Dual Tuner - RF Splitter

[j85915]

On my current Series 2 unit (single tuner), I use an RF splitter so that I can watch TV using my TV's tuner. I find that for channel surfing, I can surf faster through the channels using the TV's tuner rather than Tivo's tuner.

If I were to get a Dual Tuner Tivo, would I still be able to use the splitter so I could channel surf using my TV tuner?

In other words, I would have the cable coming from the wall, connecting to the splitter. From the splitter, one cable would run to the Tivo box and another cable would run to my TV.

Thanks!

[jfh3]

Yes.

[j85915]

Thanks!

[usnret]

Exactly the way my DT is setup and it works great...

[supasta]

Exactly the way my DT is setup and it works great...

This is great becasuse connected like this, you can record two shows at once, and then watch a third live show on the TV....works great!

[mbernste]

This is great becasuse connected like this, you can record two shows at once, and then watch a third live show on the TV....works great!
Actually, to do that you would need two splitters (or one three way splitter). Two of the splits would go to the TiVo and digital cable box (assuming the OP has a digital box), while the third split would go to the TV's internal tuner. The only problem with this setup, and why I didn't do it this way, is that with each split you lose some signal which can cause issues with picture quality and return signal path for two-way cable box interactivity (ie VOD).

[supasta]

Actually, to do that you would need two splitters (or one three way splitter). Two of the splits would go to the TiVo and digital cable box (assuming the OP has a digital box), while the third split would go to the TV's internal tuner. The only problem with this setup, and why I didn't do it this way, is that with each split you lose some signal which can cause issues with picture quality and return signal path for two-way cable box interactivity (ie VOD).

Actually, the OP here makes no implication that he has a cable box, and actually says contrary:

In other words, I would have the cable coming from the wall, connecting to the splitter. From the splitter, one cable would run to the Tivo box and another cable would run to my TV.

When splitting an analog signal, this will make no difference really as the wuality difference should not be noticeable, so long as you use a good splitter and only split once.

[mick66]

On my current Series 2 unit (single tuner), I use an RF splitter so that I can watch TV using my TV's tuner. I find that for channel surfing, I can surf faster through the channels using the TV's tuner rather than Tivo's tuner.

If I were to get a Dual Tuner Tivo, would I still be able to use the splitter so I could channel surf using my TV tuner?

In other words, I would have the cable coming from the wall, connecting to the splitter. From the splitter, one cable would run to the Tivo box and another cable would run to my TV.

Thanks!


Yes, but the splitter isn't even necessary. If you connect the tivo's coax output to the TV's coax input, you can just put the Tivo in standby and use the TV's tuner to watch a third program while tivo is recording two programs.

[mbernste]

Yes, but the splitter isn't even necessary. If you connect the tivo's coax output to the TV's coax input, you can just put the Tivo in standby and use the TV's tuner to watch a third program while tivo is recording two programs.
I tried that. Didn't work.

[mick66]

I tried that. Didn't work.
Then your Tivo is defective.

I do it on a regular basis. I don't watch tv that way, but I need my TV with RCA Guide Plus to get program information and the TV's clock get's reset in the process.

[rainwater]

I tried that. Didn't work.

To do that you have to put the RF out from the TiVo into your TV.

[lessd]

Then your Tivo is defective.

I do it on a regular basis. I don't watch tv that way, but I need my TV with RCA Guide Plus to get program information and the TV's clock get's reset in the process.

I just tried that on my S2 DT and it worked as it should, you get a grey screen for a few seconds than the cable RF goes to the TV RF input. If you have been using the RCA cables to watch the TiVo you will have to switch the TV input to cable/tuner from external.

[mick66]

To do that you have to put the RF out from the TiVo into your TV.

Ya, that's what he said he tried.

[alansplace]

Ya, that's what he said he tried.maybe the op doesn't know what 'standby' is?
--
Alan :D

[mbernste]

Tried both from the TiVo as well as my SA4200 box connecting the coax to teh RF out and the other to the RF in/analog cable connection of my Sharp Aquos. What I get is whatever the digital cable box is tuned to when I tune to channel 4 on the analog input of my TV (or 3 if I flip that switch on the TiVo, when it was connected to the TiVo). I am unable to independently tune to an analog channel using the analog tuner in my TV regardless of how the cable is connected. Prior to getting the TiVo, I used one of the ports on my splitter to accomplish this, but now since both splits are being used (one for the SA4200 HD and the other for the TiVo's internal tuner), I'm not able to watch something on analog.

Its no big deal, if there's a 3rd thing to watch (TiVo recording to shows at the same time), I can always go to another TV in my house and watch it. I have no problems recording one thing on the TiVo (regardless if its using the SA4200HD or internal TiVo analog cable tuner) and using the other tuner on the TiVo.

[mick66]

maybe the op doesn't know what 'standby' is?
--
Alan :D

I didn't say he did it right. ;)