How to Use TiVo With Comcast

TiVos allow you to record your cable programming and provides many broadband features as well.

Four TiVos work with Comcast cable service. The Series2 TiVo records in standard definition and only records one program at a time. The Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo Premiere models record in high-definition and all three can record two programs simultaneously. TiVo replaces your Comcast DVR or receiver, except for the Series2, which connects to a Comcast receiver. The biggest difference between the HD-capable TiVos is CableCard configuration. CableCards allow TiVos to decode the Comcast programming you pay for. The Series3 requires two CableCards, whereas the TiVo HD can use two single-tuning CableCards or one dual-tuning CableCard. The TiVo Premiere only works with one dual-tuning CableCard.

Things You'll Need

• CableCard/s (Series3, TiVo HD or TiVo Premiere)
• Component cables or HDMI cable (Series3, TiVo HD or TiVo Premiere)
• Composite cables (two); for Series2 TiVo
• IR control cable (Series2)
• Splitter (Series2)
• Internet source (wired or wireless)
• TiVo wireless adapter (for wireless connectivity)

Instructions

HD TiVos

1. Connect the TiVo to you television via a component cable or HDMI cable. Use either the "Audio/Visual Output" jacks for the component cables or the "HDMI Out" jack on the back of the TiVo.

2. Establish an Internet connection to your TiVo. For wired connectivity, run an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the back of the TiVo.

   For wireless connectivity, connect a TiVo wireless adapter to one of the USB slots on the back of the TiVo. Then during the TiVo's Setup Wizard, enter your wireless networks WEP key to synchronize the TiVo to your network.

3. Install the proper CableCard/s. The Series3 TiVo will require two single-tuning CableCards. The TiVo HD can use either one dual-tuning CableCard or two single-tuning CableCards. The TiVo Premiere is only compatible with a single dual-streaming CableCard.

4. Plug the TiVo into a wall outlet.

5. Power on the TiVo using the TiVo remote's "Power" button. The TiVo will automatically configure upon startup. Note: You might have to set preferences or enter your some basic information such as your ZIP code upon initial setup.

6. Watch television. You will be able to channel surf with the TiVo remote as well as schedule recordings using the TiVo's "Record" button. For favorite shows, you can set "Season Passes" that will automatically record shows every week. To do this, press the large "TiVo" button on top of the remote, scroll to "Find Programs," enter your desired program and set recording preferences. You will also be able to access TiVo's broadband functionality. This includes software such as Amazon OnDemand, Pandora, Facebook, Netflix and more.

Series2 TiVo

1. Run your coaxial cable from the wall to your splitter's "In" jack. Next, run two coaxial cables from the splitter's "Out" jacks to your Comcast receiver box and the Series2 TiVo. Note: Make sure the TiVo and the Comcast receiver box are stacked on top of each other.

2. Connect the TiVo to the receiver with composite cables. Plug the red, white and yellow audio/visual plugs into the receiver box's "Audio/Visual Out" jacks. Next, run the other end of the cable's audio/visual plugs into the TiVo's "Audio/Visual In" jacks. You will also need to connect the TiVo to your television set doing the same process. Plug a second composite cable's audio/visual plugs into the TiVo's "Out" jacks and plug the other end's red, yellow and white plugs into the television's "Audio/Visual In" ports.

3. Plug the IR control cable into the back of the TiVo via the purple serial plug. The IR cable will also have a nine-pin serial plug that connects to the receiver. Next, place the two black ends of the IR cable above and below the receiver's IR sensor with the two prongs protruding about 1 1/2 inches from the front of the IR sensor.

4. Establish an Internet connection to your TiVo. For wired connectivity, run an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the back of the TiVo.

   For wireless connectivity, connect a TiVo wireless adapter to one of the USB slots on the back of the TiVo. Then during the TiVo's Setup Wizard, enter your wireless networks WEP key to synchronize the TiVo to your network.

5. Plug the TiVo into a wall outlet. Power on the TiVo using the TiVo remote's "Power" button. The TiVo will automatically configure upon startup. Note: If you do not see a TiVo "Welcome Screen," change the channel on your television to "3" or "4." Also, during installation you might have to set preferences or enter your some basic information such as your ZIP code upon initial setup.

6. While watching television, you will be able to channel surf with the TiVo remote as well as schedule recordings using the TiVo's "Record" button. For favorite shows, you can set "Season Passes" that will automatically record shows every week. To do this, press the large "TiVo" button on top of the remote, scroll to "Find Programs," enter your desired program and set recording preferences.

   You will also be able to access TiVo's broadband functionality. This includes software such as Amazon OnDemand other third-party features as well.

Tips & Warnings

• For pay-per-view programming, you will have to call Comcast for access.

• If you are having technical trouble with CableCards, call TiVo at 1-877-367-8486 and select the "Technical Support" line. For other CableCard issues, dial the same number, but select the "Account and Billing" option from the automated message.

• When using TiVo with Comcast, you will not be able to access all of Comcast's OnDemand features.

• The Series3, TiVo HD and TiVo Premiere were manufactured to work natively with cable service. The Series2 TiVo will not record in HD or be able to record more than one show at a time. If it is recording, you cannot channel surf. Also, the Series2 does not support all of TiVo's broadband features.

References

• TiVo Install

Resources

• TiVo features