Comments on: TiVo Series 2 Hardware Refresh

By: Robert Aitchison

Robert Aitchison — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 23:45:01 +0000

I’m guessing that the inputs on the back, with the notable exception of an RJ45 port won’t look that different than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation Series2 (140, 240 or 540).

Probably will be one IR blaster port and one set of video/s-video inputs.

The second tuner is for analog only, so I’m sure it pulls it straight off the analog cable feed using the Coax(RF) inputs.

That’s why those of us with Satellite will only be able to use one of the inputs, there is no analog satellite signal unlike “digital cable” where most channels are actually analog and a handful are digital.

By: garyt

garyt — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 18:43:09 +0000

Surely though, this DVR will support one satellite receiver.

By: Davage

Davage — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 17:45:41 +0000

I understand the concept of a TiVo tuner controlling the source feed. But with dual tuners does “dual inputs” come also? I’ve only had SA units and my three (2 S1 and 1 S2) take S-Video and analog audio feed from my 3 DirecTV receivers (and before I moved I had two digital cable boxes feed my first two S1 units). Anyone know if there will be an “A” and “B” input along with the “A” and “B” tuner?

By: Robert Aitchison

Robert Aitchison — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 17:16:20 +0000

Based on the specs it looks like it’s almost a hybrid of a Series2 and Series3

An Ethernet port would require an entirely new Series2 motherboard, two tuners means more might be horsepower as well.

Since I’m a satellite customer the only value for me would be the built in Ethernet so it’s not a huge deal to me.

By: John

John — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 04:53:00 +0000

Amongst my fleet, I have a Toshiba RS-TX20 fed by a DirecTV receiver. The Tivo supports the channel listing, guide info, etc. The only thing I would want in a Series3 is the same behavior, just with 2 DirecTV receivers instead of only one and simultaneous recording from those two different sources. Are you saying that’s not even possible?

By: MegaZone

MegaZone — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 00:51:30 +0000

John – yes. The Series3 doesn’t support satellite *at all*, it is strictly cable and antenna. That’s been discussed in great detail in places like TiVoLovers.com and TiVoCommunity.com. Because satellite is a closed system, TiVo’s only option is S2 style external tuners. Since most users opt for the cheaper integrated boxes, it isn’t a good market for TiVo.

Now, if they win the suit against Echostar – you might see more licensing of TiVo’s software.

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 23:57:19 +0000

There is also a new 80 hour model on Amazon for $250ish.

By: John

John — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 23:17:31 +0000

So, wait a second, if I can’t hook up two satellite receivers and record simultaneously does this mean I won’t have that capability in S3? Is Tivo completely leaving it’s satellite customers in the dust, languishing about with single-tuner satellite-driven S2 boxes and optionless DTivo units?