TIVO Series 2 with HDTV

[tsmith909]

I have a series 2 digital TIVO, but I just got a new TV with HD capability. Will my TIVO render the HD capability of my new TV useless?

[RonDawg]

No. You can still watch HD sources using the TV's internal tuner or a separate box. You simply will not be able to record HD programming with your existing TiVo.

[WayneCarter]

You cannot use an analog (ie Series 1, Series 2, or Series 2 DT) TiVo for HD programming. It is possible to hookup the HD TV and an analog TiVo such that the TV can be used on HD channels (without TiVo functionality) and the TiVo can be used on analog channels.

[tsmith909]

I am not running cable through an additional box. The cable comes into the house, through the TIVO and to the TV. So, when I turn on the TV to the local HD chanels I am watching HDTV? Doesn't seem like its all its cracked up to be.

[tsmith909]

You cannot use an analog (ie Series 1, Series 2, or Series 2 DT) TiVo for HD programming. It is possible to hookup the HD TV and an analog TiVo such that the TV can be used on HD channels (without TiVo functionality) and the TiVo can be used on analog channels.

How do I do this?

[WayneCarter]

If the TV is connected to TiVo's RF output, try putting the TiVo in Standby when watching HD channels. I do not know for sure if TiVo's "plumbing" is compatible with passing HD signals in Standby but I think it will work. (please post back with your results if you try it)

The "better" approach is to insert a splitter - connect the cable feed to the splitter's input, one of the splitter's outputs to the TV and the splitter's other output to TiVo's RF input. Connect TiVo's A/V output to one of the TV's A/V input. Select the RF input on the TV to watch HD programming sans TiVo. Select the A/V input to watch analog programming with TiVo functionality.

The "best" approach is a TiVoHD or a S3.

[brettatk]

I am not running cable through an additional box. The cable comes into the house, through the TIVO and to the TV. So, when I turn on the TV to the local HD chanels I am watching HDTV? Doesn't seem like its all its cracked up to be.

Just because you have an HDTV does not mean you automatically get HD channels. Also your local HD channels and your local SD channels are not the same channel. For instance on my cable system my local ABC channel is 2. My local ABC HD channel is 702. It sounds to me like you plugged in your cable to the Tivo and TV and tuned to ABC and expected to get HD. Unless you have an HD receiver split off to another run, you will never get HD channels with a Series 2.

Once you have your HD Receiver from the Cable Company I'd go get a 2-input splitter. Run the coax from the wall into the splitter's input. Then run coax from each output to the RF input on your Tivo and TV. I would probably hook the Series 2 to the TV through composite cables and I would hook your HD Receiver to the TV through HDMI (or DVI to HDMI if your HD Receiver does not have HDMI output). Then when you want to Tivo you switch your TV to that input and when you want to watch HD you switch it to that input. It might sound difficult but it is very easy to do.

[WayneCarter]

... 2-input splitter ... I think you mean a "2-output splitter".

[brettatk]

I think you mean a "2-output splitter".


;) yeah, that too.