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View Full Version : Do you need a Tuning Adapter?

dolfer
03-16-2010, 02:12 PM
Do you still have to use a tuning adapter with the Premiere?? That would be a big one in the plus column...
BigJimOutlaw
03-16-2010, 02:14 PM
If you needed one before, you still need one for the Premiere. The TP unfortunately doesn't change anything on this front.
dolfer
03-17-2010, 07:55 AM
If you needed one before, you still need one for the Premiere. The TP unfortunately doesn't change anything on this front.

Thanks! :(
Sandbomb
03-17-2010, 08:43 PM
OK maybe this is a stupid question, but what exactly is a tuning adapter? Does that refer to some mechanism that lets the TiVo box communicate with the cable box?
gweempose
03-17-2010, 08:56 PM
OK maybe this is a stupid question, but what exactly is a tuning adapter? Does that refer to some mechanism that lets the TiVo box communicate with the cable box?In order to overcome bandwidth limitations, some cable providers use a technology called switched digital video (SDV). Basically, it's a form of video-on-demand where a particular channel is only sent to a subscriber when they request it. This is not a problem when you are dealing with the cable company's equipment, but the TiVo is only a one-way device and has no way to directly request the channel. Consequently, a device called a tuning adapter is necessary as a go-between. The TA is provided by the cable company and hooks up to the TiVo via the USB port.

Here is some more information on the subject:

http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/133
Sandbomb
03-17-2010, 09:09 PM
Helpful info. Thanks
TrueTurbo
03-18-2010, 02:02 AM
Helpful info. Thanks

You should also note that a tuning adapter (TA) doesn't effect the TiVo functionality in any way. It's just a 2-way modem that the TiVo will use to request the channel you've chosen. Once the TA is connected and configured, it just sits in the background while you use your TiVo normally.
gweempose
03-18-2010, 08:36 AM
Once the TA is connected and configured, it just sits in the background while you use your TiVo normally.In theory. ;)
Craigyg69
03-18-2010, 03:02 PM
So why can't the tuning adapter also be used for OnDemand?
TrueTurbo
03-18-2010, 03:12 PM
So why can't the tuning adapter also be used for OnDemand?

It can be, but you need front-end software to support the functionality. Maybe one day, TiVo will provide an update that includes VoD functionaity, but remember, that software would be useless for people who currently DON'T need a TA!

If SDV spreads to the majority of cable TV providers, the chance of TiVo embracing VoD will increase. I don't have any facts or figures but I suspect that at the moment, SDV is a distinct minority amongst the providers.