Channels change on Tivo, but not on Cable box

[rdlaub]

Just got a dual tuner 80 hour Tivo. I have the IR transmitters set up and have adjusted them several times.

When I use the remote control to change the channels, the channel changes on Tivo but not on the cable box. Not sure what to do.

[JimSpence]

Did you select the correct remote codes for your cable box?

[rdlaub]

Did you select the correct remote codes for your cable box?

On my first tivo I was able to select the remote codes. On this Tivo, it automatically tests and programs the remote for you. So there is no opportunity during setup to select codes.

Also, is is usual that the Tivo would change channels even though the cable box is not?

[classicsat]

Go through the channel changing options in the Settings, under Messages and Settings. There is an advanced option in there, where you can manually set the code.

[rdlaub]

Go through the channel changing options in the Settings, under Messages and Settings. There is an advanced option in there, where you can manually set the code.

Thanks. Just did that and I see that the codes and settings are exactly the same as my first Tivo using the same make cable box. That one works perfectly and always has. Also during the setup process the cable box channel changed.

I know the IR is positioned correctly because I have in the exact location as my first Tivo as well. This is really frustrating.

[rdlaub]

Ok, I trouble shooted this problem with 2 different Tivo reps and they have determined there is a malfunction. So they are sending me a return authorization and shipping me a new unit.

That's great. The one thing that still puzzles me is why during the set up phase, the channels on the cable box changed but then did not change when I used the remote. The rep was not sure about this either. So I hope the new unit, fixes the problem.

[VikingGuy84]

Same thing started happening with me a few days ago. I have had this TiVo and Comcast cable box set up for a year now and everything has worked up until just a few days ago. When I punch in numbers on the TiVo remote, the TiVo channels change, but the cable box does not. I tested to see if I was on one channel and had a program set to record on another, but the cable box channel didn't change, so it just recorded whatever channel it was originally on. The remote that we got with our cable box still works and changes channels on cable box, but the TiVo remote won't.

It's going to suck if I can't figure it out and end up recording the wrong shows...

[mchips]

Ok, I trouble shooted this problem with 2 different Tivo reps and they have determined there is a malfunction. So they are sending me a return authorization and shipping me a new unit.

That's great. The one thing that still puzzles me is why during the set up phase, the channels on the cable box changed but then did not change when I used the remote. The rep was not sure about this either. So I hope the new unit, fixes the problem. It sounds like you may also be using the RF/Coax/Analog cable input, and that is what is changing channels.

Have you tried tuning to a channel above analog cable, i.e., above 99, to one of the digital cable box channels?

[VikingGuy84]

I had been using the serial mode of changing channels but for some reason that mode doesn't work anymore, so I tried the IR mode and that works. So my problem is fixed, but I don't know why the serial mode stopped working.... Weird...

[rdlaub]

It sounds like you may also be using the RF/Coax/Analog cable input, and that is what is changing channels.

Have you tried tuning to a channel above analog cable, i.e., above 99, to one of the digital cable box channels?


Actually I did notice last night that the higher numbered channels change, but the lower ones do not.

What does that mean?

[mchips]

Actually I did notice last night that the higher numbered channels change, but the lower ones do not.

What does that mean? That it's only using the cable box when it has to (typically channels above 99), using the analog line when watching channels below 99 (typically channels 2 thru 99), which does not require a cable box to view.

Analog is typically channels 2 thru 99, and does not require a cable box (for most cable systems).

Digital is typically channels above 99 and requires a cable box in order to view.

[rdlaub]

That it's only using the cable box when it has to (typically channels above 99), using the analog line when watching channels below 99 (typically channels 2 thru 99), which does not require a cable box to view.

Analog is typically channels 2 thru 99, and does not require a cable box (for most cable systems).

Digital is typically channels above 99 and requires a cable box in order to view.

So what is the implication of that for my Tivo. Does that imply something was wrong with the unit?

[mchips]

So what is the implication of that for my Tivo. Does that imply something was wrong with the unit? No, sounds like nothing is wrong, and that it's working exactly like it's supposed to be working...

[rdlaub]

No, sounds like nothing is wrong, and that it's working exactly like it's supposed to be working...


Are you saying that on the lower channels, I should not see my cable box change channels? If that is the case, why did Tivo consider it defective and is sending me a new box.

Would tivo have recorded the correct station even though it was not changing the cable box?

How would Tivo record 2 analog stations if it does not change the cable box for one of the tuners?

[mchips]

Are you saying that on the lower channels, I should not see my cable box change channels? If that is the case, why did Tivo consider it defective and is sending me a new box.

