In case anyone is interested here is my story with Comcast. The guy showed up today with two cable cards. Hurray!!! But.....he had no idea what he was doing. It was not easy walking him through the instructions from TIVO as he wanted to active both cards at the same time. Anyway, he left after about an hour without any signal on either card and said it must have something to do with the TIVO (What BS).

I called Comcast and their phone techs claim they cannot do anything and they have to send another tech out. I persisted and got past the defensive behavior of the phone tech. She turned out to be sympathetic when I told her I was going to get a heart attack over this (just joking :D ). She put me on hold and did some investigation and found that there is some sort of code that they have to assign to the cards for a TIVO. She just called me back and said they had done that.

Now I pulled both cards and am rebooting the TIVO to start the process over again. I will then insert the first card and see if it will work. I guess it is not surprising that they do not have routine information on how to set up TIVOs for customers since they want to discourage it. They want us to have to use the Moto boxes. Really a sad situation.

I intend to use a Series 3 for OTA only. Got a new HDTV and a DVHS. Not as convenient as a dvr for sure and definitely not a TiVo. My lovely wife said, "Why don't you just get a TiVo?" I told her they were pretty expensive. We will continue to get DirecTV and use the four networked DirecTiVos. I, also, intend to get a Sony HD DVR to use as a tuner/DVR for an HD ready TV. A lot cheaper than the Series 3.

So after a day of phone calls to Comcast and two visits from a tech I got the TIVO up and running. The first problem was that they had not configured my account properly and the second problem was that one card just would not work even once the account was properly configured--so they swapped it out. I just happened to get lucky because I kept calling and finally got someone who was willing to try to help. She put me in touch with a higher level office tech who had just got a TIVO up and running this morning. The tech who came to the house was ok but was not at all interested in sticking with the case. He kept wanting to refer it to someone else.

The only problem now is that from time to time the image pixellates (on any channel). This went away for a while and then just came back. In the past this happened to me once with the DSTB and I had to unplug and replug the coax cable and then they sent a hit to the box. I haven't asked them to do that yet as I just wanted to see if the TIVO and cards were configured correctly. Has this happened to anyone else right after getting the TIVO 3 up and running?

thx.

The pixelation sounds like a signal strength problem. When I first setup my S3 it was hooked inline with a cable amp and I had that pixelation, I removed the amp and everything was fine. Check your signal strength, mine was actually lower with the amp than without it. Overdriving a QAM tuner can produce the same sort of problems a low signal can. With the amp I was in the mid-80's, without they all went up to over 90.

The pixelation sounds like a signal strength problem. When I first setup my S3 it was hooked inline with a cable amp and I had that pixelation, I removed the amp and everything was fine. Check your signal strength, mine was actually lower with the amp than without it. Overdriving a QAM tuner can produce the same sort of problems a low signal can. With the amp I was in the mid-80's, without they all went up to over 90.

I checked the signal strength on random channels, all in the mid 90s.

So are these OTA channels you're having pixelation with or cable? If it's OTA, you could still be getting multipath interference with strong signals. I was.

The only problem now is that from time to time the image pixellates (on any channel). This went away for a while and then just came back. In the past this happened to me once with the DSTB and I had to unplug and replug the coax cable and then they sent a hit to the box. I haven't asked them to do that yet as I just wanted to see if the TIVO and cards were configured correctly. Has this happened to anyone else right after getting the TIVO 3 up and running?

thx.

I am having the same problem. The SciFi channel is completely unwatchable. I have a DVR next to it and it has no channel problems(Sci-Fi works fine) Signal strength is in the mid 90s. I think tivo is the problem. I hate to say it but if I cannot get this fixed I am going to return mine.

So are these OTA channels you're having pixelation with or cable? If it's OTA, you could still be getting multipath interference with strong signals. I was.

No they are all cable.

I am having the same problem. The SciFi channel is completely unwatchable. I have a DVR next to it and it has no channel problems(Sci-Fi works fine) Signal strength is in the mid 90s. I think tivo is the problem. I hate to say it but if I cannot get this fixed I am going to return mine.

I find it hard to belive that it is a problem with the TIVO. Everyone would be complaining about it. It might have something to do with the way the cable company headend deals with cable cards? Or maybe it is just a fleeting problem that can be solved with a hit from the cable company? How long have you been experiencing your problem?

In my case, the channels are not unwatchable. It is like some minor interference every so often. I'm not happy about it and will not just accept that it is going to be like this permanently but it is not like the entire picture is breaking up every few seconds.

Hi again...

Question about expanding the recording capability. I notice that new internal HDD's are available....

http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=UPS3S&Store_Code=EA

But I'm wondering...has Tivo abandoned the idea of an external expansion drive? Or did they ever have that idea in the first place?

The reason I'm asking is, by using the new internal drive you'll obviously remove the first, and along with it, every one of those 30 hours worth of HD you already recorded.

Second, if you put in a new internal drive, won't you have to re-initialize the cable cards?

If you lose all your shows, AND have to make another tooth-pulling appointment with the cable company, I'd rather wait for that external capability.

Anyone here done this internal swap?

Thanks

Any new news on this question? I just got mine up and running and the first thing I want to do is expand storage! I don't know if it as simple to swap a hard drive as it is on a computer. If so I should probably do it now before I record too many programs. Is there some information on how to swap the drive located in an organized way somewhere? Tough call on if one should wait for TIVO to upgrade its firmware to active the e-sata port. Sometimes with this stuff you can end up waiting a year or more.....

Any new news on this question? I just got mine up and running and the first thing I want to do is expand storage! I don't know if it as simple to swap a hard drive as it is on a computer. If so I should probably do it now before I record too many programs. Is there some information on how to swap the drive located in an organized way somewhere? Tough call on if one should wait for TIVO to upgrade its firmware to active the e-sata port. Sometimes with this stuff you can end up waiting a year or more.....

See post #669 in this thread, and thereabouts...

Randy

See post #669 in this thread, and thereabouts...

Randy

OK. Thanks. Is it easy to swap hard drives like on a computer?

OK. Thanks. Is it easy to swap hard drives like on a computer?

There's a little more to it, from what I've read, but here's another link with the step-by-step process...

http://www.bumwine.com/tivo.html

Randy

I find it hard to belive that it is a problem with the TIVO. Everyone would be complaining about it. It might have something to do with the way the cable company headend deals with cable cards? Or maybe it is just a fleeting problem that can be solved with a hit from the cable company? How long have you been experiencing your problem?

In my case, the channels are not unwatchable. It is like some minor interference every so often. I'm not happy about it and will not just accept that it is going to be like this permanently but it is not like the entire picture is breaking up every few seconds.I have had this problem for 6 days now and it is only happening to the Sci-Fi Channel.

I have had this problem for 6 days now and it is only happening to the Sci-Fi Channel.

Sounds like a different problem than mine then since it is happening on all of my channels.

Are these the "quiet" drives? I recall that the first drives used for this were rather noisy?

http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=UPS3S&Store_Code=EA
TiVo Community Store: Series 3 Standalone Kits

Sounds like a different problem than mine then since it is happening on all of my channels.
Did you have this problem before the S3 was installed? Do you have a QAM tuner in your display, or a cable company STB, do either of them have the problem? Do you have any splitters being used on the incoming line, and if so how many? Can you try a direct line from the point of entry and see if that eliminates the problem?

It still sounds like some sort of signal problem, although it is possible it's the S3, but I tend to doubt it.

Did you have this problem before the S3 was installed? Do you have a QAM tuner in your display, or a cable company STB, do either of them have the problem? Do you have any splitters being used on the incoming line, and if so how many? Can you try a direct line from the point of entry and see if that eliminates the problem?

It still sounds like some sort of signal problem, although it is possible it's the S3, but I tend to doubt it.

No I have no tuner in the TV. I've got the cable going to the TIVO although there are some splits for another TV and for internet in another room. There is a long run of cable from the source to where the TIVO is but I did not have the problem before I attached the TIVO. As I said the signal strength is in the mid 90s. I do have the moto box sitting next to the TIVO but it no longer connected to the coax so there should not be any interference there. The thing is that it now seems the problem has disappeared. I just watched the Cowboys/Redskins and no problem. I'll just have to keep an eye on it. thx.

There's a little more to it, from what I've read, but here's another link with the step-by-step process...

http://www.bumwine.com/tivo.html

Randy

Thanks. This is helpful.

I know what the problem is; this was also confirmed with the cable company. If you look at the conditional access screen in your cable card setup screen; the last field labeled copy protection is set to enabled only on the channels that I cannot record. The other channels are set to disabled in that field. They told me that that field is purposely set for those channels. I am having my service credited until they fix this.

The reason why my dvrs from them are working fine is because this is just isolated to the cable cards.

Is this the screen you are referring to????

I took the plunge and ordered the Series3 yesterday from Amazon.com with overnight shipping (so I could set it up this weekend). The site stated it would ship same day and be here today. So I called the cable company and the only appointment they have available in the next 3 weeks is Saturday late afternoon. I snatched it up, obviously.

Unfortunately, Amazon never shipped the TiVo, and the shipping estimate finally changed this morning to shipping today, but not arriving until Monday or Tuesday. I'm trying to pull the promised delivery date card with them to get them to pop for the Saturday delivery, but so far all I've gotten was a refund of my Amazon Prime overnight shipping ($3.99). If I can't get it tomorrow, I'll have a fairly worthless TiVo for weeks!

Well, Amazon refused to do the Saturday delivery, but it did ship on Friday via UPS Next Day with a scheduled delivery (according to UPS) of November 6th (Monday). Well, Amazon's estimated delivery date stated November 7th, but an e-mail from Amazon assured me that it would be delivered November 6th. Unfortunately today UPS changed my delivery date to Tuesday. Why does this suck (other than the obvious)? I was able to snag an open slot from 10am to noon on Tuesday with the cable company. Unfortunately UPS doesn't deliver before 3pm in my area, so I'm screwed once again. Why does fate not want me to have TiVo?

Well, Amazon refused to do the Saturday delivery, but it did ship on Friday via UPS Next Day with a scheduled delivery (according to UPS) of November 6th (Monday). Well, Amazon's estimated delivery date stated November 7th, but an e-mail from Amazon assured me that it would be delivered November 6th. Unfortunately today UPS changed my delivery date to Tuesday. Why does this suck (other than the obvious)? I was able to snag an open slot from 10am to noon on Tuesday with the cable company. Unfortunately UPS doesn't deliver in my area, so I'm screwed once again. Why does fate not want me to have TiVo?

Why does UPS not deliver in your area??? Im puzzled....

Ack, I meant to put "doesn't deliver before 3pm in my area of town" but was thinking too fast. Will edit the post.

Ack, I meant to put "doesn't deliver before 3pm in my area of town" but was thinking too fast. Will edit the post.

If you have the tracking number and its not too far away, you may be able to arrange to have it held at their distrubution center and pick it up early Tues morning.

scsiraid,

I''ll give that a shot. A friend told me UPS doesn't let you do that, though. They have to have made one delivery attempt before you can pick up something at the distribution center. Can anyone confirm this?

yes, that is the norm with ups. one delivery attempt then call into them and have it held so you can pick up the next day from the ups annex.

Have you guys noticed that the TVIO 3 is a bit of a network hog? I'm not sure if it is the explanation but my LAN seems sluggish since I installed the T3. I don't have that much stuff on my network. A couple of computers and a music server which are not usually active at the same time.

PS I still have not solved the pixellation problem that I notice when using the TIVO tuners. I have done everything I can think. The only thing left in my mind is to swap the TIVO box to see if I just got a lemon.

Have you guys noticed that the TVIO 3 is a bit of a network hog? I'm not sure if it is the explanation but my LAN seems sluggish since I installed the T3. I don't have that much stuff on my network. A couple of computers and a music server which are not usually active at the same time.

PS I still have not solved the pixellation problem that I notice when using the TIVO tuners. I have done everything I can think. The only thing left in my mind is to swap the TIVO box to see if I just got a lemon.
Have you had the cable company come out and check the signal at all? I would do that before swapping the box.

Is this the screen you are referring to????yes, but see my follow up post. it turns out it has to do with having two displays hooked up at the same time. One being HDMI and the other being component. The problem occurs when the HDMI display is off and the component is on. If they are both on or just the HDMI is on there is not a problem. This is a tivo bug and only occurs when the conditions are as I describe with the screen you took a picture of.

Have you had the cable company come out and check the signal at all? I would do that before swapping the box.

I had tiling problems on my TV (with Cablecard), and I had them swap the cablecard for a different one, and that solved my tiling problem.

Has anyone noticed that TiVo seems to be raising their prices?

I have a monthly sub and I currently pay $12.95 for my S2, and $6.95 for the S3. Does this mean that I am going to be paying $19.95/month for my S2, and another $13 for my S3? That's almost $33/month for service alone! WTF? Or am I grandfathered in somehow?

Were they going to be informing me of these price increases, or do I have to read about them on the news sites?

Edit:
http://www.betanews.com/article/TiVo_Raises_Rates_Pushes_Free_DVR/1162832900

This link seems to imply that month-to-month subs are grandfathered in. If this is the case, I bought my S3 just in time.

I hate to get off topic, but this price increase is not going to help them compete with the cable/satellite DVRs.

Have you had the cable company come out and check the signal at all? I would do that before swapping the box.

No.There are two reasons I have been reluctant to do that. First it is just a hassle to set up and deal with another visit from a suspect, bored technician. Two, the signal strength as measured by TIVO is in the mid 90s on both tuners.

I had tiling problems on my TV (with Cablecard), and I had them swap the cablecard for a different one, and that solved my tiling problem.

the TIVO techs didn't think it was a problem with the cards since it was happening on both tuners and on all channels. I had considered that it might be the cards but I dread having to set up another appointment with comcast, arrange the time in my schedule and deal with yet another bored technician who just wants to blame it on the TIVO or refer me to someone else. I have no answer to that situation. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and try it.

I hate to get off topic, but this price increase is not going to help them compete with the cable/satellite DVRs.
Probably not and their situation was precarious before the price increase.

FYI. I swapped out my S3 for a new one and the problem with the random pixellation on all channels appears to be gone (knocking on wood). It was also easy to re-pair the cable cards with the new S3. I think the key is that the account has to be set up correctly. All I did was insert the cable card and have Comcast send a signal. Then repeated the process for the second card. No problems!

FYI, I finally got arounf to unplugging my unused Moto DVR to return it and get it off my bill. My home has an amplifier on teh cable which was put there years ago to accomodate the 8 way splitter I have. Before unplugging the Moto (which was operational and hooked to cable), S3 OTA was just fine. And I have a nice strong signal on OTA/antenna, as well as cable.

After I removed the moto the signal on my S3 suddenly started pixelating and dropping out completely. I remembered I had an attenuator on the line and when I removed the Moto, I accidentally removed the attenuator, too. Once I realized this, I put the attenuator back on the cable feed coax and voila, OTA working again.

Point is, that the "hot" cable was clearly, undeniably killing the OTA signal. Probably from multipath, possibly inside the S3 itself. The coax's actually take a 100% different path right up to the S3, one from left, one from right. Just having the unattenuated "hot" signal near the S3 caused the OTA HD signal to fail.

So, having pixelation issues, maybe the cable is too hot, or causing multipath "bleeding" onto the OTA signal... Something to watch for anyway.

FYI. I swapped out my S3 for a new one and the problem with the random pixellation on all channels appears to be gone (knocking on wood). It was also easy to re-pair the cable cards with the new S3. I think the key is that the account has to be set up correctly. All I did was insert the cable card and have Comcast send a signal. Then repeated the process for the second card. No problems!

I am fighting with Charter to let me do the exact same thing with a defective S3 and a replacement (without a truck roll).

Can you give a bit more detail on how you got Comcast to do this? Do they normally allow people to self-install cablecards? Did you have to somehow "unpair" the cards from the first Tivo before you removed them?

Thanks!

I am fighting with Charter to let me do the exact same thing with a defective S3 and a replacement (without a truck roll).

Can you give a bit more detail on how you got Comcast to do this? Do they normally allow people to self-install cablecards? Did you have to somehow "unpair" the cards from the first Tivo before you removed them?

Thanks!


