DT S2 Tivo: Basic Cable Channels vs Cable Box Channels

[jfischetti]

I just got a DT Tivo and in the channel list instructions it states that you should choose the basic cable channels vs the cable box channels when listing which channels you receive.

My Basic cable (analog) channels look like crap and i would much rather have the Tivo default to choose the Box channels, but if i dont choose the basic cable channels in the channel list i really cant take advantage of the DT.

Example:

I was recording VH-1 rock honors this evening on Digital Cable box channel 19
I switched tuners and a "ghosty" CBS (channel 2) came on. I tried to change to any other channel but because i have listed only Box channels, the Tivo will not change the channel without warning me it will stop the other Box recording.

I can't have the 2-13 channels as Analog cable -- they're unwatchable.
which brings another question -- most cable companies will not support the basic cable lines -- are most peoples lines pretty bad as well????

But my main question:
Is there a way to change the way Tivo wants to default to specific channels.

I must say, this whole DT thing is a bit Kludgy....

Any insight?

[jfh3]

Originally Posted by jfischetti

I was recording VH-1 rock honors this evening on Digital Cable box channel 19
I switched tuners and a "ghosty" CBS (channel 2) came on. I tried to change to any other channel but because i have listed only Box channels, the Tivo will not change the channel without warning me it will stop the other Box recording.

Yes, because the DT can only record one digital source.

If you want two digital sources from cable, you'll have to wait for the Series 3.

The Series 2 DT is really designed for analog cable users.

As for "most cable companies will not support basic cable lines" - service is service. If your analog service is that bad, something's wrong with the feed and your cable company should fix it.

[elrcastor]

another thing you can do is buy a cable amp

like this one

http://broadband.motorola.com/consum...ignal_booster/

[jfischetti]

Just to clarify. I was recording VH-1 (digital) and the tivo would not let me record a network channel 2,4,5,7,9 etc.

Its because i only have "Box" selected for all the channels i receive.

If check "Cable" then the 2nd tuner will allow me to change channels to the basic channelsand record them -- they look bad, but i can at least watch SNL while taping VH1.

I guess i have to call my cable company again.

[JorSha00]

I have a DT TiVo and my network channels come in perfectly clear...no fuzz or "ghostly" appearance. I would definitely call your cable company and have them check your cable lines and connections.

If they can't fix your network channels, you can select "box" only for your network channels and select "box" and "cbl" for all other channels (except movie channels and such that require a cable box). This way shows on the network channels will record clear from the cable box and you can still record/watch another show thru basic cable (channels 1-99). However, this will probably cause some conflicts since it would only allow you to record/watch one network channel at a time...but if your cable company can't fix your problem, it's better than fuzz.

You might also consider getting a second TiVo...even a used single tuner would work. It would only be $6.95/mo. more with the MSD and you could then record 2 network/cable box channels at the same time with both boxes. Will you need a second cable box? I'm not sure how that works but it would be worth looking into if your cable company can't fix the problem.

Or you can always wait for the Series 3, but they will probably be pretty expensive at first...I don't have HD so I'm gonna wait awhile for the price to drop.

Good luck!

[jfischetti]

I think i had a splitter problem and that was causing the ghosting on the Basic cable channels. But i definately have a signal strength problem on the line overall since when i use any splitter, a lot of my digital cable channels wont come in at all (black screen)

I'll have to call Time Warner, but im wondering if i just get the Line amp mentioned above and not bother with them -- they;re mostly useless....

[jfischetti]

So I replaced my splitter -- That fixed my Basic Channels looking like crap and i just got a motorola Signal booster and that fixed some of my Digital channels that were missing when using a splitter.

Now i can set up "my Channnels" the way TiVo recommends so that i can truly use the Dual Tuner.


My Signal Issues.....
I live in a 38-floor building in NYC and I think the Cable lines in the building are less than desired.

Now i'm wondering since Time Warner can't maintain a strong signal in my Apt -- i've had on/off probs for a year since moving in -- will they reimburse me for the splitter. I find it funny that they never put one in for me.

All they try is to adjust the signal at the ground floor which after a month or so is off balance again and i lose channels.

THANKS FOR EVERYONES RECOMMENDATIONS..

[chasreinecke]

I have not purchased the DT box, but am considering it.

I believe my cable is such that channels below 100 are analog and those above are digital. Most of the shows we watch are on the analog channels. Will I be able to set up the box so that I can take advantage of this? I see someone said something about the instructions recommending that you set it up saying that you have basic cable.

Any assistance is appreciated.

[bedelman]

chasreinecke,

The DT box will use the built-in analog tuner by default on the channels from 2 through 99 and switch over to using the digital cable box as its tuner for the channels from 100 and up.

There are double entries on the Channels You Receive screen for the channels from 2 through 99 (each entry appears once with "cbl" and then again with "box") I presume you could make it so that it would use the cable box for the lower channels, but that's not the way it starts out.