Connection question

[clam729]

Hey all. I have a question about about connections. My equipment:
-40" Bravia
-TiVo Series 2
-Digital Cable
I haven't moved to HD yet - too much to buy/upgrade all at once so I am still viewing my shows in SD on the TV.

With this setup, I was thinking this:
WALL to CABLEBOX via COAX
CABLEBOX to TIVO via RCA
TIVO to TV (Video1) via AUDIO RCA and SVIDEO

Given the connections, will that give me the best overall for my current setup. Later I'll plan on a new TiVo, HD programming, etc. - but not just yet.

[RonDawg]

My only suggestion would be to also run s-video between the cable box and the TiVo, assuming the capability exists. Otherwise your set up is fine. Of course don't forget the serial cable/IR blaster and repeating Guided Setup.

If you have a single tuner TiVo, you may want to also consider splitting the cable between the wall outlet and the cable box, that way you can watch a second analog program while the TiVo is recording. If you have good OTA reception in your area, you may want to buy an inexpensive antenna and take advantage of your new TV's HD capabilities for free.

[classicsat]

You would split from the wall to the cable box and the TiVo.

There is no reasonable way to assure the RF out on the cable box will output the raw cable signal the RF input on the TiVo needs, if it is a Series 2 DT. If it is a single tuner, you need just A/V from the cablebox to the TiVo.

[clam729]

Thanks for your replies. Now this opened up a whole new (bad) look. I figured I'd try to split the cable from the wall - send one into the cable box and one into the TV. Perfect. It works. My TV then "detects" the available channels w/o going through the box. Now mind you, I don't PPV nor do I have HBO Skin-emax, etc. It detected EVERY channel that I get when using the box.

I say WTF !!! What am I using the box for then ? So I disconnected the cable box completely and connected it up this way:

WALL to SPLITTER via COAX
SPLIT1 to TV via COAX
SPLIT2 to TiVo via COAX to TV via RCA audio and SVideo

and everything works and I get all my channels. Enter the problem. Since I am going from SPLIT2 to TiVo using COAX the picture (when compared to the direct TV connection) looks horrible.

In my other config using the cable box, I was coming into the cable box with COAX and out to the TiVo with RCA and onto the TV with RCA/SVIDEO and it looked noticably better. TiVo smoothing options make no difference.

Argh. I guess my options now are to 1) reconnect up the cable box and use it w/the TiVo to get the better picture, or 2) find/test a COAX to RCA converter and see if that helps.

Ugh.

[classicsat]

You are using the box for the recording source, or watching to watch direct. A cable box will tune one channel at a time and output it on all outputs.

[RonDawg]

Enter the problem. Since I am going from SPLIT2 to TiVo using COAX the picture (when compared to the direct TV connection) looks horrible.

Either you are using a bad quality splitter, or your incoming signal is borderline. You may need to get a signal amplifier.

Or hook the TV's RF in to the TiVo's RF out. When you put the TiVo on standby, it should pass through the signal as it comes out of the wall.

The disadvantage of the latter is that to put most TiVo's on standby, you have to go into the Settings menu.