How will Tivo Series 2 sets be able to tune the upcoming DTV Broadcast Converters?

[magnus]

I'm sorry but that does not seem to be that good of an offer (IMO).

Originally Posted by dylanemcgregor

So just got the email, and entered the S1 for the TiVo that I've given to my dad who lives in the sticks, and only has OTA. They are offering a refurbed TiVo HD for $99 and a transfer of lifetime for $299.

Wonder if I could just buy a new lifetime with this offer, instead of transferring, and then give the S1 to someone who still has analog cable? Probably not...

[magnus]

Also, Tivo site does not appear to be working correctly.


For a bad TSN, I get:

Sorry, this TiVo Service Number does not qualify for this offering. Please verify you have entered the correct TiVo Service Number for this TiVo offering.

But for my real TSN:

It does not even appear to be submitting the page now. It does not appear to be doing anything at all.

[Mikeguy]

It is gratifying to see that TIVO Has taken this issue on and devised solutions, for those of us on antenna. My fear had been that I would end up with a wonderful Toshiba DVD burner TIVO lifetime subscription doorstop, based on many forum predictions earlier. Thank you, TIVO, for proving people wrong.

[dlt123]

Originally Posted by David_NC

The two-head IR blaster has both heads sending the same IR signal - the plug only has 2 connections (signal and ground). The are relying on the CECB and satellite box ignoring the signals that are meant for the other (should work fine, since you don't have problems with the stock remotes controlling the wrong equipment).

Has anyone been able to download version 9.3.1 of the software yet? Or is the previously posted link to the Tivo setup manual a preliminary document?

I just checked my software version, and it says I have 9.3.01... So, it looks like I have the correct version and when I get another DTV box, I will hook it up to my S2 TIVO.

Dennis

[David_NC]

Originally Posted by dlt123

I just checked my software version, and it says I have 9.3.01... So, it looks like I have the correct version and when I get another DTV box, I will hook it up to my S2 TIVO.

Dennis

Is that 9.3.01 or 9.3-01 ?

As an example, version 9.3 will show up as 9.3-01-2-140 (that's from a model 240 Tivo).

I really doubt 9.3.1 is out of beta testing yet.

[pkrey]

TiVoJerry and friends
Which digital converter box is the best? Do some work better than others? Video quality? Is there somewhere that compares the features? Are some more compatible with Tivo than others?

List from Tivo.com
1. Insignia NS-DXA1
2. Venturer STB7766G
3. Magnavox TB100MW9
4. RCA DTA 800A
5. GE 22729
6. Zenith DTT900
7. Channel Master CM-7000
8. Lasonic LTA-260
9. Philco TB100HH9
10. Samsonic FT300A
11. Tivax STB-T9
12. Artec T3Apro

Which should I buy???

[Mike500]

Insignia NS-DXA1 at Best Buy or 6. Zenith DTT900 at Radio Shack or Circuit City.

These have the best LG tuners and pull in the best signals.

[pkrey]

Cool, thanks.

I wonder if Tivo will add Zenith DTT901 which has analog pass-through... ?

[jlac839]

Comparison of several units is available at ConsumerReports:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/e...es-ratings.htm

[dlt123]

Originally Posted by David_NC

Is that 9.3.01 or 9.3-01 ?

As an example, version 9.3 will show up as 9.3-01-2-140 (that's from a model 240 Tivo).

I really doubt 9.3.1 is out of beta testing yet.

Hey, thanks for bringing this to my attention. Actually, my software number is 9.3-01-2-540. You're right, it's a dash and not a period. My eyes were deceiving me.

Sorry for the false alarm... and good catch.

Dennis

[cia_viewer]

I just had my first look at Universal Swivel Search.

Is there a fee for everything on there?

[DancnDude]

Originally Posted by cia_viewer

I just had my first look at Universal Swivel Search.

Is there a fee for everything on there?

Nope. It will poll your guide information and find things for you to record that match. I know it will also show Amazon Unbox movies which you could download (and pay), but it does show things coming up on TV. It's just that at any given time, there may not be things airing that match within the next 2 weeks. The results can change pretty quickly due to that.

[TiVoJerry]

Originally Posted by pkrey

TiVoJerry and friends
Which digital converter box is the best? Do some work better than others? Video quality? Is there somewhere that compares the features? Are some more compatible with Tivo than others?

