TiVo Available in Canada

[Jayell]

Hi Wayne:

I might've sounded as if I know what I'm talking about when I asked about the IR blaster, but the truth is I have no clue.

What is the purpose of the IR blaster, and is it absolutely necessary?

Thanks again,

Jayell

[classicsat]

As long as you still have analog cable, yuou can still have Dual Tuners. The Series 2 DT can with with analog cable and a box, but only have single tuner for the box channels. Yes, you would use an IR blaster (comes with TiVo, but not too hard to find or make a compatible replacement), and use the TiVo UI almost exclusively.

[Wayne]

The IR blaster is required to change channels. If you use an analog cable connection to your TiVo then the TiVo is able to change channels using its internal tuner. If you are using a cable or satellite box you need to have a way for your TiVo to communicate with your cable/sat box to change the channel since the channel must be changed on that box. This is generally done with what is called an IR blaster which sends out the IR codes just like your remote control would when changing channels. If you want to use digital cable with your TiVo then this is required.

Note that this also means that you can't use your cable box for watching live TV while the TiVo is recording. Therefore I would recommend getting dedicated cable boxes for your TiVo. If you don't watch live TV then this isn't an issue.

It might sound a bit complicated but it isn't that hard since the TiVo knows about the different types of cable boxes included the SA boxes that Rogers uses (if your in Ontario) or the Motorola boxes in Atl Canada. There is detailed info on TiVo's website here: http://support.tivo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/86

[Jayell]

Yep, I've found my IR blaster in the TiVo box.

It sounds as if the best solution is two SD STB's? Let's see what kind of deal I can negotiate with Robers.

Thanks to all for the guidance thus far.

Jayell

[Blaq]

Originally Posted by Jayell

Currently using Rogers analogue and a TiVo Series 2 DT. Thinking of making the switch to Rogers VIP Digital, but unsure how this affect the TiVo.

I know Tivo won't work with HD, but I'm not concerned with that. Will the TiVo's dual tuners still function?

Also, I'd rather not use Rogers on screen programming guide. Can the TiVo UI still be used?

Any experience out there?

Thanks!

Jayell

Hi Jayell,

we have both a Series2 and Rogers VIP digital. I can confirm that TiVo works perfectly. While dropping legacy analog channels is all the rage among cable providers, you're in luck: Rogers still provides analog channels for most of the classic 2-125 channel range (for Toronto digital VIP subscribers, at least; my upstairs neighbour has the most basic Rogers package and her VCR can only pick up a dozen channels between 2 and 19.) TiVo's internal tuner will pick up channels 2-58, 59-63, 65, 70, 95-97, 101-105, and 129-130. All channels you subscribe to can also be picked up via the Rogers box.

When you redo Guided Setup, you will be able to choose a different lineup (Digital) for your current provider (Rogers Cable Inc.). TiVo will now have knowledge of all program listings for your new lineup. You will continue to use TiVo's UI and TV guide. (Obviously, if you're the masochist type, you can also tune into a "box" channel, pick up your Rogers remote, and navigate the Rogers TV guide.)

The S2's dual-tuner functionality remains: if you're recording one of the analog channels listed above, you can simultaneously record any channel via the cable box.

Bottom line: you will lose no channels, but gain access to oodles of additional digital channels, and your TiVo functionality will remain unchanged.

[Blaq]

Originally Posted by Jayell

It sounds as if the best solution is two SD STB's?

Since TiVo "owns" the cable box for "box"-channel recording (and Trick-Play live-viewing), people who watch a lot of live TV may indeed want to buy a second cable box for their own use. This way, they can watch live TV without interference or interruption from their TiVo. (But, obviously, without the benefits of Trick Play.)

You'll need to build an "IR tent" to isolate TiVo's IR transmitter and its dedicated cable box's IR receiver from the rest of the room. This will prevent your remote signals from affecting TiVo's box, and prevent remote signals from TiVo's IR transmitter from affecting your box.

Personally, I've worked around the need for a second cable box (and loss of Trick Play) by making TiVo record outside prime time as much as possible. Between the endless late-night reruns on specialty channels, and the timeshifting package included by Rogers, there should be very few situations when TiVo's ownership of the cable box would interfere with your need for live viewing. (And this is from a household whose TiVo used to have about a hundred Season Passes and Wishlists combined!) Especially since, with dozens of your favourite TV shows available whenever you choose to sit down and watch TV, we found very little use for live TV.

[Jayell]

That's quite a testimonial, Blag. Thanks for your effort. I'm sold!

Got the Robbers box tonight, will hook it up tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Jayell

[Jayell]

Okay, I've got everything hooked up, just have to tweak the channel line up within the TiVo.

A couple of questions:

I guess it's necessary for the STB to remain powered on at all times in order for the TiVo to do it's thing?

Also, I've noticed when switching to digital channels, the ugly Rogers UI appears at the bottom of the screen. Is there any way to disable this?

Thanks,

Jayell

[dschell_2000]

Originally Posted by Jayell

I guess it's necessary for the STB to remain powered on at all times in order for the TiVo to do it's thing?

Yes, and the screen-saver on the VIP can interfere with that, because it needs you to press "OK" on the remote.

To get around that, I have programmed a manual 5 minute recording every 4 hours with channel change for each one on the Tivo - this keeps the screen-saver (actually bandwidth-saver) at bay.

Dave S.

[57]

Just as an FYI, there is only about 1 Watt power difference between on and off (off is really standby). On is about 20 Watts, off is about 19...

[Wayne]

There is an option with the cable box somewhere that forces it to power on whenever it senses a channel change - therefore when the TiVo changes channels the box would turn on. This should help if it gets shut off. Generally the box will not shut off unless you have a power blip or Rogers does something from their end like a software upgrade but those are rare - only a few times per year. (Note that this is not the case for a SA8300HD PVR box but that is not relevant here).

[dschell_2000]

Sorry - I saw a reference to VIP and thought it was referring to Motorola VIP1200.
That is the box that shuts itself off when not used for a period of time
It appears that was in incorrect inference.

Dave S.

[Jayell]

I haven't had much time to mess with the new digital cable, but I have noticed something strange.

Some of the box channels, which are included, are not coming in. For instance, when I tune in to G4Tech or Leafs TV sometimes I get a banner saying "channel not available, try again later" or other times I get absolutely nothing other than a blank screen.

Is this the kind of service I can regularly expect?

Help!

Thanks,

Jayell

[57]

channel not available, try again later

You seem to have a problem with SDV (Switched Digital Video). I suspect either a problem in your area, or there is a problem with the connections in your home. You'll likely need to call Rogers.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=95651

Have you checked the signal strength and S/N Ratio?

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=17719

[Jayell]

Thanks for the links. I'll look into them.

Jayell