I need a DEFINITE answer on this..

[guiri]

Guys, I've been thinking about getting Tivo for some time but didn't for many reason. Money being one of them.

Anyway, I just had Dish Network installed as I was told that I can download stuff from their receiver to my computer.

I found out from Dish AFTERwards that this is NOT possible.

They DO have a USB port in the back but it is not activated and they don't know HOW it will work when they do activate it or WHEN they are going to do so.

Now, first question. Does Tivo work with a Model 625 Disk Network DVR?

Second, HOW does Tivo connect to a computer or network?

I have a guy that is going to set up my home network on thursday but he was going to get me a capture card to hook up to my DVR so that I can save stuff but I don't want that.

I do NOT want to sit and have to watch this stuff while I'm recording. I've already seen it. I want to say, save a show that I like or save for future watching.

I want to save it on my computer and then burn it from there to a DVD that I can later play on the puter and either send to the DVR again (upload), play on the TV with a tv card or play on my DVD player to watch on the TV.

So, my question is, can you DEFINITELY DOWNLOAD information from Tivo to your COMPUTER? Yes or no?

Do you do this through a NETWORK cable and can it be wireless?

When you do this, will you see the files/shows on the Tivo DVR as files like you would in Windows Explorer or do you need some kind of special software for this? Ie, can I simply drag and drop files/shows to the computer drive?

Can I UPLOAD something BACK to the TIVO DVR from my computer that I've had stored on the PC and then after it's uploaded on the TIVO, watch it on the TV? Yes or no?

Assuming I CAN do what I hope and think you can with Tivo, how much would I pay for their services and how much for the box? I guess then that I would consider getting a DVD recorder that does Tivo.

How much for JUST the service which I presume does NOT include the box?

Does this mean that I can record stuff on the DISH DVR, AND, on the TIVO DVR for more hours of recording and then just switch back and forth to watch stuff?

Thanks for your help

George

[windracer]

So, my question is, can you DEFINITELY DOWNLOAD information from Tivo to your COMPUTER? Yes or no?
If you get a standalone Series2 box, yes. This is not currently available for the new S3 boxes.

Do you do this through a NETWORK cable and can it be wireless?
Yes.

http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?cid=1faa0420-0e05-4b2e-9a42-253346b15256&anchor=undefined

When you do this, will you see the files/shows on the Tivo DVR as files like you would in Windows Explorer or do you need some kind of special software for this? Ie, can I simply drag and drop files/shows to the computer drive?
You cannot "drag and drop." This is called TiVoToGo (TTG) and you use the TiVo Desktop software (or other third-party utilities) to transfer video back and forth. The .tivo files are "encrypted" MPEG-2 files that you can play in Windows Media Player (or any other DirectShow enabled player). TiVoDesktop Plus also includes automatic conversion for portable devices (like iPod).

http://www.tivo.com/4.9.4.1-2.asp

Can I UPLOAD something BACK to the TIVO DVR from my computer that I've had stored on the PC and then after it's uploaded on the TIVO, watch it on the TV? Yes or no?
Yes, this is sometimes referred to as TiVoToComeback (TTCB).

http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=4012D160-79C3-4238-96C8-A27B323D1413

The upcoming TiVo Desktop 2.4 will allow for easier transfers of internet content/video back to your TiVo box as well.

[guiri]

Do you yourself have your Tivo networked?

If so, would YOU or anyone else here be willing to let me call you (or you can call me, I pay for the call) to ask questions as I do this much better on the PHONE than on the computer?

Finally, can I do this if I have Dish Network and if so, what are my fees?

Thanks

George

[bpurcell]

Do you yourself have your Tivo networked?

If so, would YOU or anyone else here be willing to let me call you (or you can call me, I pay for the call) to ask questions as I do this much better on the PHONE than on the computer?

Networking is really not that difficult, assuming you have the right equipment. If you decide to have a wireless network, I highly suggest you also purchase the Tivo Wireless Adapter. It's build specifically to work with Tivo and give the fewest problems. As long as you have a good wireless router, installing your Tivo adapter is nearly as easy as simply plug-n-play. There is a guided setup on the Tivo to connect your adapter to your router (you just need to know the SSID name for your router and the security passcode if your router is secured with WEP or WPA).

Finally, can I do this if I have Dish Network and if so, what are my fees?

Yes, you can use a standalone Tivo and network it to your computer if you have Dish Network. You just pay the standard subscription fees that can be found on Tivo's website. The fee depends on the length of your contract (longer the contract, cheaper the fee).