List from Tivo.com
1. Insignia NS-DXA1
2. Venturer STB7766G
3. Magnavox TB100MW9
4. RCA DTA 800A
5. GE 22729
6. Zenith DTT900
7. Channel Master CM-7000
8. Lasonic LTA-260
9. Philco TB100HH9
10. Samsonic FT300A
11. Tivax STB-T9
12. Artec T3Apro

Which should I buy???

As far as we're concerned, they are virtually the same in our eyes from a support perspective. IR reliability was our main focus.

As for video quality, we did not perform any analysis but I do know that the Channel Master has s-video output. I don't recall if any other models have s-vid.


BTW, we also added the other Digital Stream model to the UNSUPPORTED list. Our engineers did not feel it responded to IR reliably enough for us to recommend.

[TiVoJedi]

I'm disappointed by the offer for my S1 because the TiVoHD doesn't allow me to use my satellite service with it and I am an OTA + Satellite user.
I guess since it doesn't use an IR zapper, it wasn't designed that way.

Is TiVo in coalition with cable companies or did they feel that the zapper was too confusing to most consumers?

I guess my only choice is to use TiVoWeb (I never installed plus, but I have the channel remap module installed) and use a CECB. The local cable channel lineup doesn't match the OTA channel numbers. I keep getting confused on which CECB is compatible with S1 other than some RCA one that isn't available anywhere in my area. Does the S1 TiVo already support remote codes for other CECBs like the CM-7000 or Tivax box? If it doesn't, will S1 TiVos get the portion of the software update that allows it the additional remote control codes for the variety of CECBs?

Just seems that TiVo forgot about their OTA + satellite users by not offering a deal that doesn't require dropping your satellite service to get a TiVo that can tune more than local stations OTA.

[restart88]

I'm in the same boat. For now I'm transitioning the OTA Season Passes to my S2DT with the digital converter and away from using the 540 for anything but DBS and live TV viewing. But I too am not happy about losing OTA & DBS on 1 box.

OTOH I may be switching to cable and just have 1 Tivo for the OTA sub channels when available, so either the 540 or an S3.

-----------------

Well ok I see there's a recent work around for the 540 after all. That helps some.

[restart88]

BTW, we also added the other Digital Stream model to the UNSUPPORTED list. Our engineers did not feel it responded to IR reliably enough for us to recommend.

That just kills me! The DTX9950 has been rock solid for me on the S2DT. I can't say that for any Direct TV blaster connection I've ever had except for maybe an old RCA which was pretty close.

[newskilz]

EDIT:My other thread and it's method became obsolete when the analog channels were dropped, so you will have to use the long method described below. (So I removed the link to the other thread)


Hi everyone, thought I'd share a little with you about the Apex DT250. I went to BB yesterday and bought the box, they finally had more in stock. I specifically wanted this box because it seemed the most "future proof" being used with TiVo or not due to the Smart Antenna connection, and what I wanted which was the best video available via S-Video.

For my test purposes I'm trying to connect to the DT250 via my Phillips S1, figuring if I can get it to work with that, then most all S1's and S2's should be able to use it. I'm connecting it to an LCD flat panel that is 16:9. Also, using a 50" (I think) outdoor antenna mounted in my attic for reception, since I'm fortunate enough to live less than 20 miles from most transmitters (basing this from AntennaWeb), it pulls in pretty good and no it's not any supposed 'made for HD' antenna either.

(follow underlined for paraphrased directions and bold is for good informational purposes)

First: I directly connected the antenna feed into the box and then straight to the tv, so nothing is interfering with anything. Then I turn on the box and run through it's setup which is outlined in the manual, which I found pretty straight forward and easy. Yes occasionally when using the remote it does go two channels at once, but who cares, we aren't planning on using the stock remote are we? Tested only on the remote at this point: If you input a channel and then put that same channel in again, it stays on the same channel, does NOT go to a sub channel.(IE you want channel 21, enter it in, then enter 21 again, stays on 21-1) There is no channel mixups, as in if you had say channel 42, it would go to 42-1, not 4-2. Anyway, for me the setup of the box took all of 5 minutes or so... I was already trying to get ahead and figure out how to have my TiVo talk to it, so I estimated.... it didn't take that long.

