How many internet connections are needed?

[buellwinkle]

I just got a TIVO HD and I'm a little confused. To get guide info I plugged the box into my router via an ethernet cable temporarily until I figure out what to buy.

So there are two possible connections, one RJ45, one USB. But the RJ45 connection I'm now using will not work with Tivo Desktop so I need the Tivo wifi adapter. Can I just use the one network connection for both?

[scandia101]

Why do you say the connection will not work with TiVo Desktop?
How do you have things setup? what's connected to what?

[caddyroger]

Have you set up the network on the tivo yet?

[RonDawg]

But the RJ45 connection I'm now using will not work with Tivo Desktop so I need the Tivo wifi adapter. Can I just use the one network connection for both?

If the RJ-45 connection doesn't work, neither will the WiFi connection. If you were able to get guide data via the RJ-45 connection, the network is set up properly. There is something else wrong that you will need to diagnose.

[buellwinkle]

When I ping the IP address assigned to the Tivo box it's working. It's just when I go into Tivo Desktop 2.6 and click Pick Recordings to Transfer, it says "There are no Tivo DVR's available on the network.". The Tivo and my PC are both on the same router. I'm running Vista if that matters. Also, I'm an trial activation while they process my paperwork, would that matter?

[JacksTiVo]

When I ping the IP address assigned to the Tivo box it's working. It's just when I go into Tivo Desktop 2.6 and click Pick Recordings to Transfer, it says "There are no Tivo DVR's available on the network.". The Tivo and my PC are both on the same router. I'm running Vista if that matters. Also, I'm an trial activation while they process my paperwork, would that matter?Have you entered the Media Access Key (MAK) and did you check the properties of the TiVo Server to see if your TiVo is listed?

To enter your MAK: Open TiVo Desktop > Files > Set Media Access Key (You can obtain your MAK from TiVo.com > My account)

To view TiVo server properties: Open TiVo desktop > Server > TiVo server properties

[scandia101]

Do you have the MAK entered correctly in tivo desktop?
Do you have the tivo set to 'transfers allowed' under 'manage my account' at tivo.com?

[RoyK]

You need to go to tivo.com, pick manage my account from the list on the left, register if you haven't already done so, then name your dvr(s) and enable transfers.

Once you've done that wait a bit then "Connect to the TiVo service now" from the Messages & Settings/Settings/Phone & Network menu. You should be able to see your box shortly after that.

You'll need to enter your MAK ID (same menu as above) in your desktop.

[buellwinkle]

I have the Media Access Key setup correctly, but no, my Tivo does not show up under My Account, probably because it's just a trial period until they can activate my lifetime subscription. They said it would take 3-5 days. The reason it's taking so long is my first Tivo subscription was via DirecTV so they probably have to verify with DirecTV for a lifetime subscription;

[lew]

You can't use HMO features, including desktop and MRV, on a trial account. Your tivo must be listed under My Account.

It took almost a month to get me up and running. They don't have to verify anything with DTV but a department (accounting?) has to manually charge your credit card and then maually add the tivo (with lifetime service) to your account.

I had to get my temporary service extended twice. I'll save you some panic. Your account will show lifetime on the website but your tivo will still show "internal testing" until your temporary service is scheduled to expire. When your temporary subscription expires your unit defaults to whatever service is listed on your account. If your account isn't set up you'll lose service, until you call up to get your service extended.


I have the Media Access Key setup correctly, but no, my Tivo does not show up under My Account, probably because it's just a trial period until they can activate my lifetime subscription. They said it would take 3-5 days. The reason it's taking so long is my first Tivo subscription was via DirecTV so they probably have to verify with DirecTV for a lifetime subscription;

[buellwinkle]

Thanks Lew for the heads up.