How to Purchase a Codec For TiVo

TiVo uses a technology known as codec for the compression and decompression of the programs that have been recorded, transferred and replayed on your PC. Only a compatible codec installed on your system will allow the playback of your transferred files. Most systems available presently are pre-equipped with a compatible codec. However, some older versions are not, and therefore it has to be installed separately. Here are a few steps to help you purchase a codec.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• TiVo Desktop software
• Internet connection
• TiVo DVR
• Credit card (to make your purchase)
• PC (desktop or laptop)

1. Verify whether the system that you have has a built-in codec or not. When you install the TiVo Desktop software, your system will be automatically scanned for appropriate codec. You will be required to purchase and install the codec required for replaying the files on your PC before going ahead with the installation process. If you have played DVDs on your PC, you can assume that you have appropriate codec installed on your PC, since DVDs are played using the same MPEG-2 codec that is used by TiVo.
2. Buy TiVo Desktop Plus software, which comes with built-in MPEG-2 codec if you don’t have the required codec to replay files. The software can be bought at the TiVo Web site (see below). You will also be able to watch your transfers on your PC and convert shows for your iPod, PSP, Treo or other MPEG-4 compatible device.
3. Purchase specific codec if you want to watch your TiVo ToGo transfers on a Microsoft Portable Media Center device such as Creative Zen Vision or Toshiba Gigabeat.
4. Check your operating system. Do you have Windows 2000 or Windows XP installed on your PC? Depending on the version of the Windows operating system, you will be required to install the specific codec compatible with your operating system.
5. Download the Windows XP Video Decoder Checkup Utility from the MicroSoft website to determine the type of codec installed on your PC, if you are using MicroSoft Windows XP.
6. Go to the TiVo Web site (see below) to get links for online vendors who sell compatible codecs.
7. Follow the instructions given on the Web site of the online vendor of your choice to make your purchase. The codec will cost anywhere between $15 and $20.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though you have MPEG-2 codec on your PC, it might not be a compatible codec to play Microsoft PMC devices. Ensure that the codec is compatible. The following codecs are compatible with TiVo ToGo transfers on a MicroSoft PMC device: For Windows XP--Sonic Cineplayer DVD Decoder Pack, CyberLink DVD SE, InterVideo DVD XPack, and NVIDIA DVD Decoder.

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