[guiri]

Does this mean that I can have my network set up on thursday (wireless) and then I can come back AFTERWARDS and do the TIVO?

I mean, it will be compatible?

I don't want to get this stuff thinking I can do it and then it turns out I can't and I don't think I have the time to get all the hardware for thursday this week. Of course, I can always delay it..

I still need to buy a tivo box too, right?

Do I buy from Tivo or can I get on ebay for instance?

Should I get one with lifetime subscription or is that not good?

The other guy mentioned version 2.4 would make it easier to upload things.

Should I wait for that?

So, what do I need to look for? Tivo version 2 (regardless of whether it is a recorder or not, right?)

Thanks

George

[bpurcell]

Does this mean that I can have my network set up on thursday (wireless) and then I can come back AFTERWARDS and do the TIVO?

I mean, it will be compatible?

What wireless router are you planning on using for your network? From my understanding, Tivo doesn't have problems with any routers (but clearly some routers are better than others). Speedwise, Tivo Wireless Adapter is a G-version adapter (faster than B, slower than N), so it's a good idea to get a G-version router to get the fastest downloading/uploading speeds.

If you plan to buy an adapter that's not the Tivo Wireless Adapter, you'll need to go to Tivo's website to see the list of adapters that have been tested and approved for Tivo. Not all adapters will work with Tivo.

I still need to buy a tivo box too, right?

Unless Dish network decides to open up their DVR's to networking, then yes.

Do I buy from Tivo or can I get on ebay for instance?

You can get a Tivo from anywhere you want: direct, retail, ebay, craigslist, garage sale, etc. Just know if you buy from places like Ebay, like any other item, buyer beware.

Should I get one with lifetime subscription or is that not good?
If you're willing to pay for it, then lifetime boxes are a good option. Note that you cannot buy a new box with lifetime anymore from Tivo, but you can definitely buy someone else's used lifetime box. You simply need to call in to Tivo to get the box put in your name and account.

The other guy mentioned version 2.4 would make it easier to upload things.

Should I wait for that?

windracer was simply saying that Tivo announced that they are planning an upgrade to Tivo Desktop to allow people to download virtually any video file onto your Tivo (right now you can only download Tivo files onto Tivo). There's no need to wait for this. There is a one-time charge of 25 bucks to get Tivo Desktop PLUS, which will allow these files to transferred once the upgrade happens.

So, what do I need to look for? Tivo version 2 (regardless of whether it is a recorder or not, right?)

Tivo currently sells three types of Tivos: S2 single tuner, S2 dual tuner, and S3 dual tuner. If I remember correctly, satellite users should only get the single tuner Tivos, since they won't be able to use the added functionality of the other boxes.

[classicsat]

You can, and probably should set up the network first. On the other hand you should likely have the TiVo first, so your network person can set the Tivo up for it, as he/she will know the settings.

You need to get a TiVo box somehow. It is your choice whether to get one new from tivo.com or other retailers. If you are rather green, you should go for a new one, unless you know what you are getting into with a used box. Getting one with Lifetime is fine, if you know it works.

Desktop (the software that runs on your computer) 2.4 is what somebody is
talking about. To do what you want is doable with 2.3a, which is the current version. 2.4 is not yet released.

You need a Series 2. For the purposes of pulling recordings off your existing DVR, a DVD-recorder model is easier. And it will have to be a real-time play>record, there is no digital trasnfer from your Dish DVR at all, let alone faster than realtime.

If all you want to do is capture recordings from your DVR to burn to DVD or otherwise archive, a capture device or generic DVD recorder is good enough.

FWIW, TiVo works best with non-DVR receivers.

[guiri]

1. If I buy a dual tuner and hook up to DISH, I can only use ONE tuner BUT, it WILL still work?

2. "If you plan to buy an adapter that's not the Tivo Wireless Adapter, you'll need to go to Tivo's website to see the list of adapters that have been tested and approved for Tivo. Not all adapters will work with Tivo."
---------So, does this adapter go on the TIVO itself? If so, I would probably buy the TIVO one to make sure it works--------------

3. "You need a Series 2. For the purposes of pulling recordings off your existing DVR, a DVD-recorder model is easier. And it will have to be a real-time play>record, there is no digital trasnfer from your Dish DVR at all, let alone faster than realtime."

----Alright, I need a clarification on this.

The reason I am thinking of going with TIVO is so that I DO NOT want to do the REAL TIME recording (because I have DISH). I would like to be 100% sure that IF I get TIVO, I do NOT have to sit there and do real time recordings because that defeats the purpose of what I want.

