this the same DVD burner used internally in the Toshiba TiVo RS-TX-20 units? If so I might consider buying it and using it in my desktoso I have a spare should the one in the Tivo ever die. I use the Tosh Tivo DVD burner a lot more than the one in my desktop...

I searched this forum and thread for the info but I had a hard time finding out for sure what it has in it...

[ashu]

I noticed BB has a pioneer dvd burner for sale this week for $59, model DVR-710B5PK. Is this the same DVD burner used internally in the Toshiba TiVo RS-TX-20 units? If so I might consider buying it and using it in my desktoso I have a spare should the one in the Tivo ever die. I use the Tosh Tivo DVD burner a lot more than the one in my desktop...

I searched this forum and thread for the info but I had a hard time finding out for sure what it has in it...


IIRC many of the burner TiVos (Pioneer 810, Humax DRT 400/800/1600 and Toxhiba RSTX20/60) use NEC A05/Z05 (also sometimes rebadged as Pioneer 105/Z05). Or replace the 5 with a 6.

Yes, it's DL amd +R/RW capable, just isn't supported.

And I can't clearly remember whether anyone had success with replacing just a burner, but if you get the SAME one, I don't see why it wouldn't work :)

[Chester_Lampwick]

And I can't clearly remember whether anyone had success with replacing just a burner, but if you get the SAME one, I don't see why it wouldn't work :)

I have replaced my burner and it does work. The DRT800 uses a DVR-108 drive, so I bought one on E-Bay for $35 to have a spare. I tested it by burning a disk. Someone else did this before me, probably on this board, with a DVR-107 I believe.

The DVR-108 shouldn't be too hard to find, they used it in a lot of DVD duplicators for example. It's a couple years old so I don't think your average computer store would have it. You could call a few used PC shops......

[sbros]

Hi, I have a Toshiba RS-TX20. I bought it used. I tried using the DVD drive but it work. It wont play CDs, DVDs and it for sure wont burn DVDs. It always errors that it cant read the disc that I insert.
I have tried the resetting of the DVD burner from the Tivo menu but nothing. I have also reset all to the default settings.
I am wondering if someone can tell me how to get this burner working again. Can I service it? Can I put a different drive in there?
I looked up the firmware version: DVD-RW DVR-108 RZ 1.15
Thanks.

[Chester_Lampwick]

Hi, I have a Toshiba RS-TX20. I bought it used. I tried using the DVD drive but it work. It wont play CDs, DVDs and it for sure wont burn DVDs. It always errors that it cant read the disc that I insert.
I have tried the resetting of the DVD burner from the Tivo menu but nothing. I have also reset all to the default settings.
I am wondering if someone can tell me how to get this burner working again. Can I service it? Can I put a different drive in there?
I looked up the firmware version: DVD-RW DVR-108 RZ 1.15
Thanks.

Okay, just to be sure "are you inserting the discs label side up?"

Perhaps some history. How long have you owned it? Was it new, used or refurbished when you bought it? Is/was it in a smoky or dusty environment?

If it was new call Toshiba and it's still under warranty call Toshiba, get a RMA number and send it for repair.

Just for starters,
Roger

[darkfrog]

I'm so glad that other people are having this problem since the last software update. I was beginning to think my HD was going bad, but now I am pretty confident the problem is software related. I sure hope Tivo has had enough of us call tech support so that they realize there is a problem to fix, otherwise, they might keep telling everyone they need to replace the HD.
I am hardly using the burner anymore ever since they introduced Tivo2Go. I have been moving the shows I want to archive onto my computer and editing out the commercials before burning to DVD. I guess that means I can get a regular S2 and sell this puppy, or has someone has figured out a way to burn a DVD using the inputs jacks as a source, rather than just a saved program?
Now if I do sell, does the lifetime subscription go with the player, or can I transfer it to the new machine I buy?

[windracer]

Now if I do sell, does the lifetime subscription go with the player, or can I transfer it to the new machine I buy?
Lifetime goes with the box ... unless you buy a new S3 and transfer the lifetime to that new box. :)

[Chester_Lampwick]

does the lifetime subscription go with the player, or can I transfer it to the new machine I buy?

Depends. You can't normally transfer a lifetime sub. However, if you buy an S3 you can for the low, low prrice of $200 transfer your lifetime sub. It does include a year of free service (worth $84) for your old unit too, but I suspect you would have to keep it for that year.

Now, do you really find it worthwhile cutting out the commecials so you can get an extra (5th) half hour "high quality" sitcom on a dvd which cost nearly $0.25?



or has someone has figured out a way to burn a DVD using the inputs jacks as a source, rather than just a saved program?

Now, I'm not sure what you mean by this. All recordings are from the input jacks, unless you're on analog cable. It even has dedicated front input jacks for your camcorder. Do you mean without a subscription? Or perhaps to DVD skipping the hard drive recording stage? Making recording on the hard drive before going to DVD is great, especially when you can make multiple copies after in less than real time.


I'm interested in buying one of these units. However I find them currently overpriced on eBay compared to what I paid new last year for mine. I guess the $150 rebate was the spoiler. Make me an offer by P.M. if you like :-)

Roger

[sbros]

Who can tell me what the best deal is on a network adapter that works with a TX20? Wired or wireless.

[ashu]

Wireless B - likely the DLink DWL120 (old). 20ish on ebay/craigslist (or swap for mine - see sig)

G - no idea on best deal, but the best device is EASILY the TiVo adapter (50ish at BB?) woot often has G adapter that'll work in the 20ish vicinity.

Wired, ledshoppe.com has an old-school ethernet adapter that has been rumored to work. Or the old Linksys USB200M, or a couple of old DLink/Belkin wired ones (look fro a USB2 one that works ... tangible speed improvement over the USB 1.1)

[sbros]

Okay, just to be sure "are you inserting the discs label side up?"Yes. Why is your question in quotes? Did someone ask that to you once?
How long have you owned it? Was it new, used or refurbished when you bought it? Is/was it in a smoky or dusty environment?I got it used but it was not refurbished. The environment is not smokey or dusty. I already tried turning it off for hours so i think I need to replace the DVD drive. Who can tell me the make and model in this RS-TX20 so I can search and get a new one? Thanks

[Chester_Lampwick]

Pioneer DVR-108. I've hear some had DVR-107. Check your system info screen. It will likely say DVR-108RZ V1.15

If you feel inclined, and have a PC you could always try using that buner in your PC. You'll be suprised that when you open the box it's a regualr bare PC drive and even the faceplate is still attached. This would definately prove/disprove having a bad burner.

I didn't really need the quotes. I guess I just wanted to emphasize the question. Nobody has asked me that question, but I have had many silly questions posed to me over the years......

I may be able to help you find a drive replacement, let me know....
Roger

[JRock447]

Hello,

Does anyone know if the RS-TX60 model has dual tuners? Say if I splice my cable so that there's a connection to both the RCA inputs and the RF input?

Thanks!

Josh

[Chester_Lampwick]

It has 4 sets of inputs. You can't use more than one set at a time though. You can say use the coax input for say analog cable or antenna, then use the RCA connectors for your satellite receiver. You can have a dual lineup....

[windracer]

But it only has 1 tuner, and thus can only record 1 show at a time.

[ashu]

And to summarize (and further add to your confusion) you can ONLY combine lineups from
1. A Satellite box as the RCA input/source
2. The TiVo's RF cable tuner for basic, unencrypted, non SDV channels

And no, 1 can't be replaced with a digital cable box (although seeing as it can ONLY record from one of 1 or 2 at a time, that would be quite pointless, as your cable box would provide the 'basic' channels, and possibly clearer, if your cable company provides SDV).

For two TRUE tuners & simultaneous recordings (again restricted to a subset of all possible combinations - with only one RCA input from cable/sat and RF cable being permitted) you need one of the new Dual Tuner SD TiVos. None of which come with a DVD burner :(

[JRock447]

That's what I thought, thanks everyone for the fast replies!

Another question...in the next few months I'm going to be purchasing an HDTV and was wondering if having a non-HD tivo causes the picture quality to decline.

Here's my questions:

1. If I use component cables then when watching live tv will the picture quality be as though the receiver was directly connected to the TV?

2. If I pause and resume, or watch a recorded high def program then I realize that the picture quality will decline. How bad is the compressed image?

Thanks for all your help!

Josh

[ashu]

EVERYTHING you watch through ANY TiVo (except HD and digital SD recordings on the the Series 3 HD) is compressed ... either ...
1. into the Live Buffer at 'Best' Quality when watching 'live', OR
2. onto your disk when recorded, in whatever quality you choose.

The component iunputs on the Toshiba units make watching SD reasonably bearable on an HDTV, if you use High (or Best!) quality for 'most everything. Fortunately, hard disk replacement (to increase storage) is easy, and disks are cheap.

Yes, component results in slightly better picture quality for SD (unless your TV has a better deinterlacer etc). NOT available on standalone S2 units (SVideo/Composite only) though, just on the DVD combo units.

The compressions specs are out there somewhere. That's ("how bad ...") a very subjective question.

I'd say you're a prime candidate to invest in an HD S3 TiVo unit instead ;)

[sledhed]

Anyone else notice - there are TONS of Toshiba RS-TX20 units on eBay these days, mostly used, a few refurbs etc. - why so many? Is it the speed issue that has people frustrated? Or just lack of people's ability to let these things set themselves up? And most of them have NO REMOTES... which would be very irritating. They seem to bring around $100 to $150 used. I was thinking about getting a second one and using the remote I already have, if I can get one cheap enough (occasionally need to record two programs at the same time). Of course without Tivo plus, I would be unable to transfer files to the other unit but I could always burn to dvd-rw... :D

Edit: Maybe it was the dvd burning issues that made people give up on their RS-TX20's.

