I just bought a TiVo?

Question

1) I have a digital television

2) I do NOT have cable service

3) I have an "antenna" which connects to my digital TV via a CABLE line

4) I'm pretty sure the antenna receptor device is supposed to take the place of a cable line but TiVo does NOT receive channels

5) The setup kind of, sort of requires a commercial cable service like AT&T or Time Warner or whatnot.

6) Why is it so God d**n complicated? Why can't it just be a recorder with a timer? Maybe I should just get a simple TV recorder from RadioShack or something...

If any of you guys can figure this out please tell me... I will attach additional information if need be. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You didn't mention which TiVo you bought.  If it's a new Series2, it cannot receive over-the-air broadcasts. Because of the upcoming DTV switchover, devices with only analog tuners may not be sold.  The current Series2 models can only be used with analog cable or a cable box with an analog output.

You can still get a used TiVo that will get OTA charnnels, but only until the switchover.  TiVo has not made any announcements about making them work with the digital converter boxes. Currently, they do not.

If it's a Series3 or HD, it will work with your digital TV and over-the-air digital broadcasts.  This is probably what you want if you have a digital TV.

It sounds like you got a new Series2, which is probably the source of your problems.  The good news is you have 30 days to get a refund.

As for why so complicated, the goal is to record programs, not times/dates.  You want to record "The Simpsons", not whatever's on at 7pm Sunday on channel 10.  The TiVo uses a channel line up and program data to determine when and where shows are airing.

If you need more help, I recommend http://www.tivocommunity.com

Answer 2

The reason to get tivo is because there is so much on tv you can't always watch it.  If you just over the air reception there is not much point.  Just get a DVD recorder instead.  It will have a tuner in it and will you can change the channels in it, just keep the tv on channel 3 or 4

Answer 3

It is a ROYAL pain in the rear to install but the fact you can pause an event, say football, for 30 or 40 minutes come back and start it  then BLAST through all the commercials is worth it al least for me.

You have some kind of cable service providing you with local programming, what they need is the name so they can keep the internal clock and programs up to date with your receiver.There was an 800 number included in the instructions get them on speaker and camp out, they'll get you through it.

Good Luck!!!! E-mail if thast fails