I want to be able to record something, maybe watch it and if I decide to store it, I CAN and I do NOT want to have to do it real time. Ie, two hours for a two hour movie.

I want to be able to download it sometime so it can sit there and download it while I for instance watch something else.
THIS is the way I understand TIVO works...?--------

4. "FWIW, TiVo works best with non-DVR receivers."

----My Dish network receiver IS a DVR. Will the Tivo work on it?------

5. "For the purposes of pulling recordings off your existing DVR, a DVD-recorder model is easier."

---Well, I WAS going to one day buy a TIVO Recorder and I might if I do this.----

Thanks again

George

[guiri]

On this page
http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=4012D160-79C3-4238-96C8-A27B323D1413

It says
"If you have a Series2 or Series2 DT DVR with software version 7.2 or later, you can transfer and view personal video files from your Windows PC to your DVR."

Can I UPGRADE the software on a Tivo receiver or do I have to make sure it's already on there when I buy and if so, HOW do I find out? Some people will know and I'm sure some won't but what are the procedures for someone to check.

Also, I saw that it said on the Tivo page
"Upgrade the free version of TiVo Desktop to TiVo Desktop Plus and automatically convert your TiVoToGo transfers for iPod, PSP, Treo, Nokia, and other portable devices that support MPEG-4 or H.264 video."

This is NOT the 2.4 version is it?

Thanks

George

[windracer]

Do you yourself have your Tivo networked?

If so, would YOU or anyone else here be willing to let me call you (or you can call me, I pay for the call) to ask questions as I do this much better on the PHONE than on the computer?

Yes, I have all three of my TiVo boxes on my wireless network. I use TiVo Desktop (and Galleon (http://www.galleon.tv)) to transfer recordings to my PC and then either to my NAS for storage or transcoded for playback on my iPod).

As mentioned above, once you have the network set up and working for your PC, adding the TiVo is pretty easy.

Nothing personal, but I'm not really in a position to do phone support. :) I don't mind helping out on the forum when I have time though (and there are ton of other smart people on here who are usually willing to help out as well).

So, does this adapter go on the TIVO itself? If so, I would probably buy the TIVO one to make sure it works
Yes. All of the supported adapters (including the TiVo branded one) are USB network adapters that connect to one of the USB ports on the back of the TiVo box. The TiVo ones are wireless G adapters and are pretty good. I have one on each of my boxes (three total).

The reason I am thinking of going with TIVO is so that I DO NOT want to do the REAL TIME recording (because I have DISH). I would like to be 100% sure that IF I get TIVO, I do NOT have to sit there and do real time recordings because that defeats the purpose of what I want.
TiVoToGo transfer speeds depend a lot on your network setup and the components used, but they are usually faster than realtime (your mileage may vary, of course).

[windracer]

Can I UPGRADE the software on a Tivo receiver or do I have to make sure it's already on there when I buy and if so, HOW do I find out?
Upgrades happen automatically. The current version just released is 8.1. If you get a new box from retail, it will probably have 7.x on it. It will download the update when it makes its daily call (either over the phone line or the network once you have it connected). If you're buying a "used" one from someone else, they can get the version off of the System Information screen on the TiVo.

Also, I saw that it said on the Tivo page
"Upgrade the free version of TiVo Desktop to TiVo Desktop Plus and automatically convert your TiVoToGo transfers for iPod, PSP, Treo, Nokia, and other portable devices that support MPEG-4 or H.264 video."

This is NOT the 2.4 version is it?
No, that's the current version, which is 2.3a. You can transfer MPEG-2 files in specific formats (see the link in my first reply) or saved .tivo files back to your TiVo using three free version of 2.3a. If you want transcoding to portable formats, you have to buy the "Plus" verseion. When 2.4 comes out, it will supposedly support a wider range of formats.

[bpurcell]

The reason I am thinking of going with TIVO is so that I DO NOT want to do the REAL TIME recording (because I have DISH). I would like to be 100% sure that IF I get TIVO, I do NOT have to sit there and do real time recordings because that defeats the purpose of what I want.

I want to be able to record something, maybe watch it and if I decide to store it, I CAN and I do NOT want to have to do it real time. Ie, two hours for a two hour movie.

I'm a little unsure of what you're asking. Are you asking if you can schedule the tivo to record something in advance, rather than manually recording it while you're sitting there watching it? If that's what your asking, that is the core function of ANY DVR. Tivo allows you to schedule recording a show, or set up a season pass to record the show anytime it comes one (with options of whether you want all episodes including repeats, or just new episodes). You don't need to sit there an press record right when it starts.