[Chester_Lampwick]

I think that Toshiba handled their problems differently than Humax. This is pure speculation based on my observations:

1 - Toshiba didn't really push the sales of their TiVos. It was almost like you needed to wink and give a secret handshake to the salesman before he brought one he had stashed in the backroom.
2 - They priced them significantly higher than the Humax. They probably sold a lot less of them because of this. It probably enabled them to be more generous when dealing with refunds and exchanges.
3 - They kept refurbs off the market. I suspect to keep a better image. They probably sent customers new units minus the remote. When they got the RMAs they probably stockpiled the old units without the remotes not releasing them until much later (now).
4 - they probably have a stash of new remotes. They're probably conting on selling them for $75 each.

Again, speculation.

[ashu]

Hunt through the links ... Toshiba/Humax DVD remotes are available for 38ish shipped.

[sbros]

Anyone else notice - there are TONS of Toshiba RS-TX20 units on eBay these days, mostly used, a few refurbs etc. - why so many? Is it the speed issue that has people frustrated? Or just lack of people's ability to let these things set themselves up? And most of them have NO REMOTES... which would be very irritating. They seem to bring around $100 to $150 used. I was thinking about getting a second one and using the remote I already have, if I can get one cheap enough (occasionally need to record two programs at the same time). Of course without Tivo plus, I would be unable to transfer files to the other unit but I could always burn to dvd-rw...

I bought a used one for $160. I then had to buy a remote. Also the dvd burner is broken so I am looking for a new rom-drive. However I am very happy with it and the tivo basic service.

[Chester_Lampwick]

Hunt through the links ... Toshiba/Humax DVD remotes are available for 38ish shipped.

Good news, everyone! (Professor Fansworth impression) Not quite TS-RX, but Humax DRT800 remotes are $29.99 including shipping from Humax. I can't confirm this, I didn't order one myself, but that's what what one of their CSRs told me. They said they'd even ship to Canada for that price, but I have my doubts.....

See ya,
Roger

P.S. You can't order any internal parts so it seems.

[azitnay]

And it's worth noting that the Humax DRT remotes are 100% compatible with the Toshiba RS-TX remotes. The only difference is that one says "TOSHIBA" and one says "HUMAX".

Drew

[dirani]

I know this is probably a stupid question but I have the RS-TX60 and have been using it with standard cable (no box). I'm considering switching over to Time Warner digital cable. Does tivo record channels 100+? My remote only allows me to punch in channels up to 99. Also, when you get the cable box with remote which should be the "master controller"?

Thanks.

[sledhed]

I know this is probably a stupid question but I have the RS-TX60 and have been using it with standard cable (no box). I'm considering switching over to Time Warner digital cable. Does tivo record channels 100+? My remote only allows me to punch in channels up to 99. Also, when you get the cable box with remote which should be the "master controller"?

Thanks.
I expect you will have to use the IR blaster or a serial control cable... but I am no expert, having regular cable myself (no box).

[ashu]

I know this is probably a stupid question but I have the RS-TX60 and have been using it with standard cable (no box). I'm considering switching over to Time Warner digital cable. Does tivo record channels 100+? My remote only allows me to punch in channels up to 99. Also, when you get the cable box with remote which should be the "master controller"?

Thanks.

The S2 TiVo you have (RSTX60) would be the MASTER. you would train it to change channels and watch TV (live ... but why? and recorded) ONLY through the TiVo. You can safely thow away your cable box remote control ;)

Yes, it tunes anything you want, by sending the command to the Cable Box. Of course, you can't order PPV or inDemand/VOD stuff.

(Just FYI, for better in-TiVo integration of cable channel changing & recording ... with caveats such as no transfers (yet), no DVD burning etc ... look into the Series 3 TiVo!)

[slyone]

I had 2 RS-TX20's and 1 had failed within 6 mos., not sure if lack of air circulation caused it? When using the TW box it was very disappointing on how extremely slow changing channels was. I replaced it with an LRM19 unit, which also had an early demise. Now I'm back to the other RS-TX20 which hasn't been used much. I also ditched the TW digital box and leave the cabinet doors "open" this time around. The abilities of DVR are amazing! :D I'm 1 Happy Camper :p

[dirani]

The S2 TiVo you have (RSTX60) would be the MASTER. you would train it to change channels and watch TV (live ... but why? and recorded) ONLY through the TiVo. You can safely thow away your cable box remote control ;)

Yes, it tunes anything you want, by sending the command to the Cable Box. Of course, you can't order PPV or inDemand/VOD stuff.

(Just FYI, for better in-TiVo integration of cable channel changing & recording ... with caveats such as no transfers (yet), no DVD burning etc ... look into the Series 3 TiVo!)
Thanks.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Anyone here having trouble "tuning" into the rear composite input? Lately I cannot get a signal at that input. I used to be able to view a VCR that I have connect there by tuning to channel 0 or 00. Now, the only way I can get a signal is to Record From DVD/VCR.

I am just wondering if I am starting to see a failure of those inputs, or if it was disabled in a software update.

[azitnay]

Still works for me on the RS-TX20... The only thing that I know of that disables it is if you attempt to record channel 0. Doing this makes channel 0 lose its "magic", and it becomes just another channel. Repeating GS is the way to fix it.

Drew

[mauricio1966]

I buy a Toshiba RS TX20 in USA, I live in Brazil, but here don't have Tivo Service and setup is impossible :( Can Toshiba RS TX20 work without setup Tivo? :confused: If yes, please send me instructions. Thanks :o

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Still works for me on the RS-TX20... The only thing that I know of that disables it is if you attempt to record channel 0. Doing this makes channel 0 lose its "magic", and it becomes just another channel. Repeating GS is the way to fix it.

Drew
I did try to record that channel two or three weeks ago (the night Earl slept with his best friend's mom) but I could swear it has worked since then. But I am not 100% sure.

If I repeat GS, will I lose any info like Season Passes, Thumb ratings, Now Playing list, etc.?

[azitnay]

No, simply repeating GS doesn't destroy any data... Just do it at a time when you don't have any recordings scheduled for an hour or two, because nothing will be recorded during GS.

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

OK, thanks! I'll give it a try.

[dbruntz]

I noticed a few other owners comment on a dark picture and poor recording quality. I have the same issue with my new RS-TX20. One thing in common is that we are all connected to the same type of digital cable box. I am wondering if other do not notice the difference because it is not significant to them, or if this is a defect in only some of the units produced. Compared to the original picture of the picture I get on my traditional series-2 Tivo, the picture quality and recording quality from this unit is far inferior. All other functions are great, but video quality is important to me. This is for the live buffer (which is always recorded in "best") and for all my recorded shows (which I also record using the "best" setting).

[GForce2]

I own a RS-TX20 and absolutely love it.
But, I also have darker than usual video playback. This is noticeable thru captured video and DVD. I would have to say it would be the "video" card or hardware issue that creates this problem. I suppose it could be fixed thru a firmware tweak but have not found one yet.
I'm in the process of transferring video for edit so once I get it to my computer I'll be able to see the actual quality of video saved in TiVo.

BTW,, I have a direct cable to my TiVo,, NO BOX

[Pvgibbs]

As documented here before -- The downgrade in picture quality came with Series 2 boxes...not just the DVD units.

My Series 1 Sony looks better and brighter...even via SlingBox.

That being said, the Toshiba has been (and continues to be) a great machine given everything we have been through.
- Tivo+DVD player in one box
- DVD burner
- Ahead of its time large hard drive size
- FREE Basic service -- if you didnt want to pay monthly

[EvilMidniteBombr]

still not having any luck tuning to the rear component inputs.

[ashu]

still not having any luck tuning to the rear component inputs.

Perhaps you meant to say composite?

The rear component triplet is output only!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Perhaps you meant to say composite?

The rear component triplet is output only!
Yeah, what he said. But really what is the actual difference between composite and component? I mean other than they use different color codes? But yes, that's what I meant.

[ashu]

But really what is the actual difference between composite and component? I mean other than they use different color codes?

:eek:

Read! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AV_input)

Component is HD capable, composite is ... a turd.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

So, what is the actual difference between the cables themselves? I mean, physically how is one composite audio cable different from one component video cable? Is it shielding or number of wires in the cable? Or is it just the colors on the end of the cable?

[ashu]

The medium does not need to differ, the content does.

You can use three yellow (or pink!) composite cable to make a component connection, if you connect the right pairs of terminals.

Some (many) manufacturer will use better shielding or core for component, using the "protect more valuable data' logic. Composite (the AV standard) is so (comapratively) incapable, that there isn't much motivation to use good/better cables to preserve quality of transmission.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

So, I could use a set of decent quality composite AV cables (Left, Right & Video) as component video cables instead of going out and plunking down extra $$'s? That is helpful info!




Now all I need is HD content and an HD TiVo. :D

[starknight88]

i apologize if this is already covered - i am a new member and have not read through the whole thread .... i was wondering if any of u knows how to change rstx20 into a multi-region player?

[ashu]

i apologize if this is already covered - i am a new member and have not read through the whole thread .... i was wondering if any of u knows how to change rstx20 into a multi-region player?

Likely impossible.

[nssmart]

I have the RS-TX20 and after my latest update, I can no longer access the program guide. The remote works for everything else. I tried to restart/reboot with no luck. I searched the forum and didn't see any related postings, so I guess its not a common problem. Any ideas?

[Chester_Lampwick]

Check the system information screen for a S03 error. If you have one you'll need to see this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=325134&highlight=S03)

[EVV_Richard]

I am one of those people that plan on keeping my RS-TX60 for 10 to 15 years, really. I am not the least interested in High Definition TV and all the money, equipment and time it takes to get it going. I am really happy with just a good, clear picture on my TV from my TiVo. I have the TiVo lifetime subscription.

Since I am so devoted to keeping my original TiVo box, I am toying with the idea of sending in my TiVo to either DVRupgrade or WeekKnees for an upgrade of the hard drive and the fan. Due to HD TV I guess, the RS-TX60 is not even being made anymore. I think in the long run my unit will be much more reliable with an upgrade.

What to other people think about this? Do you think my RS-TX60 will go 10-15 years as it is right now, or do you think an upgrade is the way to go? Your opinions, please...

