Fios now all digital and Series 2--What to do?

mn2 · 06-01-2008, 07:55 PM

Our FIOS recently went all digital and we have a Series 2 Tivo. We are no longer getting channels through either Tivo tuner (since they are analog). I know there are several topics on this, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to proceed. Are these my options?

1. Get a "free" digital converter from Verizon and one tuner will work on the Tivo.

2. Get a higher-end box from Verizon to convert to digital and both tuners will work on Tivo.

3. Purchase an HD Tivo and pay for two cable cards.

Would options 1 and 2 (if 2 is even possible) require using the IR blaster?

Thanks for any help.

jjberger2134 · 06-01-2008, 08:27 PM

You will need an IR blaster for controlling a Cable Box, except if you are lucky enough to get a cable box with the serial port enabled. In that case you could control the cable box with a serial cable, instead of IR. However, this is not common and I would not count on it.

A standard cable box through FIOS will render your S2DT a simple single tuner S2 (Option 1 in your post).

I do not think #2 is possible.

Option 3 will certainly cost you the most money (new hardware), but in the long run is probably your best bet since you will have HD capability, Dual Tuners with CableCards, etc.

reh523 · 06-01-2008, 08:57 PM

They (verizon) have a DVR, not the best but it works...

mr.unnatural · 06-02-2008, 07:19 AM

I highly recommend going with option #3. HD is the way of the future and you're only putting off the inevitable if you haven't made the switch. Option #1 would be the other way to go if you want to continue using your S2 Tivo. I'd only go with option #2 as a last resort. Yes, Verizon offers a DVR but it's a total POS IMHO (and there are lots of others that share my opinion on this). Being a current Tivo use I don't see how you'd ever be happy with the Verizon DVR. If you were new to DVRs then you'd probably adapt to it just fine since you wouldn't know any better, but once you've gone Tivo you won't settle for something as inferior as a Motorola DVR.

lew · 06-02-2008, 08:59 AM

The problem is FiOS is going to switch to IPTV in the next year or two. It's not clear if tivo will be supporting, via updated software, IPTV on FiOS.

I'll agree the Verizon DVR isn't as good as tivo. Verizon's guide data isn't as good (Verizon isn't using Tribune). The Verizon DVR doesn't allow you to increase capacity via an internal or external drive upgrade.

classicsat · 06-02-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn2

2. Get a higher-end box from Verizon to convert to digital and both tuners will work on Tivo.

There is no such box from any provider which has turned off analog, that will bring Dual Tuners back to an S2 DT.

WayneCarter · 06-02-2008, 10:37 AM

At least for the time being, and in this area (So New Hampshire), ComCast is still including unencrypted analog in their signal stream - and is advertising the fact. This is the only reason I am still using ComCast and will continue doing so until the situation changes.

wmcbrine · 06-02-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lew

The problem is FiOS is going to switch to IPTV in the next year or two.

No, it isn't.

mn2 · 06-02-2008, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the help. I had Tivo working with the serial port when FIOS was sending a analog signal. Hopefully that functionality will remain.

bud8man · 06-02-2008, 08:40 PM

Man...so I guess that's another reason the VCR went out...how can you record anything if you can't change to the channel.
I guess it's like SAT TV...you need to have a box..
Each TV in your house is going to need a box anyway...or else two boxes for the TiVo.
I have an AVCast set up...so two boxes, one for each TiVo...and then watch TiVo from my own TV Channels...I almost did that with Dish...they have a dual tuner box...but staying with cable TV was easier...and prettier on the outside of the house.

laini620 · 08-06-2008, 10:10 PM

So they finally went all digital in my area and I didn't think about this issue. I am back to a ST.

Mr. Happypants · 08-07-2008, 09:47 PM

Me too, just this week. Bites.

But, since this thread was bumped - is there any way to disable one tuner on this sad, used-to-be DT unit? I'd rather not have it even try to record on the dead tuner, if possible.

R.I.P. S2, barely one year old, so young & full of promise you were.

classicsat · 08-08-2008, 10:03 AM

Simply uncheck the CBL channels in the Channels I receive List, and check just the Box ones.

pwong5 · 08-12-2008, 09:55 PM

First off, let me say this forum is great for a Tivo newbie such as myself. Many thanks to everybody who contributes. Now to my questions (ha!)

I also recently made the switch to Fios and in the process lost Comcast's DVR. Knowing my wife needed to record her programs, I got 2 Series2 Tivos to go with the 2 Motorola STBs I got from Verizon. I knew beforehand that the Series2 would be handicapped with Fios here all-digital, but I will have paid around $40 for both Tivos with 1 yr each, so it seemed worth it until I decide what to do next year.

I changed the channels to Box, but kept the setup as if it was still dual tuner capable (for the moment).

Q1: Provided the tuner that is currently active doesn't change, do I need to worry about wrongly recording on the other tuner?

Q2: Since the digital signal has to go through the box, does the box have to be always on (as the Tivo is)?

Q3: Can I eliminate the splitter and extra coax since there isn't any analog signal to the Tivo and just go from wall to box to Tivo to TV?

Q4: I keep having to clear the message saying "Searching for signal on: Basic etc...". Is this normal for this setup?

classicsat · 08-13-2008, 08:27 AM

Since you will set it up for just one tuner, it doesn't matter.
If it want to change channels it will ask. Lower priority Season Passes will not record, or will find alternative times to record.

Yes, the box must stay on.

Yes, you can eliminate the splitter and connect the cable to the FIOS provided box.

You might be able to choose cable with box only, otherwise just lie through that, and when you get to the Channels I receive settings, uncheck all the CBL channels.