Official Toshiba RS-TX Owners Club

[windracer]

Also check your Media Library on Amazon. It should show the status of any download being sent to your TiVo. I've successfully downloaded Unbox content to my TX20 in the past.

[lafos]

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

When you try it, you need to put the SD-H400 in standby and then wake it up to have the switch take effect. At least, that's what I found with mine. I had it connected to a TV that does not like progressive. No signal on composite or s-video when progressive was turned on, and worked fine with it off, after cycling standby mode.

Also, on my RS-TX20, the screen for turning on progressive indictaes that it should only be used with component cables. Would definitely like to hear of any experience with it on using other connections.

[ashu]

Ummm - progressive (480p) only APPLIES to Component cables - the triumvirate of Red, Green and blue connectors on the back (of your SDH400 and TV) - just clarifynig that incase it wasn't.

In a relatively short run, you can use regular RCA cables (the kind you'd use for the Yellow Composite connectors, or the Red?White stereo audio connectors) to carry component info to the TV. The 3 cables ONLY carry video - audio still has to go over the Red/White or out on of the digital audio outs in back.

SVideo and Composite are limited to feeble represnetations of 480i subject to all manner of disturbance/interference etc (well, more composite than SVideo).

For more, read this Wiki article about Component (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video) and also the linked articles about Composite, SVideo etc ...

[Flyinace2000]

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

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

Drew

Yup, usb ethernet adatper.

[lafos]

Ummm - progressive (480p) only APPLIES to Component cables - the triumvirate of Red, Green and blue connectors on the back (of your SDH400 and TV) - just clarifynig that incase it wasn't.

In a relatively short run, you can use regular RCA cables (the kind you'd use for the Yellow Composite connectors, or the Red?White stereo audio connectors) to carry component info to the TV. The 3 cables ONLY carry video - audio still has to go over the Red/White or out on of the digital audio outs in back.

SVideo and Composite are limited to feeble represnetations of 480i subject to all manner of disturbance/interference etc (well, more composite than SVideo).

For more, read this Wiki article about Component (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video) and also the linked articles about Composite, SVideo etc ...

I understand that. The observed behavior on my two SD-H400's is that if the switch is progressive, I do not get video out on composite or s-video. Learned this by accident when I moved one from an HDTV using component to a SD TV and didn't change the switch.

[revoredo]

HELP!!!

I love this box. Sure, I'm enjoying HD on my Time Warner HD DVR... but I'll get a TiVo HD DVR soon enough.

However, nothing compares to how close TiVo is coming to integrating the access and immediacy of the internet with home entertainment. Too bad they have to depend on service providers... and too bad those service providers have to depend on content producers. If only everyone had their head in the game. We'd be surfing the net, buying and downloading movies, shopping and emailing all on our home TVs... all in HD.

But alas, we live in the real world where paranoid, old-school business leaders think with their heads up their arses.

Anyway, back to my point.

After my upgrade to HD, my Toshiba TS-TX60 moved to an analog cable line, but stayed connected to my home network via a USB network adapter. This worked beautifully and remained so... recently I found that it hadn't connected in a while due to a disconnected cable. I situated the box at another monitor and went through guided setup to reset the connection to non-box cable connection.

What do you know... although my RS-TX60 succeeds in connecting to TiVo for the setup download, it fails to connect when downloading the "program info."

In fact, it stays stuck at "preparing"... as in preparing connection... and never leaves. Each time, I have to disconnect the power to restart the process.

This has happened several times now. A call to TiVo led me to a useless TiVo support message assuring me that it could take up to 24 hours. B.S. I tried that using both the network adapter (broadband) connection AND dialup.

Damn.

2 hours. 8 hours. 24+ hours. It just doesn't work.

Corrupt? I doubt it, but what do I know.

TiVo seems to think it's a Toshiba problem, since they see records of successful connections during the first phase setup dial-in. Toshiba seems to think it's a TiVo server problem since the device connects properly during the first phase setup dial-in.

See what I'm dealing with here.

Tell me I'm not alone. I've seen this same post on a few other forums... but they've been abandoned without a solution. Where is a Guru when I need one.

HELP!!!

Thanks.

[tivoupgrade]

HELP!!!

I love this box. Sure, I'm enjoying HD on my Time Warner HD DVR... but I'll get a TiVo HD DVR soon enough.

However, nothing compares to how close TiVo is coming to integrating the access and immediacy of the internet with home entertainment. Too bad they have to depend on service providers... and too bad those service providers have to depend on content producers. If only everyone had their head in the game. We'd be surfing the net, buying and downloading movies, shopping and emailing all on our home TVs... all in HD.

But alas, we live in the real world where paranoid, old-school business leaders think with their heads up their arses.

Anyway, back to my point.

After my upgrade to HD, my Toshiba TS-TX60 moved to an analog cable line, but stayed connected to my home network via a USB network adapter. This worked beautifully and remained so... recently I found that it hadn't connected in a while due to a disconnected cable. I situated the box at another monitor and went through guided setup to reset the connection to non-box cable connection.

What do you know... although my RS-TX60 succeeds in connecting to TiVo for the setup download, it fails to connect when downloading the "program info."

In fact, it stays stuck at "preparing"... as in preparing connection... and never leaves. Each time, I have to disconnect the power to restart the process.

This has happened several times now. A call to TiVo led me to a useless TiVo support message assuring me that it could take up to 24 hours. B.S. I tried that using both the network adapter (broadband) connection AND dialup.

Damn.

2 hours. 8 hours. 24+ hours. It just doesn't work.

Corrupt? I doubt it, but what do I know.

TiVo seems to think it's a Toshiba problem, since they see records of successful connections during the first phase setup dial-in. Toshiba seems to think it's a TiVo server problem since the device connects properly during the first phase setup dial-in.

See what I'm dealing with here.

Tell me I'm not alone. I've seen this same post on a few other forums... but they've been abandoned without a solution. Where is a Guru when I need one.

HELP!!!

Thanks.

Something is corrupt. What's worse is that most of the time, that type of corruption is caused by a bad hard drive. No guarantees that that is the cause of the problem, but more times than not, that is the case.

If you are up for doing a 'clear and delete everything' the problem *might* go away. If it does, the problem may re-emerge. If it doesn't, well, it is still tough to say without actually running diagnostics on the drive.

[revoredo]

Thanks...

You mean "that type of corruption" as in failing to download program info, even though I successfully connect to download the setup info?

I find it incredible that this is symptomatic of hard drive corruption, as opposed to ancillary component failure. I expected recording problems or artifacted recordings to indicate the eventual death of my drive. Even so, I suppose it makes as much sense as any other explanation. I'm just surprised there haven't been consistent and numerous posts elsewhere that point to just this type of failure.

Thanks for the input... then again, are you hocking DVRupgrade services?
I'd hate to think this advice was biased. :)

"Clearing and Deleting" the device is definitely an option I'd be willing to pursue, but as I mentioned, I can't escape the setup cycle... constantly having to power down when it fails. If there is any advice on bypass controls I'm not aware of, those would be tremendously helpful.

I'd even be interested in reimaging the drive... though I'm a tadpole in the pool of TiVo modders. I have hard drives I can work with, but I'll have to scour the forums for the best instructions.

Any further, more detailed advice would be appreciated. I'll start looking into replacement/upgrade options while I burn out my last threads of hope in setting up this TiVo.

Danke.

[tivoupgrade]

Best recommendation... pull the drive and run diagnostics on it (you can download them from the manufacturer's web site). Run basic and advanced diagnostics on the drive (those are non-destructive). If you find something wrong, then you can seek the assistance of those who provide hockable services, or go the DIY route to take the next steps.

Most of the time, things like this are due to a bad drive. I don't have ESP, though - it could be something else. I'm just going by my experience, and what I can't recall is the last time I saw a problem like this that WASN'T a result of a bad hard drive, or a bad cable. Its just very rare for it not to be.

[ashu]

Google the Ultimate Boot CD - (boot from it and) use the diagnostics on it. Don't boot your system with your WinXP drive connected - there's a risk of Boot Record overwriting (on the TiVo disk, by XP, in it's infinite kindness)

[revoredo]

I may as well pull the drive regardless... a diagnostic is the only way to be sure.

I may go DIY just for the experience... are most of the TiVo features imaged on the drive, or are they embedded in firmware?

Are TiVo and Toshiba just afraid of admitting that hard drives go bad? Why are they continuing with the charade that they don't have a clue what might be going on? What fun!

[ashu]

No one is afraid to admit anything. Hard drives DO go bad. Have you realized your labor/parts warranty on most hard-drive-included devices is normally only 3/12 months? :)

[morgancva]

Help me please.

Best Buy has my TX20 and called me yesterday to say I was authorized for an exchange. (I think it's the HD.)

Tivo's site says that the lifetime can be transferred to a new box when it dies under the retailer's warranty. Anybody try this with any success?

I don't know what to do. Get another and transfer? Get the box back and try to fix it myself (hoping I can and hoping that BBuy didn't corrupt anything further)?

I don't see that they carry a Tivo with a DVD. If I get separate Tivo and dvd recorder units, can I still record shows from the Tivo HD to the dvd? Will it take an hour for an hour show, or will it be quicker to transfer (like it is on the TX20)?

Any suggestions on what I should get as a replacement?

I got a great deal on the TX20 and I figure BBuy will only exchange what I paid versus what it was worth (I bought it open box on Black Friday and stood in line for a couple of hours to pay, then I paid for the lifetime upgrade beyond Basic - so it's not like "my good deal" didn't come at a price).

I'd really appreciate the help. I miss Tivo. I got hooked with a good deal . . . now it's starting to look like it was just just temporary. Thanks, CM

[azitnay]

I believe TiVo's lifetime transfer policy for warranty exchanges technically only applies if the unit is replaced with the exact same model... So, if Best Buy can dig you up an RS-TX20, you should be fine, but if not, you might have to call TiVo and see if they can do anything for you. Definitely don't just let the lifetime go; if it comes down to it, replace the hard drive yourself (it's not too hard).

If you do somehow end up with a standard TiVo unit, you can use it in conjunction with a standalone DVD recorder... However, it'll be an analog transfer instead of the digital transfer you're used to with the RS-TX20 (i.e. you'll essentially just be playing on the TiVo and recording on the DVD recorder), so it'll take the entire length of the program.

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Another option is to use TiVo Desktop + a wifi network to transfer it to a PC with a DVD burner. It's slightly faster than a real time copy to a stand alone DVD recorder.

[ashu]

Best Buy *may* give you a dsicount on a current TiVo (DT or even S3) equivalent to the cost of your Toshiba ... in which case TiVo will (should!) allow you (only this once) to transfer Lifetime!

I'm QUITE sure this has happened to someone else whose TiVo died not too long ago

[morgancva]

Thank you all very much. :) I'll post back when this progresses. CM

[morgancva]

The answering machine had a message from Best Buy that says there are no more units like the one I have, and that replacement parts are not being manufactured anymore, so they'll give me a store credit for the purchase price.

While that sounds decent (if TiVo will transfer the lifetime subscription), I am skeptical about what I can get versus what I had.

For that matter, I am skeptical about getting the box back (and not getting anything for the trouble) because I am concerned that it may have more wrong with it than I can fix even with the help available here and elsewhere on the web.

Are TiVos with DVDs made anymore? I liked the rapid copy from the HD to DVD. I'm ignorant when it comes to TiVo Desktop, and frankly am not too keen about using my computer to do what my box did. (Does TiVo "reach out and touch" the PC, or does the PC run isolated from TiVo in the outside world?)

I get my signal from cable; I'm not yet paying for digital or High Def . . . does the kind of TiVo box care? Should I at this point if I am going to eventually make the switch?

What's special about the Series 3?

Thanks, CM

[windracer]

What's actually wrong with it? It could just be a dead hard drive, which is easily replaced (and you keep your lifetime service).

[azitnay]

I doubt any TiVo/DVD combos are being manufactured any more... They're getting harder and harder to find.

If Best Buy will let you attempt to repair it yourself, and still give you the option of a refund afterwards, I'd do that. Like windracer said, hard drives are the most common problem, and they're easily replaced. If you succeed, you've lost nothing (except perhaps the recordings and settings on the original drive).

I'm not quite sure what you're asking regarding the PC, but essentially, you run TiVo Desktop on the PC, which has the ability to transfer shows from the TiVo to the PC. It's in a DRM-encrypted format at first, so you either have the option of using the supported method of DVD burning, which is Sonic MyDVD, or stripping the DRM using various widely-available tools to convert it to a standard MPEG, which can be burned by practically any DVD burning software.

The Series3 is special in that it's the only non-DirecTV HD TiVo... Obviously, it's not a huge improvement if you don't yet have an HDTV, but if and when you get one, it'll become more and more of a necessity. The price has come down from $800 to $400 since it first came out, but unfortunately the lifetime transfer option has expired. Given your situation, though, you might be able to talk TiVo into allowing you to transfer your lifetime subscription to a new Series3, which would be a pretty killer deal. You would, of course, lose the ability to directly burn DVD's, and TiVoToGo isn't an option on the Series3 yet, but if you succeed in getting your RS-TX20 functional again, you could always use it in TiVo Basic mode to record only shows you know you want to burn.

Drew

[morgancva]

Sorry, I'm illiterate on how to make quotes so I need to do it the old fashioned way. This is what I originally posted . . .

"TX20 playback pause fits and what can I expect please?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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."

