Series 3 Beginner

[kas25]

I have ordered the S3 and two cable cards. I'd appreciate it if someone could give me a brief description of what I'll need to do to get everything running. I've never had a series 2 so the whole tivo software(music, pics, schedule on line, etc) on my pc will be new to me. I've used several media servers and software but just not tivo's. It is SO confusing as to what works on the S3 vs the S2.

1) Hook up Series 3 to Fios line in and phone line
2) Verizon will install cable cards when they arrive
3) Desktop Software - where do I get this and do I have to buy it before seeing whether or not I like it? Which version will work with S# and when is an update coming?
3a) It sounds like there is some other "home made" software out there which increases functionality of the S2. Is there any of this out there for S3 and where do I find it?
4) If I don't hook up to my pc via ethernet, what wireless card/device do I attach to the tivo?
5) Will I need to force a software upgrade on the unit itself or do you think it will arrive from Circuit City with the updated software? If I need to force the upgrade, how do I do this?
6) Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

[rczig]

I have ordered the S3 and two cable cards. I'd appreciate it if someone could give me a brief description of what I'll need to do to get everything running. I've never had a series 2 so the whole tivo software(music, pics, schedule on line, etc) on my pc will be new to me. I've used several media servers and software but just not tivo's. It is SO confusing as to what works on the S3 vs the S2.

1) Hook up Series 3 to Fios line in and phone line
2) Verizon will install cable cards when they arrive
3) Desktop Software - where do I get this and do I have to buy it before seeing whether or not I like it? Which version will work with S# and when is an update coming?
3a) It sounds like there is some other "home made" software out there which increases functionality of the S2. Is there any of this out there for S3 and where do I find it?
4) If I don't hook up to my pc via ethernet, what wireless card/device do I attach to the tivo?
5) Will I need to force a software upgrade on the unit itself or do you think it will arrive from Circuit City with the updated software? If I need to force the upgrade, how do I do this?
6) Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

Hello and welcome to the Tivo World- I'm sure you'll soom be as hooked as I am : )
I use digital cable, but I'm sure FIOS is similar. The S3 actually has an ethernet port as well as USB and phone ports, so you can plug your S3 into your network without buying a wireless/wired adapter- you can also set up the S3 via your network rather than the phone port. So, to answer your questions:

1) hook your Tivo up via cable and ethernet or phone
2) Have your Verizon installer follow the instructions for installing the CCs included in your S3 box
3) Desktop software can be downloaded from Tivo for either Mac or Windows. Keep in mind that the S3 does NOT yet have Tivo-To-Go, Tivo-back, or Multi-Room-Viewing. This means that the Tivo Desktop software will only stream Photos and Music to your Tivo (well, also, it provides Yahoo integration for traffic and weather reports, etc). There is, therefore, no reason yet to 'Buy' the upgraded Tivo Desktop software (it's just for TTG functionality), so you can just download the free versions.

Windows Download:

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

Mac download:

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

3a) There is Galleon software which allows some features not included in Tivo Desktop. It is a free download, but I'm not sure whether it works with the S3- I've only tried it with my S2 and it ATE my CPU, so I uninstalled it. Google for 'Tivo Galleon' if you want to give it a try. Again, no programs currently allow TTG, TivoBack, or MRV with the S3 : (

4) The best thing to do is to create an ethernet network. Ethernet will plug right into your S3. Otherwise, if you have a wireless network already and don't want to install ethernet, get yourself the Tivo-branded USB wireless adapter.

5) Although your S3 will probably not arrive with the updated software, there is no need to force a connection. Guided setup will connect to Tivo and your S3 will automatically connect every day, so an update will automatically be forthcoming.

6) I don't think you are missing anything. Your S3 will arrive with the requisite cabling- I would suggest using the HDMI if you can (and if your TV handles it well- my cheapo looks better with component, but my Westy looks GREAT with HDMI) I would also suggest getting an OTA antenna- I have the DB2 which I installed in my atic. You may be surprised at the quality of HD you can pull in for FREE and some cable companies charge for your local stations and may not even carry them all.

Hope this helps and ENJOY your S3! I hope Tivo is able to implement TTG, MRV, eSATA port, and TivoBack SOON because then it would be the PERFECT DVR- it's ALMOST PERFECT as is!!!

[kas25]

Hello and welcome to the Tivo World- I'm sure you'll soom be as hooked as I am : )
I use digital cable, but I'm sure FIOS is similar. The S3 actually has an ethernet port as well as USB and phone ports, so you can plug your S3 into your network without buying a wireless/wired adapter- you can also set up the S3 via your network rather than the phone port. So, to answer your questions:

1) hook your Tivo up via cable and ethernet or phone
2) Have your Verizon installer follow the instructions for installing the CCs included in your S3 box
3) Desktop software can be downloaded from Tivo for either Mac or Windows. Keep in mind that the S3 does NOT yet have Tivo-To-Go, Tivo-back, or Multi-Room-Viewing. This means that the Tivo Desktop software will only stream Photos and Music to your Tivo (well, also, it provides Yahoo integration for traffic and weather reports, etc). There is, therefore, no reason yet to 'Buy' the upgraded Tivo Desktop software (it's just for TTG functionality), so you can just download the free versions.

Windows Download:

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

Mac download:

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

3a) There is Galleon software which allows some features not included in Tivo Desktop. It is a free download, but I'm not sure whether it works with the S3- I've only tried it with my S2 and it ATE my CPU, so I uninstalled it. Google for 'Tivo Galleon' if you want to give it a try. Again, no programs currently allow TTG, TivoBack, or MRV with the S3 : (

4) The best thing to do is to create an ethernet network. Ethernet will plug right into your S3. Otherwise, if you have a wireless network already and don't want to install ethernet, get yourself the Tivo-branded USB wireless adapter.

