FIOS and Tivo Questions

[RedRock]

Hello all

I would like to run a Tivo HD XL using my FIOS TV service.  But I also have FIOS 20 Mbps data service.  There is only one FIOS interface box on the premises.  It provides both FIOS TV and data service (back in the day there had to be two interface boxes on the premises, one for data and one for TV).  In addition, I have a set of 4 static IPs issued by Verizon, of which I'm using one at present (the address of my Verizon-provided network/wireless router is a static IP).  Finally, I would like to keep Verizon's set top box.  I can input that through another interface into the TV.  Then use the Tivo as the primary program-watching interface.  (Note the Verizon router DHCPs IP addresses to two Verizon STBs as well as every other device on my internal network.)  My set up is working A-OK at this point.  It is quite reliable except that once in a great while my network speed will drop from 20 Mbps to 1 Mbps.  But it comes back or I can call to bring it back.

I found the excellent Tivo FAQ at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11126048&postcount=2 but I'm looking for information and advice hopefully more specific to Verizon FIOS.

Questions I have at present are:

Is there a Tivo FAQ hosted by Verizon somewhere?

What changes are needed (if any) to incorporate a Tivo HD XL while keeping the STB?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

RedRock

[prisaz]

I hardly think you will find a TIVO FAQ supported by Verizon. After all the TIVO is competing with the Verizon DVR. But there are many users that have the Verizon Cable Card installed in their TIVO HD. I for one have purchased a TIVO, and had it sitting next to the Verizon DVR until I chose to return the Verizon device. You will need a coax and Ethernet cable to your TIVO. If you can not run an Ethernet cable to your Tivo, there is a wireless adapter available for the Tivo. So what you could do is run a network cable to the TIVO and use a bidirectional splitter for the coax. The Tivo does not require bidirectional on the coax but the Verizon STB does. You would need a Cable Card rented from Verizon. Make sure it is a Multi stream card (M-type) if you get two single stream S-Type cards they  will cost you more.

[KenAF]

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@RedRock wrote:

Hello all

Is there a Tivo FAQ hosted by Verizon somewhere?

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What questions do you have?

There aren't any FiOS-specific issues.  Verizon's system is just like that of any other digital cable system.

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@RedRock wrote:

Hello all

What changes are needed (if any) to incorporate a Tivo HD XL while keeping the STB?

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None.  You just need to split the coax, so one end goes to the TivoHD XL and the other goes to Verizon's Motorola STB.  You would connect each to different HDMI inputs on your display.

Of course, the TivoHD XL will require one Cablecard (M-CARD) from Verizon to authorize both tuners.

[RedRock]

OK, thanks for this info.  I bought a 1 input to two output MoCA enabled RF coax splitter.  I have more questions where I hope you and/or others will reply:

(1) Why did you mention that one Cablecard (M-CARD) from Verizon to authorize both tuners is required?  I thought that the M-card would authorize only the Tivo?

(2) What is your advice on keeping the Verizon STB?  I would like to retain Verizon's video on demand and widgets.  What about program/channel lineup and information?  I have read the Tivo provides enhanced program information.  Is that true?  How does the Tivo track Verizon's FIOS TV catalog?  Does the Tivo have excellent fidelity with Verizon's programming information?  Maybe I don't really need to keep the Verizon STB?  Would using both remotes be awkward?

(3) I plan to connect the Tivo HD to the TV using either component video or S-video and the stereo out.  The TV I have at present isn't HD capable nor does it have an HDMI input.  I'm planning for that though but will use the existing TV in the interim.  The existing Verizon STB connects to the TV via coax.

Thanks in advance.

RedRock

Ashburn VA

[KenAF · Accepted solution]

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@RedRock wrote:

(1) Why did you mention that one Cablecard (M-CARD) from Verizon to authorize both tuners is required?  I thought that the M-card would authorize only the Tivo?

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One M-CARD authorizes both built-in tuners on the TivoHD.  It has nothing to do with the STB.

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@RedRock wrote:

(2) What is your advice on keeping the Verizon STB?  I would like to retain Verizon's video on demand and widgets.  What about program/channel lineup and information?  I have read the Tivo provides enhanced program information.  Is that true?  How does the Tivo track Verizon's FIOS TV catalog?  Does the Tivo have excellent fidelity with Verizon's programming information?  Maybe I don't really need to keep the Verizon STB?  Would using both remotes be awkward?

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TiVo downloads guide information from its own Internet servers every night.  That's why the TiVo has to be connected with one of the following:  (a) ethernet, (b) wireless using the TiVo wireless adapter, or (c) a phone line.  TiVo uses a superior guide data provider, so their program information is more comprehensive and much more accurate than Verizon supplies to its own boxes.  There is one exception to that -- with the TiVo, you won't get guide information on the six .TV channels; that guide information isn't available anywhere except on Verizon's own boxes.

You don't need the Verizon STB unless you want to retain access to Verizon's Video On Demand and widgets.   The TiVo does not use or depend on the Verizon box in any way; they are completely separate.

[RedRock]

Thanks for the new reply.  I guess I do have one more question:  Do you know if the Tivo wireless interface supports making WPA2 connections?  Thanks in advance.

RedRock

Ashburn VA

[KenAF]

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@RedRock wrote:

Thanks for the new reply.  I guess I do have one more question:  Do you know if the Tivo wireless interface supports making WPA2 connections?

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Yes, the TiVo wireless adapter supports WPA2.