TiVo Buying Guide

Networking Options for Standalone TiVos

Series 2 standalone TiVos can use a few types of networks to get internet access. With internet access, TiVos can get guide updates without a phone line. In addition, with HMO, TiVos can basically do four additional things:

• View Photos from a Mac or PC (requires software on the computer)
• Play MP3s from a Mac or PC (requires software on the computer)
• Watch recordings from one TiVo on another (HMO required on both TiVos)
• Set the TiVo to record from any computer on the internet

To make this work, you'll need a broadband internet connection in your home (usually cable, DSL, or Direcway) with a router, and adapters for each TiVo.

Routers

A router is the piece of hardware that will take an internet feed and allow it to be used by multiple components in your house. If you already share an internet connection with more than one computer, then you probably have a router.

There are three main groups of routers for this application: wireless routers, wired routers, and wireless/wired routers.

Device Adapters

The device adapter is the component that connects your computer or TiVo to the router, either via n ethernet cable or via wireless technology. Your Series 2 standalone TiVo has at least one USB port and therefore needs a USB-Ethernet adapter for wired connections, or a USB-Wireless adapter for wireless connections. You'll need one adapter per TiVo or computer. Please note: many newer computers have built-in adapters for wired ethernet, wireless, or both. These are usually compatible with the routers here.

Recommendations.

If possible, the use of wired adapters and routers is preferable. They cost less and run faster. Their configuration is also easier. The only downside is that you must have or run cabling from the location of your DSL or cable modem (where you will most likely locate the router) to each TiVo.

Recommended products are listed below. We choose to recommend Netgear products over their main rival Linksys because of their superior technical support, but either will work fine, and the two are completely compatible with each other. All links take you to the product page at Amazon.com.

*DirecTV DVRs and Series3 TiVos (in HD) record digital broadcast streams and all compression is determined by the broadcaster, so hours stated are estimates assuming average compression. Standard Definition TiVo DVR and TiVo Upgrade Kit capacities are stated at Basic Quality. All capacities may vary due to hard drive models used. Capacities are guaranteed to be within 5% larger or smaller of stated size. Email with any questions.