Get Ready for the Digital Transition

Get Ready for Digital Transition '09

Starting February 17, 2009, U.S. TV stations will discontinue use of analog signals and will broadcast only digital signals. By law, full-power television stations nationwide must stop using the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog. Digital Television (DTV) is an innovative type of broadcasting technology that will give you crystal-clear pictures and sound, and more programming choices than ever before.

The Consumer Reports DTV Transition Web page offers more practical, up-to-date information on Digital Transition.

You can learn more about the $40 coupon program for digital converter boxes on the official U.S. government Web site.

Here's an easy-to-understand video from our friends at Best Buy explaining the DTV transition.

Coupon-Eligible Digital Converter Boxes

If you aren't ready to buy a digital-ready TV, and plan to purchase a digital converter box to work with your existing TiVo setup, please review the following for coupon-eligible Digital Converter Boxes:

What is the digital transition?

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting.

Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free-up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Am I affected by Digital Transition?

Most TiVo customers won't notice any change in their service on February 17, 2009 — they're already prepared for the transition to all-digital signals.

If you are a current customer, you can submit your TiVo Service Number on this page to learn if and how you may be affected and what action you may be required to take, if any.

Please note the following:

You WILL be affected by the Digital Transition if you receive channels through:

• set-top antenna (or , a.k.a. good old-fashioned rabbit ears)
• rooftop antenna
• a coat hanger!

You will NOT be affected if you:

• receive your local channels from your cable or satellite provider
• have a TiVo HD DVR or TiVo Series3 HD DVR

Am I still affected if I have a digital-ready television?

For TiVo customers, the type of television you have will not affect your ability to record digital broadcasts with an antenna. Either type of television will work with any TiVo DVR. However, to determine whether your TiVo DVR is capable of receiving digital broadcasts, please submit your TiVo Service Number on this page.

How do I know if my digital converter box will work with my TiVo DVR?

If your TSN (15-digit number on the back of your DVR) begins with 542 or 649, you cannot use a converter box with that DVR.

Will all digital converter boxes work with my TiVo DVR?

No. Click here for a list of TiVo approved digital converter boxes.

I live in Canada. Am I affected?

Customers in Canada will not be affected by the Digital Transition. However, if you live near the U.S. border and receive antenna signals from U.S. television stations, you may be affected depending on which DVR you own:

• Series3 or TiVo HD: You will not be not affected.
• Series2: You will have to choose between receiving analog or digital stations. The Series2 DVR cannot support analog and digital antenna inputs simultaneously. You will need a converter box to tune to the digital antenna stations.
• Series1: You can continue to receive analog stations normally.

How do I determine that I am NOT affected by the Digital Transition?

If you receive all your programming from cable or satellite, you are not impacted by the Digital Transition. You do not need to purchase either a digital-ready television or digital converter box.

How do I install a digital converter box to work with my existing TiVo setup?

1. Connect the converter box directly to your TV.
2. Use the supplied converter box remote to view the converter box setup screens.
3. After the setup is complete, go to the settings menu of the converter box and turn "off" the standby function. This step is critical, as it will ensure the converter box always stays on.
4. Find the list of channels in the converter box settings. Verify the listed channels and uncheck any channels you do not receive.
5. Connect the converter box to your TiVo DVR using either an RF cable or composite cable (red, white, yellow).
6. Connect the antenna to the converter box using an RF cable.
7. Connect the IR cable to your TiVo DVR and place the IR emitter on the converter box over the IR receiver.
8. Repeat Guided Setup by following the on-screen instructions. For more detailed instructions, click here.

Please note, a software update (available late Summer of 2008) will be required in order to control the digital converter boxes. Affected customers will be notified by email when the release is available.

When should I plan to purchase a digital converter box?

If you are a Series2 analog antenna user you will automatically receive a software update in late Summer of 2008. You can wait to purchase the digital converter box until the software update becomes available.

I've read that IR cables are required to complete the converter box setup with TiVo — what does this involve?

The set up of a digital converter box involves IR (infrared) wires. Detailed instructions for installing the IR wires can be found here. IR wires are included in the original packaging of Series1 and Series2 TiVo DVRs. Customers who need to order new IR wires can do so at tivo.com/store.

Does the TiVo HD DVR function with non-HD channels?

Yes. This provides our customers with maximum flexibility. There is no need to purchase a digital converter box. The TiVo HD DVR will receive digital analog signals using an antenna. When you are ready to invest in an HD television, you'll have a DVR that can record and playback in beautiful high definition.

How can I receive free HD programming using over-the-air digital signals with my rooftop antenna or set-top antenna?

With the TiVo HD DVR, you will be able to receive HD programming on antenna signals. You do not need to purchase a digital converter box!