Using the 3.0 (Un)support for broadband

IF YOU HAVE A SERIES 2 TiVo, YOU PROBABLY HAVE 4.0. IN THAT CASE, THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE IRRELEVANT. PLEASE READ THE SERVICE UPDATE GUIDE TO FIND OUT HOW TO SET UP 4.0 UNITS FOR BROADBAND ACCESS.

So, since 3.0 is now going to a large number of people, I thought I'd create this thread to detail how to use the UNsupport for PPP over serial, USB ethernet, and TiVo/TurboNet built into 3.0.

1) PPP over serial
This method involves you connecting a serial cable between your TiVo unit and a computer that has internet connectivity and a free serial port. First, connect the serial cable included with your standalone TiVo (or available for $4.95 from the TiVo Store) to your TiVo. Then, purchase a null modem cable from Radio Shack or CompUSA or somewhere like that, and the appropriate gender changers to put it all together. (Or, if you are handy with a soldering iron, you can make the cable yourself. See the FAQ for older versions which has the pinouts required.

After you have completed the physical connection, you'll need to set up your computer to expect connections. On Windows XP/2000:

Open Start>Settings>Control Panel
Open Modems (or "Phone and Modems").
Click the "Modems" tab.
Click "Don't detect my modem..."
Click Next>>
Select "Standard Modem Types" in the manufacturer list, then select "Communications cable between two computers"
Select the port you connected the cable to.
Finish the wizard.
Open Network Connections.
Click "Create a new connection" (or "New connection" or something to that effect).
Click Next.
Click "Set up an Advanced Connection"
Click "Accept Incoming Connections"
Select the Direct cable connection you added earlier.
Select "Do not allow Virtual Private Connections"
Ensure you allow the "Guest" account to connect.
If you are prompted to allow protocols, you only need to allow TCP/IP. This screen may not appear on all systems.
Finish the wizard.
Double click the new "Incoming Connections" widget that was created.
Click "Users"
Click "Always allow directly connected devices..."
Close that dialog box.
Right-click My Computer, move to Properties.
Click the Hardware tab, and open Device Manager.
Navigate to your com port where you have the cable connected, click "Port Settings", then set the settings to: 115,200 bps; 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control.

Click to expand...

On Windows 9x (95 with Plus!, 98, or ME), you're pretty much screwed, since they don't handle authentication. Sorry. If you can happen to get a 9x system working for this method, please let me know so I can add the information here.
On Linux, use the line in the FAQ for older versions to run pppd right before you initiate a call.

Now, you need to set up the TiVo to make the 'call' over the serial port. Go to Messages & Setup > Recorder & Phone Setup > Phone Connection > Change Dialing Options > Set Dial Prefix; and set the dial prefix to ,#211 -- that's Pause - Enter - 2 - 1 - 1.

Now, test the phone settings, and your TiVo should now be using the serial port exclusively.

2. Using TiVo/Turbo/USB network adapters
Drivers for a lot of USB network adapters are included with 3.0. In addition, drivers for TiVoNet and TurboNet are included, assuming you don't want to run TiVoweb or any other app. This backdoor will only let you use the ethernet for guide updates.

Just connect the TiVo correctly to your network - make sure you are running a DHCP server (most routers include one), and then enter a dialing prefix of ,#401 -- that's Pause - Enter - 4 - 0 - 1.

DO NOT CALL TIVO SUPPORT IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THIS. This is unsupported by TiVo and they will not help you if you have troubles. We, however, will help you as best we can if you post your request in the Underground.

(Also, if anyone has any corrections to any of the info above, please let me know and I'll change them -- I'm especially wondering about the 9x information.)

/gleffler