Questions about Landline Connection

[maderite2005]

hi all. Just got my Tivo and did an initial load of programs through the phone line, only gave me a few days though.

Here is my situation. The update that Tivo requires daily does not have a local number for my area, so it must go through a long distance connection. I am fearful of this running huge phone bills. I connected it the first day and it downloaded channel guide until 5/9. I then unconnected it so that it wasn't continuing to run up the long distance.

I reconnected today and it was over an hour and still downloading. A phone call broke the connection. OMGosh, is it going to call hours a day??

I have DSL on Windows ME.

I don't know if I could use this to connect or not? We live in a very rural area that doesn't offer much. DSL is through local phone company.

How long does a connection usually last and how often does it have to be connected??

Any other suggestions??

[ZikZak]

The long connection is Tivo updating to the current system software. It happens about twice a year. Most daily calls are a few minutes only.

Yes, you can use the DSL to make these daily connections, which would probably be a good idea for you. You will need a supported network adapter for the tivo and a router. See the documentation that came with your box, or the support area of tivo.com.

[Joeg180]

Are you running a home network?

Are you running a series II?

If you are running a series II you can get a wired or wireless adapter to connect the unit to your home network, Series I can connect to your network with an internal network card.

TiVo has there own wireless adapters available at CompUSA, Tivo, Amazon.com and Buy.com (others as well). There is a list on TiVo.com of approved wired/wireless adapters.

I'm currently using wired connectors from weaknees.com and a sibling is using the TiVo branded wireless adapter.

I'm using a linksys router with no issues, others I'm sure will chime in with their suggestions as well.

Welcome to the TiVolution.

[maderite2005]

Currently, no home network. And it is a Series Two Tivo.

What all would I need to buy? Will I need a router and an Adapter??

Will it work with Windows ME?

[JoelCFC25]

This is tangentially related to your situation, but I would strongly recommend you do anything and everything possible to get a current Microsoft operating system, as official support for Windows ME will sunset on July 11, 2006 (about 2.5 months from now)....meaning no more security updates or patches. See support-dot-microsoft-dot-com/default-dot-aspx/gp/lifean18 (sorry, URL restriction)

You would also benefit from much better driver support for the kind of networking devices you're going to need if you got Windows XP for example. :)

[maderite2005]

Thanks for the info on the ME. I have been bugging hubby lately about upgrading, but wasn't aware of the issue you presented. Wow.

I heard it is best not to get the upgrade and install it on the old computer, but that it was better to just get a whole new system with XP already installed. Any ideas on this?

[Joeg180]

Maderite2005,
save your self the headaches by purchasing a new system with XP. Trying to load newer operating systems on older hardware can be a total pain in the butt.

You would need a router to put in place after your modem and a compatible adapter.

[jjberger2134]

Total cost for a router and adapter should be less than $70. Basic router is probably $25-$30 (on sale) as is an adapter and some money for shipping. Check out Tivo's web site (under support, then network tab) for compatible adapters.

Also, why not have an unlimited long distance plan on your phone (at least temporarily) to avoid a large bill. I do not know your phone carrier, but Verizon offers an unlimited long distance plan by me for $30/month. It depends on your current costs, but it shouldn't be that much more that it "breaks the bank".