TiVo won't switch on - but "almost there"!

[hplovejet]

The remote fails to switch on the TiVo. Have not checked if it will record on schedule yet, but rebooting displays the message "almost there" before it tells me to start it with the TiVo button or live TV button and switches itself off.

[wscannell]

Sounds like the TiVo is going into standby. Press the TiVo button to get out of standby. If that is not working, your remote may either not be working or set to the wrong remote code.

[hplovejet]

Thanks W

It seems to be recording my daily dose of C4news now so it looks like more a case of being in a deep coma than permanent veg state ;)

The remote is emitting red blips - does that mean it is alive or is it providing a false sense of security? It's the second remote so I tried resuscitating the old one that worked but had the annoying double signal fault but that does not even do the red flashes :(

Could be just the batteries though they are testing OK. I can't imagine why it may have reset its code although I do have a lodger who speaks no english who was last seen with remote in hand when I left it working.. is there any way I can reset this?

[wscannell]

Hold the pause and TiVo buttons down for five seconds (until the red light comes on steady), then press the 0 button. All TiVos respond to the zero code, no matter what code they are set to.

I would also try a fresh set of batteries if this does not work.

Many digital cameras will "see" the IR pulses in their viewfinder. Try it with a known working remote first. The red light does not mean that the IR emitter is working.

[hplovejet]

Thanks W

I owe you an apology - it was indeed the batteries which I had recently replaced. But using your tip to view the output strength of the IR (whatever my meter said) indicated a very poor output. Hopefully this thread will help some other idiot out there though ;)

[wscannell]

Hey - no problem. Sometimes the most obvious things do not occur to us until someone else points them out.