TiVo TiVo/smart TV networking.

Topgun · 30-12-2014, 17:00

Not absolutely sure this is the right place for this but here goes. I have two TiVos and have networked them using Solwise AV 200 homeplugs. I am thinking of treating myself to a new TV in the sales which will be a smart TV. I don't have a spare homeplug and they only have room for one Ethernet cable to attach to it.
If I wanted to network the new TV, could I buy a cable splitter and then run the two cables from one of the TiVos and the TV into the same homeplug? Or would that not work? It seems to me, that would be the cheapest and easiest way to do it if it would work. Thanks.

blue666666 · 30-12-2014, 17:13

I think most smart tv is wireless, so you should not need to split cables

Stephen · 30-12-2014, 17:14

You could do, although many new Smart TVs include WiFi.

Topgun · 30-12-2014, 17:36

You are both correct, the TV can pick up a wireless signal, I just presumed a wired connection was likely to be more stable?

Stuart · 30-12-2014, 17:50

Unfortunately, due to the way Ethernet works, you cannot just split the cables. I would recommend checking if your TV has built in WiFi, and using that if it's available.

If you do need to use Ethernet, you need a Hub or (preferably, as they tend to be faster) a switch. You can get a low end hub for less than £10 with postage (e.g. http://www.comms-express.com/product...FQiWtAodMQEAEA). Personally, I use a combined powerline adaptor and 4 port switch, the Netgear XAV1004(http://support.netgear.com/product/xav1004). While I have found this to be reliable, and would heartily recommend it, it seems this is no longer available.

---------- Post added at 17:50 ---------- Previous post was at 17:46 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topgun

You are both correct, the TV can pick up a wireless signal, I just presumed a wired connection was likely to be more stable?

A wired connection is more reliable, but in my experience, wireless is usually reliable enough. The reason I use powerline is that there is rather a large WiFi Black spot at the back of the first floor of my house.

Topgun · 30-12-2014, 21:45

Ok, thanks for the replies. I guess I'll try it wirelessly and see how I get on.

30-12-2014, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topgun

Ok, thanks for the replies. I guess I'll try it wirelessly and see how I get on.

For the record I have a four port Ethernet hub connected to my home plug, one goes into my TIVo, also connections include Apple TV, PS3, Blu ray player!

Superblade7 · 31-12-2014, 06:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topgun

Not absolutely sure this is the right place for this but here goes. I have two TiVos and have networked them using Solwise AV 200 homeplugs. I am thinking of treating myself to a new TV in the sales which will be a smart TV. I don't have a spare homeplug and they only have room for one Ethernet cable to attach to it.
If I wanted to network the new TV, could I buy a cable splitter and then run the two cables from one of the TiVos and the TV into the same homeplug? Or would that not work? It seems to me, that would be the cheapest and easiest way to do it if it would work. Thanks.

Do you use the Multi-Room Streaming (MRS) function on the TiVo or use the remote control function on a tablet or phone?

If not, there is no real need to have them networked so another option is to use your existing setup with the TV instead of the TiVo.

Topgun · 06-01-2015, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superblade7

Do you use the Multi-Room Streaming (MRS) function on the TiVo or use the remote control function on a tablet or phone?

If not, there is no real need to have them networked so another option is to use your existing setup with the TV instead of the TiVo.

I do occasionally use MRS (for the few channels that are allowed to be used in that way!) but so far the tv seems to be working fine wirelessly. Unless things change, I'll just keep it as it is. Thanks for input.

nomadking · 06-01-2015, 20:05

What can be done with a Smart TV, desktop PC or laptop, if a Tivo is networked? I know that you do things like setting up and modifying recordings and series links, but what else? Those things don't require the Tivo to be networked.

Superblade7 · 06-01-2015, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topgun

I do occasionally use MRS (for the few channels that are allowed to be used in that way!) but so far the tv seems to be working fine wirelessly. Unless things change, I'll just keep it as it is. Thanks for input.

No worries, glad you got it sorted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadking

What can be done with a Smart TV, desktop PC or laptop, if a Tivo is networked? I know that you do things like setting up and modifying recordings and series links, but what else? Those things don't require the Tivo to be networked.

There are only two reasons to have your TiVo networked:
1) to enable you to use your phone/tablet as a remote via the TV Anywhere app;
2) to enable MRS if you have multiple TiVo boxes.

All other TV Anywhere features are available without networking the TiVo.