digital cable box problems

[bxd20]

I've been very happy with my S1 TiVo, Sony SVR-2000, for years, using it with analog cable.

My wife and I got to the point where we finally felt like adding some more channels. After much hemming and hawwing I called Cox Cable, and they assured me the digital STB would have a serial connection for changing its channel.

Well, I got home, and was doubly disappointed. First, the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250 does not have any serial type input. There is only an IR port for OUTPUT - to control a VCR.

Secondly, going through TiVo setup, I didn't notice any way to even select the serial port on the back of the TiVo. I only found IR setup. So I went through that, and I have the usual IR gripes everyone has, but it works.

Here's what I need to know. Can the serial "mini jack" port on the back of my TiVo be enabled?
I don't want to call Cox back and complain about lying to me, and then have them offer up a new box (something other than Scientific Atlanta? do the Motorola boxes have serial input ports?).... and then be stuck anyway because I can't get my TiVo to use the hard wired connection.

I don't care for using the IR, it seems too trouble prone. Many people here say it works 99% of the time. Well - that means one missed recording every couple weeks. I don't think I can live with that. If I can't hard wire a digital box to my S1 then I'm either going back to analog cable or jumping to AT&T UVerse and unfortunately giving up the TiVo. I am the biggest TiVo fan I know but UVerse pricing is great and the hardware setup is "clean".

Brian

[pdhenry]

Maybe since you specified you had an SA box in the setup, the TiVo knew not to offer a serial port option (since the SA boxes don't have serial ports). Just a guess. I never had any problems with IR channel changes to an SA box, by the way, in four years of off-and-on cable box usage with couple of TiVos..

[classicsat]

No Scientific Atlanta box has serial usable by TiVo. And you are stuck with Scientific Atlanta because that is what your provider uses, so are stuck with IR.

If your TiVo is not on Product Lifetime, I'd recommend you upgrade to a TiVo HD.

[bxd20]

Interesting. I'm learning new things which is always good. :cool:

So Cox Cable probably has an exclusive license with SA and won't offer any other brand of digital box. I guess that nixes the idea of demanding a different box, but I think I will still call them to let them know I don't appreciate the misinformation. With ATT Uverse breathing down their necks, you'd think they'd be more helpful. The guy was nice on the phone, but couldn't extend any special pricing, so I'm paying way more for this setup than I'd pay under Uverse, and I have a lower speed on the internet service side.

It is good to hear somebody has been using IR forever and never had problems! I am using the IR emitter built into the front of the S1 unit, because I've misplaced the extender emitter, never needed it.

Anyone else with the Sony SVR-2000 that can specifically comment, should I stick with the IR in the box or buy the external emitter? Any tips on positioning the two boxes if I choose to stick with the built-in IR?

Any yes, I do have lifetime on my S1. If I could transfer that, I think I'd make the jump and get those nice cablecards and dump the box. :) But a TiVo HD + lifetime is kinda pricey still.