5) Although your S3 will probably not arrive with the updated software, there is no need to force a connection. Guided setup will connect to Tivo and your S3 will automatically connect every day, so an update will automatically be forthcoming.

6) I don't think you are missing anything. Your S3 will arrive with the requisite cabling- I would suggest using the HDMI if you can (and if your TV handles it well- my cheapo looks better with component, but my Westy looks GREAT with HDMI) I would also suggest getting an OTA antenna- I have the DB2 which I installed in my atic. You may be surprised at the quality of HD you can pull in for FREE and some cable companies charge for your local stations and may not even carry them all.

Hope this helps and ENJOY your S3! I hope Tivo is able to implement TTG, MRV, eSATA port, and TivoBack SOON because then it would be the PERFECT DVR- it's ALMOST PERFECT as is!!!

Thank you very much!! So the desktop software is the same for the S2 or S3, it just depends on the S3's internal softare as to what will and won't work with the unit. I am buying the Apple Tv so I don't really need the mucsic/photo functions but it certainly would be nice if Tivos music/picture streaming was good enough to not need the Apple Tv. I plan to use ethernet so your advice is great. Thanks again.

[ewilts]

3) Desktop software can be downloaded from Tivo for either Mac or Windows. Keep in mind that the S3 does NOT yet have Tivo-To-Go, Tivo-back, or Multi-Room-Viewing. This means that the Tivo Desktop software will only stream Photos and Music to your Tivo (well, also, it provides Yahoo integration for traffic and weather reports, etc).

Windows Download:

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

You really want the 2.4 beta if you want to display HD Photos - the link is on the same page but it's for Windows only, not Mac at this time. Go into the server properties menu option and turn HD Photos on (it's off my default). I don't think you need this at all for the Yahoo integration - that stuff is built into the TiVo natively.

3a) There is Galleon software which allows some features not included in Tivo Desktop. It is a free download, but I'm not sure whether it works with the S3- I've only tried it with my S2 and it ATE my CPU, so I uninstalled it. Google for 'Tivo Galleon' if you want to give it a try. Again, no programs currently allow TTG, TivoBack, or MRV with the S3 : (
http://galleon.tv
It works fine with the S3 but doesn't display HD photos - you get just standard definition images.

.../Ed

[kas25]

You really want the 2.4 beta if you want to display HD Photos - the link is on the same page but it's for Windows only, not Mac at this time. Go into the server properties menu option and turn HD Photos on (it's off my default). I don't think you need this at all for the Yahoo integration - that stuff is built into the TiVo natively.


http://galleon.tv
It works fine with the S3 but doesn't display HD photos - you get just standard definition images.

.../Ed
What can I expect Galleon to give me for the S3. All things that the web site lists? (ie, album art, internet radio, etc). How is the user interface? Will I see a new menu on my tivo called Galleon?

[Leo_N]

What can I expect Galleon to give me for the S3. All things that the web site lists? (ie, album art, internet radio, etc). How is the user interface? Will I see a new menu on my tivo called Galleon?

As you setup Galleon, you will get a menu item in the Photo's, Music, & More Tivo menu for each item that you setup in Galleon.

for example I have 3 of them currently (had more in the past, took out what I wasn't using)
Podcasting
Music (this is my music organized as I have it by folder on my computer)
Music Organizer (this has as sub menu items for whatever types of organization methods you choose to use.. i.e. Genre, Artist, Album)

I unpublished all my music from Tivo Desktop server long ago and switched to galleon, much nicer and more feature-rich, heh, it will even grab lyrics for many songs you have in your collection and throw them up on your screen.

Pretty much only use TivoDesktop for TTG now.

[kas25]

As you setup Galleon, you will get a menu item in the Photo's, Music, & More Tivo menu for each item that you setup in Galleon.

for example I have 3 of them currently (had more in the past, took out what I wasn't using)
Podcasting
Music (this is my music organized as I have it by folder on my computer)
Music Organizer (this has as sub menu items for whatever types of organization methods you choose to use.. i.e. Genre, Artist, Album)

I unpublished all my music from Tivo Desktop server long ago and switched to galleon, much nicer and more feature-rich, heh, it will even grab lyrics for many songs you have in your collection and throw them up on your screen.

Pretty much only use TivoDesktop for TTG now.

It will play podcasts from Itunes? What do you use for photos? Has there been any issue with Galleon not providing updates any longer or is this only a rumor?

[Leo_N]

It will play podcasts from Itunes? What do you use for photos? Has there been any issue with Galleon not providing updates any longer or is this only a rumor?

Never tried a podcast from Itunes. I just enter the webpage for the specific podcast and go from there.

About the updates, yep, supposedly that was the last version of Galleon, although I haven't had any problems with it. Hopefully the original software author will get enthused again ones of these days or else someone else could take it over.

*Crosses fingers*

[kas25]

Never tried a podcast from Itunes. I just enter the webpage for the specific podcast and go from there.

About the updates, yep, supposedly that was the last version of Galleon, although I haven't had any problems with it. Hopefully the original software author will get enthused again ones of these days or else someone else could take it over.

*Crosses fingers*
I guess I won't cancel my Apple TV order just yet. Does it let you play home movies ripped in MPEG 2 format? Thanks for the info.

[Leo_N]

I guess I won't cancel my Apple TV order just yet. Does it let you play home movies ripped in MPEG 2 format? Thanks for the info.

I think TivoDesktop Server 2.4beta can handle that. Although someone will have to let me know if that works on the S3 or not yet. It may need to have TTG enabled to work. Not sure as I haven't tried it yet.