How to Watch One Channel, Record Another with a Single Tuner DVR and a Cable Box

Watching one channel and recording another with a single tuner DVR and a cable box is possible with TiVo. It can be especially useful when your spouse's favorite show is on network analog TV at the same time as the big game on cable! The underlying principle is that you will be able to record all channels connected and transmitted through the cable box but view only the analog channels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DSL connection
• DSL filter
• RF cable
• Wired or wireless USB adapters as per choice
• IR cable
• Broadband connection
• Cable box
• Single tuner DVR with TiVo
• RF splitter
• Phone line (in working condition)
• TV
• Phone line splitter

Connect the Cables

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

2. Connect the splitter to the RF coaxial cable that comes out of the wall. Remove all devices connected to the cable.

3. Attach one of the RF cables projecting from the splitter to the RF IN port on the cable box.

4. Connect the other RF cable to the ANTENNA IN connection located at the back of your TV.

5. Ensure that the IR cable (used to transmit signals from the TiVo DVR to the cable box) is properly attached to the IR connector present on the rear side of the DVR.

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

7. Connect the composite A/V cable coming from the DVR AUDIO/VIDEO OUTPUT located on your DVR to the AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT on your TV.

Set up a Connection from the DVR to the TiVo Service

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

9. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter if you're setting up a wireless broadband connection and attach the same to any USB port on the back of the DVR.

10. 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 to you. If the jack is shared by a phone and DVR, use the phone line splitter provided with the DVR.

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

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

12. 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.

13. Use the remote control to change channels while recording from another channel is in progress.

14. Watch the recorded video by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote, followed by the TV/Video button on the TV remote until you get the TiVo Central displayed on the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify that your IR cables are properly connected by ensuring that one end of the IR cable is connected to the IR port on the back of your TiVo DVR and the emitters at the other end are positioned in such a way so that the IR signal can reach the IR sensor on your cable box. The IR sensor on the cable box is typically a cone-shaped area that is behind a dark plastic panel. If you can’t locate it, use a flashlight to find the exact location.
• DSL subscribers should use a DSL filter to ensure an enhanced picture and sound quality if using a phone line to connect to the TiVo service.
• Satellite boxes do not provide this function because their signals aren't analog and cannot be fragmented.