Need help w/ Used TiVo setup

[momto2]

I just received an old Phillips TiVo unit with a defective modem. All I got was the unit itself, the remote, and the power cord. The unit does have a lifetime membership on it & is running version 2.5(??).

I am new to TiVo and not incredibly tech-savvy. I have an external modem to use for the initial setup, but don't know what cords I need, how to set up the unit, and then how to connect it to my wireless network.

Can someone help me? Thanks!

[stevel]

See here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=66115) for external modem connection info. For wireless, you'll need an AirNET (http://www.9thtee.com/tivoairnet.htm) adapter.

I suggest you hold off on the network bit for now. Make sure that the TiVo works properly.

What are the first three digits of the TiVo Service Number (on the back of the unit)?

Setup is pretty simple - you connect your chosen signal source to one of the inputs (RF, composite or S-Video) and connect one of the outputs to your TV. Then you run Guided Setup to configure it.

[classicsat]

You need V3 to use the external modem, at least. You might just want to get a 3.0 image and update it manually, by re-imaging the drive.

[momto2]

I have no idea what any of that means. What is a V3? We have tried so many configurations & can't seem to get it to work. Ultimately, we want to connect to our surround sound system & send TiVo through the VCR.

We are completely lost, and my husband is ready to smash the unit to bits. Any help would be appreciated so much!!

[mick66]

I have no idea what any of that means. What is a V3?


You said this tivo was running v2.5 but you need v3.0 to use an external modem.

Your options are to either purchase an "upgrade" hard drive for your particular Tivo which will have software v3.0 or you need to get a copy of v3.0 to put on the xisting (or any) hard drive that you have. PTVupgrade's Instantcake (http://www.ptvupgrade.com/db/upgrade/category/products/icake_product_detail_html?product_id=87) is one option to get the correct software version.