How to Watch One Channel, Record Another with a Single Tuner DVR and No Cable Box

Does your happiness revolve around catching that favorite prime time show every week? What if that big game is on at the same time? If you have access to cable, but no cable box, you can still view one channel and record another using your TiVo. All you need is a cable or antenna.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tuner DVR
• DSL subscription
• RF cable
• DSL filter
• Broadband connection
• Ethernet cable
• Wired or wireless USB adapter
• RF splitter
• Working telephone line
• Phone line splitter (as per need)
• Cable
• TV

Connect the Cables

1. Purchase an RF Splitter from your local electronics store (it can be bought for under $10).

2. Remove any device connections to the RF coaxial cable that should be hanging out of the wall and connect the RF splitter.

3. Attach one of the RF cables projecting from the splitter to the ANTENNA IN port located at the back of your TV.

4. Connect the other RF cable to the ANTENNA IN or ANTENNA/CABLE RF connector on your DVR.

5. Connect the composite A/V cable coming from the AUDIO/VIDEO OUT ports on the back of the cable box to the INPUT connections on your DVR.

6. Attach the composite A/V cable coming from the DVR AUDIO/VIDEO OUTPUT to the AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT on your TV.

Setting up a Connection from the DVR to the TiVo Service

7. Purchase a wired USB network adapter and an Ethernet cable if you're going with a wired broadband connection. Attach the network adapter to one of the USB ports on the DVR. Connect one end of the cable to the Ethernet connection on the adapter and the other end to a port on your network hub or router.

8. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter and attach the same to any USB port on the rear of the DVR if you want a wireless connection.

9. Set up a phone connection by using a standard phone line in working condition and using the phone cable to link the DVR to a nearby wall jack if the above options aren't available. If the jack is shared by a phone and DVR, use the phone line splitter provided with the DVR.

Watch One Channel and Record Another Using a Single Tuner DVR and a Cable Box

10. Connect the power cord from a wall outlet to the port at the back of your DVR.

11. Switch on your TV. “Welcome! Powering up,” will be displayed on the screen. If not, press the TV/VIDEO button on the remote control of your TV to locate the right input program.

12. Use the remote control to change channels while recording from another channel.

13. Watch the recorded video by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote, followed by the TV/VIDEO button on the TV control until you get the TiVo Central display on screen.

Tips & Warnings

• DSL subscribers should use a DSL filter to ensure an enhanced picture and sound quality if they're using a phone line to connect to the TiVo service.
• Remember that you will only be able to watch analog channels (generally 0-99) on the cable connected directly to the TV. You will not be able to pause or rewind live TV as you do not have TiVo service on those channels.