No, Comcast made me do a truck roll for the initial install but for this there is nothing to fight about. Since you already have the cards, it's the same as if there were some glitch in your signal. Their standard proceedure is to send a hit to the card. Every first level tech (at least at Comcast) knows how to do that and it is the first (and only) thing they know how to do if you are having any sort of signal problem. So all you have to do is take the cards out of the old unit and put the first one in the new unit. Once the mmi screen comes up call up your company, give them the serial number of the card and tell them to send a signal to that card. Make some pleasant chat with the representative to keep them from getting impatient and then, after a few mintues, check the channels and if they have come in then you insert the second card, wait for the mmi screen and then tell the company to hit that card. Since you already have activated the cards on your old box and your account is configured correctly for the two cards at the cable company end there is nothing more to do. In fact you probably don't even have to tell them you are switching boxes or taking the cards out. If they press you, just tell them that you are having a signal problem and want them to refresh the cards one at a time.

No, Comcast made me do a truck roll for the initial install but for this there is nothing to fight about. Since you already have the cards, it's the same as if there were some glitch in your signal. Their standard proceedure is to send a hit to the card. Every first level tech (at least at Comcast) knows how to do that and it is the first (and only) thing they know how to do if you are having any sort of signal problem. So all you have to do is take the cards out of the old unit and put the first one in the new unit. Once the mmi screen comes up call up your company, given them the serial number of the card and tell them to send a signal to that card. Make some pleasant chat with the representative to keep them from getting impatient and then, after a few mintues, check the channels and if they have come in then you insert the second card, wait for the mmi screen and then tell the company to hit that card. Since you already have activated the cards on your old box and your account is configured correctly for the two cards at the cable company end there is nothing more to do. In fact you probably don't even have to tell them you are switching boxes or taking the cards out. If they press you, just tell them that you are having a signal problem and want them to refresh the cards one at a time.

So you didn't have to read the Host/Data/etc numbers back to them to get them to work? I honestly don't know if the tech support people at Charter have the ability to do this. Whenever cablecards are involved - they always seem to just want to set up an appointment for a tech to come out. It is pretty typical that whenever a tech shows up that I need to tell them what to do - the last guy had never done one. :(

So you didn't have to read the Host/Data/etc numbers back to them to get them to work? I honestly don't know if the tech support people at Charter have the ability to do this. Whenever cablecards are involved - they always seem to just want to set up an appointment for a tech to come out. It is pretty typical that whenever a tech shows up that I need to tell them what to do - the last guy had never done one. :(

No that is the beauty of it. The cards are already registered in their system. The only thing is that they have to send the signal to the correct card at the correct time (you know the one at a time imperative of the S3), so all they need is the serial number of the card. And they know how to do that because that is the first thing they will think to do when you call them with a signal problem. I don't know the technical aspects but the pairing happens just by sending that signal once the card is in the box.

No that is the beauty of it. The cards are already registered in their system. The only thing is that they have to send the signal to the correct card at the correct time (you know the one at a time imperative of the S3), so all they need is the serial number of the card. And they know how to do that because that is the first thing they will think to do when you call them with a signal problem. I don't know the technical aspects but the pairing happens just by sending that signal once the card is in the box.

I talked to their office today. They tell me that customers can't call the dispatch numbers and the number I can call (customer service) is unable to send any kind of "hits" to the cablecards.

They made me set up a truck roll for Thursday AM. I am going to try pulling the cards tonight, though, and see if that works.

I talked to their office today. They tell me that customers can't call the dispatch numbers and the number I can call (customer service) is unable to send any kind of "hits" to the cablecards.

They made me set up a truck roll for Thursday AM. I am going to try pulling the cards tonight, though, and see if that works.

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like Charter is even worse than Comcast--at least in some ways. There is nothing stopping you from pulling the cards but I suppose you can't do anything about getting them re-paired with the new TIVO until they send the signal to the card. It is such a waste to make the tech come out to your place just to make a phone call to someone to tell them to send a signal to the card. Really dumb. Good luck.

I got one rep who said something like that to me when I was trying to get the first install done correctly. I called a few more times until I got someone who was willing to help. Maybe you could try your luck a few more times to see if you might find someone who willl send the signal.

FYI, I finally got arounf to unplugging my unused Moto DVR to return it and get it off my bill. My home has an amplifier on teh cable which was put there years ago to accomodate the 8 way splitter I have. Before unplugging the Moto (which was operational and hooked to cable), S3 OTA was just fine. And I have a nice strong signal on OTA/antenna, as well as cable.

After I removed the moto the signal on my S3 suddenly started pixelating and dropping out completely. I remembered I had an attenuator on the line and when I removed the Moto, I accidentally removed the attenuator, too. Once I realized this, I put the attenuator back on the cable feed coax and voila, OTA working again.

Point is, that the "hot" cable was clearly, undeniably killing the OTA signal. Probably from multipath, possibly inside the S3 itself. The coax's actually take a 100% different path right up to the S3, one from left, one from right. Just having the unattenuated "hot" signal near the S3 caused the OTA HD signal to fail.

So, having pixelation issues, maybe the cable is too hot, or causing multipath "bleeding" onto the OTA signal... Something to watch for anyway.

Interesting situation. Looks like the engineers missed something major here.

Appears that OTA and Cable inputs somehow affect each other. Something to add to the Tivo list of things to look for when picture pixelates.

Well, to update my situation, I tried pulling the cablecards from my supposedly defective Tivo, and put them (one at a time) in my replacement Tivo. Oddly enough, both of them seem to work just fine without doing anything else.

I wonder if this is because the cards never successfully paired with the original Tivo (according to the person on the other end of the ph******* the technician).

The trouble I am having is that the new Tivo is having the same issue that the old one had. It fails to record shows sometimes because "no signal was available on Cable In" according to the recording history. This makes me wonder why they have been unable to get the cards to pair - they have tried 2 different sets of cablecards, and both did the same thing. And it also makes me wonder if this is the source of my problems -- even though the cards appear to work, they still fail to record shows on channels 782 and 783 (while both tuners are active, usually). These aren't encrypted stations - they are my local ABC and CBS affiliates. I haven't had any issues on any premium digital channels, so this seems very odd to me.

Does anyone know if there are any screens in the cablecard menus that will tell you that you are paired with the device properly?

I had two cablecards in different devices before I added the Tivo, and an additional Sony TV with a cablcard slot, and both of these earlier cards paired correctly. The Tivo, and the Sony TV (which actually came first) were the ones that failed the pairing process during the phone call, but APPEAR to work (they tune all of my authorized channels just fine). Could the issue here be that I have a total of 5 cablecards in my house, and an HD STB as well? (The VOD for the STB hasn't worked in about a month or two - could this be related to pairing failures?)

Hey there,

I am new to Tvio and currently thinking about getting one. I currently have the SA 8300HD from my cable company. What I am wondering if it is worth the cost to get the new series 3. With the added cost of cable cards, monthly service, does the unit really make a significant impact in your viewing. So much worth the $800 cost of admission. I am all for the latest toys but this one has made me sit back and remain on the sidelines so far.

Thanks for your feedback

I don't think any of us can answer that question for you. Obviously most of us here feel TiVo is worth the price vs. the cable DVR. How much it will mean to YOU is something we can't tell. Do you have SARA or Passport software? If you have SARA I can tell you it's a huge difference. Passport has a lot of TiVo features, but not as nice of an interface. I would recommend trying to at least see one and play with the interface to see what you think.

I don't think any of us can answer that question for you. Obviously most of us here feel TiVo is worth the price vs. the cable DVR. How much it will mean to YOU is something we can't tell. Do you have SARA or Passport software? If you have SARA I can tell you it's a huge difference. Passport has a lot of TiVo features, but not as nice of an interface. I would recommend trying to at least see one and play with the interface to see what you think.

I actually asked the cableco what their DVR cost would be, and they said it was $16 + $6 box rental. This makes it $22/month, which is higher than Tivo's most expensive monthly cost ($19.95). I asked if they had any DVR's, but they are out of them. They have Moxi boxes in my area. I might be willing to give them a try, but I am afraid that I can no longer return my Tivo box since I am past the 30 day return window. (The only reason that I would return it, though, is because of the problems that I am having with recording failures). These make it very unreliable to me, since I frequently get these failures - I just can't count on the box to record my shows properly!

Well, to update my situation, I tried pulling the cablecards from my supposedly defective Tivo, and put them (one at a time) in my replacement Tivo. Oddly enough, both of them seem to work just fine without doing anything else.

I wonder if this is because the cards never successfully paired with the original Tivo (according to the person on the other end of the ph******* the technician).

The trouble I am having is that the new Tivo is having the same issue that the old one had. It fails to record shows sometimes because "no signal was available on Cable In" according to the recording history. This makes me wonder why they have been unable to get the cards to pair - they have tried 2 different sets of cablecards, and both did the same thing. And it also makes me wonder if this is the source of my problems -- even though the cards appear to work, they still fail to record shows on channels 782 and 783 (while both tuners are active, usually). These aren't encrypted stations - they are my local ABC and CBS affiliates. I haven't had any issues on any premium digital channels, so this seems very odd to me.

Does anyone know if there are any screens in the cablecard menus that will tell you that you are paired with the device properly?

I had two cablecards in different devices before I added the Tivo, and an additional Sony TV with a cablcard slot, and both of these earlier cards paired correctly. The Tivo, and the Sony TV (which actually came first) were the ones that failed the pairing process during the phone call, but APPEAR to work (they tune all of my authorized channels just fine). Could the issue here be that I have a total of 5 cablecards in my house, and an HD STB as well? (The VOD for the STB hasn't worked in about a month or two - could this be related to pairing failures?)


But all your channels come in without any problem on live TV? If that is the case I think the cards have to be paired properly. That is odd that they didn't need to be re-paried with the new TIVO. Something weird is going on there. Do you think that maybe the signal drops out when the TIVO is recording because you are using your other cable cards at the same time? Maybe there is some sort of problem with your line configuration. Too many splits?

Speaking of recording: I'm new to TVIO and I just recorded my first programs in the last day or so. I haven't watched all of them but the ones I did had pretty crappy picture quality. Some pixellation, etc. Much worse than the picture quality when I watching live TV. I have no idea at this point what is the problem. I'm sure this can't be the standard for TIVO that people accept.

Hey there,

I am new to Tvio and currently thinking about getting one. I currently have the SA 8300HD from my cable company. What I am wondering if it is worth the cost to get the new series 3. With the added cost of cable cards, monthly service, does the unit really make a significant impact in your viewing. So much worth the $800 cost of admission. I am all for the latest toys but this one has made me sit back and remain on the sidelines so far.

Thanks for your feedback

Well I can tell you that it was worth it for me just because the Moto box I had to use with Comcast did not passthrough HD signals. The TIVO does that. In any case, if I'm not mistaken, the SA box does pass thoguh and thus allows your Lumagen to do all the processing of the signals.

The interface and TV guides are much better than what I had with the Comcast Moto. I also like the fact that you can connect the TIVO to your LAN and you can see when you are getting new firmware etc. Also you can schedule recording from the TIVO site if you happen to be traveling or otherwise are not at home.

Well, to update my situation, I tried pulling the cablecards from my supposedly defective Tivo, and put them (one at a time) in my replacement Tivo. Oddly enough, both of them seem to work just fine without doing anything else.

I wonder if this is because the cards never successfully paired with the original Tivo (according to the person on the other end of the ph******* the technician).

The trouble I am having is that the new Tivo is having the same issue that the old one had. It fails to record shows sometimes because "no signal was available on Cable In" according to the recording history. This makes me wonder why they have been unable to get the cards to pair - they have tried 2 different sets of cablecards, and both did the same thing. And it also makes me wonder if this is the source of my problems -- even though the cards appear to work, they still fail to record shows on channels 782 and 783 (while both tuners are active, usually). These aren't encrypted stations - they are my local ABC and CBS affiliates. I haven't had any issues on any premium digital channels, so this seems very odd to me.

Does anyone know if there are any screens in the cablecard menus that will tell you that you are paired with the device properly?

I had two cablecards in different devices before I added the Tivo, and an additional Sony TV with a cablcard slot, and both of these earlier cards paired correctly. The Tivo, and the Sony TV (which actually came first) were the ones that failed the pairing process during the phone call, but APPEAR to work (they tune all of my authorized channels just fine). Could the issue here be that I have a total of 5 cablecards in my house, and an HD STB as well? (The VOD for the STB hasn't worked in about a month or two - could this be related to pairing failures?)

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, this sounds so much like what I've been going through.

Different channel numbers, (different market) but sounds like the same problem. Local HD affiliates of ABC, NBC and CBS.

Try this, tie up one of the tuners recording something that'll keep it from affect results. Switch to the other tuner by pressing the "live" button. Enter the cable numbers for ABC, CBS and NBC. Go back and forth within that group and see if you get a gray screen.

Two of my three straightened out this past Monday night. What I'm doing as a workaround for the third is use the OTA antenna to record anything I want on ABC rather than the cable input for the same HD channel. To help avoid confusion since going to ABC-HD cable will then prevent me from going to CBS or NBC, is go into the settings menu/ channel setup/ and use the thumbs up feature to identify my favorites. Then using the program guide, setup to display favorites only, I don't accidently lock up the channel changing for recordings resulting with no signal.

As for a causal relationship, the cable company claims they didn't change anything Monday night that would affect the signal. The OTA channels tune fine, so that's not it. I've not had any software updates on the S3 according to the Tivo tech. The only thing that might apply is that I posted this problem on the Tivo forum and the Tivo community forums (not AVS) giving the zip code and channel numbers affected. The only thing that makes sense is that either they contacted that stations or cable company for that matter to correct the problem or perhaps there is something in the program guide data that was wrong

So much for a short answer. lol

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, this sounds so much like what I've been going through.

Different channel numbers, (different market) but sounds like the same problem. Local HD affiliates of ABC, NBC and CBS.

Try this, tie up one of the tuners recording something that'll keep it from affect results. Switch to the other tuner by pressing the "live" button. Enter the cable numbers for ABC, CBS and NBC. Go back and forth within that group and see if you get a gray screen.

Two of my three straightened out this past Monday night. What I'm doing as a workaround for the third is use the OTA antenna to record anything I want on ABC rather than the cable input for the same HD channel. To help avoid confusion since going to ABC-HD cable will then prevent me from going to CBS or NBC, is go into the settings menu/ channel setup/ and use the thumbs up feature to identify my favorites. Then using the program guide, setup to display favorites only, I don't accidently lock up the channel changing for recordings resulting with no signal.

As for a causal relationship, the cable company claims they didn't change anything Monday night that would affect the signal. The OTA channels tune fine, so that's not it. I've not had any software updates on the S3 according to the Tivo tech. The only thing that might apply is that I posted this problem on the Tivo forum and the Tivo community forums (not AVS) giving the zip code and channel numbers affected. The only thing that makes sense is that either they contacted that stations or cable company for that matter to correct the problem or perhaps there is something in the program guide data that was wrong

So much for a short answer. lol

It is good to hear that someone else is having the same problem I am. I have posted in the Tivocommunity forum also. Can you post a link to your post so I can post a followup to it? I am in zip code 49460.

So I am assuming that you are getting the same error message in the recording history, right?

I can't recall ever seeing the issue come up when just changing channels. It has ONLY happened when either INITIATING a recording, or STOPPING a recording. When initiating, the symptom is that the tivo will not show the program in the Now Playing list, and will show the error I described earlier in the Recording History. If the issue happens when stopping a recording, it will show up as a black screen for an indefinite time after that recording has stopped and the Tivo hasn't changed the channel to another one. I can always fix the problem if I am there to babysit the Tivo and make sure that the channel is showing a picture. If it isn't showing anything, I have to stop the recording, change to a different channel, and then go back. This will get my picture back, and let me record.

I have been able to duplicate the issue by starting a recording of one of the channels on one tuner, then switch to the other tuner, and then record, stop, record, stop, etc the other bad channel. This will usually cause one of the glitches as the recording stops.

I also think that back to back recordings are troublesome sometimes.

To test the new tivo overnight last night, I set it to record several shows on both of these channels, back to back. All of the CBS shows failed for me, and all of the ABC shows recorded fine. (Actually, the one show on CBS that did record properly was the one that I started recording right then as I sat there and scheduled them).

Thanks for your input!