[azitnay]

In my opinion, the chances of either the stock hard drive or the new one WeaKnees puts in lasting 10-15 years is pretty low. Hard drives just aren't that good.

The good news, though, is that it'll be pretty simple to replace once the time comes.

I wouldn't look at a WeaKnees upgrade as a way to make the box more reliable... It's more for the added recording space. TiVo makes their boxes pretty reliable as it is.

Drew

[Chester_Lampwick]

I had a VCR from 1983-2000. I got a lot of hours on it before the heads physically wore out. I doubt my TiVo will last that long, but I'd like to keep mine 10 years. I'm guessing that I'll be replacing the hard drive a few times, as well as the DVD burner. I've accumulated some spare parts to keep it going.

Everybody wants HD it seems. As is your opinion, I don't much care for the benefit of HD. My digital satellite/TiVo combination gives a picture far supeior to anything I had 5-10 years ago. I'm not a big fan of the DVD system. There are too many player/media/encoding issues. Why couldn't they have standardized it more? Every tape I made in that old VCR worked in every other VCR I tried, why can't DVDs be like this? I also hate the fact that rental DVDs often are physically abused so bad as not to play. They lack in physical ruggedness. I do prefer the portability of DVDs of course.

I guess my $.02 is that not everything new is great.

[belcanto]

I have the Toshiba RS-TX60 (after I got rid of the Humax!!! :mad: ). I have found that if I view a store-bought DVD on myToshiba, and then later try to burn a DVD from a program I recorded using the TIVO service, I will get multiple "saving failed" messages. I have lost a lot of DVD disks until I stumbled onto a solution. I bought a pack of the 1X-2X DVD -RW (Verbatim) and if I record onto one of these disks, it seems to correct whatever the recording problem is and then I can resume using the "up to 8X" disks by Verbatim (I cannot find any 1X-4X disks anymore).

Worth a try - this has worked for me repeatedly. :)

[ber]

I have the Toshiba RS-TX60 (after I got rid of the Humax!!! :mad: ). I have found that if I view a store-bought DVD on myToshiba, and then later try to burn a DVD from a program I recorded using the TIVO service, I will get multiple "saving failed" messages. I have lost a lot of DVD disks until I stumbled onto a solution. I bought a pack of the 1X-2X DVD -RW (Verbatim) and if I record onto one of these disks, it seems to correct whatever the recording problem is and then I can resume using the "up to 8X" disks by Verbatim (I cannot find any 1X-4X disks anymore).

Worth a try - this has worked for me repeatedly. :)

Any input from the readers concerning best place to buy 1x 2x discs from any supplier....given that they are indeed hard to find???

[sean931]

...Now a year later I pull it out, hook it up, and after several hours of software downloads it's claiming S03 error every time it tries to connect to Tivo.


OK, here’s a not-so-brief description of our scenario:

We have an RS-TX60 that we've been using trouble-free for nearly 2 years along with our Dish Network service. We recently moved from Cali to Chicago, so the box was unplugged and stored for a little over 4 months. We finally got the satellite dish installed on our new house this past Saturday and plugged in the DVR. We were able to view all of our previously recorded shows, so it appeared that the box was functioning normally. We then proceeded to “Repeat Guided Setup” so that we could enter our new ZIP code and get the guide info for our new location…

We ended up getting the dreaded S03 error every time the unit tried to “Load” the data from the first of the 2 required connections to Tivo. We tried repeating the guided setup a few dozen times, trying all sorts of combinations of phone line, internet connection, etc. We tried to get into the diagnostic mode with the Kickstart procedure with no luck. We made calls to Tivo, Toshiba, and traded e-mails with Weaknees. Nothing seemed to work, and it was looking like we were either going to need to send the box back to Toshiba for repair ($140 minimum since we’re past warranty) or order a replacement drive from Weaknees.

The solution:

After reading a Joanna531’s post from above, it occurred to me that the Main Logic Board’s backup battery was most likely dead and could be causing a problem. I was skeptical but had nothing to lose, so I decided to open the box and replace the battery. The battery is located under the DVD drive, and is a standard 2032 coin cell that can be found at any major drug store or supermarket.

We then reconnected the DVR, powered up, and went through the guided set-up. TA-DA!!! We made it through the first connection/load with flying colors. At this point, we had the box connected via the USB Ethernet adaptor, and we got stuck in the “Preparing” portion of the second required connection to Tivo. So after a few more attempts, we decided to repeat the process using the phone line. Once we had selected a good local dial-up number and dialing scheme, we made it all the way through guided setup. We are now up and running perfectly.

The moral of the story:

If you’re getting the S03 error, try replacing your MLB’s backup battery, and try completing the Guided Setup using phone line before going through the expense of replacing the HDD or sending the unit back to Toshiba.

Sorry for the long post, but I thought this could be valuable info for some people.

Cheers,
Sean

[ashu]

Good one - I would never have thought of that!

[sean931]

Um....crap. Completely ignore my previous post. S03 error returned last night with a vengeance.

So I guess it was coincidence that my DVR miraculously completed guided setup after changing the battery? Well, back to the drawing board.

Update: S03 error is gone and my RS-TX seems to be functioning normall. Dunno why, I didn't do anything beyond what I did in my original post....just left it plugged in and running. Weird.

[keshler]

The S2 TiVo you have (RSTX60) would be the MASTER. you would train it to change channels and watch TV (live ... but why? and recorded) ONLY through the TiVo. You can safely thow away your cable box remote control ;)

Yes, it tunes anything you want, by sending the command to the Cable Box. Of course, you can't order PPV or inDemand/VOD stuff.

(Just FYI, for better in-TiVo integration of cable channel changing & recording ... with caveats such as no transfers (yet), no DVD burning etc ... look into the Series 3 TiVo!)
This path certainly works and is the default setup but tivo has the annoying habit of erasing the 1/2 hr queue whenever you change channels. If you use the cable remote instead you can eliminate this "feature". You also do not need to buy an IR cable.

On the down side you will have to program the tivo and cable box (both have timers) when you want to record something unless you are using the record button on the remote.

[cornfedhusky]

HOW TO CATALOG BURNED TIVO DVD SHOW TITLES

Has anyone found a way to catalog what movies/shows they've burned (ie: in an xcell spreadsheet, etc.) without manually typing in the titles? I've searched everywhere and can't find a way to extract the menu text from the burned tivo dvd so I can paste it into a spreadsheet. I'd greatly appreciate any solutions anyone has. Thanks!

[Chester_Lampwick]

HOW TO CATALOG BURNED TIVO DVD SHOW TITLES

Has anyone found a way to catalog what movies/shows they've burned (ie: in an xcell spreadsheet, etc.) without manually typing in the titles? I've searched everywhere and can't find a way to extract the menu text from the burned tivo dvd so I can paste it into a spreadsheet. I'd greatly appreciate any solutions anyone has. Thanks!

As far as I know there is no way to extract text from a DVD. All the menus are images. Only the disc title can be had.

[bts0004]

We have an RS-TX60, which is now 13 months old. The other day, it started flaking out a bit - image starting to break up, choppy audio/video, etc. Then, it rebooted itself. Now, it won't come back up. It starts to boot and the big yellow splash screen comes up, but it never gets beyond that and starts up again - it's frozen. We gave it a good 30-45 min the last attempt, just to be sure, but it still just sits there on the yellow screen and "Welcome" displayed on the front panel of the unit.

When I put my ear down by the unit, to see if I could hear hard drive activity, I can hear a very repetitive sound coming from it. Every 2-ish seconds, it just makes the same sound over and over again, from the hard drive. Does this sound like a hard drive crash to anyone? My only other TiVo unit has been the SD-H400, which has been chugging along happily for several years, so for this one to seemingly die in 13 months is a little irritating, to say the least. :mad:

TIA for any tips/advice!

[ashu]

Every 2 seconds, eh? Click of death. Google it. (my bad, that's the terminology applied more commonly to Zip/Jazz drives - but it also applies to hard drives, particularly Maxtors)

Unfortunately, you need a new hard drive. And if you don't have an image saved up, ask around - there's a thread in the upgrade sections. And make sure the replacement hard drive you buy is larger than the current one (I think that's a partition expansion requirement or something)

Unless you choose to buy a ready-to-use hard drive (also quite reasonable for middling sizes) from one of the cool, reliable site sponsors who sell upgrades - weaknees, ptvupgrade, dvrupgrade or even the TC Store.

[bts0004]

Ugh - that's what I was afraid was likely the case. :(

Given the amount of time I have these days to tinker, I think my best bet will likely be to just purchase an upgrade kit. I'm assuming the upgrade kits that I've seen on these places will not affect the TiVo Basic that came with it? In other words, will I be forced to subscribe to Plus, or will Basic be available after I swap the drives? Currently, we've just been using the Basic service.

[azitnay]

You'll still be using RS-TX software, so you'll still have the TiVo Basic option.

Drew

[musiclover408]

HOW TO CATALOG BURNED TIVO DVD SHOW TITLES

Has anyone found a way to catalog what movies/shows they've burned (ie: in an xcell spreadsheet, etc.) without manually typing in the titles? I've searched everywhere and can't find a way to extract the menu text from the burned tivo dvd so I can paste it into a spreadsheet. I'd greatly appreciate any solutions anyone has. Thanks!

I use a program called Movie Collector. All you do is enter in the title of the movie and it loads ALL the information about the movie as well as scans of the front and back of the DVD cover! It's a great program and not very expensive. It can be downloaded at Collectorz.com You can download and try it out for free. They also have programs for music and book collections as well. Let me know if you liked it.

Duane

[ashu]

I use a program called Movie Collector. All you do is enter in the title of the movie and it loads ALL the information about the movie as well as scans of the front and back of the DVD cover! It's a great program and not very expensive. It can be downloaded at Collectorz.com You can download and try it out for free. They also have programs for music and book collections as well. Let me know if you liked it.

Duane

Only works for movies, he's asking about (TV) shows (too).

