How to Use a TiVo Series2 DT Digital Video Recorder Without TiVo Service

Older TiVos used to record programming without a paid subscription, but TiVo has since removed that service.

The Series2 DT TiVo is one of two TiVo digital video recorders (DVRs) that can record from cable or satellite program sources. Though this makes the box flexible, a subscription to TiVo service is required for the Series2 to actually schedule recordings. Some users, however, will be able to record programs manually, though TiVo does not support or guarantee this functionality. Without service, the Series2 DT TiVo will pause, fast-forward and rewind live television.

Things You'll Need

• Series2 DT TiVo
• TiVo remote
• Cable/satellite receiver box
• TiVo IR control cable
• Composite cables (two)
• Splitter

Instructions

Installing TiVo

1. Stack the Series2 DT TiVo on top of your cable/satellite receiver box.

2. Connect the coaxial cable from the wall to your splitter. Next, run two coaxial cables from the splitter's "Out" jacks to the "RF Coaxial In" jacks on the back of the TiVo and cable/satellite receiver boxes, respectively.

3. Plug the Audio/Visual composite cables into your TiVo, cable/satellite receiver and your television. Start by plugging the red, yellow and white cables into the TiVo's "Audio/Visual In" jacks. Then, connect the other end of the cable to your cable/satellite receiver's "Audio/Visual Out" jacks. Next, connect the TiVo to your television by running a second composite cable's Audio/Visual plugs from the TiVo's "Audio/Visual Out" jacks to the television's "Audio/Visual In" jacks.

4. Take the IR Control Cable's purple serial plug and connect it to the TiVo's IR Control port. Connect the cable's nine-pin serial plug to the back of your cable/satellite receiver. Next, take the two prongs from the IR cable and place them above and below your receiver's IR sensor. The prongs should stick out about 1 1/2 inch from the sensor.

5. Plug the TiVo and the receiver box into a wall outlet.

Using TiVo

1. Power on the television. If you do not see a TiVo "Welcome Screen," make sure the television is set to either channel "3" or "4." The TiVo will ask you to plug the TiVo into an Internet or landline so it can receive TiVo service. It will also ask you to subscribe to service. You can bypass these steps by selecting to do those steps later.

2. Change channels with the TiVo's Peanut Remote. Make sure it has a clear line of sight to the IR cable's sensors.

3. Pause live television by pressing the "Pause" button in the middle of the remote. If the program has been paused long enough, you can fast-forward by pressing the "Fast Forward" button on the right side of the "Pause" button. You can also skip large increments by pressing the small "Skip" button below the "Fast Forward" button. Rewind content by pressing the "Rewind" button on the left side of the "Pause" button. You can only do this if you have been watching a program without changing the channel. After changing channels, you will not be able to go back and rewind later.

Tips & Warnings

• You can try manually setting programs to record by pressing the red "Record" button on the TiVo remote. This may record the program that is currently being televised, but it is not guaranteed to work.

References

• TiVo
• TiVo Install