P.S. - OTA isn't a good option for me, since the ABC and CBS channels are about 90 degrees apart for me, and I can't adjust the rotor automatically. I am using my Tivo for cable only at this time. I might try it and see if I can get the ABC affiliate OTA - it is one of the stronger stations here.

spiff

Try the channel changing thing I suggested when you get a chance.

Your failed recording still sounds exactly like what I was having. Once you're on one of those 3 channels, you can't get to the other two by directly inputting the channel number or by way of the program guide. You can get their with the up/down channel. I think I did the stop record, up/down channel to get the one I wanted to record then back to record.

I think the failed recordings stem back to partial inability to tune those 3 channels. The recording actually takes place, but with no signal it doesn't get past zero minutes.

Try the manual tuneing thing and get back.

spiff

Try the channel changing thing I suggested when you get a chance.

Your failed recording still sounds exactly like what I was having. Once you're on one of those 3 channels, you can't get to the other two by directly inputting the channel number or by way of the program guide. You can get their with the up/down channel. I think I did the stop record, up/down channel to get the one I wanted to record then back to record.

I think the failed recordings stem back to partial inability to tune those 3 channels. The recording actually takes place, but with no signal it doesn't get past zero minutes.

Try the manual tuneing thing and get back.

OK I will try that tonight. I had been doing the up/down channel input. I will try direct entry or guide instead.

How does the Series 3 update the guide data? I know on previous Series it used a phone line. I am new to Tivo so forgive the newbiness of this question.

You can still use a phone line, or you can use ethernet or wireless adapter to allow it to connect via your wireless network.

You can continue to update via telephone, but many folks now connect their TiVos to the Internet.

spiff

Try the channel changing thing I suggested when you get a chance.

Your failed recording still sounds exactly like what I was having. Once you're on one of those 3 channels, you can't get to the other two by directly inputting the channel number or by way of the program guide. You can get their with the up/down channel. I think I did the stop record, up/down channel to get the one I wanted to record then back to record.

I think the failed recordings stem back to partial inability to tune those 3 channels. The recording actually takes place, but with no signal it doesn't get past zero minutes.

Try the manual tuneing thing and get back.

JimP:

Please help me understand your situation better:

You have 3 stations that you have seen this issue on: ABC, CBS, and NBC. So any one of these 3 channels could get the "gray screen of death" - which is actually black in my case, probably because I have my letterbox bar color set to black instead of gray.

You then changed your setup to get one of the three stations (ABC) via OTA antenna. This has apparently resolved the issue for you?

I am thinking about my situation, and it seems like this scenario would actually be more likely to help in my case, since I only have 2 stations where I have seen this occur (ABC/CBS). My theory is that the problem seems to occur when both of the digital cable tuners are actively recording (or just plain active) on these 2 problem channels. If I add the ABC affiliate via OTA to my setup and use only that feed, I would never be using both digital cable tuners with these two stations, since one of them is OTA. In your case, you could still be using the cable tuners to watch or record both NBC and CBS, and you might still have issues...

Thanks again for your time, and I really appreciate the feedback!

spiff,

I think the fundamental problem is that if you are on one of those "evil" channels, then the tuner has trouble going to the other one. You can be recording or not recording for that matter. Don't use the up/down channel to switch channels. Just enter the channel numbers to verify that we both have the same problem.

Not sure why 2 of my channels cleared up (but very glad they did). The OTA-HD version of the same channel that's still causing the problem on cable, doesn't seem to cause this problem on OTA, so I'm just using it in place of the cable version.

If you like, you can phone me to discuss this. I'll go ahead and PM you with my phone number.

spiff,

I think the fundamental problem is that if you are on one of those "evil" channels, then the tuner has trouble going to the other one. You can be recording or not recording for that matter. Don't use the up/down channel to switch channels. Just enter the channel numbers to verify that we both have the same problem.

Not sure why 2 of my channels cleared up (but very glad they did). The OTA-HD version of the same channel that's still causing the problem on cable, doesn't seem to cause this problem on OTA, so I'm just using it in place of the cable version.

If you like, you can phone me to discuss this. I'll go ahead and PM you with my phone number.

Thanks for the phone number, but I hate to bother others with my troubles :-)

I did try the direct channel entry, and I couldn't get the tivo to go to the black screen when trying to change channels. The only time I can get it to happen is still when I am recording off from channels 782 and 783 at the same time. I haven't seen a time when the Tivo is recording one of these channels and a DIFFERENT one (either analog or digital) where I get a failed recording.

Also, as I said before, what often happens is this:

I schedule back to back recordings on channel 782 during a certain time, and during that same time, I schedule back to back recordings on channel 783. Usually the first recording in the back to back block will either fail when the recording starts, OR it will lose the signal as the recording stops. Every show after this failed one will also fail to record unless you change to a different channel, and then go back.

I did this on Wednesday night and during the day on Thursday (when I wasnt around). The recordings overnight only recorded the ABC shows (channel 783), and none of the CBS shows (782). I checked on this on Thursday morning before work, and changed channels on 782 to get the video back. I scheduled more, and when I checked after work, all of the CBS shows recorded and the ABC shows failed!! Grrrr.

I hooked up the antenna last night, and tried to get ABC reliably (digital channel 39), and it wasn't coming in well at all. I then tried CBS OTA (digital channel 2), and that one was actually coming in well. I have taken the 782 channel for CBS out of my lineup, and I am trying this setup now with OTA for that feed. I did my usual test overnight, and everything recorded just fine. My only concern with this setup is that my OTA Coax feed isn't in an idea place because I have a fully finished basement (I am running it through the doorway of a bedroom and into my family room - not a good level of Wife Acceptance Factor here). Also, this channel (OTA digital 2) is VERY susceptible to electrical interference, so it isn't very reliable sometimes. It was very solid last night, though...

I will try this for a while and see how it goes. I might even put the cablecards back in my original Tivo (which may not have been defective). This way I don't have to re-enter all of my Season Passes and Wishlists...

Thanks,
Jeff

Hey there,

I am new to Tvio and currently thinking about getting one. I currently have the SA 8300HD from my cable company. What I am wondering if it is worth the cost to get the new series 3. With the added cost of cable cards, monthly service, does the unit really make a significant impact in your viewing. So much worth the $800 cost of admission. I am all for the latest toys but this one has made me sit back and remain on the sidelines so far.

Thanks for your feedback


I'm with you! I want one, as I've gone thru 6 SA8300's (due to hard drive failure) in the last 2 years. The SARA software is horrible and the box often doesn't work correctally without a reset. If only they were cheaper I'd jump in! I have a CableCard in one of HDTV's and I have never had a single problem with it since day one (year ago). The only thing I miss is the onscreen guide (TV has none!). I pay $7.95 (extra box fee) +$6.95 (DVR fee) from TWC currently. If I purchased this HD Tivo at $800, then purchased a lifetime membership for $200-300, then paid the tranfer fee of $200, I'd be out $1200-1300!!! Now lets not forget two CableCard subscriptions at $1.75 each. $3.5 total per month.

Let's do the math!

I would save $11.40 per month on my cable bill.

Let's say the HD Tivo would cost $1250 with liftime subscription.

1250/11.40=109.6 months or 9.1 YEARS!

It would take more time for this unit to pay for itself in savings then it will be up-to-date or for that fact even be in working condition.

Make this unit more realisically priced Tivo and a whole lot more people will jump in!

...then purchased a lifetime membership for $200-300...Lifetime is no longer available.

Lifetime is no longer available.

Transfer from a previously lifetimed S1 or S2 through January if S3 purchased by December 31st.


Jerry

Transfer from a previously lifetimed S1 or S2 through January if S3 purchased by December 31st.


JerryHe said "...If I purchased this HD Tivo at $800, then purchased a lifetime..." "Purchasing" is no longer an option (outside of eBay or similar).

You can still get a lifetime subscription. You just have to know where to look!

You can still get a lifetime subscription. You just have to know where to look!

Care to share this info?

Care to share this info?See post #813.

See post #813.


It's easy once you "get" it, thanks...

I got a replacement S3 and I thought I was going to have to have charter come out but I put hte cable cards in the new unti and they worked without having to call charter at all.

I got a replacement S3 and I thought I was going to have to have charter come out but I put hte cable cards in the new unti and they worked without having to call charter at all.

Same thing happened to me - I think it might be because they never actually paired correctly in the first place.

Same thing happened to me - I think it might be because they never actually paired correctly in the first place.

When my S3 was installed, it offered lots of info to set up pairing. The Comcast rep didn't bother to phone in any of that. Apparently many head-ends aren't set up for the additional security of pairing so they just activate the cable cards based on the card's address only, and it doesn't matter which device they actually get used in.

When my S3 was installed, it offered lots of info to set up pairing. The Comcast rep didn't bother to phone in any of that. Apparently many head-ends aren't set up for the additional security of pairing so they just activate the cable cards based on the card's address only, and it doesn't matter which device they actually get used in.

Maybe Charter around here is doing the same with the CC's now. The first two cards I had installed (in my TV and a Sony DVR) area actually paired. The next three (the Tivo and another TV) didn't pair successfully, but they seem to work just fine.

If I were to connect a cable from the wall that I know is passing local digitals in the clear, would the Tivo be able to add them to the channel lineup? Or is it required that you have the cablecard(s) installed for the QAM tuner to work? On my Sony TV I can plug in the cable and get lots of unencrypted digitals, but my friend tried the same thing with his Tivo, and he only got the analogs. I assume the Tivo only uses an NTSC tuner when the cablecards aren't installed and that would explain why.

If I were to connect a cable from the wall that I know is passing local digitals in the clear, would the Tivo be able to add them to the channel lineup? Or is it required that you have the cablecard(s) installed for the QAM tuner to work? On my Sony TV I can plug in the cable and get lots of unencrypted digitals, but my friend tried the same thing with his Tivo, and he only got the analogs. I assume the Tivo only uses an NTSC tuner when the cablecards aren't installed and that would explain why.
If they are in the clear you'll get the channels, if there is no PSIP being sent you may have to hunt for them, if PSIP is being sent, they should show up with their regular OTA channel numbers. You won't have any guide data though, that comes from the cable company for the digital channels as they re-map the channels to their own channel numbering scheme. I think it will show Digital Service, or something similar in the program description, when looking at the guide data for the channel. What you can do is follow the analog equivalent for guide data but set your recordings on the digital channel.

The S3 is workable without CableCARDS for recording digital in-the-clear channels, but it is far easy with CableCARDs.

Unit arrives Tuesday and Time Warner tech appointment is Friday. I told them I needed 2 cable cards installed without mentioning TiRo.

Is there anything I should do between Tuesday and Friday that will make the install go more smoothly?

Any other preparation tips?

Thanks

Comcast came out to my friend's apartment to install two cablecards in his new Tivo 3. He had some trouble getting them to recognize but eventually it worked. When the Comcast guy left it was working but as soon as the tech left the Tivo started rebooting repeatedly. We did some troubleshooting and determined that when we connect the coax cable from the wall, it starts rebooting itself. If the cable is left unplugged the Tivo is fine. Has anyone heard of this type of problem? Is it due to the cable or the cablecards? Any suggestions? Thanks.

There's no way to tell via the Internet. :)

Turned out to be a cablecard issue. We unplugged one of the cards and the other one worked and the machine stopped rebooting itself.

I just hung up from TIVO to order a S3 and was told that I could transfer my Tivo S1 series subscription to the new S3 series for a transfer fee of $199 and $799 for the S3 series box.As I gathered more information,out came the bad news,this deal is only good if you have cable tv,not satellite tv.Has anyone else been told the same thing?I hope this is not true.I will not switch to cable.I guess I can file a complaint to the FCC if the do not provide a way to upgrade for their satellite customers.

I just hung up from TIVO to order a S3 and was told that I could transfer my Tivo S1 series subscription to the new S3 series for a transfer fee of $199 and $799 for the S3 series box.As I gathered more information,out came the bad news,this deal is only good if you have cable tv,not satellite tv.Has anyone else been told the same thing?I hope this is not true.I will not switch to cable.I guess I can file a complaint to the FCC if the do not provide a way to upgrade for their satellite customers.

This has been explained before...

The S3 does not have ANY video INPUTS other than the Coax inputs for cable and antenna. Therefore, it can't record anything from a satellite tuner box.

Filing a complaint with the FCC will get you nowhere. Tivo is by no means obligated to provide an upgrade path for you (and any other satellite customers)!

Indeed, and keep in mind that TiVo doesn't support satellite because of decisions made by the satellite services. They refused to open their systems up to consumer electronics companies, preferring to force their customers to purchase DVRs only from them.

Since it is the Feds that require cable services to open up competition to other cable box manufacturers, I wonder why the same hasn't happened to satellite companies.

Good question.

Since it is the Feds that require cable services to open up competition to other cable box manufacturers, I wonder why the same hasn't happened to satellite companies.

Better lobbying? Perception of more of a fledgling, risky technology upon which the Feds won't (or got talked into not) imposing stricter restrictions/standards? There's no reason why a PCMCIA sized (like the CableCard) 'card' couldn't decrypt the frequencies received and tuned from Satellite signal just the way it does for cable. And don't let the satellite flunkies tell you any different.

I say - no big deal, at least I don't have to deal with D* or Dish's brand of HD-Lite ;)

Verizon is trying to use the same convenient loophole to avoid having to open up their Fibre systems TOO soon ... claiming CablTV-over-fibre is so new, they should reap the benefits by themselves for a while.

Since it is the Feds that require cable services to open up competition to other cable box manufacturers, I wonder why the same hasn't happened to satellite companies.

I'd guess that it has to do with the physical ability to subscribe to competitive services, as well as the diversity of equipment that's available to the consumer.

With satellite, you can subscribe to either provider by popping a dish on your roof and making a phone call. There is no physical restriction that limits your ability to other services, since there are no wires. Point the dish, and you're good to go.

With cable, there's typically only one monopoly provider in an area. You're stuck with them and their service. There is no alternative available to you, since it's economically unfeasible for a second company to install a redundant set of cables for a community to provide an alternate TV service.

As far as the equipment goes, satellite has historically had better diversity in equipment, but that has changed over the past year or so. You could buy different satellite boxes (RCA, Sony, Philips, etc) to work with your DirecTV set up and expect it to work just fine. This is changing a bit, now that DirecTV only uses self-branded gear.

With cable, there's typically only one monopoly provider in an area. If that's really the rationale, then as soon as FIOS is offered within a municipality, that should obviate the cable company's obligation to support CableCards.

If that's really the rationale, then as soon as FIOS is offered within a municipality, that should obviate the cable company's obligation to support CableCards.

Not necessarily. Isn't there already a competitor to cable service ? Yup, it's satellite TV. Why would the introduction of another service provider (FIOS) change things ?

Cable's large market penetration (nearly 60% as of Sept 2006) and frequent regional monopoly status probably warrants them a little extra "attention" as far as the FCC is concerned.

With cable, there's typically only one monopoly provider in an area.If that's really the rationale, then as soon as FIOS is offered within a municipality, that should obviate their cable company's obligation to support CableCards.As well as the subscriber's enslavement to their cable company. ;) Not necessarily. Isn't there already a competitor to cable service ? Yup, it's satellite TV. Why would the introduction of another service provider (FIOS) change things ? Satellite providers don't support CableCARD technology. With FiOS being the next alternative that has to compete for their share of a cable TV providers existing subscriber base... better deals, higher quality and service has to be offered otherwise why would anyone switch?

Not necessarily. Isn't there already a competitor to cable service ? Yup, it's satellite TV. Why would the introduction of another service provider (FIOS) change things ? You misunderstood what I wrote. I said that if the rationale for requiring support for CableCards is that the cable company is, as you said, "only one monopoly provider in an area," then as soon as FIOS is offered within a municipality, that should obviate the cable company's obligation to support CableCards.

Hey- I was a very early adopter of Tivo (September 1999) and have ordered a Series 3 from Amazon. I have a couple of questions- can I just pull the cable card out of the TV and stick it in the Tivo and it will work with no further action or does the cable company (Comcast- I'm in Memphis) have to do something? (I thought I could worry about getting the second card later, hopefully.) Also, since I bought the old Tivo before Jan 2000 I should be able to transfer my lifetime subscription at no charge. I've seen on here that some transfers were only possible if you buy the box from Tivo- does anyone know if this is the case on these really old transfers? I've never heard this before, and got a better deal on Amazon than that offered by Tivo. Thanks.

