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

By eHow Electronics Editor

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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!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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

Step1
Ensure that the satellite cable from the wall is connected to your satellite box.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
Run another RF coaxial cable from the RF OUT port on your VCR or DVD recorder to the ANTENNA IN port on your TV.
Step7
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

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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

Step1
Hook up the purple connector on the IR cable to the IR port on your DVR.
Step2
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

Step1
Connect the power cable on the back of the DVR to a nearby power outlet.
Step2
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.

Tips & Warnings

  • Check to see that power for all equipment is on and they are plugged in properly.
  • Depending on how you choose to set up your TiVo network connection, make sure that the connectivity option you choose (phoneline or broadband) is in working condition.
  • Always connect the cables from the OUTPUT of one device to the INPUT of another.

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

eHow Electronics Editor

eHow Electronics Editor

Category: Electronics

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