"Digital" cable question / other question - please help

[mweppner]

Hello,

If I were to purchase the new dual-tuner Tivo, is it able to record "digital channels". For example, I have Comcast, and I'm told if I don't have a converter box or DVR, it won't record over channel 99. Is that the same story if I buy the dual-tuner Tivo?

For various reasons, I'm thinking of abandoning DirecTv altogether and sticking with Comcast (currently have both). It will save me money and make my set-ups easier. But, on the main TV, we'd like 2 DVR's, and we can't have two 8300HD's, so I thought I'd add a DT Tivo to the mix.

So, aside from the channel 100+ question:
1) if I cancel DirecTv, will my recordings still be viewable on my DirecTivos?
2) I don't know much about Tivo 3 - can someone point me to a good thread with some detail on it? Wondering if it's worth waiting for that.

Thanks!

[mick66]

The dual tuner can record two analog channels (it will use the box for one of them) at one time or one analog and one digital channel. If the cable box you have is a dvr also, TiVo can't be used with it.

[mweppner]

thank you Mick. So, in order to record the digital channels, I'd have to have a cable box PLUS the DT Tivo. If I only have the DT Tivo with the cable going directly in, I'm limited to analog only?

[ZikZak]

Correct. The tivo is not a digital decoder. You need a cable box to decode the digital channels.

[mweppner]

thanks for clarifying for me! Appreciate it.

[dmokeler]

The dual tuner can record two analog channels (it will use the box for one of them) at one time or one analog and one digital channel. If the cable box you have is a dvr also, TiVo can't be used with it.

Just to clairify you can use a Cable box with dvr with tivo, you just can't use the dvr functions at the same time as tivo.

Dave

[JimSpence]

1) You can still view recordings after you deactivate the DirecTiVos.

[mweppner]

thanks again for all the replies!

[Pearhead]

Hello,

If I were to purchase the new dual-tuner Tivo, is it able to record "digital channels". For example, I have Comcast, and I'm told if I don't have a converter box or DVR, it won't record over channel 99. Is that the same story if I buy the dual-tuner Tivo?

For various reasons, I'm thinking of abandoning DirecTv altogether and sticking with Comcast (currently have both). It will save me money and make my set-ups easier. But, on the main TV, we'd like 2 DVR's, and we can't have two 8300HD's, so I thought I'd add a DT Tivo to the mix.

So, aside from the channel 100+ question:
1) if I cancel DirecTv, will my recordings still be viewable on my DirecTivos?
2) I don't know much about Tivo 3 - can someone point me to a good thread with some detail on it? Wondering if it's worth waiting for that.

Thanks!

I'll offer my advice/experience...then ask a question.

After 10 years with P*/D* with a TiVo combo box I was recently forced/enticed into purchasing a TiVo DT. I grew into a tree problem and was losing signal on a few transponders. :-(

Enter the new S2 DT so I opted to give cable a whirl. MY advice to you is not to cancel your D* service but suspend it. They'll do this for you for however long you need and you don't risk having to "re-up" your contract should things not work to your satisfaction with Comcast. If things bode well for you then cancel with D*. That's my plan anyway.

My experience so far has been mixed. The HMO/networking is primo...something I've been wanting for eons. BUT.....I can definately tell a difference between my cable's analog vs. D* digital feed though the DTivo. At least I think that's what it is. The SA TiVo's PQ is noticeably fuzzy compared to the digital sat feed. As yet I haven't opted for the cable co's digital box or had the cable guy tweak the signal but so far I'm really dissappointed in how the SA TiVo handles/compresses the analog signal. Since I've never had a SA TiVO, at this point I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is the result of the analog to digital conversion or just a poor signal.

So..my question is...will the S2 DT be more forgiving/clear up the PQ with a digital feed from the cable co?

My guess is that it even though it's a digital signal the DT will still convert it to MPEG 2 hence a step degradation. My sister just recently got a SA TiVo and she told me it "fuzzed" her PQ too compared to a direct shot into the TV. Maybe I'm spoiled, but is this fuzz just a normal trade-off for all SA TiVo users? FUH......


just occured to me I should hook the S2 DT to the D* box. That should give me some sort of compression measuring stick no?

[mweppner]

thanks for the "suspension" idea! I haven't made the move yet...it's a project this week, so when I'm ready to hit the switch, I'll ask for the suspension. Thanks!

I don't know the answer to your question - sorry I couldn't return the favor!