Second; Someone else on some other post stated that this box zoomed too much for their tv resulting in too much of the video being cropped top and bottom, and took it back. Well, it can, but... you can select Auto, 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Some odd reason it seems the 4:3 and 16:9 ratios are swapped, meaning when I select 16:9, I get a roughly 4:3 output and vise versa. Also, from my limited testing, Auto would show the same thing as if I'd selected the 4:3 ratio-So I'm currently trying out 'Auto',which for me displays pretty much 16:9 aspect on my 16:9 tv screen (I can manipulate it better with the tv's settings anyway).

Third: The manual doesn't outright say it, but implies that after you do a search for channels and come up with any missing channel(s) you want, it talks like you just re-adjust the antenna and redo the search... and the manual _implies_ that it will only add any new channels it finds. I haven't tested this theory yet since it pulled all the channels I wanted from the first and only channel search I've done. (I may try to do that later-unless someone else already knows for sure and tells us) Currently just trying to get completely through this and actually "field test" the whole thing.

Fourth: Once the dt250 is set up, then disconnect the output and plug into your TiVo into whatever input is available that you want to use. Also dont' forget to get out your IR controller cable plug it into IR control port on the back of your tivo and then place the IR transmitters over the IR sensor on the box, which the manual clearly and conveniently shows you where the sensor is at (slightly to the right behind a very small R?)Then you need to redo guided setup on the TiVo. Choose Cable as the source, nothing less and nothing more. (EDIT: See thread link above for easier method)As mentioned previously on this thread, find out an ATT U-verse zip code near you for program data(some reason this part took a while for me, maybe I'm just slow sometimes), for me they were not too far away and list virtually all channels correctly, save one or two independent channels that I didn't know even existed nor wanted to watch them. Once you find a good zip code, enter that into the tivo when it asks, then it will call tivo, and come back with a list of cable providers of which U-Verse should be one of them. Select it then continue on. Select yes, you have a cable box to control, then select Hughes (Same as another post stating to select Hughes satellite) as the cable box, select 'two digit entry', select 'enter after digits', then test it's code, which for me is 10020 (For Hughes:If I recall correctly-it was the only one it gave me) . Worked for me the first time (Wow!).

Sorry so long, trying to be thorough for everyone's benefit

My personal conclusions: Apex DT250 very easy to set up, currently have no known functional problems with it. Using the TiVo remote to tell the Tivo which tells the box to change the channel does involve a short delay before the channel actually comes up, roughly less than 5 seconds in my estimation. So no quick run through the channels. As near as I can tell you have to wait for it to bring up the next channel before it will advance again-(with the tivo remote) Probably easier to use your guide or input channel directly, assuming you ever actually watch live tv I know I hardly ever do.

I'll try and keep checking back here if anyone has questions for me that I can try to answer. I tried to not be confusing yet give as much info as possible. For me, I already have an HDTV, but obviously wanted to keep my TiVo's functioning.

On a side note: My S1 does have lifetime and TiVo is offering a discounted price to upgrade to an HD (Refurbished) for $99 and Lifetime transfer for $299. Check your units for available offers with your TiVo service number-DO NOT give this number out to anyone. Though better than no offer, If I could afford $398, I'd probably have already bought one. Also, I only paid $299 originally for Product Lifetime (Back in 2002). Hmm ok, but I can buy another brand new to me unit (refurbished-the same as the upgrade offer) with secondary discounted Product Lifetime (IE I already have one unit on lifetime, thus second unit would already be) at $299 which totals $478.99. So, I'm worth keeping for only $80.99 off?? Now if they offered the $199 transfer rate (which they had in the past, but higher priced boxes) with $99 box, that would definitely be a sweeter deal at least. I'm not mad, just the offer doesn't really help that much at this time... Anyhew. I REALLY need to get to bed

PS, Does what I'm saying make sense to you TiVo? Just curious on any thoughts Tivo employees might have, as I would think all series 1 owners w/Product Lifetime would summarize the same result. Again, just talking, not trying to bash anyone or anything: and again, I'm glad and very happy that TiVo is at least acknowledging that some maybe totally in the dark come Feb 2009 with our Series 1 (without unsupported workarounds anyway). Thanks!

