What is best way to go?

[Senior Old-timer]

Just received my new TiVo HD (TCD652160) from Amazon/Expo; Was delayed at UPS...

Due could not get my old TiVo to work with Verizon FIOS all digital Lineup (New Motorola Box) in Orange County, CA.; Thinking of trashing the old TiVo that has a 3 year subscription that expired 7/12/09 but was extended free (One month) by TiVo Support, so I can register my new TiVo at a reduced Lifetime price of ($299)... I do have a TiVo case number...

I plan cancelling the old TiVo Service after I register the new. Otherwise I would be paying 12.95 monthly additionally for what I may not be using...

Am I thinking the right way, or is there a better way?

I do have a 2nd TV in my bedroom that I could connect the old TiVo if I could get it to work with FIOS.
However, 12,95 extra a month, adds up to a retiree's budget, and paying 299 more for another Lifetime, seems a lot to spend...

What would you guys do? --- Thanks, Senior Old-timer

[scandia101]

Why did you start a new thread to continue discussing the same thing you started discussing just a few days ago?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7380606

[ThAbtO]

Are you connecting the cable box to the new Tivo? Remove it and connect the cable directly to the cable coax input. Then, you need a cable card, either 1 Multi-stream or 2 Single stream, to access the digital/encrypted portion.

[Senior Old-timer]

Why did you start a new thread to continue discussing the same thing you started discussing just a few days ago?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=7380606

Scandia, the reason was that somewhere in the previous thread, or threads, I was advised to start a new thread...

If you don't have an answer for me that helps with my problem (Not yours); then why don't you help someone else for a change...

In the meantime, all I can do is ask and hope that someone is willing to help...

Senior Old-timer

[rocko]

Just received my new TiVo HD (TCD652160) from Amazon/Expo; Was delayed at UPS...

Due could not get my old TiVo to work with Verizon FIOS all digital Lineup (New Motorola Box) in Orange County, CA.; Thinking of trashing the old TiVo that has a 3 year subscription that expired 7/12/09 but was extended free (One month) by TiVo Support, so I can register my new TiVo at a reduced Lifetime price of ($299)... I do have a TiVo case number...

I plan cancelling the old TiVo Service after I register the new. Otherwise I would be paying 12.95 monthly additionally for what I may not be using...

Am I thinking the right way, or is there a better way?

I do have a 2nd TV in my bedroom that I could connect the old TiVo if I could get it to work with FIOS.
However, 12,95 extra a month, adds up to a retiree's budget, and paying 299 more for another Lifetime, seems a lot to spend...

What would you guys do? --- Thanks, Senior Old-timer

I might be wrong but once you have the new box with lifetime you should be eligible for the multi-service discount (MSD) on the old S2 box. Assuming you can get it to work with the FIOS box, it might be worth it.

Once you have the new lifetime box activated and registered to your TiVo Online account, log in and try to select a new plan for the old box. If it's eligible you should see the discounted price ($99/yr).

I'm curious what type of problem you're having with the Verizon STB. Post some details and maybe we can help.

[Senior Old-timer]

Thanks Rocko, I will try to contact TiVo 877.289-8486 right now and I will let you guys know the results of trying to renew the old one and register the new one which I just took out of the box.

I will also review the process of getting the old one to be useufl if only as a single tuner.

ThAbto: Am just getting the new one out of the box. Will inform...


Senior Old-timer

[ThAbtO]

For the MSD or multi-service discount, it doesn't matter if any is on lifetime or not. Just that you have at least 1 Tivo box listed on your Tivo My Account (www.tivo.com/mma) that is currently under a 1 year commitment, and subsequent Tivos will qualify for the discount. The limit is 5 subsequent Tivos.

The rates currently are monthly ($12.95/$9.95), yearly ($129/$99), Lifetime ($399/$299).

[ThAbtO]

When you are setting up your new THD, go through the guided setup as usual, and make connections to Tivo until you get software updates, to which you should get 11.0+, before calling for cable cards to be installed.

[gastrof]

The old TiVo should be able to control the FiOS box. That's how it has to be, since FiOS doesn't provide any analog channels your older TiVo's tuner can receive.

You use an IR blaster to control the FiOS box's channel changes, but you'd have to re-do Guided Setup and tell the TiVo it's now working with FiOS and using a FiOS "cable" box.

The IR blaster is a cord that plugs into the TiVo, and on the other end it emits Infra Red light pulses that simulate what would normally come from the FiOS box's remote control.

Your TiVo should have come with one, but if you need a new one you can order it.

I wonder if you set everything up so's to make all this work?

Please let us know exactly what you've done to get the old TiVo working with FiOS.

Maybe we can help you figure out what the next step is. It should be possible to make it work.

Also, as mentioned above, the TiVo HD won't work with a FiOS box. (Series 3 TiVos aren't meant to work with cable boxes.)

