Are cable cards really necessary? So can I use the tivo series 3?
862704
The FCC REQUIRES your digital cable system to provide working CableCARDs to you on demand for a "nominal fee", which is about $5 each per month or less. They don't have the option NOT to provide CableCARDs. It is an FCC requirement. This has been the case since July 1, 2000. Most cable companies want you to believe that your only option is their own digital cable boxes, controlled by them, with rental rates set by them, and complete with integrated advertising. Most cable systems would rather you didn't know about CableCARDs.
851098
You should probably call TW and tell them you have this Hauppauge Cable Card Tuner (or you can tell them you have a TIVO) and ask them what you need will need to watch your present line-up. They will give you the 'cable card' but you might need a converter box that will allow you to watch certain HD channels.
755243
No, TIVO and other DVRS require specific models. The Western Digital DVR expander (My Book AV with esata) is compatible. See product details and check with your cable company to verify.
560889
If you upgrade to the TiVo Premier, you can access your antenna channels. You can scan antenna channels during the initial setup of the TiVo. I haven't tried it on my Series 2 TiVo. Sorry.
1031281
Nope. As far as I know there are no cable services where on demand currently works with cablecard.
1288264
a cable card is needed, if its not working youll need to contact your provider so they can enter your tivo network numbers in their system so they cable card will communicate properly. i suggest find a customer service number for your provider from the tivo site, i had trouble getting help with the normal customer service numbers.
1462469
No, you cannot. To use this, you first need cable/Fios/Uverse service. You also need to "rent" a cablecard from your cable provider. You then need to purchase this unit. Then you need to either purchase a lifetime (for this specific unit - not your life) service contract or you will pay monthly service fees (either of those are to Tivo). You will only avoid paying monthly DVR rental/lease fees to your cable provider.
1147031
Probably not, Kelly, you will still need a cable card from TWC. The cable card should be far less expensive than the TWC DVR, though. Also, I found the TiVo to be much more responsive in channel selection than the Bright House DVR which it replaced. Waiting multiple seconds for channels to change was the frustration that prompted the investment in the TiVo.
1671750
Tivo, like any DVR, requires a subscription fee to make it work. You can pay one fee that's good for the lifetime of the unit (not your lifetime), or a yearly fee, or a monthly. I've had Tivos for 10 years and it is SO much better than the DVR available from the cable company - very sophisticated, very easy to use, and in my opinion, very much worth it.
1340383
You can use it like an old VCR -- record by times etc... But the guide (show listings) will be empty. Also -- if it is a Series 2 the HD will not look great as the TiVo does not support HD.
1130725
You must get a cable card from your cable provider, AND the cable card must be a newer software version. As a matter of fact, our cable provider had to order new cable cards because we were not the first customers whose new Tivos did not work at all - absolutely no channels were viewable. Once you have a compatible cable card, this model is supposed to operate fine without digital cable, but I cannot yet verify this. We only got notice today that our up-to-date cable card should be available for pickup by the end of this week.
1817734
Wouldn't work with my TiVo series 3 or premiere, which is why I had bought it. I tried various methods but nothing worked. You need a proprietary hard drive to work with TiVo. Wound up selling it on eBay.
1130727
Yes the cable company will give you a card that you put in the TiVo box that makes the fit custom for guide and channel line up
755242
If you're asking about using it with a TivoHD, then no. Tivo series 3 can use other eSATA drives in an "unsupported" configuration though. (I don't know about other DVR's)BTW, more info that you ever wanted to know about this is posted in this FAQ: http://tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=370784
1957540
Nope. This one only works with Digital Cable and Fios. I believe DirecTV has a box available with TiVo though.
1278326
I kept my Tivo's when I upgraded. I have 3 running at the same time, each in a different room in the house. I can access one from the other, and transfer shows between them but each unit needs to have its own cable card. I hope this helps
357418
Yes it will. I assume you are using a cable or dish service. When you hook it up to your cable box or decoder it will ask if you want it to scan for all channels when done you will be able to record either. By the way you do not need a cable box just a card and decoder if your company offers that. The TiVo unit has several tuners inside.