I didn't get any feedback and after a couple of days the unit got stuck in a "fix a serious problem, powering up, almost there, GSOD" loop. I tired to force a Clear & Delete based on what I read here but I couldn't get anything to change (many many tries). It was under an extended warranty I paid for, so I went ahead and took it back to Best Buy.

Regarding my recent post, I'm sure that Best Buy would be happy for me to take the box back because if I open it up, it'd end the warranty and they'd be off the hook. But it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway I guess. Further, according to the TiVo site, TiVo will only do a lifetime transfer only if the unit is returned under a retailer warranty so if I want the lifetime on a new unit, I have to return the old one under the Best Buy warranty.

Somebody here offered up Desktop as an alternative to a unit with a DVD recorder to rapidly copy a show (a feature I will miss). I'm not thrilled about having to use my PC to do what my TX did (not too convenient). And what I was trying to ask is when you use Desktop, how invasive is TiVo when installed on my PC (will TiVo call my PC in the middle of the night; does TiVo collect info from my PC like it does with my watching habits; paranoid stuff like that)?

I'm in a stinky situation but this is all helping me figure the least-of-all-evils way out.

Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it. CM

[azitnay]

It sounds to me like replacing the hard drive would almost certainly fix your GSOD loop problem. No guarantees, of course.

TiVo Desktop doesn't really do anything special that would involve contacting the mothership... It's really just there as a way to get stuff onto and off of the TiVo itself.

Drew

[tivosohn]

I just upgrade from a Toshiba SD-H400 to a TS-RX20. But I can't believe they actually dropped the damn "Power On/Off" button from the remote! This sucks, that means now everytime I want to put the unit to standby mode, I will have to go to the menu screen, then select the StandBy selection, then select it. I noticed they have the "TV Power" button. Is there a way for us to make that to become my "Tivo Power" button? :D

[windracer]

No, but there is a discrete IR code for Standby, so if you have a programmable remote (like a Harmony) you can program a button to use that Standby code (you can't do that with the peanut remote though).

There's also a Standby button on the front of the unit if you don't mind getting up. ;)

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Somebody here offered up Desktop as an alternative to a unit with a DVD recorder to rapidly copy a show (a feature I will miss). I'm not thrilled about having to use my PC to do what my TX did (not too convenient). And what I was trying to ask is when you use Desktop, how invasive is TiVo when installed on my PC (will TiVo call my PC in the middle of the night; does TiVo collect info from my PC like it does with my watching habits; paranoid stuff like that)?

I understand what you mean about using the PC to do what you paid for on your TiVo, but if you replace the RS-TX with a non DVD TiVo then transferring to the PC is pretty much the fastest way to burn to DVD. Otherwise you could connect it to a standalone DVD recorder and record the entire program in real time which means you won't be able to watch anything on the TiVo while you are recording to DVD. With the TiVo Desktop and TiVo To Go, transferring (only over a wifi network, BTW) programs to a PC is done in the background. Thus, you can still use the TiVo for as you normally would.

As for the TiVo and your computer whispering to each other about you behind your back... What you don't realize is that they already do that. You see that little TiVo guy on the front of the unit? Yeah. He's watching everything you do. He uses those little antennae on his head to communicate with the NSA, CIA, and FBI. Actually, one antennae communicates to them. The other scans your computer while simultaneously listening to your cell phone and cordless phone conversations. The best thing to do is take a little strip of duct tape and cover him up. This interferes with his little antennae and blinds him. That will give you a few minutes until the NSA, CIA, and FBI realize what's going on and scramble to come get you. ;)

Actually, no, I don't think they communicate to each other until you start and use the program. You have to tell it when to transfer a program. And you decide whether or not the software is even running or not. Not to mention, you can use TiVo Desktop and TiVo To Go to stream music and photos from your computer to your TiVo. Plus, it's free.

[morgancva]

Thanks for the info. Which antenae do I need to cover up? :p

Am I correct that a Series 3 does not have the capability to link to a PC?

Thanks, CM

[azitnay]

Yep, no transferring at all for the Series3 yet... Hopefully some day.

Drew

[tivosohn]

No, but there is a discrete IR code for Standby, so if you have a programmable remote (like a Harmony) you can program a button to use that Standby code (you can't do that with the peanut remote though).

There's also a Standby button on the front of the unit if you don't mind getting up. ;)

There's a discrete IR code for that feature? Can you please me the link to it? I do have a programmable remote which I can use my PC to program it.

Regarding the power button on the front. It's kinda sucks to crawl out of the blanket at night to put it in standby mode. :D

[windracer]

There's a discrete IR code for that feature? Can you please me the link to it? I do have a programmable remote which I can use my PC to program it.
I know the code is in Harmony's database if you have one of their remotes. Otherwise I think you need a remote with the Standby button so your existing remote can "learn" the code.

If your remote supports macros, another option would be to create a macro that puts the TiVo in Standby by using the menu option.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Thanks for the info. Which antenae do I need to cover up? :p


Dude, you HAVE to cover both of them. If you don't, you'll just make him angry. You won't like him when he's angry.

[lafos]

I just upgrade from a Toshiba SD-H400 to a TS-RX20. But I can't believe they actually dropped the damn "Power On/Off" button from the remote! This sucks, that means now everytime I want to put the unit to standby mode, I will have to go to the menu screen, then select the StandBy selection, then select it. I noticed they have the "TV Power" button. Is there a way for us to make that to become my "Tivo Power" button? :D

There is much less need for standby on the RS-TX20, as the RF coax out is always a passthrough of the cable input, no Tivo or DVD output there at all. I have to put my SD-H400 in standby to bypass it when recording a show so I can watch live TV. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the RS-TX20 and didn't need standby any more.

I use a Harmony 659 with the RS-TX20. hen I set up the remote, it knew that standby code from the Harmony database.

[jazzdvr]

My RS-TX20 won't connect to tivo. It dials, gets the tone, but doesn't connect. I have tried restarting, and unplugging and waiting with no results. Any suggestions?

[azitnay]

Hmm... Perhaps a problem with the specific number you're dialing into? You could try selecting a new dial-in number, like so:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/TiVoCollection/2EF8AA44-8221-4853-9237-AA6BB968C163/ins_Content.html

[DerCormeister]

I've had my RS-TX60 for 2 years. About a week ago, it started getting the jitters. That is to say, sometimes the whole screen sort of jitters vertically. It isn't specific to recorded video--it does it when viewing TiVo menus as well.

This appears to be a digital anomaly--not something that would ordinarily be caused by a bad connection in the analog cables between my boxes. Resetting the box has no effect.

Anyone have any idea what might be happening here?

I have a 4-year extended warranty from Mack (mackcam.com).

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Have you tried a different input source when you notice the jitter? Just to rule out that it's not an issue with your TV?

[windracer]

By removing the cover and pulling out the DVD drive I was able to get at the eject hole.
All of this recent talk of enabling eSATA on the S3s revealed a list of kickstart codes (the new 62 one being the one used to enable eSATA). But in this post (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5133634&&#post5133634) it mentions a "Tray open code 111 - will open tray."

I wonder if this is a kickstart code you could use to force open the tray on the DVD units during boot? It might have helped zogger with his problem instead of having to physically crack open the case. I might have to try this and see.

[DerCormeister]

Have you tried a different input source when you notice the jitter? Just to rule out that it's not an issue with your TV?

Good idea, EvilMidniteBombr. I didn't suspect the TV because this is unlike anything I've seen a TV do before, but I suppose I do need to rule out the TV before sending in the TiVo for repair.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Good idea, EvilMidniteBombr. I didn't suspect the TV because this is unlike anything I've seen a TV do before, but I suppose I do need to rule out the TV before sending in the TiVo for repair.
Just thought I'd ask before you went to all the trouble and headache of dealing with (any) customer support.

My RS-TX20 tends to stutter sometimes. If the image on the screen is fairly static, it's not very noticeable. But watching sports, a crawl at the bottom of the screen (like breaking news, etc.) or anything with a lot of motion, the stutter is really annoying. Mine just seems like a it skips frames or pauses/unpauses extremely fast. Usually it goes away after a while. Sometimes if I put it in standby mode for a few minutes it seems to make it better. That being said, I don't think it's the same as your problem. But you never know, it could be different symptoms of the same problem.

[tivosohn]

There is much less need for standby on the RS-TX20, as the RF coax out is always a passthrough of the cable input, no Tivo or DVD output there at all. I have to put my SD-H400 in standby to bypass it when recording a show so I can watch live TV. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the RS-TX20 and didn't need standby any more.

I use a Harmony 659 with the RS-TX20. hen I set up the remote, it knew that standby code from the Harmony database.

Darn, now this passthrough feature is giving me a problem. My setup is I have the RF coax to send the signal of the Tivo/cable to my other TVs. Now with this passthrough feature, I can't watch Tivo recording from my other TVs. Is there anyway to set it to have the the Tivo to watch recorded shows through the RF coax?

[lafos]

I didn't notice any way to do that in the manual. The only thing I could think of would be to attach an RF converter to the composite output of the Toshiba. Of course, if you do this, then you have to use the Tivo out. You could add an A/B switch to the RF, but we're really getting kludgey here.

[1dreamz]

My Dvd player wants nothing to do with me anymore...It won't open it won't light up ... :(

The Tivo works great in it...So I'm wondering if anyone knows if you can replace the dvd writer/recorder without scraping the whole system. Or if theres any know CPR for DVD player part of the RSTX 20!

Thanks a bunch!!

And for the person who can't connect to Tivo with their RS-tx20 for updates...I had this problem too. I called Tivo...and after being disconnected after entering that it was a Toshiba unit....I called backed and pretended that I didn't hear that question...and after a very long wait...got a live one!!! She found me a new number for my area...and woo hoo...no problems since!! I'd give them a call...for a new number! (It wasn't on the list of numbers to pick from on their site)

[lafos]

The Pioneer 112 works in the RS-TX20. I bought one at NewEgg a while back. You have to have patience to get it in and you need to remove the tray edge (it clips on).

[tivosohn]

I didn't notice any way to do that in the manual. The only thing I could think of would be to attach an RF converter to the composite output of the Toshiba. Of course, if you do this, then you have to use the Tivo out. You could add an A/B switch to the RF, but we're really getting kludgey here.

I ended up spending about $18 getting this automatic switch RF Modulator from Walmart. What I do now is I have the RF out from my dish receiver directly plugged into this switch's Ant In, then the Tivo's RCA composite output into this Modulator as well. Now I got the same affect as the SD-H400. It will automatically switch over to the composite when I turn the Tivo on and back to the RF. :up:

[lafos]

There's a discrete IR code for that feature? Can you please me the link to it? I do have a programmable remote which I can use my PC to program it.

Regarding the power button on the front. It's kinda sucks to crawl out of the blanket at night to put it in standby mode. :D

There's a discrete code, since Harmony remotes do it. I couldn't find the code specific to the Toshiba RS-TX, but most of the codes are TiVo codes (at least a TiVo peanut from my S2DT works to control my RS-TX20).

Try the codes on this link http://www.hifi-remote.com/cgi-bin2/ueic.cgi?PVR_0618

[Natalia]

Hi all, first time here - not sure if this was already talked about, but I've done quite a bit of online searching and then searching in the community forums. I'm looking for a remote code for my toshiba rs-tx tivo with my maxent tv. Any one have anything that could help?

Thanks!

[windracer]

Have you tried just doing a manual code search? See page 78 of the manual.

[insanity8797]

HELP! My RS TX-20 is stuck in an infinite reboot loop. This happened after I tried to back up a show to a disc. I tried the Pause, 5, 7 button sequence with no luck. The only thing I can conclude is that the drive is bad. I hope that I'm wrong and there is a way to get my Tivo back up and running. If not, is there any way to recover the shows that are on my current drive? Can anyone tell me what is the best route to take? (Which equipment to replace drive with and the procedure to install the drive.) Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

HELP! My RS TX-20 is stuck in an infinite reboot loop. This happened after I tried to back up a show to a disc. I tried the Pause, 5, 7 button sequence with no luck. The only thing I can conclude is that the drive is bad. I hope that I'm wrong and there is a way to get my Tivo back up and running. If not, is there any way to recover the shows that are on my current drive? Can anyone tell me what is the best route to take? (Which equipment to replace drive with and the procedure to install the drive.) Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Mine was stuck on the Welcome screen a while back. Nothing I tried would work. Even unplugging it for well over 12 hours. The best I would get was the welcome screen. After contacting Toshiba I was told to send it back to them for repair. Since it was still under warranty that's what I did. They wound up replacing the hard drive. This may be the case with your TX-20.

[mchabura]

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

I bought an RS-TX20 on eBay a month or two ago and I've recently ran into some problems. Once the picture froze and I had to reboot the machine. All is well. Then a couple of weeks later, the signal went out, and the Tivo displayed the blue screen saying there was no signal to the Tivo and to try some things. I checked the signal to the other TVs in my house, but every one was fine. I rebooted the machine, and all is well again. Then recently, my Tivo has skipped some recordings, and according to the history, because there was no video signal (similar to what skatefan20 was describing).

Has anyone had a similar experience with the video trouble? Do I need to change the hard drive?