Hey- I was a very early adopter of Tivo (September 1999) and have ordered a Series 3 from Amazon. I have a couple of questions- can I just pull the cable card out of the TV and stick it in the Tivo and it will work with no further action or does the cable company (Comcast- I'm in Memphis) have to do something? (I thought I could worry about getting the second card later, hopefully.) Also, since I bought the old Tivo before Jan 2000 I should be able to transfer my lifetime subscription at no charge. I've seen on here that some transfers were only possible if you buy the box from Tivo- does anyone know if this is the case on these really old transfers? I've never heard this before, and got a better deal on Amazon than that offered by Tivo. Thanks.Couple of warnings here; 1) you will have to contact the cable company when you pull the card (if you can even use it in your S3 -- I'm not sure you can). 2) If you only have one cablecard, the dual tuner feature is disabled - you can only use one tuner. You should be able to transfer your lifetime to the S3 regardless of where it was purchased. TiVo gave up trying to enforce the "purchased only at the TiVo store" baloney.

When you say I may not be able to use the cable card in the TV is that because they have to reconfigure the card or something? Sounds like a scam to justify making a housecall and charging even more money. I'm aware of the not being able to use both tuners but am not too concerned about that, but if the cable people are going to have to come here anyway, I'll go ahead and get the other card. Good news on the lifetime subscription and thanks for your reply.

When you say I may not be able to use the cable card in the TV is that because they have to reconfigure the card or something? Sounds like a scam to justify making a housecall and charging even more money. That's EXACTLY what it is...a scam.
I'm aware of the not being able to use both tuners but am not too concerned about that, but if the cable people are going to have to come here anyway, I'll go ahead and get the other card. Good news on the lifetime subscription and thanks for your reply.The only thing I'm not sure of is whether you can transfer at no cost. Seems to me TiVo is charging $199 for the transfer, but I'm not sure if that also applies to your case. A call to TiVo CS would clear that up.

Thanks- I am pretty sure I get a free transfer. When Tivo first came out, it was not clear when they sold you a "lifetime subscription" whether it meant for the life of the person or the box. Pretty stupid on Tivo's part, but they agreed to give anyone who bought their Tivo before some date in Jan of 2000 one free transfer.

You misunderstood what I wrote. I said that if the rationale for requiring support for CableCards is that the cable company is, as you said, "only one monopoly provider in an area," then as soon as FIOS is offered within a municipality, that should obviate the cable company's obligation to support CableCards.

Gotcha.

However, to me, the CableCard mandate from the FCC was basically about giving consumers the option to use different hardware with the monopoly cable system. The intent was for Joe 6 Pack to be able to stroll down to Best Buy and choose a receiver of his choice, and not be force-fed the few (one?) option given to them by that monopoly provider.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, CableCard works with FIOS, right ? That way, every provider, regardless of delivery system (FIOS, sat, cable), would have some form of separate conditional-access system in place. Why drop the mandate when everyone's finally on the same page ?

Also also, the satellite guys already kinda have their own "cablecard" card-based conditional access system. Granted, it's not the "official" CableLabs variant, but it does serve a similar purpose.

When you say I may not be able to use the cable card in the TV is that because they have to reconfigure the card or something? Sounds like a scam to justify making a housecall and charging even more money. I'm aware of the not being able to use both tuners but am not too concerned about that, but if the cable people are going to have to come here anyway, I'll go ahead and get the other card. Good news on the lifetime subscription and thanks for your reply.


It's NOT actually a scam. I thought the same thing initially. When the card is enabled by your cable provider (Comcast in my case), they need a Host ID and a Data ID number from the on-screen display. Turns out the host ID is always specific to the hardware (and slot) that you have the card in. For example, the Tivo Series 3 boxes each have 2 unique host IDs (one for each slot).

I have two Series 3 boxes, for a total of 4 cable cards. I used one of the cards in my Pioneer 6070 for a few days until my 2nd Tivo showed up, then called the cable company tech support department and provided them with the updated host ID and data ID. Another hit was sent down and my cards were active in the 2nd Tivo.

You may be able to avoid the housecall if you can convince them to update the card info over the phone.

Nervous Time !! This stuff never goes smoothly for me.

TiVo Series 3 arrived today from Amazon. Time Warner tech comes on Friday.

I think I'm supposed to calll TiVo to activate it and transfer Lifetime from Series 2 before he comes. TiVo is now closed for the night.

Am I supposed to have it connected to the input coax line and the phone line and to the TV before I call TiVo to activate?

Thanks, Allen

However, to me, the CableCard mandate from the FCC was basically about giving consumers the option to use different hardware with the monopoly cable system.I think we're talking past each other. My point was that if that were the case, then once the cable system was no longer a monopoly, then the mandate no longer has any validity.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, CableCard works with FIOS, right ? That way, every provider, regardless of delivery system (FIOS, sat, cable), would have some form of separate conditional-access system in place. Why drop the mandate when everyone's finally on the same page ?Because, if the mandate was imposed to address a monoplistic situation, then business should be freed of the mandate if the monopolistic situation is resolved. Beyond that, with cable and FIOS, now consumers have a choice of different hardware, either the cable company's or FIOS'.

I think the key is to stop looking at things from a strictly consumer perspective and look at the transaction objectively, considering both the consumer's and the business' perspective.

Also also, the satellite guys already kinda have their own "cablecard" card-based conditional access system. Granted, it's not the "official" CableLabs variant, but it does serve a similar purpose.That purpose being "giving consumers the option to use different hardware"????? No! That's not what you get with satellite. With satellite, because there are two vendors, you get to choose which company, and then you have to use their hardware.

CableLabs® Issues OpenCable™ Specs; Hosts Digital Supplier Conference

The specifications are formally known as the Unidirectional Functional Requirements, the Bidirectional Functional Requirements and the OpenCable Network Interface. Their purpose is to spell out for suppliers and others how cable operators envision different elements of future digital video systems connecting and operating. These specifications included some key information that the manufacturers need to complete their design and manufacturing of digital devices.

OpenCable is the CableLabs managed project that will achieve creation of advanced digital devices from multiple suppliers that will communicate with one another, or interoperate.

The conference also included Time Warner Cable Chief Technology Officer Jim Chiddix discussing the industry’s focus on a common set of middleware software that will enable portability for future generations of OpenCable devices. "The process will include a competitive, open solicitation, as established in other parts of the OpenCable process," he noted. "There are going to be many opportunities in this open environment for consumer electronics companies and software companies to innovate," he said.

Chiddix added that by approaching the middleware element of OpenCable in this manner, companies may "create applications that can run on any cable system, rather than being tied to one proprietary system. This architecture will allow cable customers to move and to retain full functionality on cable systems," Chiddix said. "That is an ultimate goal of OpenCable."

The middleware approach allows service developers to write applications that run on any hardware platform and that are independent of any operating system residing in a particular device. This approach was articulated at the outset of the project.

Lisa Lee, OpenCable project leader for CableLabs, said, "This solution will allow us to provide the best product to the consumer. With the purchase of such a device, the consumer will be able to use their set-top box or integrated television in compatible cable systems. This also will provide a very competitive environment for new applications to be developed and deployed. Televisions as we know them today will be a thing of the past," she said.

According to Laurie Priddy, executive vice president of AT&T Broadband Internet Services, "AT&T Broadband continues to strongly support a retail strategy and this initiative. I see OpenCable continuing to show progress and to serve as the vehicle to meet the FCC's deadlines for retail availability of set tops." Priddy led a discussion on copy protection that included a representative from Warner Brothers studio and from the licensing administrator for the so-called 5C copy protection system. Circuit City provided a retailer viewpoint.

I think we're talking past each other. My point was that if that were the case, then once the cable system was no longer a monopoly, then the mandate no longer has any validity.

Because, if the mandate was imposed to address a monoplistic situation, then business should be freed of the mandate if the monopolistic situation is resolved. Beyond that, with cable and FIOS, now consumers have a choice of different hardware, either the cable company's or FIOS'.

Depends upon how you look at the monopoly situation being resolved. Perhaps the FCC views the situation as a series or group of mini-monopolies, rather than a level playing field amongst various competitors. You have the cable monopoly, the telco monopoly, and (not yet, but possible) satellite monopoly. Within each monopoly, the FCC wants the consumer to be able to use gear of their choice.


I think the key is to stop looking at things from a strictly consumer perspective and look at the transaction objectively, considering both the consumer's and the business' perspective.

You can't do that, because that's not the intent of the FCC mandate. CableCard is completely about consumer choice. The FCC didn't just wake up one morning and say "Hey, how can we make life more difficult for the cable guys?"

That purpose being "giving consumers the option to use different hardware"????? No! That's not what you get with satellite. With satellite, because there are two vendors, you get to choose which company, and then you have to use their hardware.

The satellite card system did give consumers choice. It wasn't very long ago that I could walk down to Best Buy and buy an RCA, Sony, Toshiba, or TiVo DirecTV receiver, plug in the DirecTV security card, and be on my way. Didn't have to use the POS DirecTV provided box. That has changed within the last year, since DirecTV only uses name-branded boxes now, and probably why the FCC hasn't really addressed that situation yet.

Besides, this entire conversation concerning CableCard 1.0 (and perhaps 2.0) will be moot in a year or so. The cable guys have succeeded in dragging their feet long enough (10+ years) to try to make the case that it's not a practical solution, and that OCAP, or SDV, or some future mythical XYZ will solve everyone's problems, and they will be glorious singing from the heavens when it happens. They're full of crap. They just don't want to get invoved with something that makes less money for them (through truck rolls, increased box costs, etc) regardless if it makes their customers happier or not.

Thanks, brianld- I'lll see if they will at least change the cable card I have over the phone.

Couple of warnings here; 1) you will have to contact the cable company when you pull the card (if you can even use it in your S3 -- I'm not sure you can). 2) If you only have one cablecard, the dual tuner feature is disabled - you can only use one tuner. You should be able to transfer your lifetime to the S3 regardless of where it was purchased. TiVo gave up trying to enforce the "purchased only at the TiVo store" baloney.

(I see this has eben further discussed, and that people have clarified the re-registration is not a 'scam' per se. That doesn't mean the cable company is NOT a scammer-operation, albeit less so than Satellite, but that's another discussion ;) )

1) FiOS doesn't tie CableCards to HostIDs yet, so their cards are machine-swappable. Otherwise, you'll have to (justifiably) re-register it to authorize the new device (S3 TiVo)
2) The FAQ DOES say insertion of a single CableCard makes the S3 a single-tuner device, but people have observed the actual behaviour to be bette described as a 'single decrypter, dual tuner' device. You will be able to record two shows, even HD shows, so long as no more than one of them is encrypted (digital basic, or digital premiums). The CableCard is merely a decryption circuit, in the simplest sense. The dual tuners are on the TiVo mo'board.

Nervous Time !! This stuff never goes smoothly for me.

TiVo Series 3 arrived today from Amazon. Time Warner tech comes on Friday.

I think I'm supposed to calll TiVo to activate it and transfer Lifetime from Series 2 before he comes. TiVo is now closed for the night.

Am I supposed to have it connected to the input coax line and the phone line and to the TV before I call TiVo to activate?

Thanks, Allen


Your new S3 will work perfectly for 6-7 days after you FIRST run Gudied Setup. Wait for a succesful installation of the CableCards before transferring Lifetime.

I actually ran GS on Day 0, had CCs installed on Day 4, re-setup (perfectly) on Day 5, activated on monthly on Day 6, and transferred Lifetime from another box on around Day 19.

The folks on the customer service line were polite but unimaginably unintelligent and clueless, until I got through to someone who knew to DEACTIVATE the S3 to allow the VIP $199 (or free for older S1 units) Lifetime transfer.

Lesson to be learnt from my experience - don't make things complicated from them (or yourself - 150 minutes on hold, totally, on 3 calls is BAD!) If the CableCard install goes well during your 7day period, call and transfer Lifetime right away. Shifting lifetime in the semi-unlikely event of failure of the S3 within 30-90 days should be easy enough, because the RMA department at TiVo HAS to be less clueless than Activations :)

...because the RMA department at TiVo HAS to be less clueless than Activations :)

Don't count on it.

I got them to issue an RMA for my supposedly defective Tivo, and they shipped me three of them instead of just one.

The evil part of me wonders if I could have auctioned the other two on eBay and gotten away with it... :rolleyes:

That almost explains why we sometimes get duplicate channels in the program guide. :)

Depends upon how you look at the monopoly situation being resolved. Perhaps the FCC views the situation as a series or group of mini-monopolies, rather than a level playing field amongst various competitors. You have the cable monopoly, the telco monopoly, and (not yet, but possible) satellite monopoly. Within each monopoly, the FCC wants the consumer to be able to use gear of their choice.It has been well-established that the courts don't view it that way... that the market is "subscription television" and that cable (including FIOS) and satellite are a single market.

You can't do that, because that's not the intent of the FCC mandate. CableCard is completely about consumer choice. You're mistaken. The FCC has a dual charter: to balance consumer and commercial interests -- both.

The FCC didn't just wake up one morning and say "Hey, how can we make life more difficult for the cable guys?"However, they did clearly try to factor in the impact on business. Otherwise, they wouldn't have even bothered with CableCards... they would have just required clear signal coming into everyone's homes.

The satellite card system did give consumers choice.... That has changed within the last year, since DirecTV only uses name-branded boxes now, and probably why the FCC hasn't really addressed that situation yet.I disagree. They haven't addressed the situation because they don't view it as a situation that needs to be addressed. As a matter of fact, I doubt that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 would become law if it was introduced today.

They just don't want to get invoved with something that makes less money for them (through truck rolls, increased box costs, etc) regardless if it makes their customers happier or not.Actually, their interest is in giving customers what they truly value, i.e., that which customers are willing to pay a premium for.

When is E-SATA gonna work!?!? I wanna buy a 500gb hard drive now its on sale for $140 @ newegg...ahh! what a deal!

When is E-SATA gonna work!?!? I wanna buy a 500gb hard drive now its on sale for $140 @ newegg...ahh! what a deal!

Take a deep breath and relax. :D You can always buy the hard drive and put it on your shelf until e-SATA is activated.

What is pairing of the cable cards?

I have a top card that works fine and a bottom card the doesn't get premium channels. They are bringing another card on Tues. The tech never mentioned the word pairing when he called TW to activate the cards.

See here, this is what you want ---> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8981590#post8981590

See here, this is what you want ---> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8981590#post8981590

Is this the reply to my "pairing" question?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand.

abredt,

Pairing is the procedure where information found in your Tivo system (pairing page)as viewed on your display is given to the cable company (usually over the phone) so that they can enter it into their system. Once they enter this information, they send an electronic signal (call sending a hit to your box)that makes it start working. After just a few minutes, your channels will start appearing where you can tune to them. You can only do this one card at a time and it has to be done in the correct sequence.

Not all cable systems are currently utilizing this authorization system. With some, you can remove and reinsert the cards without consequence. With most, if you remove the card(s) you then have to get the cable company to reenter the numbers on the pairing page as they will change each time the cards are removed and replaced.

When is E-SATA gonna work!?!? I wanna buy a 500gb hard drive now its on sale for $140 @ newegg...ahh! what a deal!

First be sure that its one of the drives that works quietly. Not all do.

Its not public yet whether or not the external esata will be activated.

As an alternative, you can replace the internal drive with either a 500 or 750g drive. You do have to load some software to make it work.

...As an alternative, you can replace the internal drive with either a 500 or 750g drive. You do have to load some software to make it work.That's not entirely correct; you can purchase pre-formatted drives. They're more expensive (though not by much for the 750GB), but all you do is drop them in, fire up your TiVo, and run it through the guided setup. You don't have to load the software; TiVo does it for you through the guided setup.

Has anyone found a way to get the programs off a Series 3 yet for permanent archiving?

.

That's not entirely correct; you can purchase pre-formatted drives. They're more expensive (though not by much for the 750GB), but all you do is drop them in, fire up your TiVo, and run it through the guided setup. You don't have to load the software; TiVo does it for you through the guided setup.
beirboy, those "pre-formatted" upgrade drives from weakness tcf dvr upgrade ptvupgrade, do come loaded (frormatted) with the S3 tivo software, that is why you can install them and the S3 accepts it and goes through the guided setup and ready to go with the new drive.

