Tivo Series 2 and FiOS
Pachyderm1
Enthusiast - Level 1

I have a Tivo Series 2 that is NOT the dual tuner version (yes, it's an ancient Tivo box, but it was a gift with a lifetime subscription, so I don't complain).  When I had Cox cable, I was able to split the signal coming out of the wall, running one line directly into the TV (standard def) and the other line into the Tivo.  In this way, I could record one channel on the Tivo and watch another channel on the TV.  When I was considering the switch to FiOS, the rep told me I could maintain the same set up.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.

So, my question is this:  can I do the "record one channel and watch another" thing if I get a second STB from Verizon?  The idea would be that I still split the signal coming out of the wall.  One line would run into the first STB and then into the Tivo and then from Tivo to the TV.  The second line would run into the second STB and then just directly into the TV.  Would this allow me to record one channel on Tivo and watch another on the TV?

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Re: Tivo Series 2 and FiOS
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Pachyderm wrote:

So, my question is this:  can I do the "record one channel and watch another" thing if I get a second STB from Verizon?  The idea would be that I still split the signal coming out of the wall.  One line would run into the first STB and then into the Tivo and then from Tivo to the TV.  The second line would run into the second STB and then just directly into the TV.  Would this allow me to record one channel on Tivo and watch another on the TV?


Yes.  That would allow you to record one channel on the TiVo and watch a second channel on the Motorola STB.  You would want the QIP2500 STB for the TiVo, because it can be serial controlled.  If you got two of the DCT700 boxes, you would have to use the TiVo's IR transmitter, and IR signals could potentially interfere.

Note if you upgraded to the TivoHD ($199 at Sears), you would be able to record two different HD channels simultaneously, while you watch a third, previously recorded show --- all without the need for a Verizon box.   The TivoHD would require one M-CARD from Verizon for $3.99/mo; this plugs into the front of the box and authorizes all your channels.  You would lose FiOS VOD and widgets with the TivoHD, unless you kept a separate Verizon STB for that purpose.

If you bought a TivoHD, you would login at Tivo.com and click "Change service number."  You would replace the service number of the Series2 with the service number for the TivoHD. You can read more about the TivoHD and TivoHD XL in this post.

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Re: Tivo Series 2 and FiOS
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Pachyderm wrote:

So, my question is this:  can I do the "record one channel and watch another" thing if I get a second STB from Verizon?  The idea would be that I still split the signal coming out of the wall.  One line would run into the first STB and then into the Tivo and then from Tivo to the TV.  The second line would run into the second STB and then just directly into the TV.  Would this allow me to record one channel on Tivo and watch another on the TV?


Yes.  That would allow you to record one channel on the TiVo and watch a second channel on the Motorola STB.  You would want the QIP2500 STB for the TiVo, because it can be serial controlled.  If you got two of the DCT700 boxes, you would have to use the TiVo's IR transmitter, and IR signals could potentially interfere.

Note if you upgraded to the TivoHD ($199 at Sears), you would be able to record two different HD channels simultaneously, while you watch a third, previously recorded show --- all without the need for a Verizon box.   The TivoHD would require one M-CARD from Verizon for $3.99/mo; this plugs into the front of the box and authorizes all your channels.  You would lose FiOS VOD and widgets with the TivoHD, unless you kept a separate Verizon STB for that purpose.

If you bought a TivoHD, you would login at Tivo.com and click "Change service number."  You would replace the service number of the Series2 with the service number for the TivoHD. You can read more about the TivoHD and TivoHD XL in this post.

Re: Tivo Series 2 and FiOS
Pachyderm1
Enthusiast - Level 1

KenAF -

That's some great info.  Thanks.  A couple more questions if you don't mind.  First, is the M-Card something I can just pop in there myself, or does Verizon have to send someone out to "activate" something?  Second, do you know if Tivo would just let me transfer my current lifetime subscription on the Series2 to the new Tivo HD box?

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Re: Tivo Series 2 and FiOS
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Pachyderm wrote:

That's some great info.  Thanks.  A couple more questions if you don't mind.  First, is the M-Card something I can just pop in there myself, or does Verizon have to send someone out to "activate" something?


Verizon will not ship CableCards.  A truck roll is required.  Sometimes you'll get installer that will simply drop off a pre-activated CableCard for you to insert into your TiVo, but in most cases, they will expect to enter your home and activate the card on their laptop.

If you got FiOS TV in the last 30 days, then there is no charge for the service appointment to install the CableCard.  If you've had FiOS TV for more than 30 days, then there is a standard $79 charge for any service appointment that does not relate to your pre-existing equipment.


@Pachyderm wrote:
Second, do you know if Tivo would just let me transfer my current lifetime subscription on the Series2 to the new Tivo HD box?

Free lifetime transfers are only possible with TiVo lifetime subscriptions purchased prior to January 20, 2000.

For lifetime subscriptions purchased after that date, TiVo periodically offers Series2->TivoHD lifetime transfers for $199.  That $199 also includes one year of service on the Series2.

Unfortunately, the last lifetime transfer offer expired a few months ago.  You would have to pay for service on the TivoHD, although it would be at a discounted rate since you already have a TiVo.  Service on the TivoHD would cost you $9.99/mo, $99/yr, or $299 for lifetime.  That is in addition to the $3.99/mo for the Verizon M-CARD.

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