[larrs]

The hard drive started failing on my TX-20 about a year ago. I cleared all prgrams and rebooted and it workled for about a month or two. Then it started freezing during recording. I rodered a new drive, but in the meantime I found a DT open box at BestBuy for a song and bought it. I really liked the DT, and we ahve let the Toshiba sit for about 4 months. I finally got around to installing the new drive and hooked it up to the TV in our bedroom where we had the DT (moved the DT to another room). Man, I really like the sharpness of the Toshiba models (I guess this is the difference between the Tvio compression and standard Mpeg2 in the Tosh). Even though it is only a single tuner, I am back to lovin' it.

Thought "club" members might be interested.....

[Pvgibbs]

Mine was stuck on the Welcome screen a while back. Nothing I tried would work. Even unplugging it for well over 12 hours. The best I would get was the welcome screen. After contacting Toshiba I was told to send it back to them for repair. Since it was still under warranty that's what I did. They wound up replacing the hard drive. This may be the case with your TX-20.

Same here -- after about two years these hard drives seem to die. I bought a preformatted Hard Drive and installed it myself (not really a tech type, but it was Very easy)

[MartinB981]

Funny...we had a similar problem tonight. We inserted a DVD and it caused the picture to freeze and then launched into an endless series of rebooting. Somehow, we got the DVD out of the machine and Tivo came back. Other DVDs worked fine so we figured the problem was the original DVD; after carefully washing the disc, it played fine and all is well.

I was relieved because it looked like the system was failing, due to a hard disc malfunction (which happened to my oriiginal Tivo) where your only option is replacing the machine. Except for an earlier problem and this latest incident, we love this Toshiba because it is so multifunctional and user-friendly. We burn DVDs all the time when we have to travel and they work beautifully. DVRs which have the recordable DVD function appear to be disappearing. We'd like to hold onto this machine for as long as possible before we make the jump to HD TV.

Which raises a question: does anyone have an HD-TV which they use with the RS-TX 60? How does the picture look?

[azitnay]

We still use our RS-TX20 as the DVD player (and only MRV option in the living room) for our 50" HD plasma in the living room, and it looks OK, but nowhere near as good as the Series3 on top of it (and I'm not particularly picky about picture quality, either). In my opinion, an HDTV without a Series3 is wholly worthless :).

BTW, a hard drive malfunction isn't cause to replace a TiVo -- it's simply cause to replace the hard drive.

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Which raises a question: does anyone have an HD-TV which they use with the RS-TX 60? How does the picture look?
I have a Toshiba rear projection HDTV with my RS-TX20 connected to it using the S-Video. On High Quality the picture is good, provided there is not a lot of motion on the screen. (stuff like water ripples, pyrotechnics, snow storms, etc.) On Best Quality, those artifacts are much less noticeable. I don't worry much about it since I don't have a HD source to watch anyway.

[larrs]

Which raises a question: does anyone have an HD-TV which they use with the RS-TX 60? How does the picture look?

I use mine on a 32" LCD in the bedroom and upgraded the hard drive so I can watch everything on High Quality. Looks decent, but nothing to write home about.

[Welshdog]

Same here -- after about two years these hard drives seem to die. I bought a preformatted Hard Drive and installed it myself (not really a tech type, but it was Very easy)
Same is happening here. Quite regularly we turn on the system and find the unit frozen on a frame of video. It does this not only when it is recording, but even when it is just buffering. I want to get a 500 or a 750 gigger from Weaknees, but I'm a little concerned that there could be something else wrong with it besides the drive. Guess it doesn't really matter, if it fails anyway I'll use the hard drive on my S3. Although I really hope it will still work since it is lifetimed.

[Welshdog]

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?
Did you ever solve the freezing problem in your Weaknees machine?

[plangerock]

Same here -- after about two years these hard drives seem to die. I bought a preformatted Hard Drive and installed it myself (not really a tech type, but it was Very easy)

Mine is stuck on the welcome screen as described in other's notes. I have some questions about replacing the hard drive. Did that fix the problem? I've sent in this unit twice now for other issues. Where did you find this preformatted hard drive? Is there the same capacity? As I am the furthest thing from a "tech type" - is it dummy proof? Thanks!

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Mine is stuck on the welcome screen as described in other's notes. I have some questions about replacing the hard drive. Did that fix the problem? I've sent in this unit twice now for other issues. Where did you find this preformatted hard drive? Is there the same capacity? As I am the furthest thing from a "tech type" - is it dummy proof? Thanks!
I had a problem like the one you mentioned. Luckily mine was still under the refurb warranty and I was able to get it replaced at no charge. My tx20 has been working fine (pretty much) since then. I have definitely not had the same problem again.

[sledhed]

Same here -- after about two years these hard drives seem to die. I bought a preformatted Hard Drive and installed it myself (not really a tech type, but it was Very easy)
Is this the life span people are seeing out of their stock TX20 hard drives? If so I am approaching 2 years on our TiVo now...

I tried to swap a standard Seagate 500GB .10 model in but too much spin vibration (already posted for help on that one in another forum). Really don't want to loose everything we have on there, but also don't want to put up with the hum / spin vibrations so I went back to the stock drive for now. If it only has a couple months of life left I would like to deal with it ahead of time. Since it is unsub'd, TTG for transferring and backing up video is not an option.

Comment - seems to me kinda crappy for a $600 retail machine which is high end like Toshiba to basically die after a couple years. I know, I know, hard drives have a limited lifespan, but at work we have had servers running dual SCSI drives that ran continuously for 6 or 7 years without a problem. 24/7, backups and batches running at night, users during the day. I would question Toshiba's choice of using maxtor drives then.

[fredski]

I am having the same problem. How did you get the DVD out??

[girlfarmer]

how do i choose the free dvd i want

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I am having the same problem. How did you get the DVD out??
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5048750&&#post5048750

[EvilMidniteBombr]

how do i choose the free dvd i want
What are you talking about?

[floriecox]

I can't see how to send a new Post so hope Iam not doing something I shouldn't be doing.

My Tivo is freezing sooften that I have almost quite using it to record. I now only record on one channel (46). My TV is now randomly changing from whatever channel I leave it on back to channel 46, which then causes the Tivo to freeze up. I do not subscribe toTivo Plus. Why are the channel changes occurring and how can I stop them?

--Florie

[arny01]

Hi
I'm new back in may I order a rstx20. off ebay in July. i got around to hooking it up. I hooked it up to my dishnet work sat. During setup Tivo askeed you a bunch oof questions. like what reciver are you useing. first i tried dish net work then i found out from dish to click on echostar. I'm able to go to liive tv . as i'm changing the channels useing the tivo remote it tells you what is on some channels you can see live pics others you cant it might say you need to subscribe to this channel in the back ground. but when i use the sat remote and change the channeel directly . i'm able to see the picture. why is that ?
I didnt know that basic you don't get any fancy features. my mom got hers years ago with life time then hers died she still h as life time. before tivo did away with it. i should have did my research life timeplus i don't always think they called it life time plus. how can i make my machine life time plus without having to spend more money on subscrits service

[unclepoo]

Hi all I don't know where or how to post this, I was trying to post a new thread, but all I see is the option of a quick reply.
I have and love the RS-TX60 , Recently however the CLOSED CAPTIONING
has not been working.
have any of you experienced this?, and is there a fix for it?
Thanks in advance
Pat

[Chester_Lampwick]

Hi all I don't know where or how to post this, I was trying to post a new thread, but all I see is the option of a quick reply.
I have and love the RS-TX60 , Recently however the CLOSED CAPTIONING
has not been working.
have any of you experienced this?, and is there a fix for it?
Thanks in advance
Pat


Well I don't have the RS-TX60 but my Humax DRT800 does experience this. Since the hardware is nearly identical, I assume the software has much of the same code.

Here's what I've found. My closes captioning on my TV is always on. Sometimes, after I watch a DVD with this unit the captioning disappears on return to regular TiVo operation. If I return back to DVD, then back to TiVo captioning reappears. Weird, but true.....

Maybe we should alert one of the TiVo guys who frequent here?

See ya,
Roger

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I can't see how to send a new Post so hope Iam not doing something I shouldn't be doing.

My Tivo is freezing sooften that I have almost quite using it to record. I now only record on one channel (46). My TV is now randomly changing from whatever channel I leave it on back to channel 46, which then causes the Tivo to freeze up. I do not subscribe toTivo Plus. Why are the channel changes occurring and how can I stop them?

--Florie
Sorry to take so long to reply, I was hoping someone else would step up with some actual knowledge. So you are stuck with me.

I am not exactly sure that I understand what the problem is. But I will try to offer some help. Maybe if you unplug it for a 1/2 hour or so and plug it back in. Let it restart and then see if it still acts the same. If it does, then maybe you should reset the machine back to factory default and do the entire set up again? I think the reset option is under Settings>Standby/Restart. (not sure on that)

Good luck.

[kdc914]

I think the DVD-R drive in my Toshiba RSTX20 is dying. Can I replace it with any IDE DVD-R drive or is it a unique formfactor drive?

[windracer]

It's not a unique form-factor, but I think you have to replace it with the same model. I think it's a Pioneer DVR-108RZ.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4486380&&#post4486380

[lafos]

I think the DVD-R drive in my Toshiba RSTX20 is dying. Can I replace it with any IDE DVD-R drive or is it a unique formfactor drive?

The Toshiba ships with the Pioneer DVR-108, but I was able to replace it with the Pioneer DVR-112, which I bought on NewEgg.

[kdc914]

The Toshiba ships with the Pioneer DVR-108, but I was able to replace it with the Pioneer DVR-112, which I bought on NewEgg.

Excellent! Thanks both of you!

[pvarjak]

I've read that the Pioneer unit only has S-video input for the video signal, although it has component output for the DVD player part. Is this true for the Toshiba units as well? It seems to be from the specs on the Toshiba archive site, but they are not detailed enough for me to know for sure. Thanks.

[windracer]

Yes, the TX20 has S-Video in, component out.

[rbedd]

After TIVO changed the phone connection number on my Toshiba RS-TX60 without telling me, the downloads stopped (obvioulsy) and now I can't get the downloads to load into TIVO. TVIO does connect and download on a land line but won't update the internal schedule. I get error message S05 - HELP? Tivo won't talk to me and Toshiba sends me to Tivo.

[pvarjak]

Windracer,

How badly does that affect the image quality? Apparently most of these Tivo/DVD units use that setup, but I would think the image would be mediocre?

[windracer]

It's not spectacular, but it's not bad either ... depends on the quality of the source signal and the recording quality you use on the TX20 as well (I always use Best when recording from an external source). Recording from my miniDV camcorder over Firewire is better, as expected.

[hogaholic]

I have owned a TX20 since they were first released. I used a Microsoft wireless adapter and it worked great until about six months ago when I began to receive the 'has not connected in a long time' message. So, I went to the network settings menu and Tivo told me my adapter was not supported. So, I chunked that adapter and just didn't let Tivo update.

Today I found a Linksys WUSB11 V2.6 wireless adapter and bought it. According to the Tivo site, it is supported (my service number starts with 565). When I connect it, the power light comes on the adapter but Tivo says there is no USB wireless adapter plugged in.

I have connected via phone to update everything and also restarted the TX20. It still doesn't recognize the adapter in either USB slot. If I remember right, my software version is 8.3.

Any ideas???? HELP!!!!

[sorewinner]

lafos, since you installed the DVR-112:

Is the tx20 able to only burn to DVD-R? Is that a firmware limitation or something?

[megazone]

Today I found a Linksys WUSB11 V2.6 wireless adapter and bought it. According to the Tivo site, it is supported (my service number starts with 565). When I connect it, the power light comes on the adapter but Tivo says there is no USB wireless adapter plugged in.Well, I don't think you should use anything except the TiVo-branded WiFi adapter. FAR, FAR better performance, the only one that does WPA security (WEP is nearly worthless), and certain to be supported.

However, the WUSB11 v2.6 *should* work. First thing to check - make sure the cable is FIRMLY seated in both the TiVo and the adapter. Sometimes they seat enough for power to flow (light the LEDs) but not to work.

[azitnay]

lafos, since you installed the DVR-112:

Is the tx20 able to only burn to DVD-R? Is that a firmware limitation or something?

Even if the installed drive supports "+" media (which I believe the stock drives do), the TiVo software limits you to DVD-R and DVD-RW.

Drew

[hogaholic]

Well, I don't think you should use anything except the TiVo-branded WiFi adapter. FAR, FAR better performance, the only one that does WPA security (WEP is nearly worthless), and certain to be supported.

However, the WUSB11 v2.6 *should* work. First thing to check - make sure the cable is FIRMLY seated in both the TiVo and the adapter. Sometimes they seat enough for power to flow (light the LEDs) but not to work.


Thanks for the reply, megazone. I have tried reseating the cable several times into both USB sockets and it still doesn't recognize that an adapter is plugged in. As for performance, I really only need enough bandwidth to update the software and channel listings. I don't use it to transfer movies, just keep my Tivo up to date.

Any other ideas? I have done a restart, used the guide menu, etc.

Hogaholic

[windracer]

When I was using my old Linksys WUSB11 on my S2 years ago, I remember that the cable that came with the adapter had the specific ends labeled: to adapter, and to PC (or in this case, the TiVo). I don't know why that would matter on a USB cable, but I do know once I had it backwards and the adapter wouldn't work.

[hogaholic]

When I was using my old Linksys WUSB11 on my S2 years ago, I remember that the cable that came with the adapter had the specific ends labeled: to adapter, and to PC (or in this case, the TiVo). I don't know why that would matter on a USB cable, but I do know once I had it backwards and the adapter wouldn't work.

