You have DVR alternatives whether you’re a cord-cutter or live in an area where cable isn’t available. TiVo’s digital video recording capabilities do not require cable or satellite television. With an over-the-air antenna, you can use TiVo.
Is it possible to utilize TiVo just through the Internet?
To get program listings, TiVo service updates, and on-demand programming, your TiVo box requires a high-speed Internet connection. The sort of network connection you choose will be determined by what you want to accomplish with your TiVo box(es) and whether or not an Ethernet cable can be connected to your TiVo box (es).
How can I set up a wifi connection for my TiVo box?
There is no need to connect because your box has built-in wireless connectivity. Simply turn on your TiVo box and you’re good to go. Select the “Wireless” networking option from the TiVo menus: If this is your first time setting up your TiVo box, select “Wireless” as your network connection type during Guided Setup.
Is it possible to utilize TiVo without an Internet connection?
A TiVo requires an internet connection at least occasionally to function. It doesn’t have to be constant; the guide data is updated every two weeks, so if you attach it to an internet connection and let it update at least once every ten days or so, that should suffice; but, I do require that connection.
For Antenna-only TiVo devices:
- A monthly service plan with a one-year commitment and a $75 early termination fee1 at the current rate of $6.99/month (plus all applicable taxes); or
- An annual service package is now available for $69.99 per year (plus any applicable taxes)
- 2;or
- For a one-time payment of $249.99, an all-in plan is available (plus any applicable taxes).
- 3
- A monthly service plan with no commitment at the current rate of $14.99 per month (plus any applicable taxes); or
- An annual service package is now available for $69.99 per year (plus any applicable taxes)
- two; or
For TiVo devices that work with Cable:
- A monthly service plan with a one-year commitment and a $75 early termination fee1 at the current rate of $14.99/month (plus any applicable taxes); or
- At the current fee of $149.99 per year, an annual service plan is available (plus any applicable taxes)
- two; or
- For a one-time payment of $549.99, an all-in plan is available (plus any applicable taxes).
- 3
You can choose one of the following service subscriptions if you buy a TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX, or TiVo Roamio (other than a TiVo Roamio OTA 1 TB) through any retail sales channel and it has been activated for more than 30 days:
You can choose between the following options when purchasing a TiVo Premiere, TiVo Premiere 4, or TiVo Premiere XL4 through any retail sales channel:
- With the purchase of a new full-priced TiVo equipment directly from TiVo, a no-commitment monthly service is available (call TiVo Customer Service, at 877-289-8486, for more information). With the acquisition of a previously activated TiVo equipment from a third party, a no-commitment monthly service is offered.
- With respect to any TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo EDGE for Antenna, TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX, TiVo BOLT OTA, or TiVo Roamio DVR that is eligible for, and on which you have obtained, either an annual service plan or a monthly service plan (but not an All-in plan): your service plan includes, at no additional charge, an enhanced limited warranty (known After ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, you can exchange a defective or inoperative TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo EDGE for Antenna, TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX, TiVo BOLT OTA, or TiVo Roamio DVR for a repaired, renewed, or comparable product (at TiVo’s discretion) for $49.00 (plus shipping and any applicable taxes). The TiVo DVR Limited Warranty’s exchange exclusions and restrictions remain in effect; for more information, go to Limited Warranty Info.
- Specific TiVo offers may exclude certain service plan alternatives (e.g., a monthly plan, a yearly service plan, or an All-in package). For more information on any current special offers, contact TiVo Customer Service (877-367-8486).
- Satellite does not work with TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo EDGE for Antenna, TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX, TiVo BOLT OTA, or TiVo Roamio DVRs. The TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX 1TB v2, TiVo Premiere 4/XL4/Elite DVRs, and TiVo Roamio Pro/Plus DVRs are designed for usage with digital cable systems exclusively and do not function with analog cable, over-the-air antennas, or external cable boxes.
A TiVo EDGE for Cable, TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, or TiVo BOLT VOX requires one multi-stream CableCARD decoder from your cable provider to receive digital cable channels. There may be additional charges.
In the United States, these Service Plan Terms and Conditions apply to purchases and service.
1 Monthly TiVo service subscriptions will continue at the same monthly fee after the 1-year commitment term ends, unless you cancel your TiVo service by calling TiVo Customer Service (at 877-367-8486).
2 Unless you call TiVo Customer Service (877-367-8486) to cancel your TiVo service prior to the end of any annual service period, your TiVo service on your TiVo device will automatically renew for another 1-year period at the same annual rate unless you call TiVo Customer Service (877-367-8486) to cancel your TiVo service prior to the end of any annual service period.
ALL ANNUAL SERVICE FEES PAID IN ADVANCE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
3 An All-in plan (a) lasts for the lifetime of your TiVo device (not yours), (b) is not transferable to another TiVo device (except in certain warranty replacement/repair cases), and (c) may exclude certain TiVo offerings (e.g., for third-party content, specific applications, cloud-based services, and so on) for which TiVo may later elect (at its sole discretion) to charge separately and which are not made generally available to all customers who
Is it possible to utilize a TiVo machine without a subscription to the service?
You can use TiVo even if you don’t have a subscription. However, this will impose some restrictions on your DVR.
Users who do not have a TiVo will be unable to receive program or program guide changes.
You won’t be able to schedule any recordings to view later because you won’t have access to the updates.
You will also be unable to access streaming services such as Amazon OnDemand, Netflix, and Pandora Radio.
Another limitation for customers without a TiVo membership, which is little more than a minor annoyance, is the inability to access the program and TV show descriptions.
What is the best way to link my TiVo to my Smart TV?
Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your TiVo box’s HD to TV connector. Connect the opposite end of the cable to an HDMI port on your television. Keep track of which HDMI port your TV has. You’ll come back to it later.
Is internet required for the Virgin TiVo box?
First and foremost, do you have TiVo or V6? You mentioned both, and while they run the same software, their networking requirements are vastly different. Check here if you’re unsure.
When given the option, a wired connection will always be preferred over a wireless one.
TiVos come with their own built-in internet connection, no WiFi, and exclusively use Ethernet for multiroom streaming.
All online functions, including streaming and OnDemand, require a connection to your homehub. It can be wireless or wired, but if you have the option, Ethernet is always suggested.
What is a TiVo and how does it work?
You must still subscribe to a cable or satellite company for your television feed because TiVo does not provide the cable or satellite signal to your set (unless you depend entirely upon antenna signals). The TiVo service operates as a middleman between you and your television signal supplier. It decodes your provider’s signals and allows you to tell your TiVo the programs you wish to record.
When you first set up your TiVo, you must tell it where your television signal comes from. Older TiVo machines require a phone line to download the programming schedule used by your provider, but newer versions can do it using either a phone line or your home network internet connection. TiVo wouldn’t be able to tune in to the programs you wish to watch and record if it didn’t have this information.
TiVo offers a variety of package options and service specials, so prices fluctuate frequently. Depending on the length of your service agreement, TiVo service might cost anywhere from $12 to $16 per month. This fee is in addition to the cost of cable or satellite service.
TiVo Competitors
Some cable and satellite providers are entering the DVR market, either by manufacturing their own equipment or partnering with a third-party provider. Many companies provide DVR packages with no upfront costs. Customers instead pay more for their cable or satellite service, which is usually less expensive than TiVo’s expenses. DVRs are available from a number of major service providers, including:
What can I do with a TiVo unit that is no longer in use?
To keep expenses down, VM does not accept old TiVO boxes. They request that you recycle it at a local facility. It’s not a bad policy, and it’s not a bad idea. If your local facility hasn’t opened yet, you can keep the box until it does.