Would tivo have recorded the correct station even though it was not changing the cable box?

How would Tivo record 2 analog stations if it does not change the cable box for one of the tuners?When on channels 2-99, it's changing the channel via the RF/Coax input, and only using the cable box when it has to (typically for digital channels above 99). With most cable systems, you don't need a cable box for analog cable, which are typically those channels under 99.

You stated that it changes the channel on the cable box when you get to the higher channel numbers, but otherwise it only "changes it on the TiVo," which means it is changing the channels, but since it can only control one external cable box, it defaults to the analog cable signal when possible (typically channels 2-99). It does not need a cable box for these channels. You can get rid of the cable box, and still get these channels.

A cable box is typically for digital channels, those above 99, and for premium channels (like HBO, SHO & MAX).

If you only want to use the cable box, you can go into the Channel settings and uncheck all channels indicated with "cab" which means it's a cable analog channel, and just leave the "box" channels checked. This way, it will only use the cable box. But keep in mind that if you do this, since it can only control one cable box at a time, you will then only be able to record one program at a time.

Otherwise, it can record two channels, both from the analog input (i.e., not the cable box), or it can record one channel from the analog input and one of the digital or premium channels from the cable box. If it records both channels from the analog input, i.e., channels below 99, the signal gets split internally, and doesn't need the cable box.

I don't know why the CSRs felt your box was defective, except that maybe they could not understand what you were stating your problem is, so they're just going to replace the box and then see if you still have the same problem after that.

[rdlaub]

When on channels 2-99, it's changing the channel via the RF/Coax input, and only using the cable box when it has to (typically for digital channels above 99). With most cable systems, you don't need a cable box for analog cable, which are typically those channels under 99.

You stated that it changes the channel on the cable box when you get to the higher channel numbers, but otherwise it only "changes it on the TiVo," which means it is changing the channels, but since it can only control one external cable box, it defaults to the analog cable signal when possible (typically channels 2-99). It does not need a cable box for these channels. You can get rid of the cable box, and still get these channels.

A cable box is typically for digital channels, those above 99, and for premium channels (like HBO, SHO & MAX).

If you only want to use the cable box, you can go into the Channel settings and uncheck all channels indicated with "cab" which means it's a cable analog channel, and just leave the "box" channels checked. This way, it will only use the cable box. But keep in mind that if you do this, since it can only control one cable box at a time, you will then only be able to record one program at a time.

Otherwise, it can record two channels, both from the analog input (i.e., not the cable box), or it can record one channel from the analog input and one of the digital or premium channels from the cable box. If it records both channels from the analog input, i.e., channels below 99, the signal gets split internally, and doesn't need the cable box.

I don't know why the CSRs felt your box was defective, except that maybe they could not understand what you were stating your problem is, so they're just going to replace the box and then see if you still have the same problem after that.


Thanks, so are you saying the splitter for the analogue stations resides inside the Tivo? (no additional external splitter)

This makes sense. I spent a whole day trying to figure this out with 2 different Tivo reps. So now, they are sending me a new one and I will have to ship back the old, all for nothing.

[mchips]

Thanks, so are you saying the splitter for the analogue stations resides inside the Tivo? (no additional external splitter)

This makes sense. I spent a whole day trying to figure this out with 2 different Tivo reps. So now, they are sending me a new one and I will have to ship back the old, all for nothing. Yes, there is essentially a splitter inside the box for analog stations...

I don't know how you have your cable connected to your DT, but it should be connected as follows, for most situations (there are always exceptions, of course):

Cable from wall to splitter.
From splitter, one cable to RF/Coax in on DT and second cable to cable box.
From cable box, connect either Composite/S-Video cable from cable box to DT.

It can then record two analog channels simultaneously (via the Coax/RF-in cable, getting split internally), or one analog and one cable-box channel simultaneously. It just can't record two cable-box channels simultaneously, as it can only control one external cable box at a time.

Hope this makes sense.

Btw, what software version do you have on your box?

This can be found via Messages & Settings > Account & System Information, and will either be 7.2.5, 7.2.5a, 7.3, or 7.3.1.

[rdlaub]

Yes, there is essentially a splitter inside the box for analog stations...

I don't know how you have your cable connected to your DT, but it should be connected as follows, for most situations (there are always exceptions, of course):

Cable from wall to splitter.
From splitter, one cable to RF/Coax in on DT and second cable to cable box.
From cable box, connect either Composite/S-Video cable from cable box to DT.

