Which new cheap set top box?

Hustiniano said:

My set top box has just died. If I go out and buy a new one tomorrow, will there be a code within TIVO that will support it? Does anyone have a recommendation of a new STB that is supported?
Thanks

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I use the Sony VTX-D800U on my second TiVo. It's not a new model but it works well for me and can be picked up for a reasonable price on eBay.

Thanks Carl - I will see if I can get one. But I am keen to buy one today so I can install it tonight before my kids get too upset about losing their beloved Tivo! So I was going to head down to Curries or Argos and pick one up there.

I have been searching the forum for the list of codes to set the IR control for STBs, but I cannot find it. I checked Gary's Sticky Thread which pointed me to www.*tivoportal.*co.*uk/*stb.*htm but that does not seem to work any more.

Can anyone point me to that list of codes so I can check whatever cheap STB they have in the shops will actually work with a TIVO IR code?

For example, Curries are listing the GoodmansGDB18FVZS2 as being in stock at just over £20. How can I check that will work with my Tivo?

Many thanks

Picking a compatible box is a minefield.
The list is here but very old
http://www.garysargent.co.uk/tivo/stb.htm

The only sure fire way to deal with it is to buy something guaranteed to work
e.g. That Sony, I used the Wharfdale DV832B or one from here http://www.tivocentral.co.uk/freeview/

Alternatively you can buy them one by one explaining that it needs to be compatible with Tivo at the point of purchase (making it a part of your contract with the seller as 'fit for purpose') and returning them if they don't work (sounds good doesn't it?)

Finally you could try posting/searching over at the AltEPG forum to see if they are planning on updating the inbuilt database or can recommend a particular box.
http://www.tivoland.com/forum/index.php

I found the Humax HD-Fox T2 works well with a TiVo but isn't cheap.

If you are lucky you there might be a couple of other cheaper models that work with the TiVo at your local Tesco - I saw them being sold off in my local branch recently. These are the Philips DTR220 and the Technika STBHDV2010 (uses a Wharfdale code). Tesco sell other Technika models with similar names that don't work with the TiVo so make sure it is exactly that model number.

I'd have to say the Humax is the only one of these three I'd really recommend. While the two cheaper ones work they aren't that reliable and tend to lock up every few days.

The Thompson ones Mikerr still sells over at TivoCentral are very good imho

DX30 said:

If you are lucky you there might be a couple of other cheaper models that work with the TiVo at your local Tesco - I saw them being sold off in my local branch recently. These are the Philips DTR220 and the Technika STBHDV2010 (uses a Wharfdale code). Tesco sell other Technika models with similar names that don't work with the TiVo so make sure it is exactly that model number.

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The Tesco Technika STBHDV2010 is a Vestel clone (see the other forum for clone details and IR code). I bought one six months ago and it's working fine with one of my Tivo's. On the other forum a user bought another make and claims to have had issues.