[musiclover408]

Only works for movies, he's asking about (TV) shows (too).

You can manually input any titles that are not found in the search. So if you wanted to add your home movies, or whatever into your catelog you can do that. It gives you all the same options to input specific information when you manually input a title into the database. Plus, It does include TV shows that have been released on DVD.

[Hockey9]

I apologize if this has been asked before but a search came up with too many results. I have the Tx20 hooked up via component to my Toshiba HDTV (non-HDMI). This is a boxed refurbished unit off of Ebay. Everything works fine that I can tell. I have even upgraded it with a 250GB drive. I noticed that there is no video coming out of Composite Out. I can get audio but no video. Is this normal? I was looking to use a RF Modulator to send video all over my house over Ch 3 .. I know that its a quality loss but I still have the connection to the good tv if I really want to enjoy a good picture. I was able to get the RF modulator to trigger over to Ch. 3 using my previous Sony DVD player. During Guided setup, it detected the component connection and asked me whether I wanted to enable Progressive Scanning.. Did that disable the composite?

[ashu]

(Selecting 480Progressive over component) It may have disabled the composite (and SVideo) - I can check tonight.

Or you could turn it (progressive) off from the Settings menu and see if it (composite) starts to work ;)

[zipddoda]

I have a TX-20 that is starting to die and have a good feeling the hard drive is about to die. Can I pick up a new hard drive, pull the old, hook them both up to my pc, drag the information from the old to the new, put the new one in the TX-20 and have it work? I have so much on the drive and would hate to lose it but putting it on a dvd is not working because the HD freezes.

[azitnay]

It's not quite as simple as dragging from one drive to the other, but depending on how dead your current drive is, it might very well be possible to save most if not all your shows by copying them to a new drive. See the TiVo Upgrade Center forum for details.

Drew

[kcir]

I have an RS-TX60 with what appears to be a failing disk. This thread so far seems to be a basic q/a , but I figured I'd ask here. I am going to buy a new disk and hope to use mfstools to transfer my image and data to the new disk. I have read some things that suggest copying data from a failing disk may not work. If this is the case I'll need a fresh image to install on my new disk. Does anyone know where I can get an OS image for my TiVo RS-TX60 that I can use? I see no reason that this isn't legal to give out or download since I do own the unit and pay for the service. Any help is appreciated.

[azitnay]

Definitely try grabbing an image from the original drive first... But in lieu of that, buying InstantCake for $20 is often the easiest solution:

http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/instantcake.cfm

Drew

[kcir]

Thanks. I was hoping to get just an image that I wouldn't have to pay for. I doon't need any fanzy tools. I realize the cost is for the putting together of the CD and easy to use software, but I just want the image file and nothing more.

[kcir]

Once my TiVo is back up and running I'd like to install more hacks such as TiVo Web+ My question now though is how can I enable telnet and ftp on my RS-TX60 so I can install the hacks?

[azitnay]

RS-TX units, like all other units made relatively recently, are much more locked down with respect to hacking. The only way to achieve these hacks on such a unit is to apply a hardware PROM hack, which is no simple task. There isn't much discussion here on TCF on the subject, but a search for "tivo prom hack" should turn up a place where there is.

Drew

[azitnay]

Thanks. I was hoping to get just an image that I wouldn't have to pay for. I doon't need any fanzy tools. I realize the cost is for the putting together of the CD and easy to use software, but I just want the image file and nothing more.

I don't blame you for wanting to find a free image... It's often easier said than done, though. The following thread discusses the subject:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=62430&page=1&pp=20

I don't know how active Stan has been lately, but I know at least at one point he had an RS-TX20 image, which is compatible with your RS-TX60.

We're probably getting ahead of ourselves, though... Assuming your RS-TX60 still boots, you'll probably have a good shot at pulling an image from its current drive.

Drew

[dbl_corona]

It sounds as if quite a few of us are having HDD failures at about the same time. About 2 years after purchase?

How difficult is it to replace the HDD, and can someone link me to the step-by-step directions (or send them) if they have them?

I have stuff on the old HDD, but I'm not going to lose sleep over losing it - I just want my TiVo back in service - major football games coming up!!

[azitnay]

http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/

Drew

[kcir]

Well, I purchased InstantCake. I tried with no success to get a usable image from the original disk. The machine is going through the initial setup now. When I first booted it up after the InstantCake image it would not see my network. I had to use the old phone line. I'm getting tired now and won't do more with it until tomorrow.

Just a plug for InstantCake. I didn't want to pay for an image, but it was well worth it.

While doing the hard disk swap I removed the DVD recorder to get a better look at the MB. I got to thinking, does anyone know if it is possible to swap the Pioneer DVD burnet that comes in the RSTX units with a dual layer burner? I'd like to do this, but don't know if the software would recognize it.

[Chester_Lampwick]

While doing the hard disk swap I removed the DVD recorder to get a better look at the MB. I got to thinking, does anyone know if it is possible to swap the Pioneer DVD burnet that comes in the RSTX units with a dual layer burner? I'd like to do this, but don't know if the software would recognize it.

Actually the DVR-108 is a dual layer DVD burner. It's also a 16x DVD+/-R/W. It's the limitations of the rest of the TiVo that keep you from using the extra speed, formats, and capacity.

See ya,
Roger

[siouxzieb]

That pretty much says it all. I shined a flashlight into every spot of my TX60, but could not find that tell-tale red thing. I have had limited success blasting to it with my new neato-cool slingbox, but since it's hit & miss, I'd really like to know exactly where that sucker is and get a little more reliability :-(

Help? anyone?

Thanks in advance,
Suzanne

[windracer]

I could be wrong, but on my TX20 I'm pretty sure the IR receiver is the black hole/dot immediately to the right of the DVD tray.

[kcir]

Well, here we go again. Like I said yesterday I used InstantCake to revive my tx60. Now however, the unit freezes up quite often during season pass configuration. I was happy that InstantCake did the job, but was disapointed when I found out that even though I just baught it, I got an old revision of the TiVo software. I'd think they would give you the latest release. Does anyone know if they make new releases available to owners after they purchase from them? I'm now suspect though that the problem is the TiVo software and never was my drive. I'm just at the break even point on my $300 lifetime subscription. Funny that TiVos seem to die after two years. Funny that this is happening to lots of us and TiVo no longer offers lifetime. Is this there way of ridding themselves of all the livetime subscribers?

BTW, what is the slingbox mentioned above?

[ashu]

If a new software version is out there and has been released, your TiVo will automatically download and install it. Kinda pointless for InstanCake makers to update their CD with every new release.

What 'old version' is this.

Oh, and the more Season Passes you have, and the more changes you make in priorities/order and settings, the longer the relatively wimpy processor on the TiVo will take to compute the ensuing ToDo list and make it so :) Not a software glitch nor a sign of hardware failure.

[tivoupgrade]

Well, here we go again. Like I said yesterday I used InstantCake to revive my tx60. Now however, the unit freezes up quite often during season pass configuration. I was happy that InstantCake did the job, but was disapointed when I found out that even though I just baught it, I got an old revision of the TiVo software.

Did you run full diagnostics on the hard drive you used before using InstantCake and installing it in your unit? That is the #1 cause of problems (bad hard drives). It might also be worth running full diagnostics on the old drive, too (so you can see if that was the original problem). If you can't find anything wrong with the drives, try replacing the IDE cable, that is also a common cause of problems. Very few units die, even after or three or even four years (we are still upgrading units over six years old); obviously some do, but not most.

As for the version of the software (7.2.0); it is older but not that old (about six-months) and is the same version documented in the release notes. The unit will automatically update after one or two daily calls.

[kcir]

Thanks for the replies. Things seem to be working okay now.

I will run diags on the original disk. Before it died completely though there were odd noises comming from it' I'm no stranger to computers/hard drives etc.... so sounded like a bad disk.

Thanks again for the replies, and yes I'll say it again InstantCake was well worth it.

[mach_10]

Witin the last month, I noticed my my "change recording time" option has disappeared. I phoned TIVO customer service & they say it is now part of the TIVO, PLUS & if I want it I will have to pay for it.
Is there any other method out there that would get this option back ?

[kcir]

It is wrong to take features away that were once free. While TiVo is a wonderful servyce, there are free alternatives out there that people may start switching to if TiVo Inc. continues to take features away. I'd list the other services, but the post would likely be removed then. Google will find them if anyone is interested. I have no desire to leave TiVo and I do support the company as long as they continue to play nice and not remove features in an attempt to make more money. There are plenty of features they should and can add to make money instead of chargiing for what was once free.

[ashu]

kcir, nobody will remove any posts you may make about Sage, Beyond, Myth etc! At least I've never seen it happen. You may be told to post in a suitable topic-related thread (which this may well be, if, indeed, TiVo basic has abruptly lost some features!)

mach_10, have you looked at the comparison page (Basic versus Plus)? Has it chaned lately? The Wayback machine or Google Cache may be helpful tools to determine this!

It isn't like TiVo to remove existing features - perhaps there's more to this? Perhaps you'd like to start a whole separate thread to draw attnetion to this?

I don't use Basic (although two of my units are capable of it) because I prefer Plus - otherwise I'd test this myself.

[Bimwad]

Witin the last month, I noticed my my "change recording time" option has disappeared. I phoned TIVO customer service & they say it is now part of the TIVO, PLUS & if I want it I will have to pay for it.
Is there any other method out there that would get this option back ?

Refresh my memory -- in which context does this option appear?

I've noticed that the "Change Recording Options" no longer appears when manually selecting a program to be recorded while viewing the Guide. Selecting that command used to jump directly to the manual recording setup screens, which since 7.3 is reached through the somewhat ill-named "Find Programs" main menu item -- since Basic users can't "find" programs.

With regard to the ethics or legality of removing formerly free-features, the fine print in the user agreement allows TiVo to basically do what they please. You win some (like the Recently Deleted Folder), you lose some.

[CynthiaJ]

I am a new user to this forum and have attempted to research this problem, but don't find anything that matches it. Forgive me if I have over looked it.