[David_NC]

Originally Posted by newskilz

On a side note: My S1 does have lifetime and TiVo is offering a discounted price to upgrade to an HD (Refurbished) for $99 and Lifetime transfer for $299. Check your units for available offers with your TiVo service number-DO NOT give this number out to anyone. Though better than no offer, If I could afford $398, I'd probably have already bought one. Also, I only paid $299 originally for Product Lifetime (Back in 2002). Hmm ok, but I can buy another brand new to me unit (refurbished-the same as the upgrade offer) with secondary discounted Product Lifetime (IE I already have one unit on lifetime, thus second unit would already be) at $299 which totals $478.99. So, I'm worth keeping for only $80.99 off?? Now if they offered the $199 transfer rate (which they had in the past, but higher priced boxes) with $99 box, that would definitely be a sweeter deal at least. I'm not mad, just the offer doesn't really help that much at this time... Anyhew. I REALLY need to get to bed

You also have to consider the loss in value of the series 1 when you transfer the lifetime off of it. I wonder if they would sell you the HD for $99, and then let you buy a new lifetime subscription at the $299 second-unit price, keeping the lifetime on the series 1?

[TiVoJedi]

Originally Posted by David_NC

You also have to consider the loss in value of the series 1 when you transfer the lifetime off of it. I wonder if they would sell you the HD for $99, and then let you buy a new lifetime subscription at the $299 second-unit price, keeping the lifetime on the series 1?

I think that is what TiVo should do for OTA + satellite users since the TiVoHD doesn't allow satellite input at all. This way I could get my local's TiVo'd (in HD no less) and retain the ability to TiVo satellite programming.

Thank you newskilz for taking the time to write out your procedure. You've answered my previous post on a CECB other than RCA that can be used innately with a S1 TiVo for remote code zapping (I have a Phillips S1 too, so you just confirmed APEX will work for sure). Sounds like APEX would be the best to use for my OTA + satellite setup. Thanks!

[newskilz]

Originally Posted by David_NC

You also have to consider the loss in value of the series 1 when you transfer the lifetime off of it. I wonder if they would sell you the HD for $99, and then let you buy a new lifetime subscription at the $299 second-unit price, keeping the lifetime on the series 1?

Now that wouldn't be half bad either. I understand what you mean by depreciation in my Series 1 TiVo. Then again, it still does exactly what it's supposed to do and very well. Especially since it's been modded with a larger hard drive allowing 183 hours at the low quality setting.

I guess anyway we look at it, we will have to spend money in order to get the new stuff. I just don't see paying that much yet, I suppose another argument is that I would be also going from a single tuner to a dual tuner setup as well.

[newskilz]

Originally Posted by TiVoJedi

I think that is what TiVo should do for OTA + satellite users since the TiVoHD doesn't allow satellite input at all. This way I could get my local's TiVo'd (in HD no less) and retain the ability to TiVo satellite programming.

Thank you newskilz for taking the time to write out your procedure. You've answered my previous post on a CECB other than RCA that can be used innately with a S1 TiVo for remote code zapping (I have a Phillips S1 too, so you just confirmed APEX will work for sure). Sounds like APEX would be the best to use for my OTA + satellite setup. Thanks!

Glad I could help some, that's the idea here right?

Something other than RCA, yes that was going to be my third choice behind the Channel Master 7000, since my personal preference wanted S-Video, and preferred Smart Antenna. Analog Pass through is a bonus, though not sure as I'll ever actually use that feature.

Yeah, I've been wondering about that, TiVo hasn't supported satellite with their new boxes for a while now... makes me hope and wonder if their new boxes that they have in the plans will have this capability and when will it be out? In time for Christmas, by next Feb? Who knows at this point. Too bad they can't easily make them like the first TiVo's and can do satellite, cable and over the air.

[magnus]

Yep, I don't like the idea of paying the same price for what I could currently get lifetime for anyway. I'd only be saving $100 on the HD. So, by the time I got through doing that I might as well just buy the refurb HD and only pay $100 more for it. Then just sell the S1 to someone else.

I guess I'll just hold on to my S1 for a while.

Originally Posted by newskilz

Now that wouldn't be half bad either. I understand what you mean by depreciation in my Series 1 TiVo. Then again, it still does exactly what it's supposed to do and very well. Especially since it's been modded with a larger hard drive allowing 183 hours at the low quality setting.

I guess anyway we look at it, we will have to spend money in order to get the new stuff. I just don't see paying that much yet, I suppose another argument is that I would be also going from a single tuner to a dual tuner setup as well.

[kyaces]

Super dumb question from an almost electronic illiterate. What does the IR Blaster do and do I need it to attach digital converter box to S2 Tivo box for OTA tuning/recording only? Received Tivo e-mail couple of days ago but SUBMIT button for TSN didn't work so coudn't access specific info for our unit.