IF you buy a 3.5" sata drive yourself, then you must load or transfer the S3 tivo software onto the new drive before it is installed in the S3.

ptvupgrade has an instacake cd with this software for $20 and you can find the 750gb sata drives for $285-350 which is alot cheaper than the $600 asking for the 750gb loaded upgrade drive from weakness, tcf. weakness does use the quieter/modified 750gb drives or the newer 35db drives so if that is a concern you can make that choice depending on noise, price and diy skills.

Hi. I am new to this group. I have been a Tivo Series 1 and 2 customer for about 5 years now. I bought the Series 3 about a week ago. Nice to record and display HD on my new Sony XBR2! However, I had a couple of problems that I wanted to ask about. One is pixelization of a couple of recorded programs. I have an attic antenna for OTA HD. The signal strength was about 60% for the channels that had the pixelization. I watched the same channel live and still noticed the pixelation. Is this problem related to signal strength and how Tivo "buffers" and displays the picture? I watched other recorderd shows with 90% signal strength with no problems.

My other problem occurs only when flipping channels on Live TV. The unit simply shut off and re-booted while changing channels. This happened about 3 times within the couple of days after installing. Is this a bug, or was software downloads forcing a reboot?

Thanks for any advice.

with the 60% signal strength yes, your much more likely to get those pixelations/singal losses whether recorded or live.

wth a new unit it should d/l any software upgrades late night usually and be through with it in the first few days after connection to the tivo service.

is it still doing it? cable channels/cablecards installed yet?

I don't have cable and quite happy with my 20 or so OTA HD channels, so I will not be installing any cable cards. I will try the Live TV channel surfing tonight again to see if the unit continues to shut off by itself. The unit did shut off while surfing during the middle of the day on the day I signed up and once the day after, also during the daytime (not evening).

Hi. I am new to this group. I have been a Tivo Series 1 and 2 customer for about 5 years now. I bought the Series 3 about a week ago. Nice to record and display HD on my new Sony XBR2! However, I had a couple of problems that I wanted to ask about. One is pixelization of a couple of recorded programs. I have an attic antenna for OTA HD. The signal strength was about 60% for the channels that had the pixelization. I watched the same channel live and still noticed the pixelation. Is this problem related to signal strength and how Tivo "buffers" and displays the picture? I watched other recorderd shows with 90% signal strength with no problems.

My other problem occurs only when flipping channels on Live TV. The unit simply shut off and re-booted while changing channels. This happened about 3 times within the couple of days after installing. Is this a bug, or was software downloads forcing a reboot?

Thanks for any advice.It most likely has nothing to do with the unit - 60% signal strength is more than low enough to experience pixelation and dropouts. Usually, aroung 66% is right on the borderline, unless you happen to also have a pretty good signal-to-noise ratio.

Either try adding an amp (or a stronger one), or get that antenna out of the attic and on the roof, if you can't find a position for it inside where it will lock the signal better. Being in the attic is knocking down your signal strength at least enough to give you problems with those stations.

Thanks for the advice. I am glad it's most likely the signal strength,

I'll try rotating the antenna to see of I can optimize the direction for all channels ( I live 40 miles west of Boston, so am in a struggle to get Boston and Providence channels while keeping the antenna pointing in one direction.

Thanks for the advice. I am glad it's most likely the signal strength,

I'll try rotating the antenna to see of I can optimize the direction for all channels ( I live 40 miles west of Boston, so am in a struggle to get Boston and Providence channels while keeping the antenna pointing in one direction.

By all means, temporarily re-align the antenna and forego channels from one market for a few days while you test your new $600+ device :)

If it turns out to be signal-strength related, this is a solvable problem ... you don't want to miss the 30-day RMA window ;) I speculate that's all it will be, but peace of mind is worth temporarily missed channel duplicates :)

fwiw, I know MANY units that display Signal Strength are actually a S/N ratio meter with the name signal slapped on it - so people won't wonder what S/N is.

S/N is more important with a ATSC digital signal than the signal strength for the most part.

Has anyone found a way to get the programs off a Series 3 yet for permanent archiving?
Unless something has cropped up in the last day or so, no, there's currently no way to do that.

By all means, temporarily re-align the antenna and forego channels from one market for a few days while you test your new $600+ device :)

If it turns out to be signal-strength related, this is a solvable problem ... you don't want to miss the 30-day RMA window ;) I speculate that's all it will be, but peace of mind is worth temporarily missed channel duplicates :)
And if it isn't the S3, then he could get another antenna, point both where they need to be for best reception from each market, and use a join-tenna to hook them together for feeding the S3.

I am 30 plus miles out of Baltimore and 40 + miles from Washington DC. I use two Rat Shack yagis (available in store only) each aimed at the respective antenna farms. I used a simple splitter to combine them and they are working great for me.

Please forgive the question, but I'm new to the TiVo world. I never considered paying the monthly fee before because I would only be able to record OTA channels (I have a C/Ku satellite dish), but given the S3 is just about the only option currently in production to record ATSC HD, I'm looking.

I wanted to verify that there's no way to do any kind of commercial editing on TiVos - you can watch what you've recorded, and that's it. (Upgrading from an LG LST-3410a, which at least had rudimentary editing capabilities so you could both edit commericals from a stream as well as excess recording time on the head and tail of programs you wanted to keep.)

Thanks in advance…

Please forgive the question, but I'm new to the TiVo world. I never considered paying the monthly fee before because I would only be able to record OTA channels (I have a C/Ku satellite dish), but given the S3 is just about the only option currently in production to record ATSC HD, I'm looking.

I wanted to verify that there's no way to do any kind of commercial editing on TiVos - you can watch what you've recorded, and that's it. (Upgrading from an LG LST-3410a, which at least had rudimentary editing capabilities so you could both edit commericals from a stream as well as excess recording time on the head and tail of programs you wanted to keep.)

Thanks in advance…

You are correct - no editing capability.

ptvupgrade has an instacake cd with this software for $20 and you can find the 750gb sata drives for $285-350 which is alot cheaper than the $600 asking for the 750gb loaded upgrade drive from weakness, tcf. weakness does use the quieter/modified 750gb drives or the newer 35db drives so if that is a concern you can make that choice depending on noise, price and diy skills.Agreed...although Weaknees has the pre-loaded 750 GB DB35 now for $499 shipped.

Has anyone found a way to get the programs off a Series 3 yet for permanent archiving?

can you be more specific? do you mean via wireless to your computer? do you mean via an attached dvd recorder? etc. I have some of the same questions. On the S2 Tivo, you can do so via an attached dvd recorder (or vcr) by means of an RF connection. At least, according to the Tivo manual. While I haven't attempted any such copying yet, this instruction struck me as being odd. I thought the RF was only for passing through the antenna signal to other components w/ tuners? I assumed for copying purposes, one would have to connect the Tivo S2 to dvd recorder by composite or s-video cable?


Whichever the case, I wonder if the proceedure is still the same for the S3?

And if it isn't the S3, then he could get another antenna, point both where they need to be for best reception from each market, and use a join-tenna to hook them together for feeding the S3.

I tried to repoint my antenna and signal strength of 50 to 60 is as high as I get on two of my stations, which I believe is the cause of pixelization on my S3 unit. What is recommended for some sort of inline signal amplifier to boost the weaker signals?

Thanks

How far are you from the weaker stations and how far are you from the stronger ones? (You said 40 miles, but I don't think you specified which.)

I'm about 40 to 50 miles from the stronger Boston stations which give me 95+% strength. Two Providence stations are really the only ones I am having problems with. I am probably about 30 miles from Providence, but the stations are coming in weaker (approx. 60%).

How big is the difference in degrees between the directions?

They're all basically within 5 to 10 degrees on my rotor box, essentially lumped together.

can you be more specific?

I bet s/he is asking specifically about raw file copying of the Transport Stream (MPEG2 etc) file right off the TiVo hard drive :) The way it was broadcast!

Go here for some interesting discussion about the copy protection etc (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=328632) that blocks us from being able to do this.

I bet s/he is asking specifically about raw file copying of the Transport Stream (MPEG2 etc) file right off the TiVo hard drive :) The way it was broadcast!

Go here for some interesting discussion about the copy protection etc (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=328632) that blocks us from being able to do this.
Yes, I can almost guarantee that's what HDTVFanAtic was asking about.

They're all basically within 5 to 10 degrees on my rotor box, essentially lumped together.
Are you using a pre-amp at all? Putting a pre-amp on second antenna aimed at the weak stations would probably solve the problem. Trying to use the pre-amp on the same antenna with the stations that are already coming in strong may have adverse effects.

Check in the HDTV equipment threads and your local area thread to see what others in your area are doing.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25
HDTV Reception Hardware - AVS Forum

This thread lists all the area discussions,

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241
United States THREAD INDEX - find your local discussion thread HERE. - AVS Forum

and this one is specific to OTA antenna installations,

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=381623
The Official AVS Antenna Topic! - AVS Forum

Unless something has cropped up in the last day or so, no, there's currently no way to do that.

Obviously, there are devices for other DVRs - please let me know if you see something as cable is the full bandwidth/full rez version of HDNET I have any longer and this would solve the issue.

I bet s/he is asking specifically about raw file copying of the Transport Stream (MPEG2 etc) file right off the TiVo hard drive :) The way it was broadcast!

Go here for some interesting discussion about the copy protection etc (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=328632) that blocks us from being able to do this.


Well, as there is no raw elemental HD output on the TIVO units, you really aren't breaking the copy protection any more than the R5000HD unit is breaking it with their units.

However, I don't expect to read about this on the TIVO community forum if it becomes reality.

Well, as there is no raw elemental HD output on the TIVO units, you really aren't breaking the copy protection any more than the R5000HD unit is breaking it with their units.

However, I don't expect to read about this on the TIVO community forum if it becomes reality.

While I agree TCF isn't where you'll hear about any serious S3 hacks, I think you have your logic bass-ackwards in the initial statement. Or maybe I just didn't get it! :)

Well, I purchased an S3 last night, and I think it's going back.

Reasons:

1) No WPA for WiFi. My home network is WPA, enough said.
2) No 480i via HDMI

I've no idea why this one is true, it's got to be something the TiVo's doing.

I have a DVD player and an LST-3410a that will do 480i into my Panasonic plasma just fine, but with the S3 I get "No Signal" unless I have the TiVo convert 480i to something else.

I wanted to set the TiVo to "native" mode, just like my LST-3410a. Apparently for some reason the TiVo won't do it, or it's sending a signal that for some reason my Panasonic doesn't understand...

Why send a 480i signal (w/digital connection) to a fixed pixel display when 480p will improve the picture?

Why send a 480i signal (w/digital connection) to a fixed pixel display when 480p will improve the picture?Find a way to do that and I will. In fact, if the Tivo would do "Native" except send 480p for 480i, all would work well, but it won't.

If I want 480p, I would either have to use 720p Hybrid or 1080i Hybrid, and I think my Panny looks best displaying each type of HD broadcast at its native resolution. There's unfortunately no way for me to do that.

I hear you... I was very interested in the S3 but being married to my cable provider and based on my experience with a one-way CableCARD, I've ruled out a TiVo HD DVR out for the time being.

With Time Warner Cable, their SA8300 & a TH-50PX50U my experience has been that 480p & 1080i looks best on my PDP. The 50/500Us do a notoriously poor job with 720p so an S3 set to 480p/1080i Hybrid mode would most likely be a good solution for me.

If your PDP is a 60/600U my impression is Panasonic made significant changes from the 5 --> 6 series video processing so your experience may be different.

Why send a 480i signal (w/digital connection) to a fixed pixel display when 480p will improve the picture?

I would think it depends on which device has a better deinterlacer, no?

Well, I purchased an S3 last night, and I think it's going back.

Reasons:

1) No WPA for WiFi. My home network is WPA, enough said.
2) No 480i via HDMI

I've no idea why this one is true, it's got to be something the TiVo's doing.

I have a DVD player and an LST-3410a that will do 480i into my Panasonic plasma just fine, but with the S3 I get "No Signal" unless I have the TiVo convert 480i to something else.

I wanted to set the TiVo to "native" mode, just like my LST-3410a. Apparently for some reason the TiVo won't do it, or it's sending a signal that for some reason my Panasonic doesn't understand...

WPA is coming for the TiVo wireless adapter. It's already arrived for the S2, and should arrive when the S3 is updated to that code base.

Should you not be able to wait, there are other fairly simply methods to attach a TiVo to a WPA network today. I'd suggest picking up a wireless "game adapter" (which takes in wired Ethernet and attaches to a wireless network), or getting a wireless router that can be flashed with 3rd party firmware to enable "client bridge" mode. The Linksys WRT54G/WRT54GL running DD-WRT can do this. If you're interested, PM me and I'll hook you up with the details.

I would think it depends on which device has a better deinterlacer, no?

Definitely.

"No 480i via HDMI"
wins!

(Most Inane Reason for S3 Dissatisfaction)

1) No WPA for WiFi. My home network is WPA, enough said.FWIW, this will almost surely be addressed in an upcoming software update.

FWIW, this will almost surely be addressed in an upcoming software update.

I think I read that this WPA support will only work with the latest Tivo Wireless G network adapters... I don't think 3rd party ones will be supported for WPA.

In what menu on the Tivo 3 can you see the disk capacity and remaining space?

In what menu on the Tivo 3 can you see the disk capacity and remaining space?

You cant get the remaining space. You cant get the capacity in GB either afaik... you can get total capacity estimate in hours in settings/account and system information/system information.

Is a software update coming soon? Also, will it address an issue I have where my S3 unit powers down and reboots unexpectedly while I surf channels on Live TV with the remote? I have antenna with OTA HD signals. I logged this with TIVO today. I saw some TIVO community posts that hinted at this problem, but never really found a resolution or cause - just a hint that an update was coming within the next week or two that could resolve this item. The TIVO rep seemed aware of the issue, and told me that I would be contacted by email with a response later today or tomorrow, after he handed it over to the "techies".

Is a software update coming soon? Also, will it address an issue I have where my S3 unit powers down and reboots unexpectedly while I surf channels on Live TV with the remote? I have antenna with OTA HD signals. I logged this with TIVO today. I saw some TIVO community posts that hinted at this problem, but never really found a resolution or cause - just a hint that an update was coming within the next week or two that could resolve this item. The TIVO rep seemed aware of the issue, and told me that I would be contacted by email with a response later today or tomorrow, after he handed it over to the "techies".

Everyone is waiting for the next update which is supposed to come this month but there is a lot of speculation on when it might actually arrive. The biggest hoped for feature is the activation of eSATA but I don't think anyone knows for sure if this update will include eSATA functionality. In fact, I don't think anyone knows any of the details of what will be included in the update.

All I know is the TiVo web site says that WPA is supported for S2 and S3 (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=8e566f54-a3ce-4b0c-9d8d-796e2052076b); unfortunately you only find out after purchase that the required software revision "8.1 or above" does not yet exist for the S3 (there's no way to find out the software revision on the outside of the box before purchase), and there's no release date of any kind committed to for when or even if the mythical 8.1 will appear for the S3. :(

All I know is the TiVo web site says that WPA is supported for S2 and S3 (http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=8e566f54-a3ce-4b0c-9d8d-796e2052076b); unfortunately you only find out after purchase that the required software revision "8.1 or above" does not yet exist for the S3 (there's no way to find out the software revision on the outside of the box before purchase), and there's no release date of any kind committed to for when or even if the mythical 8.1 will appear for the S3. :(

Are you here only to gripe about the situation ? Kinda sounds like it to me...

However, if you're interested in the fact that you can do WPA TODAY (as I suggested in my earlier post) feel free to ask here or PM me. Otherwise, it's just starting to sound like sour grapes and needless whining.

sweetp,

There is a thread over at tivo community about some channel, 4.1 I believe, iin the LA area causiog spontaneous reboots.

I have a S3 with OTA and never have had a problem with it.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/earnings/2006-11-29-tivo-usat_x.htm?ord=2

Struggling TiVo insists the sun'll come out tomorrow
Posted 11/29/2006 11:08 PM ET

By David Lieberman, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — TiVo shares (TIVO) fell 5.7% in after-hours trading Wednesday after the DVR pioneer reported revenue short of its forecast for the quarter that ended in October.
It also said that holiday season marketing costs, including DVR rebates of as much as 100%, will push the current quarter's net loss to as much as $38 million.