I have a 2-year old Toshiba RS_TX20 that I use with the main purpose of recording movies and then burning them to DVD in order to watch them at a vacation home that has no TV service.

About a year after I purchased the Toshiba I started to have problems with failed burns. I started doing the unplug/replug and cleaning the laser disk dance. Also trying different types of DVD brands. This all sort of worked at first, but now I am down to doing it everytime I want to burn and then it still doesn't always work. Now my problem is that the programs seem to download fine, but it is the burn that is the problem. When I try to replay the burned DVD I get freezes. I have talked to the people at Toshiba who have been marginally helpful. Now they want me to send in the Toshiba for servicing for about $180 minimum. Should I do this? Is there something else that I can do? Can I transfer the downloaded DVD's to my Mac computer and burn from there? I'm not much of a techy, but can do stuff if the procedure is explicit.

One additional note is that we use Comcast Cable service and have noticed recently that even while watching TV we sometimes get poor reception and brief blackouts. Yet when I download movies and try to test them first, they seem fine. Don't know if this is a pertinent issue or not, but thought I'd mention it.

Thanks to all in advance for your help.

[tivoupgrade]

We have seen this problem with several of the units that have DVD burners and in most cases, it has turned out to be a defective hard drive (not a bad DVD burner, as previously thought). Obviously, there is no way to know this definitively unless further testing is done (eg running diagnostics on the drive in your unit).

[CynthiaJ]

Can I run the diagnostics myself or is this something I need to pay the Toshiba people to do?

Can I record the programs onto the Toshiba unit and then somehow transfer it to my computer and then burn it with that? I have a DVD burner with my Mac. If so, how?
Thanks!


We have seen this problem with several of the units that have DVD burners and in most cases, it has turned out to be a defective hard drive (not a bad DVD burner, as previously thought). Obviously, there is no way to know this definitively unless further testing is done (eg running diagnostics on the drive in your unit).

[azitnay]

Yes, you can run diagnostics on the hard drive yourself by opening up the unit (voiding any warranty you may still have), taking out the hard drive, hooking it up to a PC, and either using the diagnostics program provided by the hard drive manufacturer and usually available on their website, or any number of third-party hard drive diagnostic programs (such as SpinRite).

You can also transfer recordings to a computer and then burn form there. Typically, though, this process requires a PC, not a Mac. You can easily transfer the recordings to a Mac using something like Galleon:

http://galleon.tv/

However, the recordings are encrypted, and the only official software solution for burning them is only available for PC's. There is at least one method of decrypting on a Mac, but discussion of it isn't really acceptable on these particular forums.

Drew

[ashu]

Remember NOT to have a Windows XP or Win2000 disk connected to the PC at the same time (when you connect the TiVo hard drive to it)! Those stupid OSen will overwrite your MBR. In regular-speak, they will fubar the TiVo hard drive, if at all it IS working.

[tivoupgrade]

Cynthia -

We can take a look at it for you for $75; but repairing it could cost more depending on what the problem is; if you are technically inclined (or know someone who knows a bit about computers), downloading the Maxtor diagnostics is a very easy thing to do and a few tests on the drive might be conclusive enough to help you determine the best course of action.

As for the elephant in the room, sorry, I don't see it. There are plenty of people here who would like to help you out, however.

[windracer]

4.) You should NOT be having so many issues across the board so as to necessitate a board of people across the globe who will discuss their problems with your product like an AA meeting. (People...we are not the problem...the manufacturer is...why are you solving this issues?)
Oh, because there aren't other user-run forums for other electronic devices like PCs, gaming rigs, iPods, etc. etc.? We're just enthusiasts trying to help each other out. :rolleyes:

[ashu]

Hard (and DVD) drives die. Even those in your beloved Vaio etc. Get over it.

[ashu]

How many MS phone tech-help folks acknowledge Windows' myriad of issues and flaws? They have no desire to get fired.

People still use them, make the most of them and help each other out. It's the same (but immensely better) with TiVo.

Comparing it to solid-state or electronic hardware is unreasonable and shortsighted. If your HT receiver ran an OS, software ont op of it, and depended upon, for its own reliability, 3rd party internal (HDD) and external storage (DVD burner) devices, it would be as bad, if not worse beause of the heat generated by the amps :p

Please get over yourself.

Addon - here's my take on it.

Does it SUCK that TiVos die, sometimes, and, you could even say, eventually? Yeah!
Is it TiVo's FAULT? Heck, no!

Acceptable trade-off for ME, and many others, and if it isn't to you, please blame and sue the manufacturers of the unreliable components therein, or buy the $10000+ Blaupunkt and Bang Olafsen (or Panasonic, Sharp) etc custom ultra-high-endDVRs with high-end components and immense reliability, as well as pay-per-use inhome service. :rolleyes:

[ashu]

Perhaps because the product ain't faulty, and you bought it knowing it had limited-liftime components, which did die, and after the warranty ran out?

[CynthiaJ]

Thanks to all for your help. I will ponder the options and my pocket book. I really want this to work.

[tivoupgrade]

Again...not slamming the people trying to help each other. Just the situation. Why someone would choose to defend their purchase of a faulty product is beyond me.

Well that pretty much ends this part of the discussion. Now at least we can move on!

[barbeedoll]

Great thread! Has anyone written an IR code for the Slingbox to allow a Toshiba RS-TX60 to connect. I get a picture, but my power, channel changer, etc., are disabled. Slingbox support desk says they haven't written one, but I might find one online.

Any leads?

Barbeedoll

[ashu]

The Toshiba RS-TX units use the same set of 10 (actually 9, as 0 is the universal code) remote cnotrol codes as any otehr S2 TiVo. How does the SlingBox work for folks who use it with other S2 TiVos that work on a different remote code? Same setup should allow the Toshiba boxen to functiona perfectly (plus you'll have to teach the SlingBox the DVD side of things, of course)

[ashu]

It's a case of "How many times has he called? How angry has he sounded? Might he spread bad rumors and misinformation? Oh, Alright - let's just give him a freebie in the interest of less headaches and customer satisfaction, and eat the loss on this one". Seriously.

Congratulations.

[tivoupgrade]

Gee, good to see that you are still not slamming anyone.

Ashu, I agree with you; Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease. (re: our other conversation, let's hope the high road pays off; some things I just don't want to be, even for a few hundred dollars).

[lwaddict]

"75$ to take a look at it"...

Touched a nerve did I? LOL.

[windracer]

Touched a nerve did I? LOL.
So why did you delete/edit all your posts? :confused:

[ashu]

It's unlikely the poster deleted them ... it may have been a higher power (although I certainly had nought to do with it)! And the wonder of email updates (to some interesting threads) means I have a copy of his oh-so-mature personal attack in my inbox :)

[tivoupgrade]

"75$ to take a look at it"...

Touched a nerve did I? LOL.

Lets just say that you touched a nerve with your very first post, you know, the one where you began insulting people and then continued to so, repeatedly.

My "take a look at it" comment was clearly and obviously directed to Cynthia as an alternative to sending her unit to Toshiba. I've only been working on these units for about seven years now, so when I make an assessment of what may be wrong, I usually know what I'm talking about. In her case, the inability to burn DVD's in the manner in which she described is more likely to be a problem with the hard drive, then the burner or the unit itself.

My offer was also coupled with a recommendation on how she could diagnose the problem herself or with the help of someone with some PC experience.

If you have anything constructive to add, aside from calling everyone in here 'stupid' and 'foolish' for trying to help or actually liking the products which they own, I'm sure it will be welcome. Beyond that, I'll just go ahead and figure out how to use the "ignore" filter. LOL. Whatever.

[Pvgibbs]

Ok so it looks like my Hard Drive has failed...getting "powering up", "welcome", and GSOD cycle for two days now -- even after a 24-hour rest period.

Since its almost 2 years old, I am past the Toshiba Warranty...however I did purchase (for some reason!?!) the BestBuy PSP.

Has -anyone- had success taking TX-RS20s back to Best Buy for a real Hard Drive repair?

---- UPDATE ----

I just didnt have faith BestBuy would know what to do with my TX-RS20 -- and I didnt want some other Tivo/DVR, so I purchased a 250gb Upgrade Kit and installed it myself.

[windracer]

Has -anyone- had success taking TX-RS20s back to Best Buy for a real Hard Drive repair?
Good question. Somehow I doubt Best Buy will repair/replace the hard drive. They'll probably try to replace it. Since the Toshiba's aren't manufactured anymore, they might try to set you up with a newer/refurb unit (but then it wouldn't have a DVD burner in it). Not sure how they'll handle that ...

[lwaddict]

Ashu...not sure if it's the hat but...
Wrong again. LOL.
I DID delete my own posts out of respect to the rest of the board. LOL.
You're on a streak.

After cruising around the site, it would seem that there are a lot of helpful people here and I didn't want our spat tainting what could be a useful site to people looking for help. Reading my vents and your snide quips could easily dissuade someone new from sticking around...so I removed mine. You can save them and read them at your leisure. LOL.

Pvgibbs...
Best Buy will, more than likely, replace the unit with something in the same price range. Really push for something with a burner though, if they still exist. I've had great dealings with the Best Buy customer service people and am sure they'll do what they can to help you out.

tivoupgrade...
my apologize if I misfired in your direction. I was reading quickly and took your offer as a response to my post. My bad. And I didn't call anyone 'stupid' or 'foolish'...all I stated was my confusion at the acceptance of bad product. When I buy PC stuff, I see clearly all around me boxes of parts and manuals and video tutorials...so I know that I'm going into something that'll require more of my time than just plugging in and enjoying it. When I bought the Tivo...it was just there, hooked up to a tv. I know better now.
Again, my bad and I apologize to you.

[ashu]

Ashu...not sure if it's the hat but...
Wrong again. LOL.
I DID delete my own posts out of respect to the rest of the board. LOL.
You're on a streak.

