TiVo has been randomly changing channels in the middle of another show! Help?

[avery]

Lately, while I'm in the middle of watching something, the channel suddenly changes to another network! Frustrating, annoying and it feels as if TiVo is weirdly deciding what I should watch. :eek:

Has anyone experienced this or familiar with the problem?

[litzdog911]

It would help to know ....

* Brand/model Tivo?
* What's your video source (cable, cable box, satellite receiver)?
* How is the Tivo controlling channel changes on your video source?

[avery]

I'm not that savvy with this stuff, so I hope I'm giving you the right info...

Tivo Series 2
Cable box - Scientific Atlanta/Explorer 4200
Channels are changed via the small Tivo *eye*, reading the cable box display window.

It happened again just a few moments ago. I had a cable channel on and it suddenly just switched to CBS!

Also, if it helps to know - this started happening only recently and nothing has been changed in the way it's hooked up/connected.

[pdhenry]

Another Q or 2:

Are you watching live TV?
Are you in the buffer?
Does the TiVo change to a program that's just starting or in progress?
Does it ever happen when you're recording a show, or just watching live?

[rambler]

You live in Long Island - are you in Amityville perhaps, in a house that was priced well below market value?

[ZikZak]

The tivo will never, ever record its own channel changes. The behavior you describe is typical of a VCR timer that is set on your cable box. Turn off all cable box timers.

[rdrrepair]

I had this happen on a Series 1 box whenever the program guide ran out (bad modem) or was very low - I thought it was rather odd so I called in for tech support. At that time I was given an option to upgrade to a Series 2 for free and have the lifetime transfered so I never looked into past that.

[avery]

Another Q or 2:

Are you watching live TV?
Are you in the buffer?
Does the TiVo change to a program that's just starting or in progress?
Does it ever happen when you're recording a show, or just watching live?
Yes - only when I'm watching live TV
I have no idea what the "buffer" is. :o
I know it's switched to shows in progress. If a show is just starting - well, I switch the channel back immediately so I never took notice.
I haven't experienced the problem when I'm recording.

I've also noticed some things that may be helpful: it seems to be limited to happening during late-night viewing - it seems to switch to ABC or CBS a lot of the time... it's often switched to some Tivo infomercial type show also.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[avery]

You live in Long Island - are you in Amityville perhaps, in a house that was priced well below market value?

no, but thanks for the :D !

[avery]

The tivo will never, ever record its own channel changes. The behavior you describe is typical of a VCR timer that is set on your cable box. Turn off all cable box timers.
It sounds like you are saying it's a cable box problem, not Tivo related... ?

If I've misunderstood, could you please explain in Tivo for Dummies language? :confused:

[balboa dave]

Are you sure you're not sitting on the remote? :D

Seriously, it could be something like a sticky button.

[pdhenry]

The TiVo will change channels in the middle of the night to record Showcase programming (those TiVo infomercials you've observed). A minute before it does it, it will place a text overlay on this screen advising you that it's about to change the channel and giving you the option to cancel the channel change. If you're only half paying attention to the screen the notification can be subtle.

The TiVo will also change channels to record Suggestions. This can happen at any time of the day. Same notification rules as above. You could turn of auto-recording of Suggestions. In my opinion this misses the point.

In either case the TiVo shouldn't ever change into the middle of a show in progress, although it will often change midway though a show that you're watching (e.g., if you're watching live a show that runs from 2 to 3 it very well might change channels to record a program that starts at 2:30).

[cowboyshootist]

I've had this happen on a rare occasion. Last night while watching a recorded program on my Comcast DVR Tivo decided to switch channels. It did not begin recording anything, just changed the channel. When watching something on the Cable DVR this causes the program to exit and go to live TV.

I have a Tivo Series 2 80 hour unit. I have a Comcast Motorola HD cable box. No sticky keys on the remote. :)

[gastrof]

...Channels are changed via the small Tivo *eye*, reading the cable box display window...

Your TiVo doesn't read the cable box display.

It wouldn't have to.

Your TiVo controls the CABLE BOX...

...at least, it's supposed to.

It does this by one of two different methods.

Sometimes a cable box allows the TiVo to plug directly into the cable box (by way of a "serial cable"), and the TiVo sends channel change signals into the cable box.

Not many boxes seem to allow this.

The other method is by plugging into your TiVo an InfraRed "emitter: (or "blaster") cable. This has a plug on one end that goes into your TiVo, the other end is sort of like a flashlight that emits the same invisible light a remote would.

If you've identified your cable box for your TiVo, it knows what codes to use in controlling that particular box, and the TiVo's emitter replaces your cable box remote. (The original remote should be put away somewhere.)

You place the emitter end where the cable box's "eye" can see the infra red flashes from it.

Sometimes other light sorces can trigger a false channel change.

[avery]

rdrrepair and cowboyshootist - it's reassuring to know that others have experienced similar glitches because I usually assume I've inadvertently changed something, and caused the problem myself!

pdhenry - your "user-friendly" explanation [thanks!] comes closest to describing what happens. I'm fairly sure I turned off the "record Tivo Suggestions" option early on, but will check it again.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to offer your input.

For now, I think I'll opt for a low-tech approach to sorting this out - settings, program guide, etc - take note of any patterns if it continues... and keep my fingers crossed!

[pdhenry]

Those showcase airings will still be recorded even if you turn off suggestions, by the way.

[WayneCarter]

As a test, disable the IR transmitter (move it so the cable box can't see it, or cover it with something opaque, or etc) and see if the show is still interrupted. If so, Tivo didn't do it.