Connecting DVD player or VCR to TiVo?

[Amanda108]

Hi,
I've been reading and trying to find my problem, but so far there hasn't been anything exactly the same.
TiVo type: Series 2 (one A/V input)
No cable box


I've had a dvd player hooked up to my TiVo (not the tv) since I first got it and it always worked fine, but I haven't watched a dvd in the past few months. Today, I wanted to hook up the VCR so I unplugged the DVD player. It didn't work, but in trying to figure out the problem I switched back to DVD briefly. It was plugged in the exact same way it was before except it isn't working either. The last time I used it all I had to do to make it work was turn on the player and press 0 on the TiVo remote. Now, when I go to channel 0 it says "Searching for signal... See 'Messages & Settings/Troubleshooting' for info" and I can't get the DVD player screen to show up.

I'm really clueless about this whole thing so I'd appreciate help, and if there is more info you need just let me know. :) My basic questions are: What changed since the last time I used the DVD player, or just how do you hook it up? Also, is the process the same for a vcr? If not, how is that done?
By the way, I don't want to record to the VCR/DVD, I just wan't to watch a tape. Thanks!

[RonDawg]

The best thing with multiple components is for each to have its own input, rather than trying to daisy-chain them together.

First, check to see if your TV has multiple inputs. If it's of recent vintage, chances are it will have at least two. If not, use a TV component switcher. These can be had for about $20 at any electronics store without an RF modulator, and about $40 with the modulator. You will only need the RF modulator if your TV is so old, or so cheap, that it only has the round antenna connector and nothing else.

As far as which types of connections to use:

1. DVD Player: if you have Component Inputs (labelled Y/Pb/Pr) on your TV, use these. If not, or if you're using a TV component switcher, use the s-video if available. Composite (yellow jack) should be a last resort for a DVD player.

2. TiVo: S-video if you have another jack, otherwise use composite (yellow jack). Don't use RF (round antenna connector) unless you have no other choice.

3. VCR: RF is okay due to the lack of resolution, but if you have an extra composite jack, and your VCR has such an output, use it.

[jrm01]

RonDawg's suggestions are the best solution. The channel 0 option seems to have been disabled by the recent software updtaes. There is a lengthy work arround to get it working, but it's probably not worth it for what you want to do.

[windracer]

The channel 0 option seems to have been disabled by the recent software updtaes.
More information on this:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=369578

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=371030