FiosTV CableCard with TivoHD Receiver
Speakerman
Enthusiast - Level 1

I currently have a Verizon DVR and a separate CableCard in my TV to be able to watch a third channel while recording 2 shows. I would like to try out the TivoHD and would like to know if I can remove the CableCard from my TV and plug it into a TivoHD temporarily. Since the Card is activated, will the Tivo recognize it immediately, or do I have to go through some kind of activation process?

Thanx, Mark M.

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Re: FiosTV CableCard with TivoHD Receiver
mark_e
Enthusiast - Level 2

According to posts on the TiVo Community FIOS thread (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=315826) Verizon, unlike most cable companies, doesn't "pair" their cards with individual devices.

Some have posted they have done exactly what you propose.  I haven't tried it, but the CableCard menus on my TiVo indicate it hasn't been paired.

Re: FiosTV CableCard with TivoHD Receiver
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Speakerman wrote:

I currently have a Verizon DVR and a separate CableCard in my TV to be able to watch a third channel while recording 2 shows. I would like to try out the TivoHD and would like to know if I can remove the CableCard from my TV and plug it into a TivoHD temporarily. Since the Card is activated, will the Tivo recognize it immediately, or do I have to go through some kind of activation process?


Sears has the TivoHD for $199, if you can find any in stock in your area.  Otherwise, Amazon.com has them for $249.  If you have not done so already, you may want to check out the AVS TivoHD FAQ.

The TivoHD should recognize your FiOS CableCard in 60-120 seconds.  No service call is necessary.

Keep in mind that a TivoHD requires one M-CARD to support both tuners.  If your CableCard just says "CableCard" and not "M-CARD," then the TivoHD will only function in single-tuner mode.

 

The TivoHD is much more sensitive than the Motorola DVRs, so you may need to reduce (attenuate) your signal strength.  Many with a TivoHD seem to require 10-12dB of attenuation.   If your FiOS install is several years old, and uses one of the original Motorola 610 ONTs, then you may need as much as 20dB attenuation.  An attenuator simply screws on to the end of the cable, before the TiVo.  Verizon will provide attenuators for free during a service call, or you can order a $12.99 variety pack from Smarthome.

Re: FiosTV CableCard with TivoHD Receiver
Speakerman
Enthusiast - Level 1
Thank you for the replies. I'll try it out......Mark M.
Message Edited by Speakerman on 04-12-2009 02:10 PM
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