Couple Questions (SetUp, Expanders)

[dmorel]

So yesterday I purchased two TivoHD's.
I set one up last night, while awaiting the cox cable installer here in PHX who is coming out friday. I expected to only get some channels, but I get like 9. Really random ones with just the cable connected. Is that something I should be concerned about? None of the HD stations even show up in the guide or can be tuned which is weird, I would have thought I could get the locals, just not HBO etc...

So: Thoughts on that?

My DVR expander? I've read that there can be reboot issues with Cox cable cards and this expander? True or just one or two vocal people?
I see enough "problem" threads to know that I probably want to keep my receipts handy just in case. I don't want to fight a battle with Cox and cable cards, I just want my Tivo to work. Can I safely get a DVR expander, or should I be doing a 1TB internal upgrade. (Been upgrading tivo's since my first series one in 1999 so I have no issues doing the upgrade)

thanks!
-dm

[dmorel]

Oh, and I don't know if there is ANY fix for this, but I note that with my new tv (sammy) the tivo remote code works but when you change volume you have to press multiple times, you can't just hold down the volume up or volume down button like you could on my Sony. I tried ALL the codes in the set up with no luck. Any other options? I know that's a minor nit pick and probably not even tivo's fault but VERY frustrating when you actually use it.

[ciper]

Oh, and I don't know if there is ANY fix for this, but I note that with my new tv (sammy) the tivo remote code works but when you change volume you have to press multiple times, you can't just hold down the volume up or volume down button like you could on my Sony.
It's the POS peanut remote. I have no idea why Tivo decided to to do it but every keypress/ir code sent to an external device is immediately followed by an IR command to flash the yellow LED on the front of the unit. Most universal remotes omit the useless flash command so the volume will work properly.
If it helps any the old Sony Tivo remotes can be hacked to control the new Tivos and they don't have this extra interruption.

[dmorel]

Ciper, thanks for the reply, however disappointing it is.
Curiously this issue didn't effect my old tivo, only the new one (purchased same time as the tivo HD's) I'm not sure how I feel about it, it's actually a REALLY annoying issue for the bedroom tv.

[lafos]

I expected to only get some channels, but I get like 9. Really random ones with just the cable connected. Is that something I should be concerned about? None of the HD stations even show up in the guide or can be tuned which is weird, I would have thought I could get the locals, just not HBO etc...

So: Thoughts on that?

If you don't have cablecards, then you need to do a channel scan after guided setup. Once the scan is complete, you then have to scroll through the list to see which ones you want to mark as "received". One way to determine those are to look for ones with proper call signs. Another way is to use the "signal strength cable" option. this will let you see the strength and video from any digital channels. If they are encrypted, you get a signal, but no video.


I don't have Cox, so I can't help with your other question.

[dmorel]

thanks lafos.
So basically it's nothing to be concerned about? I don't really need to spend any time setting up anything if all will be right with the tivo once the cable cards come (between 1 and 3) on Friday :)

[lafos]

I won't say that, since I don't know what's normal in your area. If you decide to play a bit before you go party, it won't hurt anything.

[dmorel]

Hrmph. OK... thanks.
I guess I was a bit surprised that basic cable channels like ESPN and Discovery were not coming. Is that normal pre cable card? I do get things like ABC and CBS, and some other random ones. I think TBS came in. Just seems weird I thought I would get most everything under 100...
thanks!

[HerronScott]

Hrmph. OK... thanks.
I guess I was a bit surprised that basic cable channels like ESPN and Discovery were not coming. Is that normal pre cable card? I do get things like ABC and CBS, and some other random ones. I think TBS came in. Just seems weird I thought I would get most everything under 100...
thanks!

If your cable company is still sending channels below 100 in analog mode then you should get those channels without cableCARDs. Whatever channels you get when you connect the cable directly to the TV you should also see with your TiVo.

Scott