Windracer, you are a genius to remember that a cable was marked from two years ago! But, alas, the 50/50 chance I had to get it right happened. I got it right the first time so that wasn't the problem.

I had great anticipation when I read your post, but that wasn't the error.

Any more ideas?????

[jdoe100]

Hi all. Just joined this site. Wonderful!!! So much to read and learn. I have a question I was not able to find an answer too, at least not the answer I wanted to read :-)

My Question: How can I Enable the "enable transfers" on this unit If I cannot access this option via the TiVO website?? Is there another way besides paying for servce and then having access via the website? The TiVO Desktop cannot find the DVR.

I purchased at Best Buy an open box unit RS-TX20 Series 2 a year or 2 ago. Software Ver: 8.3-01-2-565 Service level C: C is as I understand it means Lifetime Subscription.
The previous owner had a lifetime service plan on it but transferred it to his new unit. My unit has ALL of the capabilities of a Subscribed Plus system EXCEPT transferring of movies and photos music, The Amazon UnBox. This unit is set up to connect via Broadband and works nicely.

On the TiVo Central screen I see and can access the Music, Photos, Products & More. See and access the Yahoo stuff. Under Find Programs I have the option Download TV & More option. But the screen says that my unit is not set to transfer. I need to go to the support page and activate this function.

This unit does not show up when I log into TiVo website. It shows no active units. I have 2 others RS-TX60 units that are Basic TiVO. These are not listed, understandably so, since they do not have a Subscription on them.

Any help would be appreciated.

[azitnay]

If the unit truly isn't subscribed, then not being able to transfer is expected behavior... Assuming you have access to traditional plus features like season passes and wishlists, it sounds like your unit somehow slipped through the cracks when the original owner transferred the subscription, but that the original owner also had transfers disabled.

You could try calling TiVo customer support to see about getting the unit transferred to your account, but you run the risk of them noticing that you're not really supposed to have plus, and (correctly) disabling the features entirely. Of course, if the unit isn't subscribed, this could happen at any time anyway.

Drew

[jdoe100]

Thanks Drew for your response. Stupid, but lucky me, I did call customer support and they were the one's to tell me about the previous owner having lifetime on this unit but returning and transferring the service to his new unit. She told me that I did not have the Plus features. I agreed and thanked her for her help. I am just hoping that she does not turn these features off as they have been working for the past 1 1/2 - 2 years. All of the other features still work, Wish Lists, searching, Tivo Suggestions, adding minutes onto the beginning or ending of recordings, etc...It has been almost a week since I spoke with her...so maybe this unit of mine did Slip through the cracks and hopefully will not be downgraded, I hope :-)

Thanks again for your response.

[Skuits]

Hello all, I was looking to buy a Toshiba SD-H400 with a suspected bad hard drive and replace the drive myself. Does anyone have an image of that drive they could put down to DVD for me? I would of course pay for shipping on the disc.

Also will the Toshiba use any IDE drive?

Thanks,
Mark

[azitnay]

Assuming you can't find a free image anywhere, you can purchase InstantCake for $19.99:

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

Any EIDE drive should work fine.

Drew

[cprovo]

Is there a way to have the component cables that run out of my Toshiba unit and convert it into some sort of hdmi adapter and have the hdmi cable plug into my tv? I've only used the component cables and wasn't sure if this was at all possible. Thanks!

[azitnay]

The following article discusses component to HDMI in detail:

http://www.sewellsupport.com/archives/component-to-hdmi?source=connector

As you can tell, it's not typically worth it unless you have a very good reason.

Drew

[Skuits]

Hello all, I recently acquired a RS-TX20 and read on the Internet somewhere that the Humax DRT-400/800 peanut remote works with the RS-TX20?

These remotes seem to be a bit cheaper than the actual Toshiba replacement remote and because I am a cheapo I thought I'd save myself a few bucks if this were true?

Can anyone verify this for me??? I'd really appreciate any info you have, maybe someone has an extra remote they'd like to part with???? :p

Thanks,

Mark

[azitnay]

Yep, the Toshiba RS-TX remotes are functionally equivalent to the Humax DRT remotes... In reality, the RS-TX and DRT units themselves are almost identical.

The main cosmetic difference between the two remotes is that one says "TOSHIBA" at the bottom and the other says "HUMAX"... If that doesn't bother you, go for the Humax.

Drew

[Skuits]

Thanks Drew for the quick info!!!

Enjoy the Day!!!!! :)

Mark

[The Timmy]

first post

Hi, I am The Timmy, and I am on my second RS-TX20 (first one crapped out).
wow.. people still using this machine, eh? and this thread is STILL going??

nice.

anyway, I got problem with my machine I have not seen addressed in all 54 or so pages of posts to this thread:

I'm going progressive out via component, and while live TV and burned DVDs (burned via TiVo and backups of retail discs (burned via PC)) look fine, they don't look quite as good as I'm thinking they should, because even though it's suppose to be progressive, I can still detect interlace flicker (I can understand live TV having it, but DVDs?).

but that's not the real issue I'm having. as I said, burned DVDs look fine. but actual retail discs don't work very much at all. when I put a retail DVD in and play it, I can see (very sharp and clearly) the FBI warnings and such, even the DVD menus, but once the movie starts, the screen goes black/blank (audio is fine). some kind of copyguard gone overboard?

I should also note that I'm going component out of the unit into the X2VGA 2, to a computer monitor (professional CRT) but I highly doubt that's the issue here.

[--and if you don't know, the X2VGA converts component video signals to true VGA that is [supposedly] 1:1 pixel accurate for 480p, 720p and 1080i (xbox looks awesome!)]

anyway, does anybody else experience this with their system using component/progressive out? the DVDs seem to play fine with composite out.

----

also, I'm getting the locking up during live TV and recording issue... it seemed to happen less often when I deleted a bunch of newer recorded stuff from the drive. where it was then replaced with occasional choppiness now and then during live TV accompanied by pixelation as if I were watching sports on satellite TV or something (I'm on cable..). it still locks up now and then. I'm guessing the HDD is going out.. but I'll deal with that later.

but is it really worth it to replace the harddrive if it can be expected to go out every 2 years or so (as stated in an earlier post)? if I can learn how to setup a new harddrive myself, it might not be such a big deal.

[SoKT]

Hello from a newbie! Here's my question: does anyone know of an adapter of some sort that acts as a conduit for the cable TV signal but can be delivered to the TX20 through the composite A/V cables instead of the RF IN? I don't have a cable box, and don't want to rent one. I've searched but haven't seen this question come up.

Here's the background: We just got a new Series3 to go with the HDTV, so we wanted to move our RS-TX20. My son was disconnecting the TX20 and the coax cable going from the wall to the "RF IN" was completely stuck. He pushed it a bit too hard, and it ended up with the input thing being dislodged and now unable to pick up the cable signal. I took it to an authorized repair shop and was quoted $125 to fix it - it seemed simple, but the input thing is housed in a 2x2" metal box that is attached to the big "chip" or circuit board - sorry I don't really know what to call all these things :o

The repair guy said I could use a cable box for input if I didn't want to fix the Toshiba problem, but I'd rather not pay $9 per month or whatever the box costs. When I asked if there were alternatives to a cable box that I could just purchase, he said a VCR might work as a conduit. Sadly, I haven't been able to get the old VCR to fill the role of the cable box, despite many different approaches during guided setup. Any ideas??

Thanks so much!

Kate

[Chester_Lampwick]

Kate,
I have a busted RS-TX20 I have no reason to believe the RF input is bad, but I cant test it. Would you want the main board for parts?

[SoKT]

Thanks Chester! I sent you a PM to discuss further.
K

[EvilMidniteBombr]

SoKT,

A simple solution may be to check ebay and buy a used (possibly a new) cable box. You can get them pretty cheap. Especially since you only need a standard (not digital or HD) cable box. Just make sure you get one with composite outs.

[Skuits]

Hello all, I have an RS-TX20 and have a DVD drive firmware version of 1.15. Is there a newer firmware version? Does it even matter??? Why would I want to update, and how would I do it?

I was also wondering if anyone knows if the hard drives on these units spin all the time, even if you sleep the unit???


Thanks,

Mark

[azitnay]

The general rule with firmware is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Yes, the hard drive is active at all times, given that even if the unit isn't recording an actual show, it's at least buffering live TV. Many people will tell you, though, that it's better for the hard drive to remain active than for it to continuously spin up and down.

Drew

[Skuits]

Thanks for the info! Sounds like good advice!




Mark

[mchabura]

I bought an RS-TX20 on eBay a month or two ago and I've recently ran into some problems. Once the picture froze and I had to reboot the machine. All is well. Then a couple of weeks later, the signal went out, and the Tivo displayed the blue screen saying there was no signal to the Tivo and to try some things. I checked the signal to the other TVs in my house, but every one was fine. I rebooted the machine, and all is well again. Then recently, my Tivo has skipped some recordings, and according to the history, because there was no video signal (similar to what skatefan20 was describing).

Has anyone had a similar experience with the video trouble? Do I need to change the hard drive?

A few months ago I posted this question above where my RS-TX20 has not recorded some shows. When I go to the To Do list recording history, it says that the program didn't record because there was no video signal. I tried several things to remedy this. First, I thought the hard drive was going bad, so I replaced the hard drive with a new, larger hd using Instant Cake. Again, after a few weeks of recording with no issues, the same thing would happen. Then I thought that maybe the tuner input was faulty, so I connected the coax into a VCR and connected the composite out to the Tivo composite in. It ran fine for a few weeks, then it started happening again. It skipped a recording because there was no video signal. It seems as though rebooting the Tivo works for a few weeks but then it goes back to skipping recordings. I've seen it actually skip a recording with no signal. The tivo isn't picking up the signal, but when I disconnect it and connect the coax directly to the TV, the signal is there.

Any ideas? Is this a motherboard probelm? Can it be fixed??

[Arcady]

Anyone know where I can get a new top lid for a RS-TX20? I have a perfect unit, except the top is scratched up like crazy.

[Skuits]

Don't know where you can get a lid, but Home Depot sells paint! Go crazy and customize it!

[windracer]

TX20 case mod! :D

[Arcady]

I was actually thinking about painting the lid black. I'll swap out my TiVoHD cover onto the Toshiba and see how it might look.

[freeflycpi]

Hi,
Of course I didn't find this place until I had a problem, but there certainly a wealth of info here. Thanks to all that have posted.

However, I now need an image for my Toshiba RS-TX60. Does someone have one or direct me where to get it?

Thanks

[rbtravis]

Hi,
Of course I didn't find this place until I had a problem, but there certainly a wealth of info here. Thanks to all that have posted.

However, I now need an image for my Toshiba RS-TX60. Does someone have one or direct me where to get it?

Thankswww.DVRupgrade.com

[wmjolson]

I just got a new Samsung LCD TV, and I need the codes for the RS-TX20 remote.

Thanks!!!

[Arcady]

I put the top lid from a TiVoHD on my RS-TX20 (they are the same lid, just different colors.) I didn't like the way it looked. I guess I'll buy some silver paint this weekend...

[oldradio99]

I have the above unit and I tried to burn a DVD for the first time in a few month

I am getting an error that all it says it cannot burn the DVD due to an internal error.

I used my DVD cleaner and still the same issue

Any suggestions and is this repairable?

I love my Toshiba

[Skuits]

Hi all, so I am using my Tivo Plus trial with my TX-20 and have a lot of manual recordings whitch I actually prefer at this point. I added one season pass and now the thing is recording odd shows that it thinks I must like. Some of them are in Spanish!

How do I stop it from doing this? The dang thing has profiled me! I looked around the season pass manager and didn't see anything that would lead me to believe that I could alter the show suggestions.? What do you all think?

Thanks,

Mark

[Skuits]

I was actually thinking about painting the lid black. I'll swap out my TiVoHD cover onto the Toshiba and see how it might look.


Go crazy and with the use of some masking tape give it flames! That would be cool! You could paint the flames a different color. Don't forget your clear coat, you can get that at your local auto parts store. Heck I might try it! The ultimate Tivo case mod!

Good luck,

Mark

[Chester_Lampwick]

Woodgrain. Go retro 70's

[azitnay]

Hi all, so I am using my Tivo Plus trial with my TX-20 and have a lot of manual recordings whitch I actually prefer at this point. I added one season pass and now the thing is recording odd shows that it thinks I must like. Some of them are in Spanish!

How do I stop it from doing this? The dang thing has profiled me! I looked around the season pass manager and didn't see anything that would lead me to believe that I could alter the show suggestions.? What do you all think?

Thanks,

Mark

These are TiVo Suggestions, one of TiVo's flagship features.

You can disable them by going to TiVo Central -> Messages & Settings -> Settings -> Recording -> TiVo Suggestions.

Drew

[Skuits]

Thanks again Drew! My trial will be ending and I'll be back to basic, but this will save me a lot of frustration until then!

Thanks for the help,
Mark

[fredct]

Thanks again Drew! My trial will be ending and I'll be back to basic, but this will save me a lot of frustration until then!

Thanks for the help,
Mark

If you actually started rating various shows (and not just a few), TiVo would have more information to go off of and would actually start making good suggestions.

I remember early on, the first thing I'd recorded was The Simpsons, so it thought I liked cartoons and started recording kids cartoons and kid shows. Now it knows me much better and I often have suggestions laying around of shows I actually like and enjoy watching when nothing's on. Its even found a few new ones for me.