I want to be able to download it sometime so it can sit there and download it while I for instance watch something else.
THIS is the way I understand TIVO works...?--------

That only works if you have with dual tuner tivos or TVs with a split input. I'm not sure with a satellite that you can split the system to record one show and watch another. Someone with satellite service will be better able to answer that question.

OTOH, you can watch a pre-recorded show while it is recording another show.

[Jonathan_S]

TiVoToGo transfer speeds depend a lot on your network setup and the components used, but they are usually faster than realtime (your mileage may vary, of course).Note: The transfer between the Dish receiver and the TiVo will be realtime.

The normal way to use a TiVo is to have the Dish (or cable or other sat) receiver act as a passive video source. The TiVo gives channel change information to the receiver and records the data onto the TiVo's hard disk. (That is why the TiVo doesn't work well the DVR receivers, because the TiVo needs to be in control for it to work right)

Transfers from the TiVo's hard disk to a computer (using TiVo2Go) may be faster than realtime. They also happen in the background and do not interfere with watching live tv or other previously recorded programs.

The TiVo isn't set up to allow you to transfer previously recorded programs from your Dish DVR to the TiVo. (You can do it, but the program information will be wrong, because the way to do it is to manually tell the TiVo to record X hours of some channel, then tell the Dish DVR to play back the X hour long program)

[windracer]

OTOH, you can watch a pre-recorded show while it is recording another show.
You can also do TiVoToGo downloads to your PC while recording a show or watching a pre-recorded show, which I think is what he meant.

[guiri]

Nothing personal, but I'm not really in a position to do phone support. :)

TiVoToGo transfer speeds depend a lot on your network setup and the components used, but they are usually faster than realtime (your mileage may vary, of course).

:)

No problem :)

Would it download faster if I hardwired it to my router and is THAT doable?

I just talked to Tivo to ask questions.

I WILL have the network setup on thursday so that I can get that out of the way and like you guys said (my thought too) and the network guy said, we can always add the Tivo later.

I wouldn't have had the time to get the tivo by thursday anyway and I would rather take my time to find what I want to buy.

Thanks again

George

[bpurcell]

:)Would it download faster if I hardwired it to my router and is THAT doable?

Yes, wired connection will be faster than wireless. With a Single tuner box, there is no ethernet port, but you can purchase a USB ethernet adapter to get around that. Dual tuner Tivo's have ethernet ports, but as I said before, it's not worth the extra price for satellite users.

[Jonathan_S]

:)
Would it download faster if I hardwired it to my router and is THAT doable?
Reports are than a USB 2.0 to Ethernet adaptor (again off of the list of approved adaptors on TiVo's website) is faster than even the TiVo USB to 802.11G wireless adaptor.

You would then just run an ethernet cable from the adaptor (plugged into the back of the TiVo) to your router.

[guiri]

So, ANY USB 2.0 to Ethernet adapter will do?

Thanks again guys

George

[bpurcell]

So, ANY USB 2.0 to Ethernet adapter will do?

Thanks again guys

George

No, you need to check the Tivo website to find out which USB ethernet adapters work with tivo.

Link to Tivo website (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=1faa0420-0e05-4b2e-9a42-253346b15256)

[Georgia Guy]

So, ANY USB 2.0 to Ethernet adapter will do?

Thanks again guys

George

You can find user manuals for various Tivos HERE (http://customersupport.tivo.com/UserGuides.aspx)

You might want to read several to see what you really want.

[guiri]

I even had it setup today with the wireless network but I haven't got the service connected yet so I cant see what it's like yet.

Where does the software come from that allows me to download stuff to the puter?

Thanks again for the help

George

[windracer]

Check my first reply (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4663156&&#post4663156), the links you need are right there.

[guiri]

Ok, I just downloaded it and although it seems that the Tivo and my laptop are communicating, I cannot see the music and pics on the Tivo.
Also, I cannot see the recorded show on my Tivo desktop so i can try to download it.

I updated my network settings and even restarted the tivo.

I'm obviously missing something.

Thanks

George

[windracer]

Any firewall software running? Did you enter your MAK properly in TiVo Desktop?

Try accessing the web interface of your TiVo. Point your browser to https://{your TiVo IP} and login with a username of 'tivo' and your MAK as the password. You should get to the web Now Playing List.

[guiri]

in my initial setup and that I wrote down. Is that it?