After cruising around the site, it would seem that there are a lot of helpful people here and I didn't want our spat tainting what could be a useful site to people looking for help. Reading my vents and your snide quips could easily dissuade someone new from sticking around...so I removed mine. You can save them and read them at your leisure. LOL.



:rolleyes:

:p

[lwaddict]

:rolleyes:

:p

:cool:

[kcir]

After installing a new disk, loading it with an InstantCake image and having it get all the updates things were working again. However, now intermittantly the machine freezes up when I select items to be recorded either in season pass manager or just from the program guide. I can eject the DVD and re-insert it, but nothing else works. Not even the standby button. Pushing xome buttons i=on the remote results in nothing while others cause the bad thing noise to come over the tv audio. The video image does not freeze on the screen. Does anyone know why this would be happening?

[tivoupgrade]

After installing a new disk...

The most common cause of what you've described is that of a defective hard drive. If you haven't run full diagnostics on it, then you really should (it doesn't matter whether the drive is new or not - in fact, if it is a brand new drive, all the more reason to).

Another possibility is that your unit is just still busy processing updates and populating guide data; this type of activity always takes precedence over interaction with the remote; so unless your unit has been sitting for 4-6 hours since downloading its last service update, then you might want to leave it be for awhile and see if that makes a difference.

Other causes of the problem could be a damaged IDE cable, or perhaps you might have dislodged the cable that connects the front panel of the unit to the system board.

And lastly, there have been some complaints about the new 8.X software causing some problems. This is probably the least likely of the scenarios, but still a possibility.

[thomps13]

My RS-TX20 DVD Tivo hard drive is dead/corrupt, will not boot. Please please please, someone, please tell me someone has an MFS backup of one of these units... I'm fully knowledgable how to restore the unit and do the Clear/Delete everything to get it to work without the nag messages, I just need a proper backup image.

PLEASE HELP!

[ssee8888]

Can anyone help me...

Since last sunday 1/7/07, I can not download the TV guide to my TiVo.

When it connected it said it cannot update until the software update on 2:00AM. The software update came and went it appears to have updated correctly. Now my tivo connects correctly but does not download any of the guide data. When I hit guide, all I have is " To Be Announce ??? "........

I called Toshiba, they said it's TiVo problem, but when I call TiVo, since I did not pay for anything, they would not tell me anything & siad it's Toshiba problem.

When I test the connection it says the connection was successful but never says it is downloading any data.

Also, after the download, some of the functions from the setup did not work. Unless I power off the Tivo......

I noticed that when the Tivo power up, it said " installing software ". I am wondering what version of the software is installing ??? I Checked the version I have, it's ver 7.1 somthing like that........

PLEASE PLEASE someone can help me.. I still can record shows, but just no info of the show. Now, I have all the shows recored on my TiVo with the date & channels that it. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Steve from Westmont, IL. Any help would be appreciated.

[billyacc]

Does anyone know if tv shows recorded on the TX-20 can be converted to view on a video iPOD?

Thanks!

[azitnay]

Yes... The supported method is to upgrade to TiVo Desktop Plus for $25:

http://www.tivo.com/4.9.4.1-2.asp

Drew

[billyacc]

Yes... The supported method is to upgrade to TiVo Desktop Plus for $25:

http://www.tivo.com/4.9.4.1-2.asp

Drew

Thanks!

[cjensen026]

Originally Posted by ashu
Same setup should allow the Toshiba boxen to functiona perfectly

Boxen...lol.

Mine comes tomorrow! A lot of RS-TXs are selling on ebay lately.

Thanks for all the useful posts over the last 2 years.

[alanpgh]

I have owned an RS-TX20 since May of 2004.

No problems encountered so far.

I just works! A Series 2 Tivo with a DVD burner; and recently Tivo Desktop and Tivocast!

All I can say is that it is one of my best purchases in recent years!

Good Luck!

Alan

[MungoJerrie]

I bought a Toshiba RS-TX20 from someone who previously had purchased lifetime on it (not basic lifetime, "real" lifetime). Anyway this guy actually sold the lifetime on ebay and the buyer transferred it to an Series 3 per the VIP program. So now I have the 1-year complimentary service...

But after the complimetary service expires, will the Toshiba revert to basic and still allow the basic program guide functionality, etc? It's running 8.1 if that matters.

As an aside I called TiVo and tried to have it transferred to my account (figured I could at least enjoy MRV for a year) but of course they wouldn't do it. So I love my TX20 but I just can't control it :(

Oh, and one other thing, the HD was going so I bought a new HD and InstantCake. Restored beautifully, but the model is "unknown" even after a CD&E. The TSN is correct, it's been connecting fine; will this matter down the line?

[windracer]

Yes, the box should revert to TiVo Basic when the 1-year subscription expires. I did the same thing to my own TX20 ... transferred the Lifetime to my S3 figuring I can either pay the subscription fee for Plus once the complimentary year is over, or let it expire and then sell it with the Basic service.

So this guy sold you the box, but "kept" the Lifetime service and then transferred it out from under you? :eek: Sounds like you should have transferred the box into your name when you purchased it. I hope you didn't pay a lot.

[ashu]

Nahh, seems more like someone (in breach of the terms of the VIP Lifetime transfer) transferred a box (whose Lifetime Plus he just moved to S3) to a 3rd Party (MungoJerrie).

very unlikely TiVo will be TOO upset about it, as MJ discovered when he called CS, but NO WAY they'll transfer it to his account - thus making it incapable of TTG/MRV!

[MungoJerrie]

Nahh, seems more like someone (in breach of the terms of the VIP Lifetime transfer) transferred a box (whose Lifetime Plus he just moved to S3) to a 3rd Party (MungoJerrie).That's exactly what happened. The guy was up front about it, and he knew the HD was going so he sold it to me cheap. I figured it was worth it for the Tivo Basic. And it was too, love the 1-step DVD burning. MRV isn't critical to me on this machine since you can't burn MRV'd shows anyway...

[billyacc]

Anyone have any audio issues with their RS-TX20? I can see video and the unit records, but I do not get audio. When I burn a show to a disk and play on a DVD player, it works and I can hear the audio.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Anyone have any audio issues with their RS-TX20? I can see video and the unit records, but I do not get audio. When I burn a show to a disk and play on a DVD player, it works and I can hear the audio.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
I am not having the exact same problem as you but I have noticed a glitch in my RS-TX20's audio. I've noticed a bit of "static" in the audio but only in the left channel. The static only seems to happen on audio peaks. Almost like the audio level is too high and is being clipped but I don't believe that is the case. When I noticed it happening it was doing it on recorded and "live" audio. It's not happening all of the time or if it is I have tuned it out. I hope this is not a precursor to the problem that you are having.

[RMcPher1]

I just joined this forum to search for answers and I just found out that my TX-20 has the same audio problem as others. I copied a VCR tape using the front component inputs about 6 moths ago with no problems but today no audio. Searching the TiVo forum I found multiple users with this problem and just not with the Toshiba DVRs. Take a look at 'No sound while recording from VCR' thread but rightnow there is no answer to the problem other than they are working on it.

[tivofanatic]

I've had the T60 for a little more than a year. The last couple of weeks I've been experiencing trouble. Sometimes the menu does not appear, and I get a message to contact TIVO to have my service turned on. Sometimes I'm unable to transfer files from my other TIVO. Just today, the remote would not do anything except turn the TV on and off. In the past if I restart the TIVO, the problem is resolved. Today I had to unplug it since the remote was not pulling up the menu. I'm guessing the unit is slowly dying. Does anyone have any advice? The service pack I have is 8.1 - if that helps.

[kendallohio]

I have had my TX-60 for about two weeks and so far everything seems to be working well. I was wondering though if it is possible to record a program while watching a different channel. I could have sworn I had seen info on this at one time but now I can not find it.

thanks for any help,

Bob

[azitnay]

The RS-TX60 only has one tuner, so it's not possible to watch one live TV channel while recording something on another (although you can watch something that's already recorded while recording something else).

If you have cable, the easiest thing to do is split the cable, and feed one end directly into the TV. That way, you can switch over to the TV's tuner when you want to watch live TV.

Drew

[kendallohio]

Actually I have Sat (dishnetwork) and there is a coaxial connection that I plugged directly to the tv the other night. I found if I put the tivo on standby I could watch tv directly with the sat but when I changed the channel the tivo recorded what I changed the channel to.

I am sure I am just doing something wrong, any help?

[azitnay]

I don't know much about satellite, but I'm guessing the coaxial cable is coming directly from the satellite receiver, right? Thus, the TV is really sharing the same input as the TiVo, and when you change what the TV receives, it changes what the TiVo receives as well.

Typically, with satellite, you'd have to get two satellite receivers (one for the TiVo, the other for the TV).

Drew

[ashu]

If this coaxial cable is coming FROM the satellite box, it carries the same channel & A/V info (at a lower quality than the SVideo/LR audio cable from the sat box to the TiVo. Don't bother using this cable at all - the satellite box has only one output (unless its one of those funky two-room units!)

Do you have to tune your TV to channel 3 (or 4) to watch what this coaxial cable carries to the TV? That would confirm you're using it as I conjectured above.

As Drew suggested - you'd need a second sat box to watch a different channel, while the TiVo retains full control over the 1st and records its output.

[bferring]

I've had my RS-TX20 for 2 years now and am please with its performance; however, it has recently started acting flaky. For the past couple days, it has been randomly rebooting. From what I can tell searching the forums, I may be having hard drive problems.

I have since cleared off a bunch of old programs and it has not rebooted for a while, so it may only be one bad area on the drive.

I found the instructions on how to perform an MFS check on the TiVo support web page, but the light sequences for the TX20 don't seem to match.

I plan to eventually replace the hard drive, since I am guessing it still bad or going bad and it is out of warranty anyway. I would like to keep it running for the time being, since it is on my primary TV, so can anyone help me with how to perform an MFT check?

Thanks!

[MartinB981]

We have a tx-60 and have successfully burned DVDs for months - no problem.

