TiVo w/DirecTV question
 

Someone just told me I don't have to have a phone line hooked into the TiVo, that it gets the programming off the satellite, and if I do so all I'll get is the reminders to call in. Is this true?

He also said the real purpose of the phone calls was to report to TiVo what you've been watching. The only reason I have the phone line is for the TiVo, so I'd love to lose it.

It can also get its programming off of the internet if you have it plugged into your system. Not sure about satellite but would not surprise me.

JoeA

I'm not sure of the 'real' answer, but I do not have our DirecTivo box plugged-in to the phone all the time. I only dial-in once a month or longer, when it bugs me to do so. I have never noticed any progamming or operational impact at all; however, I think that software updates are only downloaded via phone not satellite, at least on the box I've got.

You won't be able to order Pay Per View events w/o a phone line if that matters...

I'll have to ask TiVo- wasn't thinking about software updates. And I don't want annoying messages reminding me to call in. I've been too lazy to link it to my internet...

The DirecTivo interface is powerful because at least 2 weeks of future programming is always in your machine. That is downloaded by telephone. If you don't have a nearby telephone jack, there are units that send the TV signal through your house wiring. Works well.

Maybe I'm missing the picture here. Are we talking about bootleg cards or some black helicopters conspiracy?

The REAL reason that TiVo needs that line is to down load your watching habits, which they in turn sell !!

I haven't connected my Directivo in 137 days (I get a message every day telling me to connect my phone line.) and still get updated programming information.

If you want more info on Tivo, check out tivocommunity.com. It's a Tivo BBS.

Aha! So you only need the phone line for initial setup. Do you get lots of annoying messages telling you to connect to a phone line?

If you have a DirectTV-type TiVo, I think it can get its programming schedule without a phone line.

If you have a Cable-TV type TiVo, you will need to use a phone line or network/broadband connection to get the listings.

Additionally, there are LOTS of reasons to go ahead and get your TiVo connected to your broadband-internet connection:

--Faster updates of both programming schedules, last-minute changes, and firmware updates to the TiVo.

--The ability to use the Home Networking Option, which allows you to transfer shows between TiVo boxes on your in-house network

--The ability to use Tivo-to-Go, which allows you to transfer shows from a TiVo to your computer, where you can then view or burn them to other media, such as a DVD. This, in my opinion, is the main reason to get TiVo connected to a home network. It lets me archive my favorite shows to DVD. With some additional software, you can remove the copyright protection from the shows and edit out commercials too. Caveat: This may violate federal laws; check with an attorney ;-)

--The ability to go log onto the TiVo web site, and remotely progam your TiVo(s) to record a show.

Just once a day when you go to a Tivo menu. Warnings only start after your Tivo has been disconnected for 30+ days.

Robert- thank you for the reply. I don't really care about faster updates, Home Networking, TiVo-to-go, or the TiVo website, at least at this point in time.

I would most likely connect it to the internet to avoid the daily reminders, though.

If I disconnect the phone line, will that stop the software or firmware updates?

I'd just like to stop paying for a phone line that only gets used for TiVo.

Another reason to keep the phone line disconnected.

Modems go can belly up on the receivers causing them to have connection failures which will make them try and connect constantly. This will cause a noticeable disruption in your phone service which you will attribute to the alarm system and drive the techs nuts looking for a non-existent problem. Then you'll think it's your wireless network and you'll f that up till you rule it out. Then you will assume interference from something in your area and you'll try to live with it which is impossible.

One day you'll be on the phone with support for some other reason and they'll ask why the phone line is not hooked up to which you will reply that it is and when they run a remote system check they'll figure it out and tell you to leave it disconnected.

Process can take a year or so.

Ask me how I know.

Scott

I've been looking into this too so I can drop our landline. I think if you have a broadband internet connection... you're good to go. You'll need a usb network adapter and then change your phone settings to dial ",#401"

Google 'tivo land line' and you get lots of threads.

I have three regular TiVos in my home; none are DirecTiVos, so I can't say for sure, but I suspect software/firmware updates from TiVo probably do only get downloaded from a phone or network connection.

Just one more thought about a land-line...having a hard-wired connection to "911" for $30 a month seems sensible to me. Think how many times a cell phone call did not go through, and compare that to land-line calls that failed. Which odds would you prefer if you or your family needed an ambulance/police/fire truck RIGHT NOW? Also, with caller id on your land-line, the dispatcher's computer automatically has a physical address show up on screen, and can relay that instantlly to the responder. Not so quick to zero-in with a cell phone. Just food for thought/worry
:)

I've got my Tivo hooked up to my wireless network; seems like the way to do it to me. I think they can only work with a handful of network adapters though - I was lucky and had the one it worked with on hand when I bought it.

Works great too.