It can then record two analog channels simultaneously (via the Coax/RF-in cable, getting split internally), or one analog and one cable-box channel simultaneously. It just can't record two cable-box channels simultaneously, as it can only control one external cable box at a time.

Hope this makes sense.

Btw, what software version do you have on your box?

This can be found via Messages & Settings > Account & System Information, and will either be 7.2.5, 7.2.5a, 7.3, or 7.3.1.

This is exactly how I have my cable connected.


This makes perfect sense and only wish I had this information from the Tivo service rep and did not arrange for a replacement Tivo. Now I have to package the old one and go to the post office.

I am not at home right now so I can't check my version. I will when I get home and post it. Thanks for the help.

[rdlaub]

I just spoke to a new Tivo rep who confirmed that on the lower band of channels I would not see a channel change on the cable box. But rather than an internal splitter, he said one tuner is controlled by the analog input and the other by the cable box. In other words, he is saying that if I am on an analog channel in one tuner, if I toggle to the other tuner and try to get to an analog channel, the cable box will need to take over since the internal tivo channel changing is already being used by the other tuner. Does that make sense.

[bedelman]

I just spoke to a new Tivo rep who confirmed that on the lower band of channels I would not see a channel change on the cable box. But rather than an internal splitter, he said one tuner is controlled by the analog input and the other by the cable box. In other words, he is saying that if I am on an analog channel in one tuner, if I toggle to the other tuner and try to get to an analog channel, the cable box will need to take over since the internal tivo channel changing is already being used by the other tuner. Does that make sense.
That's not how it is and here's how I can prove it...

I can be recording two analog channels (ones labeled "cbl" in Channels You Receive) at the same time. I can then walk over to the cable box and change the channel -- and neither of the two recordings are affected at all.

There are two encoders -- one can only work with the A/V inputs (for the cable box or satellite receiver). Both encoders can work with the RF-input (analog cable input).

[rdlaub]

Thanks. I played around last night and realize you are correct. The Tivo CSR was just wrong. I should have spent less time on the phone with them and more time on this forum. Thanks to all.

Question - When you are recording 2 analog channels at once and walk over and change the cable box, does anything happen at all on screen? Do you get a warning that a recording is currently in process?

[Santiago Peak]

I can be recording two analog channels (ones labeled "cbl" in Channels You Receive) at the same time. I can then walk over to the cable box and change the channel -- and neither of the two recordings are affected at all.

Does this imply that with a dual tuner Tivo you can record 2 analog channels AND watch a live show? I haven't seen this mentioned on the Tivo website or TCF so I'm assuming that it cannot be done, but this was the first indication I've seen that maybe it could be done.

[mchips]

I can be recording two analog channels (ones labeled "cbl" in Channels You Receive) at the same time. I can then walk over to the cable box and change the channel -- and neither of the two recordings are affected at all.Does this imply that with a dual tuner Tivo you can record 2 analog channels AND watch a live show? I haven't seen this mentioned on the Tivo website or TCF so I'm assuming that it cannot be done, but this was the first indication I've seen that maybe it could be done.No... the max is two shows through the TiVo, as there are only two tuners...

One of the tuners is connected to the Coax/RF-in, and the second (internal) tuner has a cable running from the first tuner to the second tuner. The first tuner always records from the Coax/RF-in, while the second tuner can then either also record from the Coax/RF-in at the same time, or it can be used to record from an external cable or satellite box.

Those two tuners can either be watching or recording two shows from the analog input, or one show from the analog input and one show from an external satellite or cable box.

What he was saying, to prove that it can still record both tuners from the analog source even when an external box is attached, was that he can change the channel on the cable box, via the cable box remote or from the cable box front panel, then check the two shows that are recording on the TiVo and neither one will be viewing or recording the contents of the cable box; i.e., it then has both tuners recording from the analog cable RF/Coax input and not the box at that time...

[rdlaub]

I just received my replacement Tivo. Now I have to wait for my return authorization form so I can ship it right back. I'm not sure if I should call Tivo and alert them that the original Tivo was working correctly so I am keeping it and will be shipping back the new one. Or can I just return and assume they will figure it out.

[mchips]

I just received my replacement Tivo. Now I have to wait for my return authorization form so I can ship it right back. I'm not sure if I should call Tivo and alert them that the original Tivo was working correctly so I am keeping it and will be shipping back the new one. Or can I just return and assume they will figure it out. The nice thing to do would be to let them know... :)

[rdlaub]

The nice thing to do would be to let them know... :)


I always try to be nice. So that's the answer. Thanks.