Connect series 2 direct to PC

[domtrump]

I have a Series 2 DT 80GB. I need to get the shows off the TiVo and onto my PC. I have TiVo Desktop, but my wireless network just can't handle the transfers. The keep crapping out and then wont start again.

The TiVo and the PC are right next to each other but neither is anywhere near the router (and it is not possible to get a wire down to this room from the routher). Is there any way I can hook the TiVo directly up to the PC via ethernet? Via any other kind of cable? If so, what additional hardware would I need (besides the cable).

If this isn't possible, any suggestions on how to get the shows off the TiVo?

Thanks.

[steve614]

Yes, it is possible for a direct connection -- Tivo ethernet port straight to the PCs network port.
IIRC, you will have to use a static IP on the Tivo, and you may need a crossover ethernet cable.

[windracer]

To do the direct ethernet connection you'd need a USB-to-ethernet adapter for your TiVo. Then you can connect a CAT-5 cable from the TiVo to the network card in your PC (in the old days you would need a crossover cable, but most NICs these day will auto-sense this and adjust accordingly).

Your TiVo should pick up a private IP address like 169.254.x.x. You can change this to a static IP like 192.168.1.50 and make sure your PC's address is on the same subnet (i.e., 192.168.1.55).

You should then be able to use TiVo desktop (or your browser) to download the recordings you want.

edit: started writing this, and then was delayed in posting, so steve614 snuck in there ;)

[steve614]

To do the direct ethernet connection you'd need a USB-to-ethernet adapter for your TiVo.

No need for the adapter, the S2 DT has an ethernet port, doesn't it?

[windracer]

Missed the DT part, just read S2. :o

[domtrump]

Where do I change the IP address? From the PC? From the TiVo? How? Thanks.

[windracer]

Go under Messages & Settings, Settings, Phone & Network on the TiVo. You can change the network settings of your DVR there.

[SnakeEyes]

I changed my TiVo IP and my computers IP to match those two settings. Is there something else I need to do? My macbook still cant communicate with the TiVo. Do i need to clear any manually set gateway and dns address?

[windracer]

What IP address did you use for the MacBook and the TiVo? Can you ping the TiVo from your MacBook? You shouldn't have to worry about the gateway or DNS since you're not trying to get out to the internet (i.e., connect to the TiVo service).

[SnakeEyes]

I had them on the same subnet.

[windracer]

And were you able to ping the TiVo from your MacBook?

[SnakeEyes]

I forgot to check that. Was just coming here to post that turning on Internet Sharing in OS X's System Preferences -> Network allows my TiVo to be seen. Just noticed the thread was about the S2 and I have an HD. Not sure if that matters. But either way, turning on internet sharing allows me to transfer between my mac and my TiVo over ethernet.

[windracer]

Glad you got it working! :up:

[SnakeEyes]

Now I've gone curious.. anyone know why I'd have to turn on Internet Sharing on my Mac for my TiVo and Mac to communicate? Shouldn't I be able to do it without internet sharing?