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Can the Tivo mini work with no internet connection if I only want access to my main Tivo?

10K views 35 replies 6 participants last post by  Michael Quinn  
#1 ·
I'm not tech savvy, want to get the Tivo Mini, will it work with no internet connection if I only want to watch my main Tivo and don't care about the apps, etc? A non-technical response would be so appreciated.
 
#4 ·
I'm having a hell of a time trying to deal with Tivo and their foreign "customer service". I'm considering buying the Mini from another company just to avoid dealing with them, they're tying up my funds. But before I buy, given that you've said I must have internet let me ask this if I might. I have a tv cable outlet coming out of the wall, both cable and internet come out of that one cable. I'm not familiar with the term "MoCA", but can I plug that cable directly into the Mini or do I need to buy another modem, or use some sort of a splitter?
 
#3 ·
Not to disagree, but the Mini will operate without an internet connection after the initial configuration. It will complain a lot. Same with the host TiVo also. All anyone needs to do to test this is kill your internet connection and see what works.

Since you will have an Ethernet or MoCA connection, what is stopping your ability to access the internet?
 
#5 ·
I'm not sure what "MoCA" is. I have a standard cable outlet in two rooms. In the main room where my Tivo unit is there is one cable coming out of the wall, it goes to a splitter with one going to my modem/router, the other to my Tivo. But in the second room I don't have the modem. Can I plug the Mini directly into my cable outlet or do I need a second modem or a splitter?
 
#26 · (Edited)
My modem / router looks like an Arris, model TG1672 and my provider is TimeWarner Spectrum.
The TG1672G user manual indicates it supports creation of a MoCA network; however, it's my understanding that TWC doesn't support enabling MoCA on the gateways they supply.

So... it looks like you're good-to-go with configuring the Roamio Pro as your MoCA bridge.

p.s. If curious, you can check your gateway for the MoCA status LED to determine if the gateway has the potential to support MoCA networking. Though, again, as strictly an informational exercise, since TWC doesn't permit enabling MoCA on their gateways.

 
#28 ·
No. Just follow the directions for Option 3 under Connect your TiVo® box to your home network

Then the Mini can connect to the TiVo via MoCA and to the Internet through the TiVo.
The TG1672G user manual indicates it supports creation of a MoCA network; however, it's my understanding that TWC doesn't support enabling MoCA on the gateways they supply.

So... it looks like you're good-to-go with configuring the Roamio Pro as your MoCA bridge.

p.s. If curious, you can check your gateway for the MoCA status LED to determine if the gateway has the potential to support MoCA networking. Though, again, as strictly an informational exercise, since TWC doesn't permit enabling MoCA on their gateways.

 
#27 ·
Oh, right... also...

Time Warner adds another twist to setting up a CableCARD DVR... the need to pair a Switched Digital Video (SDV) tuning adapter with each DVR. The proper setup for a tuning adapter in a MoCA environment is well described in the Cox tuning adapter setup guide, as detailed in this post:
No. You definitely need a MoCA filter in place on the input to your tuning adapter. You're looking to prevent any stray tuning adapter frequencies from interfering with your MoCA signals, and blocking MoCA signals from confusing the tuning adapter. (The result of mixing is not Reese's Peanut Butter Cup goodness.)

Here's some more info, mostly copied from a recent post discussing tuning adapter setup...
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With TWC, you're likely to also need/get a Switched-Digital Video (SDV) tuning adapter to pair with your DVR, and, since you're looking to do MoCA, you won't want to follow TWC's connection instructions for the tuning adapter.

Contrary to the TWC tuning adapter installation instructions, you MUST split the coax signal to feed your tuning adapter and MoCA-enabled DVR separately. If connected according to the MoCA-ignorant instructions posted on the TWC support pages, with the DVR coax connected to the "TV Out" of the tuning adapter, the MoCA signals will be blocked/mangled by the tuning adapter.

With the tuning adapter and DVR feeds split in this manner, it is *then* recommended to also place a MoCA filter on the input to the tuning adapter, to prevent interference, as well as placing a 75-ohm terminator cap on the tuning adapter's "TV Out" port.

See the following for additional details:
p.s. In answer to "what exactly is a tuning adapter?" ... see this post.
 
#30 ·
Oh, right... also...

Time Warner adds another twist to setting up a CableCARD DVR... the need to pair a Switched Digital Video (SDV) tuning adapter with each DVR. The proper setup for a tuning adapter in a MoCA environment is well described in the Cox tuning adapter setup guide, as detailed in this post:

p.s. In answer to "what exactly is a tuning adapter?" ... see this post.
TWSpectrum told me I don't need the "tuning adapter" and so far it seems to be working fine without it.
 
#29 ·
I see the MoCA light on my modem but it's not lit. I'll go through all of this again when I get the Mini if Tivo can get over their technical problems on the selling end. But am I to more or less understand that my equipment because of it's nature as discussed here will simply need to be installed with the cable that comes out of my wall as described? Or is there some technical set up procedure beyond what is described here. It sounds like due to the equipment I have the MoCA will automatically function. Sorry to be so dense...I'm a morning person!
 
#33 ·
... But am I to more or less understand that my equipment because of it's nature as discussed here will simply need to be installed with the cable that comes out of my wall as described? Or is there some technical set up procedure beyond what is described here. It sounds like due to the equipment I have the MoCA will automatically function.
Yes, what you'll need to do has been covered in this thread (here, here), assuming you also follow the links to the additional resources that have been linked.

If you hit any speed bumps, don't hesitate to resuscitate the thread.
 
#34 ·
I can't thank you guys enough!! I think I'll be OK now but it sure is nice to have this life line! While I'm here a quick question: With my Roameo, is there any way that I can watch my recorded programming by streaming somehow to my ipad or iphone? Not asking you to take the time to explain how, only if. Thanks again.