[tvcn]

Originally Posted by newskilz

Hi everyone, thought I'd share a little with you about the Apex DT250 ...

Thanks for your review. I have an analog TV and considering HDTV. How is picture quality on your LCD from Phillips S1 recordings? Brand/size of your LCD? When a 16:9 picture is broadcast, can the DT250 output a vertically stretched picture that is widened by your LCD back to the originally broadcast 16:9 format without any horizontal/vertical bars? If so, this would allow your Phillips S1 to record a 16:9 format (albeit compressed). I am guessing this might not work very well on larger HDTVs but maybe smaller ones ...

[kingdomdude]

Originally Posted by bradm42

More interesting is this list of supported boxes (click the converter boxes tab)

# Insignia NS-DXA1
# Venturer STB7766G
# Magnavox TB100MW9
# RCA DTA 800A
# GE 22729
# Zenith DTT900
# Channel Master CM-7000
# Lasonic LTA-260
# Philco TB100HH9
# Samsonic FT300A
# Tivax STB-T9
# Artec T3Apro

... blast... I just went and bought the Zenith DTT901... I wonder if they will support it too... or maybe its the same code. *crosses fingers*
Maybe TivoJerry has some insight?

[ToddNeedsTiVo]

Originally Posted by kyaces

Super dumb question from an almost electronic illiterate. What does the IR Blaster do and do I need it to attach digital converter box to S2 Tivo box for OTA tuning/recording only? Received Tivo e-mail couple of days ago but SUBMIT button for TSN didn't work so coudn't access specific info for our unit.

An IR blaster allows your TiVo to simulate the infrared signals normally generated by a device's handheld remote control in order to control that device. This is how a TiVo would change the channel on the digital converter box and control what it records from it. One positions the blaster near the IR sensor on the device being controlled.

[Mikeguy]

Originally Posted by newskilz

Hi everyone, thought I'd share a little with you about the Apex DT250.

Many thanks for your review. With so many converter boxes out there, typically of little-known names and hard to find in local stores, it's great to hear advice and recommendations. Hoepfully, others will post their words of wisdom as well.

[kyaces]

Originally Posted by ToddNeedsTiVo

An IR blaster allows your TiVo to simulate the infrared signals normally generated by a device's handheld remote control in order to control that device. This is how a TiVo would change the channel on the digital converter box and control what it records from it. One positions the blaster near the IR sensor on the device being controlled.

Todd, I grew up in Johnston--small world! Is there an IR sensor on the S2 tivo box or would I have to buy that? I still have the IR blaster cables that come w/the unit.

[dlt123]

Originally Posted by ToddNeedsTiVo

An IR blaster allows your TiVo to simulate the infrared signals normally generated by a device's handheld remote control in order to control that device. This is how a TiVo would change the channel on the digital converter box and control what it records from it. One positions the blaster near the IR sensor on the device being controlled.

I'm not sure if I understand this blaster idea either...

I have a S2 TIVO with my Cable companies coaxial line going into it and not a cable box...

I plan on dumping the cable company and just plugging my DTVPal or CM7000 DTV box into the TIVO antenna RF line in.

Do I need this IR Control Cable Set to be able to change channels in my TIVO or will the TIVO change and be able to record by just using my existing TIVO remote control?

Note: See IR Control Cable Set 1/3 way down the page..

If I do need the IR cable set, I am assuming that I would place one IR end if front of the IR on the front of my TIVO and then the other IR from the cable set in front of my DTV box IR port. Is this correct?

Note: You know the more I think about it and after reading this PDF, I think I understand this now... I'm not sure if this was posted here somewhere before, but here is How to hook up the TIVO to your DTV box... Sorry, if this is redundant.

Thanks in advance for fielding my question.
Dennis

[classicsat]

There is an IR sensor on the Series 2, but it is of no direct concern.
It is the IR blaster from the TiVo to the IR sensor on the digital box that is the point.

Any standalone Series 1 or 2 TiVo will have came with an IR blaster cable. It plugs into the IR out jack on the TiVo, and illuminates the sensor on the digital box. You can get replacement ones from TiVo, 3rd party ones, or make your own.

As said, The TiVo will use the IR blaster to change channels on the box as needed (either from LiveTV, or to make a recording on), by emulating the original remote for the box. The TiVo remote doesn't control the box itself, just the TiVo and your TV (to power it on/off and adjust volume and input).