What speed Internet do I need?

[Stefunny77]

I have a series 2 Tivo with 2 tuners. Is there a certain Internet speed I will need since I will be connecting my Tivo through the Internet instead of phone? In particular, is 768 Kbps Downstream Speeds and 128 Kbps Upstream Speeds enough? (I am in the process of ordering Internet, and want to consider my Tivo when making the decision.) Thanks.

[ZeoTiVo]

for just guide data and regular updates that is plenty.

Most likely enough if you do things like stream in live 365 or other such small file broadband apps.

if you wnat to rent movies via UNBOX then it is enough if you do not mind waiting awhile for the movie to download.

[RonDawg]

Although your TiVo won't necessarily appreciate it, for your own computer surfing needs look into the added costs of a higher speed connnection.

Depending on provider, there isn't much difference in cost between 768k and 1Mb DSL. For AT&T in my area, it's a mere $5/month.

[bigbopper]

You also want to consider your wireless network speed if you have one. Frankly if you don't I would try to stick with wire as long as possible. The S3 will support ethernet or up to 802.11G wireless, but only with a Tivo brand wireless adaptor! It works well, but I already owned two USB adapters and was disappointed and surprised to discover that I couldn't use them and had to spend $60 for the Tivo brand. The S2 works with any USB wireless adapter.

[Stefunny77]

unfortunately, the difference up to the next level is $12...which is a lot (to me). I'm still debating.

[rocko]

unfortunately, the difference up to the next level is $12...which is a lot (to me). I'm still debating.

Consider some of the cable or phone company packages. There are deals to be had. Just a thought.

[stlarenas]

I currently have some of the same questions.

I just recently added a S2 DT box to my house. I already have a S2 box, and a DSL internet connection.

Up to this point I have had no need for a network, but now I would like to, at the very least, make use of the MRV capabilities I have with the 2 tivo boxes.

I have a wireless router that I acquired for free that I have never hooked up, but I do not have the adapters neede for the Tivo boxes.

I can not decide if I should bother with the wireless network, or just buy the ethernet cables and wire the boxes to the PC. Is there an advantage to one over the other?

Thanks,

Diane

[ZeoTiVo]

if all your TiVo DVRs are DT or S3 with ethernet port - I would run wire.

if yu need a USB adapter anyway, I would spend the 40$ (shop around!) to get the wireless TiVo adapter.

[classicsat]

768 KBPs is fine. My Internet service resembles that (although with a better uplink bandwidth), and works fine, although I don't download from Unbox ot TiVoCast.

[RonDawg]

I can not decide if I should bother with the wireless network, or just buy the ethernet cables and wire the boxes to the PC. Is there an advantage to one over the other?

If running ethernet cable is not a major ordeal, wired networks are better for these reasons:

1. Cheaper. The S2 single tuner will require an inexpensive USB to ethernet adapter (search the forum or the TiVo site for a recommended list), the S2DT will already have ethernet built-in.

2. Easier to set up than wireless. Almost always it's "Plug and Play." No fiddling with settings is normally needed.

3. More secure than wireless, which requires the use of encryption technology which can be finicky to set up and can still be defeated, especially when using the older WEP encryption.

4. Wired networks are almost immune to interference issues. 802.11 g and especially the older b wireless are susceptible to interference from common household appliances like microwaves and 2.4GHz cordless phones. If I use my cordless phone, I lose all WiFi in my house.

The only real advantage of wireless over wired when using something that isn't already portable like a laptop is the fact you don't have to string cable.

[pdhenry]

disappointed and surprised to discover that I couldn't use them and had to spend $60 for the Tivo brand.
I would spend the 40$ (shop around!)
Right, it's $40 at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-AG0100-Wireless-Network-Adapter/dp/B000ER5G6C/)

[RonDawg]

unfortunately, the difference up to the next level is $12...which is a lot (to me). I'm still debating.

In that case you should just stick to 768k. For TiVo it's perfectly adequate.

In case you do find it too slow for your personal computing needs, check with your DSL provider to see if they will let you upgrade to a faster and more expensive service if you extend your contract further. If not then just stick with the shortest contract possible.

Also as mentioned above check into bundle deals with your cable provider. Often you can get a MUCH faster speed with cable internet for the same price as DSL when you purchase a bundle that includes the internet service and digital cable. Do check to see what the price would be once the introductory offer expires, and especially how much it would cost to get out of your contract especially if it's for a longer period than the introductory pricing.

[stlarenas]

RonDawg - Thanks for such a detailed response. It answered nearly everthing I was wondering about.

If running ethernet cable is not a major ordeal, wired networks are better for these reasons:

1. Cheaper. The S2 single tuner will require an inexpensive USB to ethernet adapter (search the forum or the TiVo site for a recommended list), the S2DT will already have ethernet built-in.



I have one of each. I knew running ethernet wouldn't be a problem on the DT, thanks for the heads up on the ability to use a USB adapter on the old S2.

I think until we have a laptop in the house, we will go the wired route...

Thanks Again,

Diane

[ewilts]

I have a series 2 Tivo with 2 tuners. Is there a certain Internet speed I will need since I will be connecting my Tivo through the Internet instead of phone? In particular, is 768 Kbps Downstream Speeds and 128 Kbps Upstream Speeds enough? (I am in the process of ordering Internet, and want to consider my Tivo when making the decision.) Thanks.
The TiVo guide data and software uploads are designed to be sent to your TV via phone line which maxes out at about 42kbps. You're considerably faster than that.

You will never be worse off with your high speed Internet than with your phone line and you can always switch back to phone if you want (although I doubt you will).

[RonDawg]

I think until we have a laptop in the house, we will go the wired route...

If you will not be using any wireless devices in your home, for security reasons make sure that whatever router you use has the ability to have its WiFi turned off. I know that NetGear routers have this, I don't know about other brands.

If you can't turn off the WiFi portion, at the very least remove the antenna(s) which unscrew very easily and turn off the SSID broadcasting.