"The company is burning a lot of cash and is showing little growth," says Oppenheimer's Alan Bezoza.

TiVo reported a net gain of 16,000 subscriptions in the quarter, for a total of about 4.4 million.

CEO Tom Rogers told analysts in a conference call to have faith in his efforts to establish TiVo as a premium alternative to cable and satellite in-house DVRs that cost less but have fewer features.

"We have all the pieces in place to be a leading force in the future of television worldwide," he says.

He has a lot of persuading to do.

"It's hard to be optimistic for them right now," says Jimmy Schaeffler, chairman of The Carmel Group.

TiVo posted a net loss of $11.1 million in the third quarter, compared with a $14.2 million loss last year, on revenue of $65.7 million, up 32%. The 12-cents-a-share loss beat the 14 cents forecast by analysts, says Thomson Financial.

Lack of subscriber momentum has taken a toll on its stock, which closed before the report at $6.29. That's off 27% since an April 17 jump when a court said EchoStar infringed on its patents.

Subscription growth fell dramatically last year after DirecTV began promoting its own DVR rather than TiVo service.

The hope was that deals with cable operators would make up the slack. But Comcast, which said last year that it would offer TiVo in most of its markets by the end of 2006, now says market trials won't start until the first half of 2007. Cox and Cablevision Mexico also plan to offer TiVo.

That leaves TiVo for now trying to attract customers on its own with ads and rebates. But it also raised subscription prices twice this year for new customers. Those who sign up for one year will shell out $19.95 a month — up from $12.95 before this month and $9.95 before April. TiVo offers lower rates for those who prepay or commit to more than a year. About half of new subscribers sign up for three years.

Rogers says clouds should part next year as those payments flow in, along with revenue from cable subscriptions and advertisers. TiVo said this week that it will tack advertising onto the screen users see when they're done watching a show and must choose whether to save or delete it.

I think I read that this WPA support will only work with the latest Tivo Wireless G network adapters... I don't think 3rd party ones will be supported for WPA.Well worth the upgrade. The TiVo adapters make everything about HMO much much better.

Well worth the upgrade. The TiVo adapters make everything about HMO much much better.

True, but not the complete story. TiVo custom designed their adapter such that they could offload a lot of the CPU-intensive wireless encryption from the main TiVo unit to the adapter. Makes for faster transfers, because the CPU is less bogged down.

You can get the same effect by taking wired ethernet out of the TiVo, into a "gaming adapter" or other wireless router-type device and get the same effect, since the TiVo won't have to do any of the encryption (the wireless unit does). The side benefit is that you can use this wireless solution in other situations as well, should your TiVo break or what have you.

You can get the same effect by taking wired ethernet out of the TiVo, into a "gaming adapter" or other wireless router-type device and get the same effect, since the TiVo won't have to do any of the encryption (the wireless unit does). The side benefit is that you can use this wireless solution in other situations as well, should your TiVo break or what have you.

Exactly. This is what is referred to as the "Ultimate Wireless Network" (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2764372&&#post2764372) in a grandiose(ly named) thread on the TiVo forums. :)

I use four sub-$20 Belkin 7230-04 (older version, newer one won't work) routers in bridge mode for a four-point 16-port (well, more with switches of course) wired network throughout my home. Works GREAT! WPA hurts performance and reliability a wee bit, so I run them WEPed, but with relatively restrictive MAC filtering. They only talk to each other, and a MAC spoof hack attempt would drop the entire network (bridged part of the) because of the bridging dependancies/paths I've set up; I also don't let any wireless 'devices' connect to these routers - they only connect to the 'parent' (upstream) router (which is the ONLY router running as a router, and does static DHCP for the ENTIRE network) running G with WPA (or sometimes just B with WEP) on a separate channel. Feels safe enough for my neighborhood with at least 10 other unprotected networks (with linksys, default, dlink etc as the SSIDs!, even!) the hackers could use ;)

Exactly. This is what is referred to as the "Ultimate Wireless Network" (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=2764372&&#post2764372) in a grandiose(ly named) thread on the TiVo forums. :)

I use four sub-$20 Belkin 7230-04 (older version, newer one won't work) routers in bridge mode for a four-point 16-port (well, more with switches of course) wired network throughout my home. Works GREAT! WPA hurts performance and reliability a wee bit, so I run them WEPed, but with relatively restrictive MAC filtering. They only talk to each other, and a MAC spoof hack attempt would drop the entire network (bridged part of the) because of the bridging dependancies/paths I've set up; I also don't let any wireless 'devices' connect to these routers - they only connect to the 'parent' (upstream) router (which is the ONLY router running as a router, and does static DHCP for the ENTIRE network) running G with WPA (or sometimes just B with WEP) on a separate channel. Feels safe enough for my neighborhood with at least 10 other unprotected networks (with linksys, default, dlink etc as the SSIDs!, even!) the hackers could use ;)


Yup. That's exactly what I was referring to, Ashu(toshsm).

The routers I used were Buffalo Wireless-G units HERE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162173) which get the job done very nicely as well, and you don't have to scavenge around to find them. Only $40 a pop.

I saw a page back or so that someone mentioned S1 owners can get a single free sub transfer - is this true? If so that makes buying an S3 much more palatable to me.

I saw a page back or so that someone mentioned S1 owners can get a single free sub transfer - is this true? If so that makes buying an S3 much more palatable to me.

IFF your Lifetimed S1 was Lifetimed prior to some VERY fixed cutoff date way back in 2000.

Yes, you get one lifetime subscription transfer free if you purchased your initial Tivo (with lifetime subscription)before a specific date in January of 2000- I dont remember the specific date but I think it's was around the 20th- I got my first Tivo in Sept of 1999 (cant believe it lasted this long!) and just bought a S3 from Amazon- I called Tivo to do the transfer and they did it with no problems.

I'm relatively new to the TIVO network connection features. I have connected wirelessly, with a D-link DWL-G120 USB adapter. However, the signal detection keeps varying from excellent signal, then to no signal, and also no network detection. If I disconnect and reconnect the adapter, the TIVO series 2 does a reboot. This, obviously is causing transfer interrupts on the Tivo desktop software. The network adapter works fine on a laptop, and maintains an excellet signal. Does the Tivo have trouble recognizing the network signal? I have ordered two of the Tivo adapters (will also be connecting my new S3 unit). I have also read discussion posts on software problems with file transfers being interrupted frequencntly. Any progress on this?

Thanks

I'm relatively new to the TIVO network connection features. I have connected wirelessly, with a D-link DWL-G120 USB adapter. However, the signal detection keeps varying from excellent signal, then to no signal, and also no network detection. If I disconnect and reconnect the adapter, the TIVO series 2 does a reboot. This, obviously is causing transfer interrupts on the Tivo desktop software. The network adapter works fine on a laptop, and maintains an excellet signal. Does the Tivo have trouble recognizing the network signal? I have ordered two of the Tivo adapters (will also be connecting my new S3 unit). I have also read discussion posts on software problems with file transfers being interrupted frequencntly. Any progress on this?

Thanks

Is the adapter you are using listed on Tivo's website as a supported adapter? I thought they had a list out there once upon a time...

Mine is listed on their site for S2 units

I called Tivo last Friday to transfer my S1 lifetime subscription to my S3. On Monday I noticed that my S1 still has a lifetime subscription and my S3 has a one year prepaid. It's also that way when I check it online under "manage my accounts". I called Tivo back and they told me that they have the transfer setup in their system but it may take up to 90 days before the transfer actually takes effect. Tivo's credit card system works much quicker however, it took less than 24 hours to charge me for this. :rolleyes:
Has anyone else run into this?

Please excuse me for being dense, but without some of the lacking features for moving movies around, is there any advantage of using a wireless network over a telephone line?

Isn't it just a matter of how long it takes to download program guide updates?

Please excuse me for being dense, but without some of the lacking features for moving movies around, is there any advantage of using a wireless network over a telephone line?

Isn't it just a matter of how long it takes to download program guide updates?

For now, yes (I'm optimistic about at least MRV between units, if not TTG to/from PCs)

Oh, and HMO (internet features, music, whatnot from your PC) will not work without a network setup.

I called Tivo last Friday to transfer my S1 lifetime subscription to my S3. On Monday I noticed that my S1 still has a lifetime subscription and my S3 has a one year prepaid. It's also that way when I check it online under "manage my accounts". I called Tivo back and they told me that they have the transfer setup in their system but it may take up to 90 days before the transfer actually takes effect. Tivo's credit card system works much quicker however, it took less than 24 hours to charge me for this. :rolleyes:
Has anyone else run into this?

They just want to ensure yu don't return/RMA/exchange/cancel/dump the S3.

People are FINALLY reoprting Lifetime switches taking effect ... one person on day 71 on the TiVo forums.

Relax (I'd even say 'Chill', but that might appear to sound demeaning) ... it's not like they're charging you extra or that either of your TiVos (S2 or S3) will cease to function anytime in the interim.

ashu,

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like you are up to speed on wireless networks so perhaps you can answer this question.

Are wireless networks (the kind that work with an S3) robust enough to transfer HD content? Seems that I read on an unrelated thread about wireless networks not having that kind of bandwidth.

Please excuse me for being dense, but without some of the lacking features for moving movies around, is there any advantage of using a wireless network over a telephone line?

Isn't it just a matter of how long it takes to download program guide updates?It's not a matter of wireless versus phone line; it's wired/wireless ethernet using broadband versus phone line. The advantage for me is online scheduling. I can schedule a show online from work, and have it programmed into the TiVo within an hour using broadband (since it checks every hour or so). With a phone line connection, it only dials up once every 28 hours or so.

I called Tivo last Friday to transfer my S1 lifetime subscription to my S3. On Monday I noticed that my S1 still has a lifetime subscription and my S3 has a one year prepaid. It's also that way when I check it online under "manage my accounts". I called Tivo back and they told me that they have the transfer setup in their system but it may take up to 90 days before the transfer actually takes effect. Tivo's credit card system works much quicker however, it took less than 24 hours to charge me for this. :rolleyes:
Has anyone else run into this?

I called TIVO with the same question, as I noticed the same thing on the web site. They said it takes a few weeks to take affect. However, it looks like I'll have to wait that time to try out the functionality of tranferring recordings to my PC or other S2 unit I have (I am retiring my S1 unit after 5 years of flawless service!), as the web site states that my S3 unit will not allow tranfers, nor can I change it right now. I suspect I will be able to change it once the subscription transfer takes place.

ashu,

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds like you are up to speed on wireless networks so perhaps you can answer this question.

Are wireless networks (the kind that work with an S3) robust enough to transfer HD content? Seems that I read on an unrelated thread about wireless networks not having that kind of bandwidth.

(bear in mind TiVo hasn't been authorized by dog-in-the-manger CableLabs to turn on MRV/TTG yet, so no one knows if the S3 will use the same method, but ...) TiVo's show transfer paradigm is literally that - a FULL transfer. A copy results on the detination TiVo, and the original stays on the source. If they do thiw with HD, it'll just take longer to transfer depending on how slow your network is, but I don't see that as being a detriment, unless you don't plan ahead and want to transfer ashow NOW and start watching it right away. Wireless likely will not easily stream HD at realtime speeds.

FWIW, TiVo's wireless adapter (the fastest for TiVo-TiVo transfers for now) transfers even Best QUality SD programs at way over realtime, so you can start a transfer, start viewing, and skip ads as the transfer builds up. (Even) Quicker for Medium/High etc of course.

With HD (and other digitally encoded channels) the programming is NOT re-encoded by the S3, and the actual file broadcast & saved to the disk will proceed to transfer (I assume). This compressed encoding at the source is usually AY more efficient than what an SD TiVos' onboard compression algorithms can achieve, so I'm not overly concerned about having a satisfactory wireless transfer experience when (if?) TTG/MRV is enabled on the S3.

I called TIVO with the same question, as I noticed the same thing on the web site. They said it takes a few weeks to take affect. However, it looks like I'll have to wait that time to try out the functionality of tranferring recordings to my PC or other S2 unit I have (I am retiring my S1 unit after 5 years of flawless service!), as the web site states that my S3 unit will not allow tranfers, nor can I change it right now. I suspect I will be able to change it once the subscription transfer takes place.

You can change the settings until you're blue in the face ... Cable Labs has (so far)r efused to allow TTG/MRV off the TiVo. Most people expect it WILL be approved and enabeld sometime next year.

To reiterate, this is not functionality you have lost or are missing out on being able to use AS A RESULT of the Lifetime transfer.

Contact your senators/whoever has clout with cable companies/CableLabs if you want the process accelerated :p

With HD (and other digitally encoded channels) the programming is NOT re-encoded by the S3, and the actual file broadcast & saved to the disk will proceed to transfer (I assume). This compressed encoding at the source is usually AY more efficient than what an SD TiVos' onboard compression algorithms can achieve, so I'm not overly concerned about having a satisfactory wireless transfer experience when (if?) TTG/MRV is enabled on the S3.

I think that the sheer size of an HD program will cause it to be slow in transferring. Isn't the approximate figure about 1GB per hour of hard drive space for HD content? It might transfer, but it will probably require a head start in transferring before you can start watching...

(bear in mind TiVo hasn't been authorized by dog-in-the-manger CableLabs to turn on MRV/TTG yet, so no one knows if the S3 will use the same method, but ...) TiVo's show transfer paradigm is literally that - a FULL transfer. A copy results on the detination TiVo, and the original stays on the source. If they do thiw with HD, it'll just take longer to transfer depending on how slow your network is, but I don't see that as being a detriment, unless you don't plan ahead and want to transfer ashow NOW and start watching it right away. Wireless likely will not easily stream HD at realtime speeds.

FWIW, TiVo's wireless adapter (the fastest for TiVo-TiVo transfers for now) transfers even Best QUality SD programs at way over realtime, so you can start a transfer, start viewing, and skip ads as the transfer builds up. (Even) Quicker for Medium/High etc of course.

With HD (and other digitally encoded channels) the programming is NOT re-encoded by the S3, and the actual file broadcast & saved to the disk will proceed to transfer (I assume). This compressed encoding at the source is usually AY more efficient than what an SD TiVos' onboard compression algorithms can achieve, so I'm not overly concerned about having a satisfactory wireless transfer experience when (if?) TTG/MRV is enabled on the S3.


I'll just add a bit to Ashu's detailed post.

Some rough numbers :

SD streams typically play out to anywhere between 2-4 megabits/second.
HD streams can play out anywhere between 10-19 megabits/second, although most 1080i channels stay close to the full 19.2Mbps.
802.11g wireless networks theoretically can handle up to 54Mbps, but typically you'll see ranges in the 20-25 Mbps region.
802.11N wireless networks can offer enormous throughputs in the 100's of megabits/second range, but they're not officially standardized, and I wouldn't touch 'em with a 10' pole unless you're willing to throw away the gear for standards-based gear in a year or two.

Having said all that, should MRV and/or TTG eventually happen you'll definitely be able to stream HD content. However, the trick is how quickly the content gets from TiVo1 to TiVo2 to being (and maintain) streaming the feed, such that you can watch the program. Certainly today, SD streams are easily streamed in real time, if you do things the right way. However, the larger bandwidth of HD streams puts us into unfamiliar territory performance-wise with the TiVo hardware. It may be able to handle HD streams real-time, and maybe not. If it can't do them real-time, you'll have to wait for the stream to buffer before you can watch it.

I think that the sheer size of an HD program will cause it to be slow in transferring. Isn't the approximate figure about 1GB per hour of hard drive space for HD content? It might transfer, but it will probably require a head start in transferring before you can start watching...

Yup.

At the full 19.2Mbps, 1 hour of HD gets you 1.1GB. It's not the overall size of the program that is the worry, it's the difference between the bandwidth of the program (19.2Mbps) versus the bandwidth of the network (802.11g = 54Mbps). If the network can't keep up, you'll have to buffer some of the program before watching.

We also don't know how quickly the TiVo can pump data to a network from disk. Unless they're DMA'ing the data directly from the disk to the ethernet driver, the CPU's gonna have to be involved in the transfer. And the TiVo doesn't exactly have a screamer for a CPU...