A few weeks back, we started getting the internal error message I've read about in this thread - it usually happens in the very last minute or so.

Strangely enough, when we switch to DVD-RW 4x discs, there doesn't seem to be a problem. However, I bought a huge Memorex DVD-R spindle a few weeks ago.
Aside from restarting the device (didn't work for us), has anyone found an answer?

I went through the manual and it makes no mention thyat the machine can't burn at 8x and has to be restricted to 1x-4x.

[keshler]

Anyone have any audio issues with their RS-TX20? I can see video and the unit records, but I do not get audio. When I burn a show to a disk and play on a DVD player, it works and I can hear the audio. Any suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks!

I have the problem but only if I use the secondary (front panel) inputs. Happened about 2 -3 months ago.

Haven't tried recording it to DVD and seeing if audio is present. Would be a step up since I mainly use it to transfer from VCR tapes to DVD.

BTW: Thread to "No sound while recording from VCR" thread mentioned above is:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=328854&page=1&pp=30

[keshler]

TWC switched our area from the old AD lineup to theirs today. Happened to catch a RS-TX20 Power-Up this am which I thought would bring the new lineup but it did not occur. I use the Cable box for channel changes (to keep the 30 min reserve intact) so my daily recordings still have the proper info. [Plan is Basic]

Anyone else been through such a change? Did the lineup change automagically or did you have to call someone about it?

Thanks

[azitnay]

Report a lineup issue to TiVo here:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/LineUpForm.aspx

Drew

[keshler]

Report a lineup issue to TiVo here:
http://customersupport.tivo.com/LineUpForm.aspx
Drew

Thanks Drew. Went to the link and gave required information except Tivo # (didn't know it and besided I'm the paranoid type). Got a response in about 2 1/2 hours. It is listed below for when others go through the change. Odd that they did not do it automatically as I have gotten messages when other minor changes have occured.
==========================================
Dear Valued TiVo Customer,

Thank you for contacting TiVo’s Channel Lineup Department. To resolve your channel lineup issue, please complete a small Advanced portion of the Guided Setup by following these steps:

Go to:

- TiVo Central (by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote)
- Select Messages and Settings
- Select Settings
- Select Channels
- Select Channel List
- Press the ENTER key

[My input: It will ask you to push the thumbs down button 3 times]

You will be prompted to repeat a portion of the Guided Setup. Follow the onscreen instructions until you get to the screen titled "Cable/Satellite Channel Lineup".

When you get to the Cable/Satellite Channel Lineup screen, press the ENTER key on your remote to enter the Advanced Setup (as indicated in white lettering at the bottom of the screen). You will now see the Select Cable Lineup screen.

On the Select Cable Lineup screen, select the INSERT YOUR CITY HERE - Digital Rebuild Extended Basic Lineup. You will be asked to confirm that this is the correct lineup. Please continue to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Guided Setup process.

We suggest that you also revisit the Channel List screen to make sure that all of the channels you receive are check-marked.

Because you did not provide enough information to create a customer listing in our database, we do not have a record of this conversation and are unable to provide you with a case reference number.

If you have any further questions, comments or concerns, please contact TiVo Customer Support at 877-367-8486. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We are open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific time everyday.

Thank you for choosing TiVo!

Best Regards,
TiVo Lineup Specialist

[freeze12]

Wish I had a hard drive problem like some of You TX-20 owners have as I have an extended warranty on My unit & for the life of me cannot get the hard drive to die.The reason I say this is that the warranty will soon expire & I know that the drive will bite the dust as soon as the warranty expires.Tried unplugging & plugging etc....nohing works!

[azitnay]

If you're attempting to forcibly break your unit to obtain a warranty replacement prior to your warranty's expiration, you're not going to find too many friends around here.

There's no reason to think your hard drive will necessarily die shortly after the warranty expires... I've never cracked the case on my RS-TX20, and its original hard drive has been chugging along just fine for over two years now.

If and when when the inevitable does happen (which will hopefully be years down the road), replacing a TiVo's hard drive yourself isn't too tough a task.

Drew

[Chester_Lampwick]

Not a lot of people will agree with me, but the Maxtor drive in the RS-TX20 is better than the Seagate in the Humax models......

[lafos]

That's good to know. I have a used RS-TX20 on its way to me now. Based on my past with various TiVo units, I'm planning on pulling the drive and getting an image after it gets any software updates. I'm seriously considering replacing the burner right away, too, as I own DVD+R media and the docs on the Toshiba indicate that it uses DVD-R only. With a few hundred disks around, a new burner is about the same cost as buying a spindle of media.

[ashu]

The burner is DVD+-R/RW capable, the software isn't.

[lafos]

Huh? If I replace the drive, it's still limited to -R??

[ashu]

Affirmative. Existing drive already is +-R/RW and +R Dl capable. Nothing but -R and -RW will work. Don't ask ME why :)

[freeze12]

If you're attempting to forcibly break your unit to obtain a warranty replacement prior to your warranty's expiration, you're not going to find too many friends around here.

There's no reason to think your hard drive will necessarily die shortly after the warranty expires... I've never cracked the case on my RS-TX20, and its original hard drive has been chugging along just fine for over two years now.

If and when when the inevitable does happen (which will hopefully be years down the road), replacing a TiVo's hard drive yourself isn't too tough a task.

Drew
I have never opened the case on My Tivo,but reading all the posts the drives are not very reliable & do not last long. I paid extra for an extended warranty in which is in effect now. The only thing I have tried is the every once in a while unplugging the Tivo hoping to get the green screen of death.Toshiba does not do the extended warranty repair on this unit as per My warranty paperwork states.

[azitnay]

What you are reading is the vocal minority. Go check the Series3 forum for an example :). The vast majority of us are very happy with our Series3's, but in reading that forum you'd think the Series3 was a complete disaster.

I don't know how long your extended warranty is, but there's no question that your drive will fail eventually. Hard drives, like other moving parts, simply have limited life spans. However, I can attest that of the many TiVos I've purchased or otherwise obtained for myself or friends and family over the years, I've only ever had a single original TiVo drive fail on me (although I've had at least three upgrade drives fail). The lone failure was the original 60GB in a TCD140060 that was bought on eBay, and it failed just a couple weeks after I received it. When I cracked the case to replace it, I noticed that the case fan had been disconnected, which probably means the unit had been running hot for months or even years, and we all know that heat kills hard drives.

No matter what, I still think it's stupid to try to break something... Besides, all TiVos are designed to handle a plug-pulling gracefully (although every power cycle does put undue stress on the drives).

Drew

[ashu]

every power cycle does put undue stress on the drives

Drew


And the power supply - which you don't want to do, because it's failure may be precipitated BY your actions, but may not happen until AFTER your extended warranty expires.

Just leave it be, as Drew is nicely suggesting :)
You don't go crashing your car into every lamppost just before the insurance runs out, to get "Value For Money" for all the premiums you've paid all year, now do you? :eek:

[freeze12]

[QUOTE=azitnay]What you are reading is the vocal minority. Go check the Series3 forum for an example :). The vast majority of us are very happy with our Series3's, but in reading that forum you'd think the Series3 was a complete disaster.

Series 3 ?? I thought the Toshiba RS-TX20 is a series 2 unit? Well as I said...it was just a try as it is no great loss if I have to buy another unit.The USB port has not worked for a long time but I do not need it and all in all it has been a good unit as I have no trouble burning - DVD's of various speeds. Anyone have any idea why the burners were discontinued,was it in part of Tivo?.....Thanks all for responding & I do not mean to offend anyone as I really like this forum & visit it a LOT even thought I do not post a lot :)

[azitnay]

Yes, the RS-TX20 is a Series2. I was only mentioning the Series3 forum as an example of a vocal minority.

If one or both of the USB ports are truly broken, I'd consider that reason enough to invoke your extended warranty.

Drew

[ACD#1]

I'm about to chunk it out the window or take it to the marina to sell as a boat anchor...

Original one quit after about 13 months--no video output. Called Toshiba and the quickly offered to extend the manufacter's warranty, to send it in and they would take care of it.

They took care of it ok; sent me a refurb. It refused to go past the "almost there" screen in the programmng phone call. Repeatedly. Called them again, sent it back in, they returned the same unit.

This time it wouldn't go beyond "Powering up". Both LEDs on.

Called again, sent in again, returned again, same problem again.

Searching the forums tells me it is probably the HDD or the power supply. Never been in one due to "void warranty" issue thing, but am tempted to take matters into my own hands since Toshiba seems to be incapable of correcting the issue. If it wasnt' for the hassle of reinstalling the thing into the entertainment system, I would keep sending it back to them until they get it right.

Is the power supply the same as a computer power supply? Can I pull it out and take it down to my local computer shop and have them test it?

Which is the first thing to replace--power supply or hdd?

Thanks.

[azitnay]

In general, hard drives fail more often than power supplies... However, your specific problem does sound like the power supply.

Given that power supplies aren't trivial to replace, since it sounds like you still have a warranty option, I'd take it. Try telling them you think it's the power supply this time, and see if they have any more luck in fixing it. You can't just use a standard computer power supply. WeaKnees does sell replacement power supplies for some TiVo models at http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-power-supply.php, but I don't see the RS-TX listed.

Beyond that, since it's easy to test the hard drive by putting it in a computer and running diagnostics on it, that'd be one other thing to try.

Drew

[ashu]

Just be sure not to plunk the drive into a Windows XP PC - it'll likely nuke the MBR and render it TiVo-unrecognizable until you write a fresh image on it. (Of course, if you DO have access to an RSTX image, this would be fine!)

I find that the Ultimate Boot CD is the best option to diagnose drives. Remember to BIOS-disable or even physeically disconnect your WinXP drive first, and boot from the UBCD CD.

