Home Networking -- Need advice

[kurva55]

Hello all! Been reading for hours about many things Tivo. I was looking for some info about home networking but couldn't make heads or tails for my question using the search function.

I have an S2 (single tuner) and a THD. They are on separate floors but are only blocked by wood flooring. The Tivos will be about 20ft away from one another.

What do I have to do to watch non-HD content (recorded on my THD) on my S2?

- Can I just connect both units with some sort of cable?
- Can I just buy two "Tivo Wireless G" units so that the Tivos can talk?

Edit: I am hoping this works without the need of a computer or router. This is my mom's place and she does not have broadband internet.

Thanks in advance.

[kurva55]

I did a little more digging and came across this FAQ:
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=371710&

The way I read it... I can just buy a "Tivo wireless G" for each Tivo and they will talk without any computer. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.

Can anyone help with MoCa? Not sure if this is a better option for me but I dont clearly understand exactly what it is (but I'd get faster transfer times). BTW, I have TWC service.

[atmuscarella]

Kurva55: There are a number of ways to accomplish what you want. Really depends on how close the 2 TiVos are to each other, how much you want to spend, and how much you want to learn about networking on what way is the best.

If they are already connected to your Internet providers router then you are all set. If not and the TiVos are fairly close or it's easy to run cables between the 2, I would direct wire them together with a "crossover cat 5e network cable" (http://www.monoprice.com).

Is the Series 2 a DT or single tuner unit? Give more info about about your setup and more people will be able to give you advise.

Good Luck,

[[NG]Owner]

If you already have broadband internet at your home, you need at most three items:

1) One wireless router. WRT54G from Linksys is a common choice
2) Two Tivo WirelessG USB adapters

If your home is networked (or can be easily networked) it would be a better choice to go the wired route, though you will still need three things:

1) Stick with the WRT54G router
2) One Tivo Series 2 compatable USB ethernet adapter
3) Ethernet cabling

My guess is that you already have broadband Internet at home. It's time to get your Tivos on the web too! Start enjoying some SameGame lovin' (you'll see what I mean when you get your Tivos on the web)!

[NG]Owner

[kurva55]

atmuscarella: I have an S2 (single tuner) and a THD. They are on separate floors but are only blocked by wood flooring. The Tivos will be about 20ft away from one another.

Thanks for the CAT5 suggestion. That might be good since this home does not have broadband internet. This is my mom's place and I just picked her up a plasma and THD for the living room. The S2 (single tuner) is being moved to the bedroom.

I'd probably like to do this via wireless in case she ever decides to drop the phone line and get broadband internet. Plus, it'll give her flexibility to move the TV around the room.

Would getting a wireless g USB adapter for each tivo allow them to do MRV? I am hoping this can be done without a wireless router. And since only SD will be transfered, I think wireless would still allow her to watch "on-the-fly" and not wait for it to transfer before viewing.

[kurva55]

NG: This is my mom's place (so nothing is ever easy). No broadband (yet.) Sorry, should have mentioned it at the beginning.

[classicsat]

Yes, you can get two TiVo Adapters and do what is called peer-to-peer networking, that is the easiest route. No router or WAP is required. The TiVo still needs the phone connection though.

MOCA is basically home networking over coaxial cable. IMO, you don't really need that for just SD, as you intend. It might benefit with two HD TiVos, and transferring HD recordings.

[kurva55]

Yes, you can get two TiVo Adapters and do what is called peer-to-peer networking, that is the easiest route. No router or WAP is required. The TiVo still needs the phone connection though.


P2P is perfect. Glad it can be done.

I see the Tivo branded wireless G USB adapters are $40 each on amazon. Can I go with a less expensive model? I'll drop the $80 for the pair if it is clearly the best unit but I figure why spend it if I dont have to.

[atmuscarella]

I see the Tivo branded wireless G USB adapters are $40 each on amazon. Can I go with a less expensive model? I'll drop the $80 for the pair if it is clearly the best unit but I figure why spend it if I dont have to.The TiVo HD only works with the TiVo wirelss adapter, the older Series 2 will work with some others but for the few bucks you would save I would get the 2 TiVo branded adapters. Sounds like you problem is pretty much solved.

Good Luck,

[kurva55]

Thanks everyone!