[sloan]

Does anyone think this would be a good idea?

Tivo needs a box, that can sit on top of the Series2 box (a seperate
unit), and takes an antenna input.

This box takes ATSC signals, and converts them so a S2 box can record
them.
(Not HDTV, just digital input).
Of course, getting search / user guide data would also be included.

Since we're less than 2 years away from no analog signal, people are
going to be "stuck" with their old tv's.
See http://www.dtv.gov/ for the "Final Countdown".

One solution could be this digital decoder box that works alongside of
your current Series2 (S2) tivo.

Then Tivo can market it with "free extra channels" or something.
One of the benefits of ATSC is not just the clarity, but the fact that
each station is broadcasting multiple broadcasts at once.
(Especially PBS, they're running sometimes 5 different shows at once)

They've already got the ATSC channel lineups.
They've already got alot of S2 customers.
They've got USB ports on the back of the S2 units.

Build this digital decoder box that complements an existing S2, and
you can make an impact 2 ways.

1. Generate revenue, because people have to buy the boxes. ( I
recommend a one time cost ).
2. You can work on that niche market of people who are tired of
cable, tired of satellite, and who could be intrigued by getting more
channels over antenna (aka, digital tv).

I mean, they already have the pieces to make this happen.
And they ought to have some use for the USB slots, and not just a
wireless adapter.

Tivo has alot of S2 boxes out there, and still alot of S2/DT boxes
being sold.
Let there be even more worth with these boxes by creating a new
product, the digital tuner supplement box.

Does that make sense?

I submitted the idea via tivo's webpage already. But thought I'd make
a post as well.

It is was $100 or so, I'd buy one. Depending on where you live, there is alot of "free" tv out there being broadcast in digital quality.

I'm guessing USB2.0 has enough bandwidth. My pinnacle portable HD is a USB2.0 device that gets the job done.

Anyway..just throwing the idea out there.

 

[sloan]

Another intriguing aspect of this idea:

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html

Between Jan. 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of up to two, digital-to-analog converter boxes, while the initial $990 million allocated for the program is available. If NTIA requests the additional $510 million already authorized by Congress, then coupon requests during this "contingent period" will be limited exclusively to over-the-air households. Details on how to apply for the Coupon Program and our 1-800 number will be established later in 2007.

Of course this might eliminate most people

will be limited exclusively to over-the-air households

 

[bdraw]

All TiVo would have to do is update their software to support the STB already planned to help those who are OTA only. These boxes have been previously available for $89.99 and many believe they will be $49.99 in January of 2008, when the rebate program starts.

Then you would just connect this STB to your TiVo the same way you would a Cable or Sat STB, with S-video and IR blaster.

 

[atmuscarella]

There has been speculation (hope?) that TiVo would either support the OTA STBs to come or make an add on device for their Series 2 units themselves in several posts - I see no reason why this wouldn't happen but it is all speculation at this point.

Thanks,

 

[sloan]

make an add on device for their Series 2 units themselves in several posts

Ok. So I'm not the first to think of it.

Hopefully, it'll gain some steam.

While I have a HD Tivo tuner, something lighter weight for the bedroom(s) would be nice as well.

And I have a lifetime on my S2, and would like that box to remain useful.

...

 

[steve614]

I think it would be a good idea.
Tivo made their own wireless adapter - why not a STB?

I would buy one for my S2. (Unless they offer a lifetime transfer deal for the new TivoHD.)

 

[lessd]

The main reason TiVo should make one is to use the serial port, you would not need a remote for the TiVo converter box and channel changing would not be any problem as it is using the IR blasters. (now what did i do with that serial cable that came with my TiVo)

But TiVo would have to figure out how many TiVos are using OTA, the TiVo data base should tell them. I think its a small % of TiVo users as most people who would think about TiVo would have cable except maybe in big cities like NYC.

How about a single cable card digital to analog converter box for the Series 2 ?? with a serial input for channel changing. I think that would be a neat product for TiVos Series 1 and Series 2 or somebody else could make it; Weaknees ???

 

[magnus]

A S2 can do this now. However, you have to set your lineup to pretend like you have Directv , Dish, Cable, etc.... then use an old Voom box.

Link to discussion here

Does anyone think this would be a good idea?

Tivo needs a box, that can sit on top of the Series2 box (a seperate
unit), and takes an antenna input.

This box takes ATSC signals, and converts them so a S2 box can record
them.
(Not HDTV, just digital input).
Of course, getting search / user guide data would also be included.

 

[classicsat]

It seems to me Tivo is working on a Series 2.7 digital (essentially the Tivo HD with SD only out, and an STB input). That would eliminate the need to at least build a digital "sidecar" for Series 2 boxes. And if they did build one, it would use either the RF or A/V input. At most, it would use USB just for control.