[zogger]

My RS-TX20 is caught in a reboot loop. I inserted a DVD last night that I burned on my computer and it seems to have caused the DMS to restart. It gets partway through the start up and then goes back to the beginning. I can't eject the DVD because the unit never gets to a point where the buttons work. I'm guessing that the DVD is the culprit since it's what triggered the situation but don't know for sure. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

zogger, Turn off (unplug) the power to your TiVo. carefully pull down the front door of the DVD tray. It is purely cosmetic and it will open easily. Behind that door you will see the actual DVD drive tray. Below the tray is a small circular opening. Take the end of a paper clip, insert it into the hole and gently push. Note: the paperclip should be as close as you can get to straight & level. The tray should open enough for you to be able to pull it open and retreive the DVD.

Plug it back in and hopefully (if the DVD really was the cause of the problem) you'll be back in business.

[zogger]

zogger, Turn off (unplug) the power to your TiVo. carefully pull down the front door of the DVD tray. It is purely cosmetic and it will open easily. Behind that door you will see the actual DVD drive tray. Below the tray is a small circular opening. Take the end of a paper clip, insert it into the hole and gently push. Note: the paperclip should be as close as you can get to straight & level. The tray should open enough for you to be able to pull it open and retreive the DVD.

Plug it back in and hopefully (if the DVD really was the cause of the problem) you'll be back in business.

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately behind the cosmetic door is nothing but the actual drive and there's no circular opening. I looked earlier hoping to find a manual release as can be found often on a regular DVD player. No such luck and Toshiba is less than no help at all. Again - thanks for trying!

My next step is to remove the cover and see if by removing the DVD drive I can find a way to manually open it.

[windracer]

Unfortunately behind the cosmetic door is nothing but the actual drive and there's no circular opening. I looked earlier hoping to find a manual release as can be found often on a regular DVD player.
Actually, the manual eject hole is there, it's just hidden beneath the plastic bevel. If you shine a flashlight in and look on the left-hand side of the drive, just past the end of the HDD light on the outside frame, you'll see it. It's a sharp angle, though. I just tried on mine to manually open the door and was not able to ... you might have better luck.

You might be better off just opening the case.

I guess the other question is ... are you sure it's the DVD? Where exactly does it reboot? Do you get to TiVo Central, or is it happening on the "Please Wait" or "Almost There" screens?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

It's there, but like windracer said, it's hidden pretty well. On my unit it is about 1 to 1 1/4 inch from the left side of the drive. It is at a very awkward angle. I've been able to use it to open my drive, so I know it works. You might have to fish around a little first.

[ashu]

Also try keeping the Eject button pressed as you power up the RSTX - I *think* I've had success with this procedure with my Humax DRT (essentially identical unit)

[zogger]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have another look. Regarding the reboot routine, it gets to the point of asking me press Select to accept the component video hookup and then goes back to the startup and I get the Please Wait, Almost there messages but never get to Tivo Central. Weaknees wants to sell me a new HDD drive, but since it was working fine until I inserted the DVD, I'm guessing that it is the culprit so want to try and verify that is the case before scrapping the drive.

[zogger]

By removing the cover and pulling out the DVD drive I was able to get at the eject hole. Once I removed the DVD it powered up just fine. Now if I could just figure out how a DVD could cause the DMS to do what it did......

[windracer]

Yeah, that is really strange! Glad you were able to fix it though.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Totally uneducated guess in 3...
2...
1...

Since the Tivo is basically a computer, maybe it was trying to boot off of the DVD drive for some crazy reason.

Stupid computerses. I hates computerses. They are always spying on me and making me go to the internet.

[ashu]

"Stupid" Computerses? No - they're my Precious(es)!

[zogger]

Totally uneducated guess in 3...
2...
1...

Since the Tivo is basically a computer, maybe it was trying to boot off of the DVD drive for some crazy reason.

Stupid computerses. I hates computerses. They are always spying on me and making me go to the internet.

Hadn't thought of the possibility that the DMS was trying to boot off the DVD drive and it makes sense. Given that Toshiba offers next to nothing in terms of support, we are left to making it up.

[windracer]

Hook up a USB keyboard, press F1 to get into the BIOS, and remove the DVD drive from the boot order.

:D

just kidding, of course

So what DVD was it?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Hook up a USB keyboard, press F1 to get into the BIOS, and remove the DVD drive from the boot order.

:D

just kidding, of course

So what DVD was it?

HOW TO: Boot a TiVo From Your DVD Drive In 3 Easy Steps.


:D

[lafos]

I just picked up a RS-TX20 and I like it! No need for a splitter or Standby, as the RF goes through no matter what. Is this unique to the TX20 and TX60? I know that I have to put my SD-H400's in standby to get RF passthrough, and my SA S2 boxes need standby or splitters.

It's also nice and quiet, which helps as it's in the bedroom. The only downside is it's very slow to show the guide or the menu when it's on live TV (several seconds). It's on version 8.1 now, but I put it on the priority list for the next update.

Is the slowness typical of this model?

[azitnay]

The RF passthrough at all times is unique to the DVD burner models AFAIK, so that's the Pioneer 57H and 810H, Toshiba RS-TX20 and RS-TX60, and Humax DRT400 and DRT800.

Since the RS-TX units are based on TiVo's 5xx (Series 2.5) hardware, they are a bit slower than older units such as 1xx and 2xx models... Some people complain that it's too slow, and some people live with it. Personally, we're still using our RS-TX20 as the main DVD player on the plasma in the living room, as well as a third (albeit not HD) TiVo tuner for the busier TV nights, and it's not unbearable for me.

Drew

[windracer]

My TX20 has been slower as of late, and has even started stuttering when watching Live TV behind in the buffer. I think it started when I upgraded the HD earlier this year, so I'm wondering if I messed something up with regards to swap space or something like that. I just haven't had the chance to put the original drive back in to see if performance improves.

[blacknoi]

I just picked up a RS-TX20 and I like it!

Where did you find yours?

[tmcguire]

Connection questions. I have the RS-TX60 and as you know it has several outputs. Can you use all of them simultaneously or are they just options.

My true question is... can i run Component (RGB) to my TV and also run Composite (Standard RCA) to my Video Distribution Box. The video distribution box, broadcasts the inputs on my own "in house" channel. The reason I want to connect this way is because the signal is not that great over coax, but I can live with it on my bedroom TV if I want to watch something on Tivo.

[Chester_Lampwick]

They all output simultaneously. You should be good to go with wideo distribution.

[MeImmortal1]

I have a Toshiba SD-400 in one room and a Toshiba RS-TX20 in the other. Can I link them up in order to watch programs I've recorded on one, in the other room? I use the regualr phone line to connect them. Maybe I need to get that wireless thing? I am new to Tivo and new to the board, so any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated, I'm not very tech savvy :rolleyes: Thanks in advance :)

[azitnay]

You do indeed need to connect them to the same ethernet network (and wireless is one way of doing that) to get MRV to work... But you also need to subscribe them both to TiVo Plus (I only mention this in case one or both are currently on the free TiVo Basic).

Drew

[slharp]

I have two Toshiba rs-tx20 machines. One works well the other freezes at least once per day. I replaced the HDD in the problem machine with one from WeaKnees. Still freezes at least once per day. Have to power it down and restart it every day. Any suggestions?

[lafos]

Where did you find yours?

ebay. A vendor had a few used units a few months ago. It came in good working order, sans remote or manual. The OFA URC6131 remote works fine, as do Harmony or the Tivo peanut.

[lafos]

Connection questions. I have the RS-TX60 and as you know it has several outputs. Can you use all of them simultaneously or are they just options.

My true question is... can i run Component (RGB) to my TV and also run Composite (Standard RCA) to my Video Distribution Box. The video distribution box, broadcasts the inputs on my own "in house" channel. The reason I want to connect this way is because the signal is not that great over coax, but I can live with it on my bedroom TV if I want to watch something on Tivo.

Let me know if this works. The Toshiba has a menu item for interlaced vs. progressive. All of my TVs with component need progressive output, but none of them like progressive on composite or s-video. I don't know that you can have one interlaced and one progressive, but I doubt it, as there's only one option for all outputs.

[ashu]

The progressive setting only affects the Component outputs, AFAIR. I'm quite sure I have my RSTX20 connected to my received by SVideo and Component (progressive) simultaneously.

In any case, progressive changes only the Component output from 480i to 480p ... and depending on the quality of the deinterlacer in you TV, it may do a better job than forcing Progressive on your DVD player or Toshiba TiVo/DVD's Component output!

[lafos]

Well, that's another difference from the SD-H400, then. I know that if I flip the external switch to progressive, then I lose the picture from composite and s-video.

[ashu]

Really? I'll have to try this while I have my SDH400 downstairs with access to a Progressive-capable TV!

(side note ... I *FINALLY* dumped the dead 80Gig drive and replaced it with a 250! After paying the sub fee for it for ... I've lost count how many months ... while it was dead! Thanks for the various image files, folks - you know who you are :) )

[morgancva]

Hello, I am new here. My TX20 is about 2 1/2 years old. I'm getting the "pause n' play fits" during playback during a recorded show and during live TV that hasn't caught up to real time. Also have had a couple of screens freeze after hitting stop.

From what I gather here, this is likely the start of a dying HD although I did see a post that said they still got them after a replacement HD (didn't yet find further responses but I am curious).

It's still under a Best Buy extended warranty. They tell me they have to ship it out to the manufacturer per agreements and it'll take a couple of weeks.

I've read a couple of posts about a similar situation where the unit was still not happy after a couple of returns; I did not see an end result if they tried again. Any insight as to what I should expect?

I have also gathered that our power outtage a couple of days ago may have been the culprit, and that a UPS might help condition the power. If I lose power while I'm not at home, will the UPS offer a "nicer" shutdown and startup or am I only buying an hour to shutdown the TIVO if I can get to it? Also, I'm seeing a lot of cost in most UPSs; any good advice as to what I should afford would be appreciated.

Thanks very much.

[Flyinace2000]

Do our boxes work with Amazon Unboxed? I ordered a show and it has yet to show up in my Now Playing list.


Thanks
-Will

[azitnay]

It should work... You might have to call CS.

Your RS-TX is connected via ethernet and not phone, right?

Drew