I have an older "HD ready" tv. Will a TivoHD work?

[babatunde]

Hi everyone.

I have some fairly simple questions if anyone cares to help. I'm pretty good at understanding technical stuff but confused about what are probably some basic things re DirecTV, TivoHD, and cable.

I have an older RPTV (Sony KP-xxHS10 model) that is HD ready but doesn't have the actual HD decoding circuitry required. I also have a DirecTivo that for the most part I love, but it of course doesn't do HD. A few years ago I bought an HD receiver and hooked it up but the fact that it didn't have the Tivo capability made it not worthwhile to me so I turned it off (I have a 3 LNB dish so was using them on different LNBs).

I would really like to get Tivo functionality with HD content. I'm considering either (a) switching to Comcast and buying a TivoHD, or (b) waiting for the new DirecTivo HD units to come out supposedly later this year. I also have Qwest for my DSL and phone service and am not thrilled with the DSL performance, so Comcast looks attractive with their Cable/Phone/Internet bundle.

That being said, I really like the DirecTivo simplicity.

Questions:

1. If I bought a TivoHD, can I use it with my DirecTV setup?

2. If I bought a TivoHD and switched to cable, is that all I need to get and record HD content for my "HD ready" tv?

thanks very much,

BT

ps: Wow - just realized I've been registered here for 5 years and this is my first post! LOL

[gweempose]

1. If I bought a TivoHD, can I use it with my DirecTV setup?

2. If I bought a TivoHD and switched to cable, is that all I need to get and record HD content for my "HD ready" tv?1. No.
2. Yes. The only other thing you will need is a multistream cablecard to install in the Tivo. This will be provided to you by Comcast for a small fee.

[Bierboy]

....2. Yes. The only other thing you will need is a multistream cablecard to install in the Tivo. This will be provided to you by Comcast for a small fee.

He doesn't necessarily need the CableCARD. He can manually record the unecrypted QAM locals in HD without any CableCARD. He just won't get the program info.

[gweempose]

He doesn't necessarily need the CableCARD. He can manually record the unecrypted QAM locals in HD without any CableCARD. He just won't get the program info.True, but I hardly think it's worth it to spend all that money on a Tivo only to have a crippled unit. If the QAM channels were mapped, that would be a different story.

[phox_mulder]

1. If I bought a TivoHD, can I use it with my DirecTV setup?

Not to record any DirecTV content, but you can do as I have and have the TiVo record just from an antenna.

My S3 is currently full, 60+ hours that need to be watched, only hooked to an antenna.

My TiVoHD is nearing full, 20+ hours again only hooked to an antenna.
(actually my daughters)


phox

[Bierboy]

True, but I hardly think it's worth it to spend all that money on a Tivo only to have a crippled unit. If the QAM channels were mapped, that would be a different story.

I certainly wouldn't call a TiVo without CableCARDS "crippled".....it's designed to be used with or without CableCARDS. Some folks don't want to spend the extra money or put up with the hassle of having the cards installed. If you don't mind setting up recordings manually, it's not a big deal.

The bottom line is he does not NEED the CableCARD to receive HD channels. You said he did. We like to provide accurate information on these boards.

[gweempose]

The bottom line is he does not NEED the CableCARD to receive HD channels. You said he did. We like to provide accurate information on these boards.Technically, you are correct, and I apologize if I misled anybody to believe that the Tivo is incapable of recording any type of HD signal without a CableCARD. But I still stand by the fact that a Series 3 without a CableCARD IS crippled unless it will be strictly used to record OTA programming. Since the OP was asking specifically about switching to cable, I assumed this was not the case. Yes, he can receive a limited number of Clear QAM channels without a CableCARD, but the fact of the matter is that a vast majority of the HD channels available to him through Comcast will be encrypted.

[aindik]

He doesn't necessarily need the CableCARD.

If he "would really like to get Tivo functionality with HD content," then yeah, he does.

If he's happy with VCR-level functionality with HD content, he can do without.

[wmcbrine]

If he "would really like to get Tivo functionality with HD content," then yeah, he does.With HD cable content. Not needed for OTA HD.

[Bierboy]

Technically, you are correct, and I apologize if I misled anybody to believe that the Tivo is incapable of recording any type of HD signal without a CableCARD. But I still stand by the fact that a Series 3 without a CableCARD IS crippled unless it will be strictly used to record OTA programming. Since the OP was asking specifically about switching to cable, I assumed this was not the case. Yes, he can receive a limited number of Clear QAM channels without a CableCARD, but the fact of the matter is that a vast majority of the HD channels available to him through Comcast will be encrypted.