[cr33p]

Do any of you folks have photos of the internal drive bracket on the rs-tx20 models? I am looking to see if it can be used to mount 2 drives in a Tivo HD model, but I cant seem to find any photos of the internal parts on a Toshiba model. Thanks

[azitnay]

The RS-TX20 doesn't have a bracket that can accommodate two drives... People have come up with custom solutions to mount two drives in units that only accommodate one (some prettier than others), but I don't believe WeaKnees or anyone else sells a custom bracket for the TiVo HD.

Do you really need more than 1TB in the TiVo HD? :)

Drew

[cr33p]

The RS-TX20 doesn't have a bracket that can accommodate two drives... People have come up with custom solutions to mount two drives in units that only accommodate one (some prettier than others), but I don't believe WeaKnees or anyone else sells a custom bracket for the TiVo HD.

Do you really need more than 1TB in the TiVo HD? :)

Drew

Hmm, ok someone else had suggested that I could use a bracket from one of those units, how is a DVD drive and the hard drive mounted? Yeah it would be nice to have more then 1TB :) the more the merrier. I also dont like setting a 160 off the the side to collect dust forever. Kinda just a project at this point as well. THanks for the info

[azitnay]

I haven't actually seen the internals of an RS-TX20 in quite a few years... I know that there isn't space for a second hard drive per se, but I didn't think about the fact that you wouldn't need the DVD drive mounted any more, so you could potentially use a 5.25" to 3.5" bay converter to mount a second hard drive in there.

I've never seen the internals of a TiVo HD, so I have no idea at all if things would fit like that. It'd be a pretty sweet solution if it did.

Drew

[cr33p]

I haven't actually seen the internals of an RS-TX20 in quite a few years... I know that there isn't space for a second hard drive per se, but I didn't think about the fact that you wouldn't need the DVD drive mounted any more, so you could potentially use a 5.25" to 3.5" bay converter to mount a second hard drive in there.

I've never seen the internals of a TiVo HD, so I have no idea at all if things would fit like that. It'd be a pretty sweet solution if it did.

Drew

Yeah another member on my thread suggested usings its bracket, but I dont know where he got his intel from, but yeah that would be a sweet solution, except it could get pricy to aquire a bracket. BUT maybe I could use one to design from.

[windracer]

Here's the inside of my TX20 ... I've never seen the inside of a THD so I don't know if that mounting bracket will work or not.

http://rygel.homelinux.net:8225/outgoing/tc/tx20-internal.jpg

I do know the HD bracket is separate from the piece the DVD drive is mounted to.

[cr33p]

From first glance it appears to be a one piece and if not it is atleast mounting to the same area as the hdd cage is, what would worry me is the size of the bracket, looking at your photo, the hard drive may impact the CPU heatsink on the newer HD model.

[Arcady]

I'll try it this week and see if it fits.

They are definitely two separate brackets. The DVD bracket share two mounting holes with the HD bracket. The other side screws into the base of the unit, and those screw holes are present in the THD. I didn't think about the heatsink on the THD board - I'll have to see - but the DVD bracket does sit pretty high up.

[cr33p]

I'll try it this week and see if it fits.

They are definitely two separate brackets. The DVD bracket share two mounting holes with the HD bracket. The other side screws into the base of the unit, and those screw holes are present in the THD. I didn't think about the heatsink on the THD board - I'll have to see - but the DVD bracket does sit pretty high up.

As long as the bracket itself can physically be mounted into the unit I bet that the hard drive could even be mounted in the different direction, that way it isnt pushing so far towards the CPU heatsink, and a DVD drive is longer than a hdd anyways. Thanks man keep me posted

[Arcady]

The DVD bracket from the TS-RX20 does not fit, because the heatsink and power connector on the THD board are too tall. The screwholes line up, but with that heatsink there, you'd have to cut up the bracket to make it fit.

[nyphotoguy]

Anyone know if you can use a wireless adapter on this model???? I called TIVO and they say you have to use the phone line. Would like to use it wireless, also need to know which adapter to buy?

Appreciate any advice

[susandennis]

My Toshiba TS-RX20 connects via my D-Link DWL-122 802.11b 11 Mbps USB Adapter.

[fredct]

Anyone know if you can use a wireless adapter on this model???? I called TIVO and they say you have to use the phone line. Would like to use it wireless, also need to know which adapter to buy?

Appreciate any advice


Wow, he's totally wrong. I've using it with a Netgear, and there should be no reason that it can't work with the TiVo branded adapter either. The software is the same. And the page says it works with a "series 2", not a "TiVo-branded series 2" or "excluding DVD models" or anything.

[windracer]

I'm using the TiVo wireless G adapter on mine, no problems. That support rep really didn't know what he was talking about.

[Skuits]

Just to jump in on this one, I am using a Linksys adapter and have no problems. You do have to go into messages and settings and choose to use an internet connection. I also had to fuss with the password as it seemed to be different than the way my laptops connected. That is I had to choose hexadecimal when entering the password. I didn't remember that being the case for my laptops.?

Basically any cheapo wireless adapter should work. They've gotten really cheap on eBay!

Mark

[azitnay]

Any cheapo wireless adapter will definitely not work... While virtually all these adapters have drivers for Windows, that doesn't really mean anything in terms of TiVo (which runs Linux) support.

TiVo has a full list of supported adapters here:

http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?cid=56cc9bdc-b292-448e-a6c3-2e55fc03c89f&anchor=undefined

As you can see from the list, it's gotten very complicated, with some versions of many adapter models working and other versions not. The surefire way to get things working is to pick up the TiVo adapter windracer mentioned, although that's probably not the cheapest option.

Drew

[Skuits]

Really!!!

Then I must have lucked out with the Linksys adapter, I plugged it in and was off. My Pioneer needed no coaxing at all, it detected it straight away and offered to start using that method. It seems like out of the four Linksys adapters mentioned on the list only two of them are compatible with both models, talk about luck, I just had the thing lyin' around.


The adapter I am using is a Linksys WUSB11 ver. 2.8 looks like they can be gotten for about 30 bucks brand new on good ol' eBay.

Good luck!

Mark

[Mikeguy]

Had been having some DVD copying issues with my Toshiba RS-TX20: sometimes it would work for a few records, and then fritz in the last few minutes of a 1-time recordable disk or seemingly freeze when recording a re-recordable disk (just staying at 31 or 32 minutes of recording to go). Frustrating, as the discs have been the same that have worked previously and sometimes this would occur in the space of minutes, between the 1st and 2nd discs of a recording.

And then, after not touching the TIVO for months, it would be fine again, for awhile.

Couldn't figure out the pattern here, but then thought that I probably had had to restart the machine from a cold start (i.e. plug disconnected) during that months period. And so after the problem recurred again today, I tried putting the TIVO into stand-by mode and then back on again--no change. I next disconnected the TIVO from power completely for a few minutes and then booted up--and the DVR is recording again. (I hate saying that out loud, for fear of jinxing the recording I'm doing now.)

At any rate, perhaps this will help others in a similarly frustrated situation.

[Pvgibbs]

Has anyone canceled Tivo service and gone back to Tivo Basic* service lately? Is it still supported?

*Tivo basic service that came with the RS-TX units free right out of the box

[azitnay]

Yeah, I actually just dropped our RS-TX20 back to TiVo Basic (really only using it as a DVD player nowadays)... It's working fine. I'm sure TiVo Basic will always work.

The only annoyance I'm seeing is that since I still have it connected to my network, it still shows up on remote Now Playing Lists (the list is blank, since MRV is a Plus feature)... I can't help but wonder if I could have avoided that by unchecking the "Enable Transfers" box in MMA before unsubscribing it (and I'm tempted to subscribe it temporarily just to try that). I tried calling TiVo support about it, but they didn't seem too interested in helping out with an unsubscribed unit (and I don't blame them).

Drew

[windracer]

I did the same thing as Drew. Once I got my THD, I dropped the TX20 back to TiVo Basic without any problems (except all of the SPs on it stopped working, but I expected that).

[azitnay]

Are you seeing the same behavior as me, where it still shows up in remote NPL's?

Drew

[windracer]

No, because I only have three TiVo adapters so the TX20 is now using the phone line. :)

[azitnay]

Ahh, gotcha... I considered doing that, but we have the most limited landline plan possible, where all non-toll-free calls cost money, and I wasn't willing to pay to get rid of this minor annoyance (plus, I like having the RS-TX20 on the network for monitoring purposes).

BTW, it's scary how closely our Tivo purchases have mirrored one another over the years... I remember when you had a 140, 230, and RS-TX20, and I had a 230, 240, and RS-TX20. Now, you have a 230, S3, and THD, and I have a 240, S3, and THD :).

Drew

[windracer]

BTW, it's scary how closely our Tivo purchases have mirrored one another over the years... I remember when you had a 140, 230, and RS-TX20, and I had a 230, 240, and RS-TX20. Now, you have a 230, S3, and THD, and I have a 240, S3, and THD :)
Man, that is scary ... but great minds, right? :cool:

[rombo]

- Can someone please advise me how I get my BellExpressVu channels back on the RS-TX20 guide?
- I screwed this up somehow, and when I go through setup for TiVO Basic & enter my postal code, pick BEV from the list of satellite providers, it connects to TiVO, downloads, then disconnects when finished, buy it won't populate my channel list with the right channels.
- It keeps saying that I've got an error and that I should pick from the "default list below" >> but there is no default list below >> and I get stuck in this endless Catch-22 loop!!!
- I'm trying this over a wireless adapter which worked fine previously, but I seem to recall that for the first setup I need to connect via landline first?? Could that be the problem?
- Any sage advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Rombo in Great White North

[Chester_Lampwick]

Rombo,
You shouldn't need a phone line. When the unit was new it shipped with TiVo O/S 5.x so the drivers for your network card probably needed the 7.x O/S update. The 7.x and later O/S versions were also needed for Canadian listing support.

Neither of these should cause an issue for you now. Hopefully you won't have to re-image your hard-drive to fix this. I'd try a U.S. postal code, 00000 and choose antenna. It should allow you to pick TinyTiVo, and this will allow for a faster load. Then retry for expressVu....

[rombo]

Chester . . .

- First, I tried your suggestion of "zip 00000" and "antenna". That got me a list of about 15 channels, which all seemed to be in Western US somewhere?
- I then switched back to "postal code" and "satellite only" with BEV. Again it gave me "Channel lineup not available" or some such.
- After going through this loop again 3 times, I tried choosing "yes" when asked if I received "local network channels", instead of "no".
- That finally seemed to do the trick. It downloaded the bare basic BEV channels, then I simply added/checked off all the specialty channels from the BEV channel lineup list. The only channels missing from my guide now are the NCAA sports package channels (480-490 I think?).
- I Tivo'd something at 2 AM last night and it worked fine + all my previous programs were still on the hard drive :-)
- Thanks for the advice!!

[Chester_Lampwick]

The only channels missing from my guide now are the NCAA sports package channels (480-490 I think?)

You should be able to add these channels after the initial setup....

[tunabeard]

Had been having some DVD copying issues with my Toshiba RS-TX20: sometimes it would work for a few records, and then fritz in the last few minutes of a 1-time recordable disk or seemingly freeze when recording a re-recordable disk (just staying at 31 or 32 minutes of recording to go). Frustrating, as the discs have been the same that have worked previously and sometimes this would occur in the space of minutes, between the 1st and 2nd discs of a recording.

And then, after not touching the TIVO for months, it would be fine again, for awhile.

Couldn't figure out the pattern here, but then thought that I probably had had to restart the machine from a cold start (i.e. plug disconnected) during that months period. And so after the problem recurred again today, I tried putting the TIVO into stand-by mode and then back on again--no change. I next disconnected the TIVO from power completely for a few minutes and then booted up--and the DVR is recording again. (I hate saying that out loud, for fear of jinxing the recording I'm doing now.)

At any rate, perhaps this will help others in a similarly frustrated situation.


I recently found myself in the same situation, but in a different capacity.On Wednesday, I had programmed my TX-20 to record shows over the weekend and after when I went back to the "Now Playing" list certain shows that had folders were missing titles and now said "unknown title" and then when I clicked on the folder all of a sudden the TiVo froze and went into "powering up" mode and it's been like that ever since.

I unplugged it and let it sit and plugged it back in yesterday and today it's still "powering up" with both the DVD & HDD lights in yellow. Is that a normal
functioning of rebooting and how long does it normally take to power back up?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

[regularguy]

My 3-year-old RS-TX20 got very sick last night and now seems to be on life-support. At first the picture was doing an "ok for 10 seconds, then frozen for 5 seconds, then ok for 10 seconds" thing. Now it's cycling through "re-start and boot-up" continually, with the boot-up cartoon doing the the freeze-up routine.

I found an authorized Toshiba repair place in my area, but since it's long out of warranty I'll be paying for the repair. If not for the lifetime Tivo contract on the unit, I'd probably just toss it and get a new Series 2 ($80-some at Amazon).

Anyone been in my situation? How did it turn out? (I'm guessing I have a screwed up hard-drive.)

[Welshdog]

My 3-year-old RS-TX20 got very sick last night and now seems to be on life-support. At first the picture was doing an "ok for 10 seconds, then frozen for 5 seconds, then ok for 10 seconds" thing. Now it's cycling through "re-start and boot-up" continually, with the boot-up cartoon doing the the freeze-up routine.

I found an authorized Toshiba repair place in my area, but since it's long out of warranty I'll be paying for the repair. If not for the lifetime Tivo contract on the unit, I'd probably just toss it and get a new Series 2 ($80-some at Amazon).

