I have TIVO and want to get Verizon FIOS. Will I still be able to use my TIVO?

Question

I have TIVO and want to get Verizon FIOS. Will I still be able to use my TIVO?

Answer 1

The quick answer: Yes.

However the level of work you will need to put in to get the TiVo to work depends on the type of TiVo that you use.  TiVos can currently be divided into three types.  Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3.  Currently only Series 2 and 3 are being sold by TiVo Inc.  

Series 2 TiVos have been around for a number of years and work with many forms of cable or even satellite.  These older boxes are able to control an external cable box provided by your cable company.  The newer Series 3 boxes use a cable card setup.  This allows the Series 3 to completely replace your cable box.  However, it adds an extra level of difficulty during the initial setup.  Generally Series 3 TiVos require the cable company to come to your home to physically setup the TiVo and install the cable cards.  While Series 2 TiVos can be installed without any assistance from the cable company.

The following is a long discussion from other TiVo users about Series 3 and FIOS compatibility:  http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/sho...

You can also read about another users experience setting up a TiVo Series 2 with FIOS here: http://www.wwco.com/~wls/blog/2006/11/22...