Where is the ip address for the tivo so that I can try to browse to it and will this also work in mozilla or does it have to be in IE?

Thanks

George

[RedMan8]

Ok, I just downloaded it and although it seems that the Tivo and my laptop are communicating, I cannot see the music and pics on the Tivo.
Also, I cannot see the recorded show on my Tivo desktop so i can try to download it.

It sounds like you are all up and running, but are having trouble using the TivoDesktop software on the PC. Here's some notes on how to use that...

On your PC, you should see a little TiVo guy icon in the system tray (bottom right). Double click on that and TiVo Desktop will open (on my computer I have to hit "Retry" sometimes... but it will work).
Once TiVo Desktop opens, you can click the button "Pick Recordings To Transfer" and it will list all the shows that are currently on your TiVo. You can check off the ones you want on your PC and even tell it to "Auto-Transfer" some shows if you want (for instance, if you tell it to auto-transfer "The Simpsons" then every time TiVo records an episode of the simpsons, that episode will automatically start transferring to your PC). Once you check off all the shows you want, just click the "Start Transfer" button and it will start downloading the selected shows to your PC. You can still use the TiVo while this is happening.

Now as for Music & Photo's... go back to that first screen... the one that comes up when you double-click the TiVo icon in the system tray. From here, there is a button to "Publish Music & Photos" (I think that's what it says... I'm not at home right now to check). Somewhere in there it lets you pick the folder on your PC where all your music and/or photo's are. Once you do that, you can go to "Music Photo's & More" on your TiVo and you should see everything that's inside the folder you picked on the PC.

I hope that helps!
:)

[windracer]

in my initial setup and that I wrote down. Is that it?

Where is the ip address for the tivo so that I can try to browse to it and will this also work in mozilla or does it have to be in IE?
Your MAK (media access key) is the 10-digit number you typed in when installing TiVo Desktop, yes. It's available under My Account on tivo.com and on the TiVo itself under System Information.

If you go into the Network screen (TiVo Central -> Messages and Settings -> Phone and Network, I think) your IP address will be listed there.

Either browser will work. We're just trying to confirm the web server in your TiVo is up and running and you can login to it.

[guiri]

It sounds like you are all up and running

I tried doing what you said but first, I can't see the music and photos option on the TIVO (tv) and the other way around, on the computer, I cannot see through the software WHAT I have recorded on the Tivo.

Seems they're not talking to each other..

Thanks

George

[windracer]

Do you have any firewall software running on your PC?

[guiri]

Do you have any firewall software running on your PC?

Yes and the first time I opened the tivo desktop, it asked me for permission to let it through and I belive I said yes. Later on though, I saw it again but it was hidden under the window I was working in so maybe that was the problem (at least what I thought...but), HOWEVER, the second time I tried it, the firewall never came up asking me to let it through...?

George

[windracer]

Try temporarily disabling the firewall and see if that helps. Which one are you using?

[guiri]

Try temporarily disabling the firewall and see if that helps. Which one are you using?

Don't know what it is. The network guy that set my wireless router had me download it. He said it was better than Norton for networks.

I'll try doing it again and this time I'll disable it before.

I'll keep you guys posted regardless

Thanks again

George

[guiri]

I went back to my laptop and turned the firewall off. As this is a new proggy to me, I'm at least pretty sure I turned it off as nothing came up asking me for permissions.

I checked the network connection on the Tivo and it said things are ok.

I went to the tivo desktop and set the media access key as it appeared on the tivo.

I went to the ip address of the tivo in IE and I got a tivo page up

Today I even saw the music and photo thing on the tivo menu so that's an improvement from yesterday but I still cannot see the recorded show on the tivo desktop...

So, what am I doing wrong?

Also, when it's talking about putting pictures in my music folder and my photos and stuff like that, are they talking about those folders on the computer or on YAHOOO which is what my tivo seems to be talking about?

By the way, when I got to the Tivo server properties/access control, it cannot find a DVR...

Thanks

George

[windracer]

I went to the ip address of the tivo in IE and I got a tivo page up

By the way, when I got to the Tivo server properties/access control, it cannot find a DVR...
So we're getting closer.

You said you went to the IP address of the TiVo. I assume this means you went to http://{your TiVo IP} and saw the "Congratulations!" web page. Did you also try https://{Your TiVo IP}? That's the page I was referencing in my earlier post where you will have to login with your MAK. That will show you the Now Playing List of your TiVo in your browser. If that's not working, TiVo Desktop won't be able to see the NPL either.