Most folks have measured local HD channels to be 'only' 12-14 mbps (for the 1080is, a wee bit less for the 720ps, oddly, IIRC!) because some fo the allocated 19.2MBPS spectrum is used for the -2, -3 etc sub channels carrying weather and other (IMO) pointless crud :p

This does make the transfer equation easier.

Also, in response to spiff, I should have clarified I was comparing digitally transmitted (& recorded) SD streams (like the aforementioned x-2, x-3 subchannels) to the TiVo encoded MPEG file from analog SD sources.

At the full 19.2Mbps, 1 hour of HD gets you 1.1GB.Correction, 19.4 Mbps equates to ~8.6 gigabytes per hour.

yup give or take a byte or two depending on the source recording from the digital/HD content uses 7-9 gb per hour for the hd tivo and the S3.

They just want to ensure yu don't return/RMA/exchange/cancel/dump the S3.

People are FINALLY reoprting Lifetime switches taking effect ... one person on day 71 on the TiVo forums.

Relax (I'd even say 'Chill', but that might appear to sound demeaning) ... it's not like they're charging you extra or that either of your TiVos (S2 or S3) will cease to function anytime in the interim.

I just wanted to make sure that others were seeing the same thing. I don't care if it takes 6 months, as long as it actually happens before the year is up. The thing that concerned me is that 90 days takes me outside of the deadline for calling Tivo for the lifetime transfer. I don't want a situation where I call them back next year and they tell me that they have no record of this and it is too late and the transfer deal has expired.
In the meantime I'll just sit back and enjoy my new toy.

I just wanted to make sure that others were seeing the same thing. I don't care if it takes 6 months, as long as it actually happens before the year is up. The thing that concerned me is that 90 days takes me outside of the deadline for calling Tivo for the lifetime transfer. I don't want a situation where I call them back next year and they tell me that they have no record of this and it is too late and the transfer deal has expired.
In the meantime I'll just sit back and enjoy my new toy.

You have a very specific charge on your credit card statement, you'll be fine :)

Correction, 19.4 Mbps equates to ~8.6 gigabytes per hour.

Whoops! You're right. I did the math too fast... :)

Before I ask TIVO about this, I'd like to get heads-up advice and information from you folks.

I just ordered a Series 3 and I am planning to transfer one of my lifetime subscriptions. I have two TIVO boxes, one a Series 1 and the other a Series 2. Both have lifetime subscriptions.

I would like to transfer from the Series 1 box, but here's the problem: The box works but the modem doesn't (and the Series 1 didn't come with an Ethernet connection), so there's no communication to the box. As I understand it the lifetime subscription refers to the life of the box. So the question is, does my Series 1 count as living? Can I transfer the Series 1 subscription even though I haven't used it in years and the modem doesn't work?

Sorry if this has been covered b4, can the cable card on the TiVo play Center Ice, Season Pass, etc?

Yes, lifetime still counts even if the box is technically incommunicado. The only thing you must connect to the network for (every six months) is MSD eligibility.

bicker1, thanks for the reply. Forgive me for my ignorance but what is "MSD eligibility"?

bicker1, thanks for the reply. Forgive me for my ignorance but what is "MSD eligibility"?

Multi System Discount.

Full monthly price for TiVo #1 (or Lifetime), discounted monthly price for TiVo #2, #3, #4, etc.


Jerry

Quick question..

If I hook up my soon to be purchased Tivo Series 3 via an HDMI to DVI-D cable to my Dell Monitor, how would I get sound?

The Dell dosn't have speakers. Would the signal somehow be routed back to the computer?

Also, at Tivo.com it says get a Tivo Box free when you sign up for a service plan. How come when I chose Series 3, and a 3 year plan the price came out over 800? :)

Quick question..

If I hook up my soon to be purchased Tivo Series 3 via an HDMI to DVI-D cable to my Dell Monitor, how would I get sound?

The Dell dosn't have speakers. Would the signal somehow be routed back to the computer?

Also, at Tivo.com it says get a Tivo Box free when you sign up for a service plan. How come when I chose Series 3, and a 3 year plan the price came out over 800? :)

The sound would have to be sent via either the analog audio outputs to a stereo receiver or via the digital out (optical) to a stereo receiver. A DVI-D connector doesn't pass audio as I understand it.

The free Tivo box is for the series 2 boxes (single tuner only, I think).

Ahh, OK.

I bought the cable and hooked it up to my Standard 8300 HD just to test it out. The picture looks great, but the colors don't look lifelike. You REALLY notice a difference when viewing it next to the standard ATI output in terms of clear sharpness. So at least I know this will work if I get the Tivo.

But does a Cablecard really deliver a better picture/color than the standard smart card the 8300 uses? I notice the colors look muted compared to the TV downstairs..and it dosen't look as sharp as a result.

Ahh, OK.

I bought the cable and hooked it up to my Standard 8300 HD just to test it out. The picture looks great, but the colors don't look lifelike. You REALLY notice a difference when viewing it next to the standard ATI output in terms of clear sharpness. So at least I know this will work if I get the Tivo.

But does a Cablecard really deliver a better picture/color than the standard smart card the 8300 uses? I notice the colors look muted compared to the TV downstairs..and it dosen't look as sharp as a result.


I can tell you that on my system with a 8300HD and a cablecard IN THE TV, the cablecard wins hands down.

I attribute this to the interface connection electronics in the STB and the TV input.

With the cablecard in the TV, all that is bypassed - and thus the better picture as no Analog or Digital interfaces are needed - just simply inserting the elementals on the circuitboard of the set.

With the S3, you are back to the interfaces between an STB and the TV, so I suspect it has to do with with how well those interfaces are built on both components.

I am seriously considering such a switch. I had a DirecTV HR10-250, so I am very familiar with TiVo, and know how superior TiVo is to other DVRs, but I need to justify the expense, now that I am with Comcast.

What is really making me hesitant is the myriad reported problems getting the CableCards to work and other glitches in the Series 3 itself. Has anyone made the switch from a Comcast Moto box (I have a 3416, BTW) to a Series 3 TiVo and been thrilled with the decision? Forget the cost for just a minute: I am focusing on the ease of use (including technical problems or lack thereof)/viewing experience.

Thanks for your help!

Yes. Many people are using the TiVo Series 3 with CableCards and having excellent results. The vast majority. There are, however, a number of us, myself included, who could not get reliable service from the Series 3 with CableCards, within the 30 day window they allow for refunds on return, despite rather remarkable efforts on the part of both ourselves and our cable companies. However, again, the vast majority are not having such problems. So, for you, if the cost is no issue for you, then just be sure you get a 30 day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, and make sure you're meticulously responsible about utilizing that time to see if you can get a good couple of weeks without glitches from your Series 3. If you can, then great. Otherwise, if you have any concerns, return it.

I can tell you that on my system with a 8300HD and a cablecard IN THE TV, the cablecard wins hands down.

I attribute this to the interface connection electronics in the STB and the TV input.

With the cablecard in the TV, all that is bypassed - and thus the better picture as no Analog or Digital interfaces are needed - just simply inserting the elementals on the circuitboard of the set.

With the S3, you are back to the interfaces between an STB and the TV, so I suspect it has to do with with how well those interfaces are built on both components.


Is there any way to adjust the Tivo Color settings to match the TV's so you get as good a picture as you would with just the cablecard? i know you can't on the 8300HD..

geodon005

Even though I have an S3, I would have a hard time recommending it.

The two main reasons is that you're in a bad situation when Tivo and the cable company each point at each other saying that its each other's fault for the S3 not working right. There are still bugs and the software update expected in November never materialized. The other reason is that Tivo is loosing too much money financially to be able to last indefinately in its present form. If they close up, where would you get it fixed or updated?

I can tell you that on my system with a 8300HD and a cablecard IN THE TV, the cablecard wins hands down.

I attribute this to the interface connection electronics in the STB and the TV input.

With the cablecard in the TV, all that is bypassed - and thus the better picture as no Analog or Digital interfaces are needed - just simply inserting the elementals on the circuitboard of the set.

With the S3, you are back to the interfaces between an STB and the TV, so I suspect it has to do with with how well those interfaces are built on both components.

I think you're way off track here. If your 8300 is off, then its probably an issue with the 8300.

One of the advantages of the S3 is more accurate color that meets THX standards. I've also found it not to have the artificial edge enhancement that the Motorola 6412 has.

Is there any way to adjust the Tivo Color settings to match the TV's so you get as good a picture as you would with just the cablecard? i know you can't on the 8300HD..

There are no color adjustments on the Tivo S3, probably because it doesn't need it. Color is very accurate. If the OTA channel input on your TV is different, I'd take a look at the color settings on the TV. This can be a problem in that the service menu settings might be different even if the user level setting show the same.

I don't understand why people are asking about "CableCard picture quality". The cable card merely facilitates the decryption. The video displayed is the video stream transmitted from the cable company, for ALL channels, after being run through the TiVo's (rather good, better than my moto 6412, IMO) MPEG2 decoder.

Again, folks, the CableCard doesn't affect picture quality. You can't set the CableCard's (or the TiVo's) colors. All picture quality adjustments are to be carried out on your TV.

Think of the CableCard merely as a 'permission slip'. Not the school, nor the student, nor the teacher. All of those are constants. ((Hmm, the high school analogy seems too far-fethced and no longer even makes sense to me! :) )

I am seriously considering such a switch. I had a DirecTV HR10-250, so I am very familiar with TiVo, and know how superior TiVo is to other DVRs, but I need to justify the expense, now that I am with Comcast.

What is really making me hesitant is the myriad reported problems getting the CableCards to work and other glitches in the Series 3 itself. Has anyone made the switch from a Comcast Moto box (I have a 3416, BTW) to a Series 3 TiVo and been thrilled with the decision? Forget the cost for just a minute: I am focusing on the ease of use (including technical problems or lack thereof)/viewing experience.

Thanks for your help!

I am very happy that I got rid of my Motorola box and transferred my lifetime service form a series 1. I did have a cablecard issue with MaxHD causing my box to reboot, but I finally connected with a cablecard tech who was able to reset my cards and solve the toxic channel problem. The 6412 is a piece of junk compared to the TiVo3. It's worth switching and if you end up with any bugs, you can try exchanging your box or even return it.

geodon005

Even though I have an S3, I would have a hard time recommending it.

The two main reasons is that you're in a bad situation when Tivo and the cable company each point at each other saying that its each other's fault for the S3 not working right. There are still bugs and the software update expected in November never materialized. The other reason is that Tivo is loosing too much money financially to be able to last indefinately in its present form. If they close up, where would you get it fixed or updated?
Well, I can recommend it. I've had no problems, TWC actually bent over backwards to make sure it went smoothly. There are no bugs in my software, it works just as it should. And people have been announcing the death of TiVo for many years now.

Well, I can recommend it. I've had no problems, TWC actually bent over backwards to make sure it went smoothly. There are no bugs in my software, it works just as it should. And people have been announcing the death of TiVo for many years now.

Agreed.

I think you're way off track here. If your 8300 is off, then its probably an issue with the 8300.

One of the advantages of the S3 is more accurate color that meets THX standards. I've also found it not to have the artificial edge enhancement that the Motorola 6412 has.
Well, he did say,

With the S3, you are back to the interfaces between an STB and the TV, so I suspect it has to do with with how well those interfaces are built on both components.

The cable STBs are generally using the "cheapest we can get away with" decoders and scaler/deinterlacers and that is usually where the performance takes a hit. The S3 provides as good a picture as I got with my CC equipped display, IOW, as if the S3 was not even in the signal path. The inclusion of native output makes it a clear winner for those with outboard video processors.

Can the Cablecard on the Series 3 TiVo play Center Ice, Season Pass, Etc?

I am seriously considering such a switch. I had a DirecTV HR10-250, so I am very familiar with TiVo, and know how superior TiVo is to other DVRs, but I need to justify the expense, now that I am with Comcast.

What is really making me hesitant is the myriad reported problems getting the CableCards to work and other glitches in the Series 3 itself. Has anyone made the switch from a Comcast Moto box (I have a 3416, BTW) to a Series 3 TiVo and been thrilled with the decision? Forget the cost for just a minute: I am focusing on the ease of use (including technical problems or lack thereof)/viewing experience.

Thanks for your help!


I'm very happy with my S3 and Comcast - replaced a Moto DVR. Installation and setup of the cablecards required a Comcast visit (at least here in the Pittsburgh area), took only about 10 minutes, and has been trouble free. The Tivo user interface is a bit sluggish for some things, but is much more pleasant than the Moto.

Can the Cablecard on the Series 3 TiVo play Center Ice, Season Pass, Etc?

nope

you need two way communication for that kind of content

cablecard is currently one way communication

Yesterday, while watching two different recordings of football, I got spontaneous reboots at specific times. More here:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4639804&&#post4639804

nope

you need two way communication for that kind of content

cablecard is currently one way communication


Uggh, deal breaker. Thanks for the reply. :(

Why does that kind of prgraming need two way communication but something like HBO does not?

Uggh, deal breaker. Thanks for the reply. :(

Why does that kind of prgraming need two way communication but something like HBO does not?

It doesn't. If your cable company puts Center Ice games on specific channels you'll be able to watch. You can't order games through the Tivo like you can a cable box, but you can still call the cable company and order.

Uggh, deal breaker. Thanks for the reply. :(

Why does that kind of prgraming need two way communication but something like HBO does not?

HBO is pre-authorized for your account, and the table of channels available VS channels viewable is stored on the CableCard when this (one-way, pushed from the head-end) auth happens. Nothing two-way there.

PPV and inDemand etc requires a request-, response-caapable protocol. more messy.

And it's in the Cable Cos' best interest, so far, to force their own (icky) box down users' gullets if inDemand is THAT important to them (Step 3 - Profit!!!)

(pardon my cynicism)

This might be bad news for those of us waiting for this feature on the S3.

http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2006/12/tivotogo_cracke.html

HBO is pre-authorized for your account, and the table of channels available VS channels viewable is stored on the CableCard when this (one-way, pushed from the head-end) auth happens. Nothing two-way there.

PPV and inDemand etc requires a request-, response-caapable protocol. more messy.

And it's in the Cable Cos' best interest, so far, to force their own (icky) box down users' gullets if inDemand is THAT important to them (Step 3 - Profit!!!)

(pardon my cynicism)




Center Ice is a one time order just like adding HBO. So if you change any programming on your system does the card need to be reset?

It doesn't. If your cable company puts Center Ice games on specific channels you'll be able to watch. You can't order games through the Tivo like you can a cable box, but you can still call the cable company and order.


So million dollar question is, does anyone in this thread get Center Ice and or Season Pass w/ their Series 3 TiVo?

I bought an S1 in 2000 and loved it. I finally stopped using it when Cox OKC made a Scientific Atlantic HD DVR available for rent. It’s software is not in the same world with TiVo’s but it works and I pay only $9.95 a month for it. Nevertheless, for awhile I seriously considered buying an S3 but have reluctantly concluded that as matters now stand there are simply too many negatives for me to do so. Let me count the ways.

First, at $800 for the box (or a hundred or so dollars less if you shop around) plus $200 to transfer the lifetime subscription from my S1 to a new S3 the price is, in my estimation at least, obscenely excessive compared to what I pay for my two humble SA 8300HD boxes.

Second, Cox and other cable providers are routinely charging two monthly gateway fees for the two CableCARDs each S3 requires, although they charge only one gateway fee for their own HD boxes, which also have two tuners. Worse, the current CableCARDs are crippled in that they lack the capability to provide On Demand service.

Third, the implementation of CableCARD technology has been terrible so far, causing much dissatisfaction and, alas, not having shown much if any improvement in recent months.

In summary, if TiVo expects to turn around its fortunes with the S3, a lot is going to have to change first. So, where the S3 is concerned, as the old Hollywood mogul, Sam Goldwyn put it, “Include me out.”

However, if you're interested in the fact that you can do WPA TODAY (as I suggested in my earlier post) feel free to ask here or PM me. Otherwise, it's just starting to sound like sour grapes and needless whining.
Let's see, a TiVo Series 3 with the TiVo wireless adapter doesn't work with WPA, their web site says you need version 8.1 or above for this to work, and there's no way to find out the software revision before you buy. But that's OK, you can do WPA today for only twice the cost of the TiVo adapter.

Oh yeah, that's really whining. :rolleyes:

(Sour grapes? Hell yeah. Don't people expect products to work as advertised anymore?)