You'll really have to have FiOS provide you with cable cards in place of a box for the TiVo HD. These will make the TiVo HD able to serve as its own cable box, descrambling the FiOS-encrypted channels.

[rocko]

Thanks Rocko, I will try to contact TiVo 877.289-8486 right now and I will let you guys know the results of trying to renew the old one and register the new one which I just took out of the box.

I will also review the process of getting the old one to be useufl if only as a single tuner.

ThAbto: Am just getting the new one out of the box. Will inform...


Senior Old-timer

If your "problem" with FIOS is the lack of analog channels then that's just how it is. The S2DT will only receive programming via the set-top box. Trust me - I have 2 of them and they are effectively single-tuner boxes.

I believe you can rerun Guided Setup to tell it that you'll only use the STB. It's not a requirement but it simplifies things so hitting the "Live TV" button won't switch you to dead air.

Best of luck - keep us informed.

[newskilz]

Whatever you end up doing, my understanding is, you can currently add a box at the MSD, but your first box will always remain as the qualifying box, so it will never get MSD pricing. Also, if you cancel that box and then later want to start using it again (unless you've bought another box in the meantime) it will still be full rate and not MSD, you always have to have one box at full price payment plan, be it monthly or lifetime. So it seems everyone is saying that is the way it goes anyway, not that they've changed the rules again here last August or whenever.

[Senior Old-timer]

Thank you all...

I contacted TiVo and purchased a Lifetime Deal for the new HD DVR 69A6 ($299) that was built 10/17/08 in Mexico.

The older Series 2 DT will remain active on a month to month basis so I can try getting it to work as a single tuner, with a 2nd TV in another room that has another Verizon Motorola Box QIP2500-3.

If I cannot, I was assured that I could cancel the old service and the new box will remain Lifetime with the $299 price I paid. If I can, I have the option of buying a $299 Lifetime also for the old.

I cannot connect the new box until I get either one Multi Stream Cable Card decoder or two Single Stream Cable Card decoders from Verizon. I do not know what the difference is or what will be best to get (One or Two?) Or if they are both equal; which way is least expensive?

Is there someone that has experience with Verizon FIOS in regard to connecting successfully the TiVo HD 69A6?

Thanks again, I will review all your tips, Senior Old-timer

[bkdtv]

I cannot connect the new box until I get either one Multi Stream Cable Card decoder or two Single Stream Cable Card decoders from Verizon. I do not know what the difference is or what will be best to get (One or Two?) Or if they are both equal; which way is least expensive?The single stream cards were discontinued almost 18 months ago so you should receive a multistream card, regardless.

That's the least expensive approach, since Verizon charges $3.99/mo per CableCard. One multistream card supports both tuners on the TivoHd.

Is there someone that has experience with Verizon FIOS in regard to connecting successfully the TiVo HD 69A6?There's nothing to it, although you have to schedule the install. They won't ship you the card and they won't allow you to pick it up.

I would connect the TivoHD a few days before your scheduled appointment. You'd run through guided setup and select Verizon FiOS with the option to "install CableCards later." You won't be able to tune any digital channels until the CableCards are installed, but that way, your TiVo would have the latest software.

[rocko]

Thank you all...

I contacted TiVo and purchased a Lifetime Deal for the new HD DVR 69A6 ($299) that was built 10/17/08 in Mexico.

The older Series 2 DT will remain active on a month to month basis so I can try getting it to work as a single tuner, with a 2nd TV in another room that has another Verizon Motorola Box QIP2500-3.

If I cannot, I was assured that I could cancel the old service and the new box will remain Lifetime with the $299 price I paid. If I can, I have the option of buying a $299 Lifetime also for the old.

I cannot connect the new box until I get either one Multi Stream Cable Card decoder or two Single Stream Cable Card decoders from Verizon. I do not know what the difference is or what will be best to get (One or Two?) Or if they are both equal; which way is least expensive?

Is there someone that has experience with Verizon FIOS in regard to connecting successfully the TiVo HD 69A6?

Thanks again, I will review all your tips, Senior Old-timer

Last I heard Verizon was installing 'M' cards exclusively. That's good since it will save you the cost of another card at $3.99/mo. If you're given a choice insist on a 'M' card.

I recommend setting the box up ahead of time - prior to installing the CABLECard. Connect it to your network or phone line and run Guided Setup. This will ensure you have the most recent software version (11.0D). This is especially important since we're talking FIOS - 11.0D has fixes specific to FIOS. Then you should be all set to rock and roll once the installer shows with the card.

Regarding the S2, like I said earlier, there should be zero problem setting it up with a QIP2500. I have 2 boxes with the QIP2500. I would recommend using the IR blasters instead of the serial cable since those Motorola boxes get real finicky when trying to tune to a 4 digit channel number using the serial connection - unless TiVo fixed that problem.

And for the record, there's no such model as a HD DVR 69A6 - I'm guessing that's the last 4 characters of your TSN :o

All the best ...

