Special
Features
Inputs
and Outputs
Remote
Control
Specifications
Special
Features
Overview:
This unit is a hard-drive video and stereo audio recorder which can be used to
record over the air NTSC television broadcast, satellite broadcasts, and cable
TV. It can not be used to record DTV or other non-NTSC signals or Dolby
Digital and, due to Macrovision support, can not be used to record
copy-protected DVDs or video tapes. MPEG-II compression is used.
Total recording time depends on the speed you select (the higher the speed the
higher the quality and the less total recording time you will have).
Recorded programs can be archived by recording from the unit to a standard VCR.
Note that unlike a standard VCR you can not record a show while simultaneously
watching another channel of live television, although you can watch a
pre-recorded show while you record another show. Watching a live show
while another channel is being recorded requires the use of an optional A-B
switch (not supplied).
TiVo Service: Although this
service is not required, without it, the unit will have extremely limited
functionality. Without the TiVo service, you will be able to pause live TV,
record current shows, and record future shows by manually programming the unit,
but you will not have
program data, program search, software updates or many other features of this
unit. The current cost for TiVo service is $9.95 a month, or you may
pay a one time fee of $249 to receive service for the life of the unit; charges
must be paid by credit card. Note that these prices are subject to change,
and a life time subscription is for the life of the unit. If
you buy a new model, you must re-subscribe. You can maintain your lifetime
subscription if you move somewhere else within the continental US or if you
repair or service the unit. The subscription transfers with the unit, so
if you sell it to someone, they'll be able to use the subscription. Each
unit requires a unique subscription, and there are no discounts if you have multiple
subscriptions. If you subscribe to the service, you should connect the unit
to a phone line, so it can automatically access TiVo guide and software updates; updates
are
done at night, and the unit will automatically disconnect and call later if you
use the phone. In most areas, there is a local access number for updates;
in areas where there is not a local access number, a long distance call is
required for each update, and you will be billed for long distance calling. If needed, you do not
have to connect the unit continuously to a phone line; instead, you may connect
it once or twice a week for updates. The TiVo Service is
available in the U.S. ONLY; service is not available in Puerto Rico. The typical daily call to
TiVo Service takes about 5 - 10 minutes, however, when new software is being
downloaded, or if you only connect to the phone line occasionally, an update may
take an hour or more.
TiVo Menus: Most of the
functions of this unit are accessed through on-screen menus. After you
select the local channels (based on your zip code) the unit will store
information on each program you can receive for up to 13 days in advance.
You can deselect any channel that you either do not watch or do not receive
(such as premium channels that you do not receive). These menus allow you to
surf through listings with information on each program and to record or watch a
program.
- TiVo Central: Allows you to access
sub menus
- Now Playing List: Shows all shows
that have been recorded. This allows you to watch a show, erase a show
(to regain recording time) or to save a show to a VCR.
- TiVolution Magazine: Updated every
day showing a list of suggested shows and information on the world of
Television
- Network Showcases: Shows events and
programs coming up from various networks
- Pick Programs to Record: Allows you
to search for programs by name or category, browse by channel or time,
manually record (allows you to select a future date, channel, start and stop
time and record quality).
- Messages & Setup: Allows
you to view any messages sent by the TiVo Service and to change your set up
parameters (in case you move, get a new service provider or components, or
if you want to change recording speeds.
TiVo Suggestions: TiVo will
suggest shows that you may like based on prior viewing habits. By using
the thumbs up and down buttons on the remote you can personalize the suggestions
by teaching the unit your likes and dislikes.
Play features: While watching
live TV or a prerecorded program you can pause the show (on live TV the
maximum pause time is 30 minutes), rewind or fast forward (one of three speeds)
frame forward or back, instant replay (plays the last 8 seconds of the current
program) or advance (which, if you're watching live TV forwards you to the
current point of the broadcast).
Program Banner and Status Bar: Whenever
you watch a live or pre-recorded show a banner will display the program's title,
running time and rating for about 5 seconds and when you use play functions such
as pause a status bar appears giving information about the feature being used.
Season Passes: Season passes
automatically record each episode of a show you select that is broadcast on a
particular channel.
Capacities and Conflicts: You
can select one of 4 recording speeds. Basic gives you 30 hours; Medium 18
hours, High 14 hours and Best 9 hours to total recording time. The faster
the recording time the better the picture quality and shorter the recording
time. The unit normally will keep shows as long as it can and only delete
shows to make room for other shows you request. When a show can not be
recorded without deleting a recorded show the unit will ask you if you want to
delete it or not record the new show. Note that once a program is deleted
it can NOT be recovered.
Favorite Channels: Allows you
to create a subset of channels you like most. This allows you to browse
all channels or, if desired, browse only your favorite channels.
Inputs
and Outputs
Front Panel:
- The only "controls" on the
front panel are two LEDs. The receiving LED illuminates in green when
the unit is turned on, in amber when a remote control signal is being
received, and in yellow-green when the unit is on and receiving a remote
control signal. The recording LED illuminates in red when the unit is
recording a program, in yellow when the unit is calling the TiVo Service and
orange if the unit is using the phone line and recording.
Rear panel:
- AC jack for supplied AC cord
- Phone jack: Used to connect to an
analog phone jack to access the TiVo Service
- Serial Control out (minijack): Used
to connect the unit to DirecTv receivers allowing the unit to change
channels and control the receiver. If your receiver does not have a
serial port you can use this unit's IR blaster to control the receiver.
- IR Control out (minijack): Used to
connect the supplied IR blaster to either or both a satellite set-top box or
a cable box that doesn't have a serial control input. This can also be used
to control a Sony VCR only so that the unit can automatically
save programs to the VCR.
- Input: Stereo audio RCA, composite
video and S-video input. Used to connect a cable box or satellite
receiver to the unit.
- Outputs: Two pairs of RCA stereo
audio and composite video and 1 S-video output to connect the unit to a TV,
VCR, audio receiver, etc.
- RF input and output: Threaded coax
jacks for use with televisions, cable boxes, etc. that don't have A/V jacks.
- Channel 3/4 switch: When using the RF
jacks.
Remote
Control
Remote Control: The supplied remote controls this unit,
a television (power, muting and volume), your receiver (if you are using a
receiver for the audio), a cable box and a satellite receiver. It will
also control a SONY VCR for automatic downloading of a program (if you
don't have a Sony VCR you can still download to the VCR, but the VCR must be
turned on and off and set to record manually). The unit is precoded for
most brands and is also a learning remote for Television and receivers, so if
your brand is not listed you can teach the remote the codes using your original
TV or receiver remote. The remote buttons do not illuminate, but the buttons are various shapes, sizes and colors to help make the remote easy to use.
Specifications
Specifications:
- Power consumption: 40 watts
- Operating Temperature: 70 to 113
degrees F
- Operating Humidity: 5 to 80 percent
- Hard Drive Size: 30 GB