In summary, if TiVo expects to turn around its fortunes with the S3, a lot is going to have to change first. So, where the S3 is concerned, as the old Hollywood mogul, Sam Goldwyn put it, “Include me out.”

It seems to differ from location to location, as far as how Cable Card implementation is handled. I see some Comcast providers don't charge for CCs and some charge the max., according to this (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=5054) poll over at TCF. I've seen posts by folks who have tried to take the cable stb out of their set up and cable has significantly raised their rates because the subsidized box is out of the equation.

I think there are some folks for whom the S3 was a "must have" and they ordered it the day it was released. Then there are other folks balking at the price tag, I'm not saying that TiVo isn't justified with the price tag, but given the fact that you can get a HD-capable DVR from your provider that, while it may not have all the TiVo features, will record HD w/out a substantial upfront investment and can easily be replaced if it goes belly up. There are also folks who jumped in with the S2 and don't want to do without features on that box like MRV that have yet to be deployed on the S3 and might possibly never be.

Then there are folks like me who use satellite, but don't have locals and would not be able to pick up all the networks in HD with an antenna. I see differing opinions on whether the previous generations of TiVo would be able to control the converters which would be required for digital to analog signal after the NTSC-ATSC switchover in 2009. I use the S2 for analog OTA stations that I can't get waivers for, so I have to make a decision: invest in a S3 or sell the Lifetime box. I don't want to go to cable because I would lose the HD Network feeds I have waivers for and they're not available OTA or through cable. I have a Media Center PC so I could use that for the analog channels and pick up a PCI ATSC tuner and actually upgrade, something you can't do with a TiVo.

I understand that TiVo had to come out with a HD-capable model, but it seems like it's for a niche market inside a niche market. Maybe they'll be a further price drop, but it probably won't be until after the VIP transfer offer has ended.

Good analysis. Even though the FCC is dragging them into the 21st century (e.g. Cable companies lose round in CableCard battle (http://news.com.com/2100-1033-6107359.html?tag=tb)) there are going to be a lot of unhappy TiVo S3 owners when the Cable MSOs switch over to SDV (http://www.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6375650.html), which will render all one-way CableCARD devices inoperable.

What makes TiVo’s problems with the S3 so ironic is that, as noted in both my earlier post and bidger’s, many of the difficulties are not of TiVo’s making. The hostility of the cable companies to CableCARD, the technical limitations, high failure rate, and unreliability of the CableCARDs, plus the unremitting warfare among cable companies, satellite companies, and OTA broadcasters has made matters worse.

A ray of sunshine is that Cox and TiVo have made a deal to roll out TiVo software onto Cox owned cable boxes. Unfortunately, that will only be Motorola boxes to begin with, so communities like OKC, where Cox gives us SA boxes, are unlikely to get TiVo software for a good long while yet. What a mess! As an old friend and one of my favorite philosophers used to put it, “Life’s a bitch and then you die.”

Let's see, a TiVo Series 3 with the TiVo wireless adapter doesn't work YET with WPA, their web site says you need version 8.1 or above for this to work, and there's no way to find out the software revision before you buy. But that's OK, you can do WPA today for only twice the cost of the TiVo adapter.

Oh yeah, that's really whining. :rolleyes:

(Sour grapes? Hell yeah. Don't people expect products to work as advertised anymore?)

Corrected your missing "yet" in the above quote.

Please tell me again how the $40 Buffalo router can be "twice the cost" of the $60 TiVo wireless adapter ?

TiVo's only shipping one software version with the Series3, so I have no idea why you can't "find out the software revision".

TiVo, to my knowledge, has ever said that the Series3 currently does WPA. They've let it slip that WPA support is coming shortly in a near-future release, but it's not here yet.

What makes TiVo’s problems with the S3 so ironic is that, as noted in both my earlier post and bidger’s, many of the difficulties are not of TiVo’s making.

Excellent point. I doubt that those who do have difficulties will just shrug it off as not being TiVo's fault even though, as you say, it isn't because it's a high end box with a service fee attached to it.

I would say the cable industry is shooting itself in the foot because when I heard about the concept of Cable Card, my SONY KDFE42A10 has a slot, I was interested. When I heard about the limitations, my interest dropped.

I would like to know if the issue of the Lifetime subscription transfer to the series3 has been resolved. Does the Tivo Series3 have to be bought directly from Tivo or is any authorized dealer unit approved for the subscription transfer?

I would like to know if the issue of the Lifetime subscription transfer to the series3 has been resolved. Does the Tivo Series3 have to be bought directly from Tivo or is any authorized dealer unit approved for the subscription transfer?


There never was any issue. It just takes really long (71 days being the quicketst reported yet)

And you can buy it anywhere.

I would like to know if the issue of the Lifetime subscription transfer to the series3 has been resolved. Does the Tivo Series3 have to be bought directly from Tivo or is any authorized dealer unit approved for the subscription transfer?
TiVo’s original offer to transfer an S1’s lifetime subscription to an S3 for $200 was limited to those S3s bought from TiVo itself. But there was so much bellyaching, TiVo wisely broadened the offer to cover S3s bought from other vendors.

I would say the cable industry is shooting itself in the foot because when I heard about the concept of Cable Card, my SONY KDFE42A10 has a slot, I was interested. When I heard about the limitations, my interest dropped.
I bought a second HD set, a 32 Inch Sony XBR LCD, in August. It has a CableCARD slot but the dealer I bought the set from, a local OKC guy, warned me that his customers had had a lot of trouble getting CableCARDs to work. Then, I did some research of my own and learned that the currently available first generation CableCARDs are not capable of two way communication, so they will neither handle Cox’s On Demand service, nor its Cable Guide feature. I then gave up on CableCARDs and rented a second SA 8300HD DVR. Maybe with the advent of new two-way second generation CableCARDs, the problem will be improved. Unfortunately, the new two-way cards will be incompatible with existing sets, which can use only the one-way first generation cards.

I just got two Tivo network adapters so I can link to my home PC from both my S2 and S3 units. I can now transfer shows to my PC from the S2 unit, but cannot from the S3. On my account preferences, the "Allow Transfers" states "Not Currently Available", and does not allow me to check it off. I called Tivo support, and they indicated that transfers from the S3 units are not possible at this time, having something to do with HD content. I suspect the files may be too big to practically transfer to the PC. You'd think a new unit would not take a step backward in technology. I would have thought that they would convert or compress an HD show into a standard definition video file for transfer to the PC, or to my S2 unit. Does anyone have additional info about this? I can share my music and photos to the S3 unit, and see Yahoo weather, traffic movies, games, etc., just not the transfer function.

I just got two Tivo network adapters so I can link to my home PC from both my S2 and S3 units. I can now transfer shows to my PC from the S2 unit, but cannot from the S3. On my account preferences, the "Allow Transfers" states "Not Currently Available", and does not allow me to check it off. I called Tivo support, and they indicated that transfers from the S3 units are not possible at this time, having something to do with HD content. I suspect the files may be too big to practically transfer to the PC. You'd think a new unit would not take a step backward in technology. I would have thought that they would convert or compress an HD show into a standard definition video file for transfer to the PC, or to my S2 unit. Does anyone have additional info about this? I can share my music and photos to the S3 unit, and see Yahoo weather, traffic movies, games, etc., just not the transfer function.

Has nothing to do with filesize. Having cablecards puts S3 in the 'jurisdiction' of the Cablelabs licesnses which requires approval for any moving/handling/DRM of recorded content. Cablelabs hasnt approved eSATA, TTV or MRV. Tivo says they are working on approval to enable the above mentioned features.

I have over the air antenna, no different than my Series 2 unit, but I guess Tivo has to block the feature for everyone until the cablecard issue is resolved, right?

I have over the air antenna, no different than my Series 2 unit, but I guess Tivo has to block the feature for everyone until the cablecard issue is resolved, right?

Yup. I suppose they could try to make some sort of distinction between stuff recorded OTA and over cable and treat them differently, but I expect that it'd be quite a bit of code to change, and not really worth the effort at this point in time.

If it got right down to it, I don't see how CableLabs could have jurisdiction over stuff recorded OTA. TiVo very likely doesn't want to go down that road right now. They wanna play nice with CableLabs so they can try and get their features (MRV, TTG, eSATA) approved. Pissing off CableLabs wouldn't help them get that approval very easily.

No to mention CableLabs is funded by the Cable giants, and NOT playing nice with them could sour the (various) TiVo-OS-instead-of-crap-OS-on-Motorola-and-possibly-SciAtl-DVR-boxes-deal(s) :)

Is there any way to set the time on a TiVo?

Unfortunately, every single program the TiVo records as a suggestion is missing the first minute or so, as I suspect my local stations all start a minute early.

For Season Pass or manual recordings I just extend the recording to start early and end late, but for suggested recordings (the 1/1000 I actually want to watch) I'm missing the first minute or so. :(

Is there any way to set the time on a TiVo?

Unfortunately, every single program the TiVo records as a suggestion is missing the first minute or so, as I suspect my local stations all start a minute early.

For Season Pass or manual recordings I just extend the recording to start early and end late, but for suggested recordings (the 1/1000 I actually want to watch) I'm missing the first minute or so. :(

The time is set when it 'calls home' for guide data.

The time is set when it 'calls home' for guide data.

I knew that but was hoping there was some way to adjust it. Literally, every suggested recording is useless as it's missing the first minute, as is any other program that's set to record without going in and manually adding a minute before and after the program. It's nuts.

kucharst,

I'm finding that some shows must be starting earlier than the program guide would lead you to believe. Actually, it looks like the network forgot to insert a commercial somewhere and the previous show ran short. I'll be doing the 30 second skip and find 5 minutes of commercials somewhere in the show that started early. Guess they're making up for the shortage in the earlier show.

There is no way to manually set the time.

I'm finding that some shows must be starting earlier than the program guide would lead you to believe. Actually, it looks like the network forgot to insert a commercial somewhere and the previous show ran short. I'll be doing the 30 second skip and find 5 minutes of commercials somewhere in the show that started early. Guess they're making up for the shortage in the earlier show.Actually, here in Denver for whatever reason the affiliates start their shows a minute early. You can sit there and listen to WWV on shortwave and you'll see they all start their shows at :29 or :59, ostensibly to gain an extra minute of commercial time to sell during the program, which they can do since most all Mountain time zone programming is played back from tape (or a server) rather than shown from a network feed.

It really messes up TiVos, though.

Set your important Season Passes to start all recordings a minute early by Padding them. Be sure to turn on the overlap handling that clips lower priority shows. Say a High Priority show runs from 10-11 but starts at 9:59 instead, a lower priority Season Pass for the 9-10 show will clip that to be 9 to 9:59 (or 8:59 to 9:59, if you pad it too!) which should be just fine!

Also contact TiVo via their missing channel lineup and/or feature request pages and mention this. They might even add this as a global feature for regions where this is common, or a selectable one in the next OS release!

I called Tivo last Friday to transfer my S1 lifetime subscription to my S3. On Monday I noticed that my S1 still has a lifetime subscription and my S3 has a one year prepaid. It's also that way when I check it online under "manage my accounts". I called Tivo back and they told me that they have the transfer setup in their system but it may take up to 90 days before the transfer actually takes effect. Tivo's credit card system works much quicker however, it took less than 24 hours to charge me for this. :rolleyes:
Has anyone else run into this?


Yes, Mine just switched the other day and I activated back in early sept.

Cable card install question- I bought my S3 a couple of weeks ago and moved the cable card from the TV to the Tivo, called the cable company to reactivate it and everything has worked fine. The cable guy is coming today to install teh 2nd cable card- will he need to start all over (pull the first card out and reactivate it) or can he just stick the second card in and just get that one activated? I think I have to rerun guided setup- do I start that when he gets here or afterwards?

SHOULD be just the second. The TiVo will tell you whether it thinks you need to rerun GS, but since you've already had a CC in there (and have run GS when you first inserted it, I assume), and haven't changed your channel package (which would/may necessitate an initiation of the first card too, FYI), you should be fine.

Let us know about your successful 5 minute 2nd card install :)

2nd cable card- Thankfully I got a cable guy who was familiar w/the S3- he just installed the second card. After that the Tivo said I had to run GS again which I did with no problems. BTW the cable man said that if the cable cards remain dormant "for a period of time" (4 days or so, he said) they will lose their "firmware" (not sure what that is) and you have to call the cable company to hit it again (or maybe even make a service call which sounded really ridiculous to me)- he said this was a CC issue and not a Tivo issue- I had the first cable card in the TV since May and I think I've been out of town for 4 days or so since then- this seems like a weird problem- is he right about this? Or since the Tivo is on all the time is it a non-issue?

Also to those who transferred their lifetime subscription- I transferred mine from my S1 (purchased in Sept of 1999 so it was a free transfer)- the subscription is showing up as lifetime on the S3 and always has since I activated it- dont know what's that about that it could be a cpouple of months until the tivo says lifetimne

Maybe this has been asked, but I didnt see it....

Im having a problem....My tivo series 3 is connected via HDMI to my Sammy DLP....the sammy is connected via Optical to my av receiver.

Occasionally, the sound does not work when I turn on the tivo and tv. I dont know if its the sammy or the tivo, but the sound just doesnt come on!

Sometimes it will come on after a few minutes. I know its not the av receiver because my other components work fine.

Anyone have this issue??

Maybe this has been asked, but I didnt see it....

Im having a problem....My tivo series 3 is connected via HDMI to my Sammy DLP....the sammy is connected via Optical to my av receiver.

Occasionally, the sound does not work when I turn on the tivo and tv. I dont know if its the sammy or the tivo, but the sound just doesnt come on!

Sometimes it will come on after a few minutes. I know its not the av receiver because my other components work fine.

Anyone have this issue??

Not all TVs pass through incoming audio (that came in over HDMI or via an ATSC tuner) on their Optical outs. Those that do, may not pass through BOTH the PCM style and Dolby audio. Try switching to one or the other in your S3 TiVo's Setup->Audio menu.

Also, why even bother with a TV passthrough - just connect the (always on) TiVo Optical audio output directly to your HT Receiver ;)

Not all TVs pass through incoming audio (that came in over HDMI or via an ATSC tuner) on their Optical outs. Those that do, may not pass through BOTH the PCM style and Dolby audio. Try switching to one or the other in your S3 TiVo's Setup->Audio menu.

Also, why even bother with a TV passthrough - just connect the (always on) TiVo Optical audio output directly to your HT Receiver ;)

Yeah, ill experiment this weekend.

I only have 3 opticals (ps3, 360 and antenna/tivo)....I tried connecting the tivo directly to the receiver but I got no sound....I assumed that I couldnt use hdmi for video and optical for audio, but maybe I connected something wrong. Ill try it again.

Basically, I wanted to keep the antenna in case im recording 2 shows at once, but its rare and I can always just use the tv speakers.

Yeah, ill experiment this weekend.

I only have 3 opticals (ps3, 360 and antenna/tivo)....I tried connecting the tivo directly to the receiver but I got no sound....I assumed that I couldnt use hdmi for video and optical for audio, but maybe I connected something wrong. Ill try it again.

Basically, I wanted to keep the antenna in case im recording 2 shows at once, but its rare and I can always just use the tv speakers.

You MAY need to assign the optical slot on the back to a specific 'input' on your receiver (say, Satellite or Tape or some other unused one).

TiVo's output format may not be 'liked' by your receiver. Some older ones can't handle one or the other of DD multichannel or PCM or some such thingamajig.

As for live viewing while recording ... I guess you're new to TiVo. After a while, this desire to watch things 'Live'' will slowly be discarded like a vestigeal, evolutionarily obsolete trait, and the NPL will be your only destination ;) I honestly regret buying an HDTV with an ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner in it - I will NEVER AGAIN be using it.

...As for live viewing while recording ... I guess you're new to TiVo. After a while, this desire to watch things 'Live'' will slowly be discarded like a vestigeal, evolutionarily obsolete trait, and the NPL will be your only destination ;) I honestly regret buying an HDTV with an ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner in it - I will NEVER AGAIN be using it....unless you're recording TWO HD programs and desire to watch a third all at the same time :D

...unless you're recording TWO HD programs and desire to watch a third all at the same time :D

You're missing the point! :p

and that's what my future second S3 will be for (come on MRV, TTG!)