That's just a load of BS. He can record ALL the cable channels he wants (analog) and any OTA HD he wants WITH guide data. That is FAR from being crippled. Your definition of crippled is...well....crippled.

If he "would really like to get Tivo functionality with HD content," then yeah, he does.

If he's happy with VCR-level functionality with HD content, he can do without.
Again that is total BS. He can record OTA HD with guide data just fine. You guys are sipping some bad kool-aid.

With HD cable content. Not needed for OTA HD.

EXACTLY my point.

[mattack]

FYI, I am using a TivoHD and a Series 3 with a very old Sony analog TV with RCA cables... (I 'bit' on the lifetime transfer options within the past few years..)

[pdxsam]

That's just a load of BS. He can record ALL the cable channels he wants (analog)

Comcast is reclaiming much of the analog spectrum across their footprint, so, at some point for CABLE recording the THD would be crippled. He could indeed record over the air stuff, but, any reclaimed off the analog channels would need a cable card for full functionality.

Yes you can do manual recordings off the digital clear QAM stuff, but, that defeats the beauty of the TiVo.

[aindik]

That's just a load of BS. He can record ALL the cable channels he wants (analog) and any OTA HD he wants WITH guide data. That is FAR from being crippled. Your definition of crippled is...well....crippled.


Again that is total BS. He can record OTA HD with guide data just fine. You guys are sipping some bad kool-aid.



EXACTLY my point.

Where did he say anything about having access to anything using an antenna?

[tootal2]

It will work with your tv. You might need a hdmi to dvi converter cable. Also you might want to get a hdmi switcher so you can hook more stuff to your tv.


Hi everyone.

I have some fairly simple questions if anyone cares to help. I'm pretty good at understanding technical stuff but confused about what are probably some basic things re DirecTV, TivoHD, and cable.

I have an older RPTV (Sony KP-xxHS10 model) that is HD ready but doesn't have the actual HD decoding circuitry required. I also have a DirecTivo that for the most part I love, but it of course doesn't do HD. A few years ago I bought an HD receiver and hooked it up but the fact that it didn't have the Tivo capability made it not worthwhile to me so I turned it off (I have a 3 LNB dish so was using them on different LNBs).

I would really like to get Tivo functionality with HD content. I'm considering either (a) switching to Comcast and buying a TivoHD, or (b) waiting for the new DirecTivo HD units to come out supposedly later this year. I also have Qwest for my DSL and phone service and am not thrilled with the DSL performance, so Comcast looks attractive with their Cable/Phone/Internet bundle.

That being said, I really like the DirecTivo simplicity.

Questions:

1. If I bought a TivoHD, can I use it with my DirecTV setup?

2. If I bought a TivoHD and switched to cable, is that all I need to get and record HD content for my "HD ready" tv?

thanks very much,

BT

ps: Wow - just realized I've been registered here for 5 years and this is my first post! LOL

[RonDawg]

I have an older RPTV (Sony KP-xxHS10 model) that is HD ready but doesn't have the actual HD decoding circuitry required.


My understanding is that "HD-ready" meant the TV DOES have the ability to display at least 720p when using an external HD-capable tuner or HD-capable player, but that its internal tuner will only pick up analog signals. I'm not sure if you meant "tuner" when you stated "decoding circuitry."

I had a Panasonic TV that was designated as "HD-ready" which I used with an HD cable box. Its highest quality input was Component, not even DVI.

[lew]

1. No.
2. Yes. The only other thing you will need is a multistream cablecard to install in the Tivo. This will be provided to you by Comcast for a small fee.

He doesn't necessarily need the CableCARD. He can manually record the unecrypted QAM locals in HD without any CableCARD. He just won't get the program info.

I certainly wouldn't call a TiVo without CableCARDS "crippled".....it's designed to be used with or without CableCARDS. Some folks don't want to spend the extra money or put up with the hassle of having the cards installed. If you don't mind setting up recordings manually, it's not a big deal.

The bottom line is he does not NEED the CableCARD to receive HD channels. You said he did. We like to provide accurate information on these boards.


Sorry but tivo agrees with the first poster. From their website:

Requires a
CableCARD decoder from
your cable company to
receive digital and HD TV You want to provide accurate information cc are required for the product to perform as designed and marketed by tivo.

[RonDawg]

It will work with your tv. You might need a hdmi to dvi converter cable. Also you might want to get a hdmi switcher so you can hook more stuff to your tv.

