How to Setup my Dual Tuner DVR with Satellite and Basic Cable

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

The Series2 DT (dual tuner) DVR can enable you to watch and record two analog channels or one analog and one digital channel simultaneously. If you have a satellite service and no basic cable service you are left with only one digital channel. That means your dual tuner DVR will operate like a single tuner DVR. However, if you have a Series2 DT (dual tuner) TiVo DVR, satellite service and basic cable, setting it up is not difficult. You will start watching and recording your favorite shows in no time!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

DSL connection
Phone line in working condition (as per need)
IR cable
Broadband connection
Ethernet cable
Wired or wireless USB adapter
Satellite box
Dual tuner DVR
RF coaxial cable
Basic cable

Connect the Cables

Step 1

Ensure that the satellite cable from the wall is connected to your satellite box.
Step 2

Connect a composite cable that has red, white and yellow connectors from the AUDIO/VIDEO OUT jacks on the back of your satellite box to the AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks located on the back side of your dual tuner DVR.
Step 3

Connect the RF coaxial cable from your basic cable jack located on the wall to the RF IN jack on the back of your dual tuner DVR.
Step 4

Attach the composite cable from the AUDIO/VIDEO OUTPUT jacks of your dual tuner DVR to the composite AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT jacks on your TV. Omit this step if you are not connecting a VCR or a DVD recorder and your television has only one connecting port. Instead connect another coaxial cable from the RF OUT port on the DVR to the ANTENNA IN connection on your television.
Step 5

Connect an RF coaxial cable from the RF OUT connector on your DVR to the ANTENNA IN connector on your VCR or DVD recorder when using them in conjunction with your dual tuner DVR.
Step 6

Run another RF coaxial cable from the RF OUT port on your VCR or DVD recorder to the ANTENNA IN port on your TV.
Step 7

Verify that the channel switch at the back of the DVR and the switch on the VCR or the DVD recorder match. If you cannot find the location of the switch on your VCR or DVD recorder, consult the respective user guide or manual.

Set up a Connection from the DVR to the TiVo Service

Step 1

Purchase a wired USB network adapter and an Ethernet cable if setting up a wired connection on 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 connector on the adapter and the other end to a port on your network hub or router.
Step 2

Purchase a wireless USB network adapter and attach the same to any USB port on the rear of the DVR to set up a wireless connection on your broadband system.
Step 3

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.

Connect a Channel Changing Cable from the DVR to the Satellite Box

Step 1

Hook up the purple connector on the IR cable to the IR port on your DVR.
Step 2

Check the position of the emitters on the top and below the satellite box and verify whether they are in an appropriate position for the IR signals to reach the IR sensor. When the end points of the emitters have lengthened to approximately 1 ½” from the frontal part of the cable box you've got it right.

Complete the Set Up

Step 1

Connect the power cable on the back of the DVR to a nearby power outlet.
Step 2

Turn the TV on. Surf to channel 3 or 4 and you will see “Welcome to TiVo” on the screen. If not, find the correct input settings by pressing the Input or TV/Video button on your TV remote control. Follow the guidelines on the screen to complete the process.