Support article

How do I set up my Single Tuner DVR with a Cable Box or Satellite Receiver and a VCR?

25-10-16Search Reference Number
 

ParagraphThe setup information in this article applies to any single tuner TiVo DVR. The illustrations shown are specific to the Series2 DVR (see alternate Series2 back panel) but can be adapted if you are using a different DVR. If you have a Series2 DT (dual tuner) DVR, see How Do I Set Up My Dual Tuner DVR?

 

Note:If your television does not have Composite A/V Connectors, go to How Do I Set up my DVR with a TV that Only Has One Input (RF)?.

 

Note:If you have a DVD recorder, simply substitute it for the VCR in the hookups below. If you have a DVD player, hook it up to a different input on your TV.

 

To use this configuration with your TiVo Digital Video Recorder, perform the following steps:

 

Note:If your DVR did not come pre-activated, we recommend that you activate your service before beginning the following setup process.

 

Step one:Connect the RF coaxial cable coming from the wall to the RF In connector on the cable box or satellite receiver.

  
 

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Step two:If you have a satellite receiver with serial control capability, connect the control cable from the Serial connector on the receiver to the Serial connector on the DVR. Otherwise, connect the IR control cable to the IR connector on the DVR. For information about setting up the IR control cable, go to How Do I Verify My IR Cable Connections?

  
 

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Step three:Connect the composite A/V cables from the cable box or satellite receiver Audio/Video Out to the Audio/Video INPUT connectors on the DVR.

  
 

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Step four:Set the CH 3/4 switches on the back of the DVR and VCR to 3.

  
 

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Step five:Connect an RF coaxial cable from the DVR RF OUT connector to the Antenna In connector on the VCR.

  
 

Step six:Connect an RF coaxial cable from the VCR RF Out connector to the Antenna In connector on the TV.

  
 

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Step seven:Connect the composite A/V cables from the DVR Audio/Video OUTPUT connectors to the Audio/Video Input connectors on the TV.

  
 

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Step eight:Set up either a network connection (recommended) or phone connection from the DVR to the TiVo service using one of the following methods.

  
 
  • Wired network connection: If you have broadband and you want to use a wired connection, connect a wired USB network adapter (sold separately) to one of the USB ports on the DVR. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable (also sold separately) to the Ethernet connector on the adapter, and connect the other end to a port on your network hub or router. Refer to All Wired Network Adapters for a list of compatible adapters.
  • Wireless network connection: If you have broadband and you want to use a wireless connection, connect a wireless USB network adapter (sold separately) to one of the USB ports on the DVR. A compatible wireless adapter is available at www.tivo.com/store, or refer to All Wireless Network Adapters for a list of compatible adapters.
  • Phone connection: If you need to use a phone line to connect to the TiVo service, connect the provided phone cord from the DVR to a nearby wall jack. Use the provided phone line splitter if the DVR is sharing the wall jack with a telephone.
 

Note:If you use a phone line to connect to the TiVo service and you have DSL, you will need to use a DSL Filter on your phone line to improve your connection.

 

Step nine:Connect the power cord from a wall outlet to the back of the DVR.

  
 

Step ten:Turn on your TV and VCR, and then tune to channel 3. If you see the "Welcome to TiVo" screen, you are ready to begin Guided Setup. If not, you need to find the correct input settings by pressing the Input or TV/Video button on your TV’s remote control and/or your VCR remote control until you see the "Welcome to TiVo" screen.

  
 

Note:This information is only for TiVo-manufactured DVRs. If you need further help, please contact your manufacturer.

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