[Senior Old-timer]

Thanks a lot bkdtv:

I also have a Verizon bundle of FIOS TV, FIOS Internet & Home Phone, I remember reading that Verizon has a new optional Technical Service for Verizon Members. Can't remember price though but I will inquire if it includes connecting TiVos and Cable cards. Thanks, again S O-t

[rocko]

Thanks a lot bkdtv:

I also have a Verizon bundle of FIOS TV, FIOS Internet & Home Phone, I remember reading that Verizon has a new optional Technical Service for Verizon Members. Can't remember price though but I will inquire if it includes connecting TiVos and Cable cards. Thanks, again S O-t

The installer will install and set up the card. You should have the TiVo ready to go before he gets there. I wouldn't pay the support fee ahead of time - that's usually if you need extra special help after the fact and isn't intended for CABLECard issues.

Here's the support article on CABLECards in case the Verizon guy isn't sure on what to do:

http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/135/c/105%2C110/r_id/100041 (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/135/c/105%2C110/r_id/100041)

[Senior Old-timer]

Thanks Rocko:

I bought 2 Wireless G USB Adapter at Radio Shack on clearance for $13.17 each.

Now I have to figure out how to get my Verizon Wireless Router to send a signal to the TiVo adapters. One to the new HD and another to the old Series 2.

In regard to the Cable Card, I have heard that they only work with newer TVs that have a CableCard socket. My TV is a 32" CRT Toshiba about 12 years old and only has an S Video and one set of Audio/Video RCA inputs.
Will I run into problems?

Thanks again/S O-t

[bkdtv]

In regard to the Cable Card, I have heard that they only work with newer TVs that have a CableCard socket. My TV is a 32" CRT Toshiba about 12 years old and only has an S Video and one set of Audio/Video RCA inputs.The CableCard goes in the TiVo, not your TV. You don't need a CableCard in your TV.

There are some TVs that have CableCard slots, but that would be an alternative to the TivoHD. You don't need a CableCard in the TV when you've got a TivoHD; you only need a CableCard in the TivoHD.

You can login to the Actiontec to configure its settings at http://192.168.1.1. The default login name is "admin" and the default password is "password" or "password1". I would change the Actiontec's wireless from WEP to WAP and set an easy-to-remember passcode.

[rocko]

Thanks Rocko:

I bought 2 Wireless G USB Adapter at Radio Shack on clearance for $13.17 each.

Now I have to figure out how to get my Verizon Wireless Router to send a signal to the TiVo adapters. One to the new HD and another to the old Series 2.



Are you planning on using the cheapo adapters you bought at RS or TiVo-branded wireless adapterw?

HD TiVos only work with TiVo wireless adapters and S2s with either TiVo-branded or specific out-of-production USB adapters. Wired ethernet would be the cheapest, fastest way to go, if possible.

Here's the support article regarding supported wireless adapters.

http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/405

And gere's the article regarding network setup - including wireless from a TiVo perspective:

http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/406/kw/wireless%20adapters/c/105%2C109/r_id/100041#wireless (http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/406/kw/wireless%20adapters/c/105%2C109/r_id/100041#wireless)

[Senior Old-timer]

Rocko, the adapters I got at RS are TiVo brand "TiVo Wireless G USB Network Adapter (802.11b/g) Model No. AG0100, 160-0209.
They were originally sold for $65 and are now on clearance for $13.17; I had to visit 3 RS stores before I could find two at the Westminster Ave store in WM, CA.

I know how to connect them to the TiVo but I need to know how to get my Verizon "Actiontec" Ml424WR Wireless Router to work with it.

I have a Fujitsu Wireless laptop that works fine at friends homes (wireless) but does not work wireless from my home PC...

Thanks, S O-t

[rocko]

Rocko, the adapters I got at RS are TiVo brand "TiVo Wireless G USB Network Adapter (802.11b/g) Model No. AG0100, 160-0209.
They were originally sold for $65 and are now on clearance for $13.17; I had to visit 3 RS stores before I could find two at the Westminster Ave store in WM, CA.

I know how to connect them to the TiVo but I need to know how to get my Verizon "Actiontec" Ml424WR Wireless Router to work with it.

I have a Fujitsu Wireless laptop that works fine at friends homes (wireless) but does not work wireless from my home PC...

Thanks, S O-t

The Verizon Crap... um, I mean, Actiontec routers are notoriously finicky with wireless connections. I piggyback another wireless router off of my Actiontec for wireless and only use the Verizon router for hardwired connections.

If you can't get your laptop to connect wirelessly you'll probably won't have any luck with the TiVo. I'd try with the laptop first then use those settings with the TiVo.

[Senior Old-timer]

I don't think that I ever set up the router to work... I remembert the Verizon installer saying something that I had to put a code found in the router itself or something to that effect, to get it to work, but I never did, due I never really needed it, until now...