Does TIVO share the same channel as your STB remote?

[mattvid]

Hi,

With the TIVO there is something I don't understand...

The TIVO records directly from the SCART port on the STB. This means TIVO has to change the channel on the STB via an IR blaster. So, if I wanted TIVO to record TopGear, TIVO would switch to channel XX on the STB, then record.
What happens if someone comes into the room, switch on the TV and starts channel hopping on the STB? Does this mean TopGear stops recording? How does TIVO know it's recording the right channel if I start switching channels on the STB remote control.

..or is this not how it works?

[mikeyp]

it doesn't. Tivo assumes the stb is left on the right channel, and so records any malicious channel hopping that takes place. I used to almost murder people when I would watch half a program, only to find that someone had switched to neighbors halfway through.

My answer, lock away, hide, or burn the stb remote.

[mikerr]

...or train your family never to use the STB remote if the Tivo RED recording light is on...

[cwaring]

I think mikey's solution would be the more succesful :p

[threadkiller]

you need to start a new household mantra, repeat continually

The only remote I need is the TiVo's
The only remote I need is the TiVo's
The only remote I need is the TiVo's
The only remote I need is the TiVo's

and so on, until you have large saucer like eyes and walk around in a daze :D

[cwaring]

... large saucer like eyes and walk around in a daze :D
Sounds like me when I've just got up on a morning :p

[AMc]

Or get Tivo it's own STB and then it never has to fight with 'LiveTV'ers.
If you don't already have Tivo the main thing you may be missing is that many/most of us never watch Live TV. Everything you want is season passed or wishlisted and you just pick what you want from a menu.
I know my friends with Sky+ watch live TV and 'record' like they used to with video but with Tivo I never do.

The only exceptions are live sport and even then I watch via Tivo so I can skip back and replay bits that real TV can't/won't show twice.

[mattvid]

Or get Tivo it's own STB and then it never has to fight with 'LiveTV'ers.
If you don't already have Tivo the main thing you may be missing is that many/most of us never watch Live TV. Everything you want is season passed or wishlisted and you just pick what you want from a menu.
I know my friends with Sky+ watch live TV and 'record' like they used to with video but with Tivo I never do.

The only exceptions are live sport and even then I watch via Tivo so I can skip back and replay bits that real TV can't/won't show twice.

Yes, this is what I was about to suggest - getting a separate STB for the TIVO. It will cost more per month from VM, but I could put the extra box in a different room for the TIVO, hmmm that means playback is an issue - I will have to think about this!

I did not consider the fact that most people are watching a recording from TIVO. You are quite right... I do not currently have TIVO, sky or cable! I watch everything live or RARELY record it on VCR.
I am really into features and gadgets - the VM V+ box doesn't do what I want it to. TIVO could record stuff that I don't know is on, so when I miss or forget about a programme then there is a chance that TIVO has actually recorded it - I like this!

Does the thumbs up/down system work well? ...or is it pretty simple, like "yes I like soaps (I don't actually but this is just an example!)" - so THUMBS UP to Eastenders resulting in TIVO recording every soap thats on TV!?

Many thanks by the way for all your responses so far, interesting reading.

[mikeyp]

Yes, this is what I was about to suggest - getting a separate STB for the TIVO. It will cost more per month from VM, but I could put the extra box in a different room for the TIVO, hmmm that means playback is an issue - I will have to think about this!

beware. having two set top boxes in the same room will only work if they are different brands. If you have VM adn they provide the same make and model of box, as soon as anyone changes channel with the STB remote, both will change at the same time!

[AMc]

I wouldn't go for a multiroom/multibox solution with Virgin Media - at least not to begin with. A Tivo with either a Freeview, Sky or VM STB is more than most of us need. You do sometimes find that two programmes that you want to record are aired at the same time, but it's fairly unusual for them not to be repeated.

If I were in your shoes I would get a lifetime subscribed Tivo from eBay and a cheapo Freeview box and see hwo you like it. If you find there are programs on VM you really want then get a regular box from them.

Thumbs Up/Down suggestions work reasonably well for me, they provide diverting viewing when we're not both in the front room together to watch our normally recorded programmes. The number of thumbs indicates how much attention Tivo pays - 3 down will basically blacklist a category (e.g. soaps) where 1 or 2 up will encourage it to record those shows/genres. To guarantee a recording you set a season pass or wishlist.