Using a seperate Tivo with a Directv HD receiver

[kmbrly]

The little installation dude that installed my satellite said that I couldn't use my Tivo with this receiver... Please tell me he's mistaken. He could only install one receiver that day (I didn't even really understand the reason why). He tried explaining, but his English was very broken, and I couldn't catch it all.

Anyway... so does this mean I'm SOL with using my Tivo??

[4852jessica]

if i am not mistaken you can only use tivo if you have cable not satelite

[labgeek]

if i am not mistaken you can only use tivo if you have cable not satelite

You are mistaken... Tivo is most definitely compatible with satellite.


kmbrly - yes your should be able to use your Tivo... BUT (and this is a big HAIRY one), you are not going to get HD on there. And from a functionality standpoint it would be something of a pita to use. You'd wind up switching inputs all to go between HD and Tivo, etc.

The satellite receiver HD output would still go to the TV. The SD output of your choice would go to Tivo. Then a SD out from Tivo would go to a SD in on the TV. SD = standard Def. - your choice of S-Video, composite, etc.

The best answer would have been to pick up their HD DVR setup... but (and it's a big UGLY but) if you're used to Tivo you probably won't like their DVR. If you can find a used (assuming they will activate it for you) HR10-250 HD DVR system it uses Tivo software on it. But (there's that word again), many of the extended functions (networking, usb ports, etc.) were never enabled by DTV so you're left without or make "unauthorized" changes to the software.

<<-- Tivo fan!! and DTV user (not a fan but it's better than anything else I have available)

[DaveL]

I have had Tivo myself for a long time. I hate to admit though that in January I broke down and began paying my cable co for their DVR to get HD channels. I just couldn't justify buying the Tivo HD unit for $1000.00 (That would have been to switch my lifetime subscription as well.) Now I have Tivo in the bedroom and the Cable DVR in the living room.