Anyone been in my situation? How did it turn out? (I'm guessing I have a screwed up hard-drive.) It does sound like a hard drive issue. Are you handy with computers? You can buy a already formatted drive from various sources and just pop it in yourself. I just did this with my RSTX60 and fixed all it's issues and got a massive hard drive to boot. I got my drive from Weaknees, but there are several other sources. If you are very geeky you can even format a drive yourself. Maybe somebody here will offer some details on how to do that.

It is possible that you have a bad power supply. Those are also available online. I have heard some negative things about Toshiba service, so if you go that route good luck.

I just found this thread, it has some helpful information:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=372111

[regularguy]

It does sound like a hard drive issue. Are you handy with computers? You can buy a already formatted drive from various sources and just pop it in yourself. I just did this with my RSTX60 and fixed all it's issues and got a massive hard drive to boot. I got my drive from Weaknees, but there are several other sources. If you are very geeky you can even format a drive yourself. Maybe somebody here will offer some details on how to do that.
Thanks for the advice! I just sent off for a new hard drive from Weaknees. Installation looks very straight-forward. (The "authorized Toshiba repair shop" declined to even look at it, acting like they never heard of the RS-TX20.)

[slyone]

Hey guys..and girls;) I just bought a bunch of Tivo units and am thinking that maybe I should think about installing a new and maybe even larger hdd on my RS-TX20 since it has that incredible "Lifetime basic" subscription...what do you think? What drives are compatible and any "easy guides" to replacing the hdd? Thanks ever so much, peace!

[azitnay]

Any EIDE drive is compatible.

http://www.mfslive.org/ contains all the tools and information you should need.

Drew

[Mikeguy]

You also may want to check on eBay. I bought a hard drive from a seller there who does this as a business, and he did all the TIVO software preparations for me as part of his offering, which, in the end due to his great pricing, did not add appreciably (or possibly at all) to the price of the drive, which he had "on sale."

[slyone]

Hey that's wonderful guys, Thanks alot!:up:

[volsfan]

I have the above unit and I tried to burn a DVD for the first time in a few month

I am getting an error that all it says it cannot burn the DVD due to an internal error.

I used my DVD cleaner and still the same issue

Any suggestions and is this repairable?

I love my Toshiba
Unplug the unit for ~5 mins, then plug it back in. My TX20 fails a burn occasionally due to the "internal error", but this always fixes it. Good luck.

[nateman96]

I am having some problems with a software update. When I go to connect to TIVO service it says "Wait till 2am". I restarted the TIVO, I also went back through the Guided Setup, has anyone seen the same problem? I have a wireless adapter attached to the TIVO. Thanks.

[slyone]

I am having some problems with a software update. When I go to connect to TIVO service it says "Wait till 2am". I restarted the TIVO, I also went back through the Guided Setup, has anyone seen the same problem? I have a wireless adapter attached to the TIVO. Thanks.Yea that happened to me the other night trying to force an update on my TivoHD! I unplugged the Tivo for a minute and eventually got the update installed...as I recall:)

[slyone]

Is it possible to use this unit with it's "lifetime basic" subscription for the TivoHD lifetime transfer for $199.00?

[azitnay]

No, TiVo Basic is simply what's included with the unit, and isn't transferrable anywhere. You'd need a lifetime subscription to TiVo Plus to be able to transfer it.

Drew

[slyone]

Darn! Oh well...Thanks for the prompt response:)

[tunabeard]

I just recently replaced/upgraded the hard drive in my TX-20, and now I'm sitting here and trying to figure out why I am only able to program only what's scheduled on TV for tonight. I can't even program Survivor for tomorrow night?? Why is that?

On "Find Programs" at the bottom is a black box that says "Today's program info available now, more info is on the way". Does it usually take that long to schedule programming?

I have Tivo Lifetime.

[windracer]

Sounds like your unit is either still indexing the guide data or needs to complete a call and download more.

[DerCormeister]

I've got a RS-TX60 with TiVo Lifetime subscription. TiVo's official policy appears to be that they transfer lifetime subscriptions only in limited circumstances. (Although I have an extended warranty through Mack, I'm sure the factory warranty is expired by now.)

I just got an HDTV, and I'm surprised at how bad my picture is compared to what it could be (even standard definition broadcasts look noticeably worse going through TiVo at "Best Quality" than the same signal going directly into the TV). I'd like to view everything I can in HD, so I'm considering getting an HD TiVo.

Questions:

1. The fact that TiVo degrades standard definition signals worries me that an HD TiVo would do the same. Will it?

2. Since my current TiVo came with TiVo Basic service, I'd like to transfer the Lifetime Service to a new TiVo and use the RS-TX60 in another room. Is there any possibility of getting TiVo to transfer my Lifetime Service? I don't fit into the three categories I see at tivo.com (bought within 30 days, wrong # registered, or warranty still in effect), but I've heard they've made exceptions to that policy in the past.

3. If I can transfer the Lifetime Service, is there any way to activate Multi-Room Viewing between two TiVos, one with Basic and one with Lifetime?

4. If not, can anyone make a recommendation about where to get a good price for my RS-TX60 with Lifetime Service and a 4-year extended warranty?

[azitnay]

1. The fact that TiVo degrades standard definition signals worries me that an HD TiVo would do the same. Will it?

For digital channels, the recording is captured in its original form, so no degradation occurs... However, even for analog channels, I think the general consensus is that the HD units do a lot better job at encoding than older units.

2. Since my current TiVo came with TiVo Basic service, I'd like to transfer the Lifetime Service to a new TiVo and use the RS-TX60 in another room. Is there any possibility of getting TiVo to transfer my Lifetime Service? I don't fit into the three categories I see at tivo.com (bought within 30 days, wrong # registered, or warranty still in effect), but I've heard they've made exceptions to that policy in the past.

It's doubtful that you can get TiVo to do a straight-up transfer... If you purchased lifetime before October 1, 2003, you can transfer it to a new TiVo HD for $199 by taking advantage of the following offer:

http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-promo/show.do?pg=/buytivo/hdservicetransfer.html

If not, since you're a current customer, I believe you can currently buy a new unit, buy lifetime on it for $399, and then sell your old unit to recoup some of the costs if you'd like.

3. If I can transfer the Lifetime Service, is there any way to activate Multi-Room Viewing between two TiVos, one with Basic and one with Lifetime?

No, TiVo Basic doesn't allow MRV. You need to keep the unit subscribed to be able to utilize MRV (which you can do even if you transfer its lifetime).

4. If not, can anyone make a recommendation about where to get a good price for my RS-TX60 with Lifetime Service and a 4-year extended warranty?

Probably eBay.

Drew

[deshwasi]

can someone here help me with a drive image for Toshiba RS-TX20? i am not getting any help in the image thread.

[windracer]

PM sent.

[ra610]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just got a new Vizio 37" LCD and now need an HD box for a better picture. Charter is coming out this Saturday to swap out the digital box with an HD box. Will they be able to set up my Toshiba RS-TX20 Series 2 unit along with their HD box to the TV? Just bought the RS-TX20 and don’t want to lose the Tivo functionality. Hoping to get some guidance with proper set up and cables before cable guy shows up just in case they say it will not work. I know the Toshiba will not record an HD quality image, but still want the HD quality to come through on the TV from the Charter HD box. Tivo functionality OK in less than HD qaulity. Any suggestions/advise would be greatly appreciated.

[slyone]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just got a new Vizio 37" LCD and now need an HD box for a better picture. Charter is coming out this Saturday to swap out the digital box with an HD box. Will they be able to set up my Toshiba RS-TX20 Series 2 unit along with their HD box to the TV? Just bought the RS-TX20 and don’t want to lose the Tivo functionality. Hoping to get some guidance with proper set up and cables before cable guy shows up just in case they say it will not work. I know the Toshiba will not record an HD quality image, but still want the HD quality to come through on the TV from the Charter HD box. Tivo functionality OK in less than HD qaulity. Any suggestions/advise would be greatly appreciated.

Let's see, there are 2 ways to set it up, the way I see it.
1st. You could have them setup their HD box normally and then put a coaxial line splitter right before the cable enters your Charter box(then run a short coaxial to charter box and another coaxial to your RS-TX20 then out to the Vizio) in effect you would have to sources/inputs to select on your Vizio.
2nd.run cable to RS-tx20 then to Charter then to Vizio and utilize your IR channel changer/serial cable thingy. The only dislike I have with that setup is it takes forever to change the channel on the cable providers'box.
With the first option, you would be able to record a station while still watching another thru your Charter box(HD watching too).

p.s. where did you ever find an RS-TX20 these days? must have been used....
Don't forget too..if you have problems with the Charter box (which I presume your renting) you could always return it and get yourself a TivoHD for around $200.00 + activation fees.

[ra610]

Thanks for the prompt help slyone. Will both options allow me to see an HD quality picture and use the Tivo to pause, record, etc? Any suggestions for types/qulality of cables to use for these set up? Thanks.

[ra610]

It was a used unit and has been working great. Bought it primarily for the Free Tivo basic. If I upgrade to TivoHD, I will have to pay for Tivo service. I like Free . . .

[slyone]

I had to reword above post(in red) as far as HD programming, as I recall...you will not be able to view this on the Tivo or control the pause etc. although not really sure??Maybe someone else would care to chime in on this one! As I recall, I had removed my RS-TX20 from system when I got HD programming,TivoHD and my Plasma. I'm not really sure as to the actual functioning of the RS-TX20 when configured within an HD environment? It seems the RS-TX20 would have to be in front of the HD box and I don't believe it will be able to interpret the signal........
If you split the signal then you would run your RS-TX20 to any available input on back of the Vizio leaving the "best" for the Charter HD signal (hopefully HDMI connector)and then if using HDMI you could use the next "best" component(3 seperate color cable)video or 3rd best RCA video cable for the RS-TX20. By doing this, you would change inputs on remote to view either source.
Cable quality;
1-best-HDMI (also carries audio)
2-next best-component video(3 seperate cables)+ rca for audio
3-better-RCA -1 video(yellow) and 2 audio(red/white)
4-basic-coaxial (video w/audio)

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Your TiVo unit does not have a digital tuner and will not tune any digital or HD content. This means that you will not be able to use the TiVo to time shift any digital or HD content. In fact the picture from your TiVo will be noticably worse on your HD tv than the same channel from your cable box or even straight from the wall. It will not be terrible but you will notice it is lower qualiity. There are a few ways of connection the TiVo and the cable box.

1) cable from the wall to a splitter. From the splitter one output goes to the cable box, the other to the TiVo. Connect the cable from the box to one input on the tv (I assume it is using a HDMI cable) The TiVo can be connected several ways including coaxial, component or composite. Depending on your tv's inputs.

2) (this is assuming the cable box has a coaxial pass through output)`Cable from the from the wall to the cable box. Connect the cable box via the HDMI or Component cables. Connect the TiVo to the cable output of the cable box. Connect the TiVo to the TV via component or coaxial. This should give you the best picture quality.

3) Cable from the wall to your TiVo. From the TiVo coaxial pass through output to your cable box. From the TiVo to the component or coaxial input on the TV. From the HDMI on the cable box out to the HDMI on the TV. (This won't give you as good of an HD picture because of signal degradation by passing through the TiVo.

I am sure there are more ways, but these will probably give you the best results. Sorry for the long post.

[ra610]

Thanks for all the tips. Will try them out when I get my Charter HD cable box on Saturday

[Rest]

MY Toshiba RS-TX simply sticks on the "Welcome, powering up ..." screen.

Thanks

Alex

[robomeister]

Classic "hard drive has died" problem. You need a hard drive image to burn to a new drive. Instant Cake from www.dvrupgrade.com will do the trick.

[Rest]

Thanks will give it a try!

Alex

[gardibolt]

So I've ordered from dvrupgrade and hope that will fix the problem. Thanks for the tip.

[czapiga82]

im having the same problem with my tx20- what did you order for an upgrade? did it work?

[slyone]

Interesting stuff (instant cake) I should probably setup a "spare drive" so when/if I experience a failure..I'm ready to go!

[splice]

Can I connect a vcr to my rs-tx20 and record my home movies and then burn them to dvd's? If so how do I connect the two ? splice

[windracer]

Connect the outputs of your VCR to one of the inputs on the back (or front) of the TX-20. Then go into Find Programs -> Record from video camera/VCR and the box will walk you through the rest. I believe this is also detailed in the user's guide.

[slyone]

Hey I was just reading about Lifetime options....I still have one of these units which has never had any activation..been using free basic and wonder if by chance I might still have a Lifetime option????

[azitnay]

The ability to purchase lifetime service outright is long gone... There is currently an offer to purchase lifetime for $399, but I believe it's only for existing customers (i.e. people with a currently-active subscription), and then it's only for new units.

Assuming your unit has never been activated, it may qualify as a "new" unit for the purposes of purchasing lifetime. However, it doesn't sound like you're currently a TiVo subscriber, so you may not be able to take advantage of this offer. I'd call TiVo to find out for sure, though.

Drew

[slyone]

Thanks Drew!

[weaknees]

There have been a lot of posts about replacement DVD Burners for DRT400/DRT800 (Humax) and Toshiba RS-TX20/RS-TX60 TiVos.