A TV as old as the OP's may lack HDCP abilities, which will prevent the video signal from being received from an HDMI-equipped device such as a TiVo.

Save the money and just stick with Component instead.

[tootal2]

A TV as old as the OP's may lack HDCP abilities, which will prevent the video signal from being received from an HDMI-equipped device such as a TiVo.

Save the money and just stick with Component instead.

I am using a 5 year old crt rptv with hdmi to dvi with no problems. and it does have HDCP.

[Bierboy]

Sorry but tivo agrees with the first poster. From their website:

You want to provide accurate information cc are required for the product to perform as designed and marketed by tivo.

That's just plain WRONG. TiVo HD does NOT require a CableCARD decoder to get HD....I get plenty of HD with my antenna, and I get plenty of local HD through unencrypted QAM channeld WITHOUT a CableCARD.

[gweempose]

I am using a 5 year old crt rptv with hdmi to dvi with no problems. and it does have HDCP.Based on a quick Google search, it looks like the OP's set is quite a bit older than that. In fact, it doesn't even appear to have any digital inputs at all. Therefore, this entire discussion of HDMI vs. component has been rather pointless. Judging from the specs, it looks like the TV has two component inputs. Of these, only one of them will accept a 1080i feed. The other one is limited to 480i.

[lew]

That's just plain WRONG. TiVo HD does NOT require a CableCARD decoder to get HD....I get plenty of HD with my antenna, and I get plenty of local HD through unencrypted QAM channeld WITHOUT a CableCARD.

Go back to my post tivo says cc are required for digital (and HD) cable. The truth is cc is required if the unit is going to function as designed and marketed by tivo. Tivo is not marketed as a device to tune QAM channels. Tivo promotes SP, wishlists, search.... Try that without a cc.

[dsuth]

Firstly, if you buy a TivoHD now it will not work with DirecTV. The current model is designed to work only with cable providers. If You are currently a subscriber to DirecTV, I would wait because they have a far greater lineup of HD channels than any cable provider. Secondly, yes it will work with your HD-ready TV. HD-ready simply means that your TV does not have a built-in HD tuner. IN this case the TIVOHD is the tuner. Good luck

[aindik]

Firstly, if you buy a TivoHD now it will not work with DirecTV. The current model is designed to work only with cable providers.

Or antennas.

[babatunde]

Hi Everyone

I'm the OP :)

Quite a great discussion here and I really appreciate. I've learned way more beyond my original question which is super!

I should have mentioned in my original post that I don't have OTA. I live in a smaller city with no local OTA broadcasts. You don't see any TV antennas in this town (Bellingham Washington).

Sounds like I'd be good to go with a TivoHD if I were to switch to cable, but as someone noted DTV has more HD channels so I should consider holding out for the upcoming DirecTivo HD, so I think that's the best bet for me since I'm not in a huge hurry (and maybe by then my Sony RPTV will finally die and "force" me to buy a new 63" plasma! ;)

As gweempose pointed out, my Sony doesn't have HDMI or any digital in so I use component video. Plus I run the signal through my Denon AV receiver which can switch 3 component video signals so that works pretty well for me. So I'll have to hope that the new DirecTivo HD has component outs, which I would assume is a no brainer even though HDMI seems to be the standard nowadays.

One of the main reasons I was even considering going to Cable was to get a better internet connection (I'm DSL) through our local Comcast's Triple Play (phone, inet, cable) packaging. But I really have liked DirecTV and have a lot invested already in the triple LNB, etc. so I guess I'll just wait it out.

Thanks again everyone for the excellent education!

cheers,

Brian :)

[gweempose]

If you are happy with DirecTV's channel lineup, you might as well wait for their new Tivo box to come out. Like you said, you have already invested a lot of money in satellite hardware. The only downside I can think of is that the DirecTV version may not support all of the same networking features as the S3 such as MRV, TTG, TTCB, etc ... Of course, I haven't really followed any of the threads on the subject, so this is pure speculation.

As far as internet goes, you could always switch over to Comcast if you are unsatisfied with your current DSL connection. It will be a little more expensive if it's not bundled with any other Comcast services, but it still makes sense if you are looking for faster speeds. I can vouch for the fact that Comcast internet works very well. And if you happen to live in one of the areas where they have rolled out DOCSIS 3.0, the speeds are insanely fast. I'm on their fastest plan, and I get sustained downstream speeds in excess of 50 Mb/s. :)