Support article

What is Amazon Unbox?

Amazon Unbox lets you download TV shows and movies directly to your TiVo DVR. You can buy or rent Amazon Unbox videos and watch them on your TiVo DVR, your PC, or portable video devices.

Learn more about Unbox below or by visiting Amazon’s FAQs.   
 

Where is Amazon Unbox available?

Currently Amazon Unbox service is only available in the fifty United States, plus Washington D.C., excluding all U.S. bases.
Unbox is not available Puerto Rico, Guam or any other U.S. territory.
Unbox is not available in Canada or any other country outside the U.S.
 

Which TiVo DVRs are compatible with Amazon Unbox?

Unbox video downloads are compatible with all broadband connected Series2 and Series3 TiVo enabled DVRs.
Unbox video downloads are not available for DIRECTV for TiVo subscribers or Series1 TiVo DVRs.

Learn more about connecting your TiVo DVR to your home network.

How do I begin using Unbox?

Because Amazon Unbox videos are purchased and downloaded at Amazon.com, you should use your existing Amazon account or establish a new one before downloading videos with Unbox.

In order to download movies to your TiVo you must first   link your TiVo account with your Amazon account.

Can I download a single video from Unbox to multiple TiVo DVRs?

Yes, you can. Each purchase may be downloaded up to two TiVo DVRs on your account. In order to download to additional TiVo DVRs you must first delete the program from at least one of the original TiVo DVRs. However, rented videos are not available for multiple downloads.

Can I download videos to TiVo DVRs other than my own?

No. Movies and programs purchased at Unbox may only be downloaded to TiVo DVRs listed on the linked TiVo/Amazon account.

Can I watch the video I’m currently downloading, while it is downloading to my TiVo DVR?

TiVo HD and Series3 DVRs now support Progressive Download. If you have one of these DVRs, movies and TV shows will begin downloading and be available for viewing within about 5 minutes of ordering.

(Viewing availability may vary, depending on internet connection and home networking speeds.)

How do I find the Unbox videos I’ve downloaded to my TiVo DVR?

Once download is complete, you will find all your purchased videos under the “Now Playing” section, in the “Amazon Unbox Preview” folder on your TiVo Main Page.


 

Will I be able to use TiVo’s Home Media features with my Unbox videos?

No, you won’t be able to use the TiVoToGo or Multi-Room Viewing features with Unbox videos. Nor can you burn Unbox videos to a DVR. However, you can download your purchased videos to multiple TiVo DVRs.

Are High Definition (HD) programs available for download to my TiVo Series3?

No. High Definition videos are currently not available for download.

Do Amazon Unbox Videos offer Closed Captioning?

No. Closed captioning is not supported at this time.

I’m having trouble linking my TiVo and Amazon Accounts. What should I do?

First, check to make sure you are able to log-in to both your TiVo and Amazon accounts. Now, try linking again. If you still can’t link go to TiVo’s   Manage My Account   page, select “DVR Preferences” and make sure “Enable Video Downloads” is selected. For help linking your TiVo and Amazon accounts, see our article on Linking Issues.

If I delete my Unbox video from my TiVo DVR, is it gone forever?

Unbox stores all of your purchased videos in Your Media Library for re-download, so your videos don’t have to take up all the space on your TiVo DVR. You can re-download your purchased videos at anytime. However, please take note of the “Pay-TV Blackout Window”.

What is the “Pay-TV Blackout Window”?

Due to restrictions from the video rights holders, most newly released movies will occasionally become temporarily unavailable for re-download from Your Media Library – even after they’ve already been purchased.
During this “Pay-TV Blackout Window” certain programs will be temporarily unavailable from the Unbox catalog and Your Media Library. This happens during the program’s run on a pay-cable channel.
The video will be automatically replaced and made available to you through Your Media Library once the “Pay-TV Blackout Window” has ended.

I’ve deleted a video from my TiVo DVR but according to my Unbox account, my license has not been restored. What should I do?

Start by checking your “Recently Deleted” folder. If it is there, delete it. You may need to wait up to five minutes before the license is made available. Be sure your DVR’s broadband connection is working. If these steps do not restore your license, contact  Amazon’s Customer Support and have them confirm and clear this so it reflects accurately in your account.

What if I have issues with my Amazon Unbox page or account?

If you are unable to find a solution after attempting all TiVo-generated suggestions, Amazon related issues should be handled by Amazon Customer Support.