If you are looking for a factory replacement and don't want to search eBay or online, we have decided to offer a coupon code for TiVo Community readers to take $40 off the cost of the factory burner (bringing the cost of the burner down to $59 shipped if you install the part). For now, we're making the coupon expire 6/30/08, but if you're reading this after the expiration, send us an email (info@weaknees.com) and we'll see if we can help.

Coupon code is "TIVOBURNER" (no quotes). Enter it below the checkout buttons on our website.

Here's where you'll find the product:

Replacement TiVo DVD Burners (http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-parts-bin-2.php#dvd)

I know there are a lot of threads out there discussing burners; I'll post this in the Humax thread, but none of the burner threads. Feel free to pass it along or link here if you think it will help someone else.

[freeze12]

I recorded "Jericho" today & when I went to watch it there was a picture,but no sound.
This also was on all channels even when I changed channels on My television. I looked at some video I previously recorded on Mt RS-TX20 & I had picture & sound..just not from today.I did a re-start on the Toshiba & after that the television had sound again but "Jericho" still had no sound.
I did a test recording & the Toshiba worked fine now..does this sound like a failing hard drive? Has anyone else had this problem?...thanks

[Bruzer]

Can anyone confirm that a Pioneer DVR-115 DVD drive will work as a direct replacement for the DVR-108 that is currently in my RS-TX20? I think I've read that this model works in the Humax DVD/TiVo units, but I'm not sure about the Toshiba units. I realize that I won't be able to make use of all of the new specs for the DVR-115, but I just need something that will work like the DVR-108.

Thanks :)

[Mikeguy]

DVD-RW media on sale right now at Office Depot (25 for $7.99), thru 2-23-08; stock up!

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/955784/Office-Brand-Rewritable-Media-Spindle-Minutes/

[PaulaR]

I am not having any luck setting up my DVR with audio. My husband just unplugged everything before I could label items. Here is my setup.
Toshiba TX-20
JVC audio receiver
RCA tv no audio on back
swich box
RCA satellite

The harddrive died and I just replaced it lots of storage no sound. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[azitnay]

What inputs does your TV have? You say it has no audio inputs, so that would imply that it has no video input, either. Does it only have coax?

Drew

[PaulaR]

What inputs does your TV have? You say it has no audio inputs, so that would imply that it has no video input, either. Does it only have coax?

Drew
It has just the one connection. I have video just not sound. I used to have the quick install guide and it showed how to do the audio, but can't find it.
The sound is just coming from the tv and if you record something on the TX-20 no sound comes out at all. So I have the programs no audio period.

[azitnay]

I still don't understand what you mean by video and not sound... Either you're using a coaxial connection, which carries both video and sound, or you're using composite cables, which should be yellow (video), white (sound), and red (sound).

If the quick install guide helped before, perhaps it'll help again... Amazon has a link to both the manual and the quick install guide:

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-RS-TX20-Recorder-Series2-Digital/dp/B000646MZW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203532153&sr=8-1

I believe the quick install guide is linked as "Supplementary Guide".

Drew

[slyone]

Is there any way I can use MRV with the TX20? I was hoping for a way to transfer content from existing (newer) networked machines to the TX20 for burning purposes?

[azitnay]

First of all, nothing you transfer via MRV is burnable. To burn, you must record on the unit itself.

That being said, if your RS-TX20 is subscribed to TiVo Plus, then you can transfer SD recordings from other TiVos via MRV. You can't however, transfer HD recordings from Series3's and TiVo HD's, as the RS-TX20 doesn't support them natively.

Drew

[slyone]

Thanks Drew. So what is the "Tivo Plus" service..and how much? I hadn't had the TX20 hooked up for a couple months until last evening and have a message to try Tivo Plus?? But even with Plus, I would be able to transfer to but not burn to disc? and yes, I am only speaking of standard definition.

[Mikeguy]

"TIVO Plus" is the basic TIVO subscription service (as opposed to "TIVO Basic," a limited version of that provided as part of the Toshiba RS-TX20/60 players, in part to entice you in the door to then subscribe to the regular TIVO service).

[azitnay]

TiVo Plus costs anywhere from $8.31 per month (by paying $299 up front for three years of service) to $12.95 per month. Many more details are available at www.tivo.com.

But yes, you still won't be able to burn recordings transferred from other TiVos via MRV. The one thing you can do is run cables between the A/V outputs of the other TiVo and the A/V inputs of the RS-TX20, and then simultaneously play the recording on the other TiVo and record it on the RS-TX20. That will essentially perform an analog transfer, and allow you to burn as well. I assume this method would work without TiVo Plus as well.

However, that's a pretty hacky solution... In my opinion, it's far cleaner to transfer the recordings to a computer via TTG, and burn them to a DVD from there using standard PC software.

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I ordered one of the HD TiVo's that was on woot.com last week. I plan on keeping my RS-TX20 as a simple DVR in another room with TiVo Basic. What can I expect when I downgrade the TX20? I am assuming I can forget about Season Passes, Wishlists, TivoCast, MRV, TTG, and the info for the channel guide will be limited. What am I missing? Will this take effect as soon as I transfer the account to the HDTiVo?

[slyone]

Will this take effect as soon as I transfer the account to the HDTiVo?
Yes, I read that the TX20 will also have to be restarted as well.

[azitnay]

I ordered one of the HD TiVo's that was on woot.com last week. I plan on keeping my RS-TX20 as a simple DVR in another room with TiVo Basic. What can I expect when I downgrade the TX20? I am assuming I can forget about Season Passes, Wishlists, TivoCast, MRV, TTG, and the info for the channel guide will be limited. What am I missing? Will this take effect as soon as I transfer the account to the HDTiVo?

I dropped my RS-TX20 back to TiVo Basic a few months ago (I'm essentially only using it as a DVD player now, and recording the occasional conflict). Here's a more or less full list of the differences:

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/TivoCollection/EFB60828-EE03-4971-958B-E8EA9FDFC592/ins_content.html

In short, everything you mentioned, plus a bunch more :).

Assuming you're transferring the service plan to the new unit, it'll revert upon its first connection.

Drew

[azitnay]

Yes, I read that the TX20 will also have to be restarted as well.

I don't remember that being the case... If it were, then there'd be quite an incentive to keep the unit running with no loss of power long after dropping service.

Drew

[Mikeguy]

I dropped my RS-TX20 back to TiVo Basic a few months ago (I'm essentially only using it as a DVD player now, and recording the occasional conflict). Here's a more or less full list of the differences:

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/TivoCollection/EFB60828-EE03-4971-958B-E8EA9FDFC592/ins_content.html

In short, everything you mentioned, plus a bunch more :).

Assuming you're transferring the service plan to the new unit, it'll revert upon its first connection.

Drew
Unfortunately, as noted here, TIVO Basic does not provide for TivoToGo--if it did, a TIVO Basic player would be so sweet as a second player, with no subscription charge ...

[windracer]

I dropped my RS-TX20 back to TiVo Basic a few months ago (I'm essentially only using it as a DVD player now, and recording the occasional conflict).
Mine's been off for the past 4 months ... I should probably boot it up and get it "current" again.

[azitnay]

Yeah... We don't watch too many DVD's, and have plenty of other TiVos for conflict duty, so it's amazing how long our RS-TX20 will sometimes go before the menu is visited. I went into the menu the other day to schedule a recording, and was prompted with a months-old PTCM about a lineup change.

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I dropped my RS-TX20 back to TiVo Basic a few months ago (I'm essentially only using it as a DVD player now, and recording the occasional conflict). Here's a more or less full list of the differences:

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/TivoCollection/EFB60828-EE03-4971-958B-E8EA9FDFC592/ins_content.html

In short, everything you mentioned, plus a bunch more :).

Assuming you're transferring the service plan to the new unit, it'll revert upon its first connection.

DrewWow, there is a lot of basic functionality that I didn't expect it to lose. Specifically the ability to sort the Now Playing list, search by title, browse by time & channel. Oh well, I can't afford two subscriptions. Unless TiVo wants to give me a 2 for 1 deal.

I am sure that I have read before that TiVo would continue the TiVo Plus service for a year after the account was transfered. Or was that only when transferring a Lifetime subscription to a different machine?

[azitnay]

Yeah, TiVo really locked down basic as much as possible, obviously to try to get as many subscribers as possible.

Right, if you took advantage of the lifetime transfer options available recently (which cost $199 to perform), they gave you a free year on the old unit (effectively worth half the transfer fee, with the new MSD being $99 per year).

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Man. I am really going to miss some of those features.

Have any of you had any luck in talking TiVo into a 2 for 1 rate? I might as well give that a shot when I get my HD unit.

[azitnay]

Keep in mind that since you'll have a subscribed TiVo, you can always use its searching and browsing features, and then simply schedule the manual recording on the RS-TX20. Not ideal, but not too bad.

I'm not sure you'll have any luck talking TiVo into a 2-for-1 deal... They're losing money as it is :).

Drew

[EvilMidniteBombr]

My plan was to unplug the wifi adapter before I activate the TiVoHD unit. That would allow me to replicate my Season Pass list as best as possible, and allow me to retain all of the TiVo Plus functionality for at least a few weeks until the guide data needed refreshing.

I am glad that I did. Turns out my refurbed TiVoHD is constantly rebooting. The best I was able to do was watch a few of the TiVo introduction vids, set up several Season Passes, and surf a few channels. All of that was a few hours after initial setup. TiVo customer service was exceptional and they will replace my TiVoHD at no charge.

At least I didn't lose any info on my RS-TX20.

[tdeshler]

Well this is sure a massive thread. My first time here. I guess I'll just jump in with a new topic, which is how it seems to go here.

I have two TX-20 units. They are both working fine and I plan to network them together at some point, but I can't seem to get the wireless adapter to be recognized on the more recently acquired unit. I have a Linksys WUSB11 v. 2.5 that works fine on either machine, but I just purchased a Linksys WUSB11 v. 2.8 that won't work on either machine, even though the adapter supposedly works according to the seller. Anybody have any ideas why two separate adapters wouldn't be possible here? Thanks

Tad

[windracer]

I have a Linksys WUSB11 v. 2.5 that works fine on either machine, but I just purchased a Linksys WUSB11 v. 2.8 that won't work on either machine, even though the adapter supposedly works according to the seller. Anybody have any ideas why two separate adapters wouldn't be possible here? Thanks
I double-checked the supported adapters list (http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/LaunchContent.aspx?cid=56cc9bdc-b292-448e-a6c3-2e55fc03c89f&anchor=undefined) and the WUSB11 v2.8 is a supported adapter. Since it doesn't work on either box, are you sure it works at all? Can you connect it to your PC and see if you can get it to work? If you look on the bottom of the adapter, are you sure it's a v2.8?

[EvilMidniteBombr]

If I recall correctly the adapters have to be a certain version or serial number range. I don't know where or when so I can't back it up by citing a certain post. I am sure someone else can point to that info.

If it is guaranteed by the seller then recommend that you contact him/her.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

I double-checked the supported adapters list (http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/LaunchContent.aspx?cid=56cc9bdc-b292-448e-a6c3-2e55fc03c89f&anchor=undefined) and the WUSB11 v2.8 is a supported adapter. Since it doesn't work on either box, are you sure it works at all? Can you connect it to your PC and see if you can get it to work? If you look on the bottom of the adapter, are you sure it's a v2.8?Yeah. What he said. :D

[tdeshler]

Well it doesn't seem to register on the laptop either, so I guess it is a bum unit, despite what the seller said. Back it goes. Thanks for the replies...

[windracer]

One other thing to try ... it's been a while since I had a WUSB11, but IIRC, the USB cable it comes with has the standard A plug on both sides, but the cable was specifically labeled as to which side goes to the adapter, and which side goes to the PC (or TiVo in this case). You might want to double-check that. I know it caught me once (before I switched to all TiVo G adapters).

[zero_x3]

first time on here. never had problems on my tx20 until this evening. i've had the lifetime basic plan since i bought the box 2.5 years ago. all of a sudden, it said my plan was closed. CS told me to 'fool' the box by re-running guided set-up first with a false zip-code then with my real zip-code. well, i did the false zip-code and now my box is stuck in a power-up loop! help!

[azitnay]

As for the power-up loop, first try unplugging the unit for an hour or so, then plugging it back in. Sometimes that helps. If it doesn't, and it's at least getting to the "Almost There" screen before rebooting, you might want to try one or more of the kickstart codes listed here:

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

If you have no luck with them, you might have a more serious problem, such as hard drive failure.

As for TiVo Basic not working any more, I've never seen that... Maybe if you subscribe the unit temporarily, and then cancel within the trial period to get a full refund, it'll revert back properly?

Drew

[zero_x3]

As for the power-up loop, first try unplugging the unit for an hour or so, then plugging it back in. Sometimes that helps. If it doesn't, and it's at least getting to the "Almost There" screen before rebooting, you might want to try one or more of the kickstart codes listed here:

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

If you have no luck with them, you might have a more serious problem, such as hard drive failure.

As for TiVo Basic not working any more, I've never seen that... Maybe if you subscribe the unit temporarily, and then cancel within the trial period to get a full refund, it'll revert back properly?

Drew

Thanks. I found this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=325134) and decided to go that route. format and install was 'cake', and im able to power-up and use the box w/o problems. however, my account still says 'closed' in TIVO central and online. i'm going to give a call to tivo when i get home today.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

My plan was to unplug the wifi adapter before I activate the TiVoHD unit. That would allow me to replicate my Season Pass list as best as possible, and allow me to retain all of the TiVo Plus functionality for at least a few weeks until the guide data needed refreshing.
Just an update for those that might be curious. After I got my replacement THD, I proceeded as described above. This allowed me 2 weeks worth of guide data and the ability to continue using my Season Passes and other TiVo Plus features.

