Tivo in an armoire

[riddick21]

Is it OK to put my Series 3 in a closed armoire. Will it overheat since its running continuously?

[Justin Thyme]

It is probably a bad idea if you live in a warm climate.

For a time, I had an S2 in a closed TV armoire, and I put in a vent fan. What I did was cut a hole at the back, mounted an ultra quiet fan PC fan, wired it to a USB connector and powered it off of the S2. You can do the same for an S3. These fans expect 12 volts, and as I recall I only got 5V off the USB, so the fan was running slow. But it was very silent at that speed and kept the tivo temps down, even on the hottest days.

[riddick21]

I live in new york if that helps. I don't really want to cut it. What if I leave the doors open all the time would that be enough ventilation?

[Toeside]

I'd suggest putting it in there and monitoring the temp via the System Information screen. If it's too high, then address air circulation.

I had an enclosed cabinet with two DSR6000 (DirecTiVos) and both ran just fine.

[Runch Machine]

I'd suggest putting it in there and monitoring the temp via the System Information screen. If it's too high, then address air circulation.

I had an enclosed cabinet with two DSR6000 (DirecTiVos) and both ran just fine.

You might get away with that for a low def receiver. I wouldn't chance it with an HD receiver. There's a lot more going on and a lot more heat generated.

[riddick21]

what temperature should it be running at?

[TivoPip]

I have a S2 TiVo and dish receiver in an armoire in the bedroom. I've not had a problem, but YMMV depending on outside temp and how much ventilation there is in the armoire.

[Justin Thyme]

what temperature should it be running at?
55 C is generally the max safe temp for an HD. As always with electronics, the cooler the better, and the hotter you go, the more you reduce the lifetime of your Tivo- the most likely failure being in your hard drive.

You are probably just fine in NY now, but in the summertime I think you are going to want to keep those doors open. Other things to cool it down-


Your armoire is a chimney. Place the S3 lowest among the components you have and preferably with nothing stacked on top.
Place blocks under the S3 to increase air flow under. I used those clear things you set couch feet on- Mrs. Thyme thought that was more visually appealing than using the kids' alphabet blocks.
If you are still way hot, you can go to a computer store and ask for one of those cooling pads that go under under laptops to keep them cool- they have quiet fans in them and are powerred off the USB.
Place a CO2 fire extinguisher nearby the Tivo. If it every gets up over 50, give it a 'Hit' of CO2. This may unnerve other watchers in the room, but will enhance your credentials as a manly man.

[woodie]

I have found that putting TiVo under or on top of a cabinet can work well.

[msrolla]

A chill pad (used for laptops) under the TiVo might work. It can plug straight into the USB port.

(Oops - looks like that was already suggested - sorry.)

[hookbill]

I wouldn't do it. I have my S3 on it's own shelf with an empty shelf above it and at lest 6 inches below is my APC and Woofer which doesn't delive a great deal of heat.

You can always buy a small fan and have it blow on your TiVo. Caution: This is a dust magnet.

My temp ranges between 42 an 45c.

[SugarBowl]

I don't think you will have a problem. I ran a Shuttle PC in a closed cabinet of our entertainment center for years. Try it for about 12 hours, check the temperature setting, and if it's still normal, don't ever worry about it again.