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October 13, 2004

DirecTV receiver w/ Series2?

Can I connect an existing DirecTV receiver to a standalone Series2 Tivio (not DirecTivo) - without any loss of features?
-- matt

October 13, 2004 in DirecTiVo, series 2, TiVo

Answers

Yes you can, and I know a few folks that do this. There are only a few downsides:

- you will need either an IR blaster or a direct serial connection (if available) to change channels on the DirecTV receiver. Some folks have problems from time to time with their IR blasters not changing the channel right.

- it will need to store the video as standard tivo compressed files. With a DirecTiVo, you get the raw satellite feed stored directly to disc, which is closer to what a DVD looks like, instead of a rough jpeg that the lowest quality setting standalone TiVo does.

- you'll only get the benefit of a single tuner. You can only tape one thing at a time.

On the upside, you'll get all the latest TiVo features.

I'm pretty sure DirecTV will still sell you a DirecTiVo for about $50-100 (they have sales for existing customers all the time), so if you want one less box, perfect video, dual tuners and pay-per-view with your remote, just spring a few bucks for a new DirecTiVo unit. On the downside of this, you won't get the latest TiVo features, but a better experience with your satellite.

Posted by: Matt Haughey at Oct 13, 2004 12:52:24 PM

Here's the offer:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVO.dsp

Looks like it's only $99 for a new DirecTiVo box.

Posted by: Matt Haughey at Oct 13, 2004 12:55:29 PM

Another advantage to a standalone unit is the ability to record from cable or antenna if you can't get locals from DirecTV. Some people get ultra-basic cable for the locals only, etc.

No need for a phone line with broadband and all the Home Media Features (The Features Formerly Known As Home Media Option.) Online scheduling, music and photos, multi-room viewing, TiVoToGo, etc.

Though there is a rumor about that there is a DTV software beta in progress - maybe they're finally joining the party.

Posted by: MegaZone at Oct 13, 2004 3:09:00 PM

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