After the guide data expired, I reconnected the wifi adapter and setup the TiVo for my network. This of course reset everything to TiVo Basic as expected. (Side note: Among all the other restricted features with TiVo Basic, the onscreen guide allows only TiVo Classic view and not Grid View.)

Either that night or the next day, I had a message waiting on the TiVo. It was asking me to try TiVo Plus service free for 45 days. :) Can you see where this is going? I knew you could.

I signed up for the free trial and was accepted. :D So I have another 45 days of TiVo Plus on my (now) standby DVR. Thanks TiVo! :up::up::up:

[windracer]

Either that night or the next day, I had a message waiting on the TiVo. It was asking me to try TiVo Plus service free for 45 days.
I have that sitting on my TX20's TiVo Central menu as well (ever since I let it drop back to Basic) ... I've been saving it for a special occasion. :)

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Yeah, I probably should have saved it for something like a vacation or something like that. But I didn't think about it and didn't know how long that offer would be available.

TiVo Basic also takes away your remote control shortcuts from the main menu. I was actually a little ticked off about that.

[zero_x3]

Thanks. I found this thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=325134) and decided to go that route. format and install was 'cake', and im able to power-up and use the box w/o problems. however, my account still says 'closed' in TIVO central and online. i'm going to give a call to tivo when i get home today.

UPDATE: after talking with tivo, they told me they would escalate the call and to check back on the 12th. Since then, i've received new tivo service updates and have been upgraded to tivo plus on my box. TIVO Central shows account status as "Internal Testing" but online it says its still closed. ill update after the 12th.

[Skuits]

Hello all, I am wondering if anyone has figured out how to use two inputs with only Tivo Basic? I am trying to use a digital ATSC tuner and my antenna but can't use both setups with only basic?


Thanks,
Mark

[azitnay]

You can't... Per the differences listed in TiVo's support article:

http://tivosupport2.instancy.com/TivoCollection/EFB60828-EE03-4971-958B-E8EA9FDFC592/ins_content.html

only one program source input is allowed within TiVo Basic.

Drew

[Skuits]

I figured it as so. I wonder if I upgraded for a month to get through guided setup using two inputs then canceled if it would revert back to only one input?

Hmmm, any ideas???

thanks again,
Mark

[AGerberBGM]

Hi All Alan G here. GREAT GROUP SIgn ME UP!! I have 3 RS-TX60s w Lifetime svc. all successfully networked w 3 TIvo Wireless G usb Adaptors + in a wireless D-LInk network w DIR-655 gigabit Router - to an 8 port Gigabit switch . I'm also taking the other USB out - into a WII USB 2 /Ethernet adaptor Directly into one of the LAN ports of the Router. All INto my Mac- DUal 1.25 G4 2 gig ram :Tiger; going to a WD
STudio Ext 750 GB HD - With Nothing but my TIvo Transfer recordings on it .
Just Got and am using Toast 9 - w 9.02 update. Strange thing - One of my tivos - in 5th Bedroom - won't go to 9.3 software update even tho tivo has sent the request + reconnected 50 + times ( that's what kids are for) . STuck on 9.1 . What I'm trying to do is to be able to use my 750 gbExt HD as a "Tivo - Server- with the ability to have tivo dl to the hd automatically - ( set up in toast- w Tivo Transfer) ANd Then be able to play it from THE MAC- as another Tivo MAchine. I did add the computer as a server- and it's listed as another source in Now PLaying screen - but says No recordings. So Close - Yet SO Far... Also Tivo Transfer is extremely flaky -- never sure when or why it will just time out . Since I have 160 hrs per tivo I'm trying to DownLoad(dl) I hope this will happen before my son is off to Graduate School - ( he's 11) or all of my family is buried in Back-Up DVDs!!
As everyone is having same problem of running out of room - at least we have the ability to save easily to DVD -- There needs to be better way!!
Any Tips ; Advice; similar Stories; Solutions - GREATLY APPRECIATED! All Our Best and How Bout a TIvo w a built in DL- Blue-Ray Recorder?!!
Peace, Alan G

[Skuits]

Yikes!!! What did you say???

[Skuits]

Hello all (again),

Since I am having no luck with IR codes and being able to run my ATSC tuner box I thought I'd manually run it but don't know how to hook it up.?

I need help running the ATSC tuner (digital converter box) into the Tivo. Is this even possible since Tivo only accepts an analog signal???

I thought I could at least hook the ATSC tuner into the A/V input of the Tivo but that doesn't seem to work? Having only basic Tivo service I think has limited my options as well. Is this why I can't see the ATSC tuner through the Tivo? To top it off the particular tuner I have doesn't have analog bypass.

I am hoping someone has some tips/instructions on how I can at least run the ATSC tuner manually through the Tivo so I can at least control live TV and record from the ATSC tuner when the channel is set correctly.

HELP!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Mark

[Flyinace2000]

Hey guys i upgraded my TS-TX20 to TivoHD over the weekend. I want to sell it and wanted to know how much i could get for it? Its in mint condition and never been opened. I have a netgear usb to ethernet adapter too. No lifetime service.

-Will

[tivoupgrade]

Hey guys i upgraded my TS-TX20 to TivoHD over the weekend. I want to sell it and wanted to know how much i could get for it? Its in mint condition and never been opened. I have a netgear usb to ethernet adapter too. No lifetime service.

-Will

Something less than $100?

Check out the completed auctions (http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&catref=C6&from=R40&satitle=TX20&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sabfmts=1&fis=2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search) on ebay... (you have to log in to see them)

[Skuits]

Something less than $100?

Check out the completed auctions (http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&catref=C6&from=R40&satitle=TX20&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sabfmts=1&fis=2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search) on ebay... (you have to log in to see them)

If you choose to sell it on eBay, I would make sure to advertise the fact that it comes with the Tivo Basic service, and the ability to control live tv with no monthly fees!!!

Good luck!

Mark

[nateman96]

Hi, I noticed by TS-RX20 toggles between the two yellow and red lights coming on in front of the Unit and the "Welcome" on the front of the box. Does anyone know what the problem might be? I disconnected the power to the unit and it is still doing this. Thanks

[Skuits]

Hi, I noticed by TS-RX20 toggles between the two yellow and red lights coming on in front of the Unit and the "Welcome" on the front of the box. Does anyone know what the problem might be? I disconnected the power to the unit and it is still doing this. Thanks

Is this a new problem? Has the Toshiba been working normally up to this point? If it lost power it does take a bit for it to boot up etc.

Mark

[nateman96]

Is this a new problem? Has the Toshiba been working normally up to this point? If it lost power it does take a bit for it to boot up etc.

Mark

The Toshiba TS-RX20 was working fine for about 2 years, then recently it just toggles between the two (red and and yellow) lights coming on and the "Welcome" text on the front. I even cycled the power to see if this would fix it but it did not. So essentially it is in an endless loop between the two lights coming on, then the lights go off and the "Welcome" comes on...on and on......

[Skuits]

Bummer! I am no expert but it sounds like the hard drive has failed. If so its a relatively easy fix. You can buy a drive all set up with the image of the Tivo software on it and simply replace it (turn some screws etc). Same as you would basically with a computer. Its a good time to buy a bigger drive and increase your storage space. As an alternative you could buy a second Toshiba unit from eBay and take out the drive copy the image onto a larger drive and have two units. You have a few options here.

I think if you search the "endless loop" situation from the search function on this site you'll find more comprehensive info on your problem.

I really like the Toshiba unit as you can control it (a bit) from the front without the remote, unlike my Pioneer unit. It's not as pretty as the Pioneer but works nearly the same. The Pioneer is faster from menu to menu. I upgraded the drive on my Pioneer with a 500 GB drive I got new from Newegg. Matched the specs nearly to the fancy drives they sell that are specific to DVR's. $100 for the drive and an hour or so learning how to unlock and copy the image. MSFlive is a tool you can do the copy with. Its all lined out on the site http://www.mfslive.org/

I am not computer wiz and I figured it out, so I figure anyone can do it :)

Good luck!!!

Mark

[phaidres]

i hope someone in this forum can help me. i have a toshiba rs-tx20 tivo. it is only 3 years old and still under a 4 year warranty. i just switched over from comcast cable to fios tv. when ordering the service i was guaranteed that the tivo could work with fios. when the technician arrived, i was informed this was not the case! i was told i would have to use the fios dvr box [$12.99] and my tivo is basically unusable.

does anyone have info on this? we use the tivo with basic service [i like the guide much better than cable/fios], and we don't use any VOD services. we also use the tivo as a dvd burner and to watch dvds. we would really like to continue using this. is it possible to use this with the fios service??

[azitnay]

FIOS typically gives you very few analog cable channels... Typically, you'll get your local broadcast stations, but little else.

So, if you want all the channels on your RS-TX20, you'll need to rent a set-top box from Verizon (there'll be a small monthly fee, but it shouldn't be anywhere near $12.99), and use IR blasters to give the TiVo the ability to change the channels on the Verizon box. This setup can be very error-prone (missed channel changes, etc.), so I don't typically recommend it, but many people have been successful in getting it to work at or near 100% of the time.

Drew

[nateman96]

I have a RS-TX20 and I use the IR connection to change the channels on my Dish Network Satellite box (I have a few International channels), however, I also have COX Digital cable and I would like to know how to change the channels on it with my RS-TX20. The COX digital box does not have a Serial connection so that is not an option. Thanks for your help.

[azitnay]

I have a RS-TX20 and I use the IR connection to change the channels on my Dish Network Satellite box (I have a few International channels), however, I also have COX Digital cable and I would like to know how to change the channels on it with my RS-TX20. The COX digital box does not have a Serial connection so that is not an option. Thanks for your help.

You can't control both at the same time... It's one or the other.

Drew

[linenoise]

Please help! My RS-TX20 hard drive recently died on me. I can not find my instacake or my image to reload. Does anyone have a copy that I could get from them.
Thanks for your help!

[azitnay]

Check your PM's.

Drew

[slyone]

I've got an rs-tx20 as well as a couple HD's and many ST & DT's. I should probably make some sort of backup in case of a hdd failure shouldn't I???? TIA!

[windracer]

Check out WinMFS (http://www.mfslive.org/winmfs/). Easiest way to do backups.

[patrickinstardom]

Unfortunately, the DVD recorder/drive of my Toshiba RS-TX60 [quite a while ago] broke. Actually, I'm not sure it's exactly broken... what happened was that a DVD disc got stuck in the device and somehow I got it out. It's been a while since that happened so I don't remember what I had to do to get the disc out. But I no longer use it for DVD playback. Also, I no longer use the DVD-recording functionality because I don't want this happening again.

From what I remember, the unit was stuck on a loading screen for the longest time (while the disc was stuck in there) and also, I may have had to send it in for a software reinstall. It was not a pleasant experience.

~Patrick

[TiVoEvan74]

Gosh, is that cutting off your nose to spite your face?! :)

I'd risk it... a DVD burning/playing unit w/o the DVD in operation is like any other Tivo and quite limited! You may discover that it was just one weird disk. I've had CDs DVDs get stuck in my laptop's drive and eventually, once out, everything is fine again.

[EvilMidniteBombr]

Gosh, is that cutting off your nose to spite your face?! :)

I'd risk it... a DVD burning/playing unit w/o the DVD in operation is like any other Tivo and quite limited! You may discover that it was just one weird disk. I've had CDs DVDs get stuck in my laptop's drive and eventually, once out, everything is fine again.
I'd say that it's not even as good as any other TiVo. Only one tuner and limited HDD capacity. Although having controls on the front of the unit is a bonus.

I love my RS-TX20 even though I'm only using TiVo basic with it. But if it didn't have the DVD capabilities, I'd change my tune.

[sledhed]

Need some hints...
I have tried the reboot - hold pause - type in 57 kickstart 6 times with no apparent success on my TX20. I want to scan the drive as there times when there are specific programs that will not record to DVD no matter what I do. Transferred to PC, they contain synch errors that videoredo fixes, so that must be related.

Can anyone give me the step-by-step for this unit, since the indicator lights are not like the regular TiVo when going through the boot sequence? I thought I got it to take a couple times, but it never showed a green screen as far as I could tell, if it did it was a flash and gone. And some of the programs are still having trouble recording to DVD, repeatedly. Other program record to DVD just fine, first time, every time.

Other than this (and the slow-slow-slow response time which is a constant), this unit works fine since day 1 and we have recorded hundreds of DVDs with it.

Is it perhaps time to replace the HDD?

[Chester_Lampwick]

sledhed,
I'm thinking that your TiVo is operating normally. Yes, some programs will make coasters, nobody really knows why. I did the whole Hogan's Heroes series, and made 3 or 4 coasters out of the 35 discs. It sucks that I had to transfer those 3 or 4 discs, which is so slow.

If you're still using the original hard drive, you may want to freshen it up. Now's a good time before the new fall TV season. Maybe do a Clear and Delete Everything, which theoretically would defragment the drive. Or re-image it in a PC. You could run some disc diagnostics at that time. Running 24/7 for 5 years, you may want to retire the drive and put in a new much bigger drive. You can still find IDE drives, but soon it'll be tough. Maybe you should drop the $75 - $100, and buy a few more years of enjoyment with the machine.