TiVo Networking Guide - How To

TiVo Networking Made Easy
New technology makes it a breeze to connect your TiVo to your computer!

Connecting TiVo to your computer is easy, especially with new products designed to make networking a snap. There are two basic steps:

1) Connect your computer to a router
2) Connect your TiVo to the router

Let us show you how easy this truly is:

Connect your Computer to a Router

Many people already have a router or a home network, so if you do, skip this step.

First, purchase a router. We recommend a NETGEAR or Linksys router, because they are widely available and in the unlikely event you need it, phone support is quite good. WeaKnees carries TiVo-compatible routers; please feel free to contact us if we can help. For other router options, see here.

Next, follow the router’s instructions to connect it to your PC. This is typically VERY easy. Simply install the included software, then remove your Internet cable from the PC and connect it to the router. Then connect the router to the PC. Software from Netgear and Linksys routers almost always automatically configure the router to your computer and setup!

Connect your TiVo to the Router

Most people cannot run a wire from the TiVo to the router because they are in different rooms of the same home. This is no longer a problem! There are two options:

1) Connect your TiVo to your router using your home’s electric (power) wires
2) Use a wireless adapter to connect the TiVo to the router

Although it is a more-expensive option, we highly recommend option #1. With the new PowerLine 85Mbps adapter, you can create a turbo-fast connection between the TiVo and your router with absolutely no programming required. Simply plug one adapter into an electrical outlet in the room with your TiVo. Then run an ethernet cable from the TiVo to the adapter. In the room with the router, plug another adapter into an electrical outlet, and run a cable from the adapter to the router. When we first installed this product at our warehouse and in our homes, we were stunned at how simple and fool-proof this product is. (To add security settings, run the software included with the adapters.)

NOTE: If you do not have one of the new dual-tuner standalone TiVo DVRs, you will also need a USB to Ethernet adapter.

To summarize the connections from your TiVo to the router using the new PowerLine adapters: (1) Plug a PowerLine adapter directly into an electrical outlet; (2) Connect a USB to Ethernet adapter to the USB port on your TiVo. (3) Connect the PowerLine to the USB adapter using an Ethernet cable (included with the PowerLine adapters).

If you’d rather go wireless, we recommend the TiVo-branded G-wireless adapter. Using this product requires a wireless router (which we carry). It also requires a bit of configuration, especially if you want your network to be secure. You’ll just need to set a password on the router and then enter that password in the TiVo’s setup screens.

Finally, you’ll need the TiVo Desktop software on your PC or Mac to get many of the features listed above.

SUMMARY

Networking your TiVo using a new PowerLine HomePlug Adapter is extremely easy. To make things even easier, weaKnees has a complete networking package, which includes a set of PowerLine adapters AND a wireless G router. To add additional TiVos and additional rooms, simply purchase additional adapters. You may also need USB to Ethernet adapters, sold separately from the networking package.

*“Standalone” TiVo DVRs do not have built-in DIRECTV receivers. DIRECTV has not activated the networking ports on its boxes.

*DirecTV DVRs and Series3 TiVos (in HD) record digital broadcast streams and all compression is determined by the broadcaster, so hours stated are estimates assuming average compression. Standard Definition TiVo DVR and TiVo Upgrade Kit capacities are stated at Basic Quality. All capacities may vary due to hard drive models used. Capacities are guaranteed to be within 5% larger or smaller of stated size. Email with any questions.