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View Full Version : Is TiVo for Non-cable/satellite user without web connection?


vpc
03-11-2009, 08:03 PM
I've never had cable or satellite service, nor do I plan to have such in
the future. So, my outside antenna will continue to be the source of my
reception (it seems to be working fine since the HD change). Because of
the change-over to HD, I bought converter boxes for my two TV sets.
Though I bought top-of-the-line boxes, I was immediately disappointed
after finding that my VCR wouldn't work with what I'd bought. Seems I
needed to get converter boxes that had a built-in timer, which would
allow me to program shows for recording. Since we were accustomed to
recording often (when gone, or while watching another show), we feel
pursuing the ability to continue such a necessity. So, it's back to the
drawing board.

However, before buying again, I thought I'd do a little more homework
this time. Initially, I never even thought of TiVo, but this time it was
suggested to me. Not sure about how TiVo could apply to my situation,
I'd be interested in knowing how TiVo might accommodate my needs. I've
already read just about everything listed on the TiVo website, but am
still unsure of just what coverage to expect (if any).

My situation is: I live in a split-level house, the bottom floor of
which is all cement (like a basement). My computer hookup (DSL) is on
the top floor and moving it to the bottom floor is not a good option.
The only phone-jack on the bottom floor that is near my TV is across the
room and around the corner from that TV. A telephone cord would have to
be about 25 to 30+ feet long for direct connection and would have to
cross an uncarpeted doorway.

The reason I'm relating a bottom floor preference is because I bought a
big screen TV for Christmas and that is where it is. It has a built-in
tuner, so the converter box isn't needed with it... but I'm still trying
to figure out if I can incorporate my VCR somehow by using one of the
boxes I bought.

All of the above being said, I'm very interested to hear if TiVo might
be a good solution for what I'd like to accomplish. If so, what features
could actually be realized in my situation?

jvhiii
03-11-2009, 08:44 PM
Do you have a WiFi network in your house, or would you consider adding one? If so, and if you got a Tivo next to your downstairs TV, you wouldn't need to connect the Tivo to any new wires -- just power and antenna. I think you'd have to get a TivoHD and not use your converter boxes. The disadvantage I see is if you want to watch a recording on a TV in a different room.

johnny99
03-11-2009, 09:06 PM
I use WiFi to my Tivo. It is cheap and reliable. Another easy option is powerline ethernet.

ThAbtO
03-11-2009, 09:07 PM
The Tivo Series 3/HD/XL will work with Over the Air (OTA), without digital converter boxes, record 2 channels at once and watch another recorded show at the same time. Tivo service is required for function. You can use phone line for dial up to Tivo service but that is all you can get with the phone, except for service updates which can take 2 hrs or more to download.

Using Network, you can do much more. Transfer shows to/from PC, another Tivo, much much more, including the Netflix streaming, when its updated to current software v11.0b. On a new Tivo, it can take up to 1/2 dozen Tivo service connections to get updated.


If you are going to use wireless, the Tivo wireless adapter is the only supported USB adapter that will work on a Tivo HD.

NotVeryWitty
03-12-2009, 09:54 AM
Another option for you is the Dish Network DTVPal DVR (www.dtvpal.com). From the reviews I've read, it's not as fully featured as a Tivo, but it would certainly work as a VCR replacement. I don't believe it needs any network connection to operate.

judyn
03-12-2009, 01:12 PM
We are also OTA only. Cable is not available for us and we don't like the "features" of satellite TV. We are very happy owners of two ReplayTVs, but like you with your VCR, so far we haven't made them work with the converter model we have. So we bought a Tivo HD and are pretty happy with it. I'm writing because we couldn't get Tivo desktop to work properly with powerline ethernet. Ours is several years old so Tivo Desktop may work properly with new powerline adapters.

We ended up drilling holes in our stone house and taking an ethernet cable outside under the eaves and back in. Everything else, including the ReplayTVs works with the powerline ethernet extender.

You say split level house. Is there any way to put wires in channels where pipes go or the like?

You will not need the VCR any more. Also, with one Tivo you will be able to watch the programs only in the room with the Tivo or by using a computer. Tivo HD can record two programs simultaneously.

We do like the Netflix viewing using the Tivo and some of the extras like podcasts.

HD transmissions eat up the disk very very fast so we now have an expansion disk drive for our Tivo.

I would buy another one, but Tivo HD will not work with cable nor with satellite TV. I'm waiting to see how DirecTV implements Tivo. In other words, will it still be locked down to that DVR only or will it have the features of sharing. My mind doesn't do well with watch only in the room in which you record.

ThAbtO
03-12-2009, 05:25 PM
I would buy another one, but Tivo HD will not work with cable nor with satellite TV. I'm waiting to see how DirecTV implements Tivo. In other words, will it still be locked down to that DVR only or will it have the features of sharing. My mind doesn't do well with watch only in the room in which you record.

THD will work with cable (analog and digital cable with cable cards); will not with satellite, direcTV, Dish