The Music & Photos in TiVo Desktop and on Yahoo! are two different things. If you have a Yahoo! account, you can connect to that through the Yahoo Photos app under "Music, Pictures, Products & More" menu. If you publish local music and pictures on your PC through TiVo Desktop, those will show up under a different menu item, usually called "Music on {your PC name}" or "Photos on {your PC name}."

[guiri]

Ok, i loged onto the SECURE page which isn't what I did yesterday and I DO see the show that I recorded and I'm now downloading it at around 350-400 KB/s (over wireless).

First is this a good speed and second, will I get a different speed and if so, how much if I do a usb to ethernet adapter and download through a cable?

Now, I still do NOT see the recorded show on the TIVO desktop, only on the browswer.

Second, I see nothing about my photos on the pc either on the tivo desktop or on the browser?

Thanks

George

[windracer]

Ok, if the secure page worked, there's nothing wrong with your TiVo. I would say it still sounds like a firewall or some other piece of software is blocking the communication between your PC and the TiVo. Are you using the built-in Windows firewall, perhaps?

As for transfer speeds, my wireless transfer rates (through the browser) range from 270-380KB/s). If you pause Live TV on your TiVo, you may see a small increase in transfer rates (the less work the CPU has to do, the more it can focus on your transfer). Using the TiVo Wireless G adapter will also help speeds. Going wired will make it even faster, YMMV of course.

[guiri]

I checked windows firewall and it's ON but it has Tivo in there so it should let it through and I also dug further down and found a shitload of tivo ports so that shouldn't be a problem. I again shut the other firewall down but still nothing.

I now see the downloaded show in my tivo desktop but I cannot upload it back to the tivo because it says it can't see a DVR??

Im supposed to just be able to click the show I want to send back to the tivo and click on transfer, or?

Thanks

George

[windracer]

To transfer a show back to your TiVo, you actually initiate the transfer from your TiVo, not from TiVo Desktop.

If you go to your Now Playing List on your TiVo, your PC will appear at the bottom. That's where you select shows to transfer back.

However, since TiVo Desktop still isn't working properly, I doubt your PC will show up. We need to get to the bottom of the firewall issue first. Try disabling the Windows Firewall, just to confirm that's not the source of the problem.

[Solver]

I could not use my USB Belkin wireless adapter and the TiVo Desktop software with the Windows XP Firewall. It didn't even work by turning the firewall OFF. It did work when I disabled the XP firewall. I ended up using Zonealarm instead. That works!
I had no problem using my wired network card with the Windows XP firewall. This may mean that the USB wireless window drivers need tweaking by the vendor.

Warning: If you attempt to stop firewall software, be sure you are disconnected from the Internet.

[guiri]

well, I turned it off and the other firewall too but still nothing. Tivo server shows on but I can't see my pc on the tivo.

Do I need to INTIALIZE something?

Also, how do you DISABLE the firewall? I only see a setting for off and on?

Now, all this might be relevant as I may have a reason for not even keeping the Tivo so let me ask this first.

Can the TIVO record something OTHER than what my DISH DVR is set to?

Ie, can I record ONE thing on Dish or watch ONE dish channel and record another on Tivo? If not, to me this is pretty useless.

Also, how well does the IR thingie that you put on the Dish DVR to change channels remotely?

If I'm stuck recording stuff while I'm watching it, I might as well buy an Archos unit and record in the old fashioned way?

One comment though. This tivo remote/menu is not very intuitive I think.

I haven't even figured out how to do the guide like on dish and time warner so I can simply scroll through the channels and different times. The tivo look of it kinda bugs me.

maybe I should wait for dish to enable their usb port in the back?

Today, i went through my browser to download a show to see if it works and I picked Americas Funniest home videos and got something completely different...?

Again it seems that the dish dvr is in charge here.

What's the scoop and HOW do I need to hoook this thing up in the back?

Thanks

George

[Solver]

"Also, how do you DISABLE the firewall? I only see a setting for off and on?"

Goto the your wireless "Network connection" (in control panels) choose "Properties." Uncheck the firewall check box. This was the only way I got it to work.

Warning: If you attempt to stop firewall software, be sure you are disconnected from the Internet.

As for those other questions:

You can change the TiVo guide. Try the "enter" key.

IR changer can be 100% if the correct settings are picked and no one changes the mounting after the perfect placing.

Later you learn that TiVo is not about watching live TV. It is about automatically capturing all those great shows you don't have time to watch (at that exact moment.)