TiVo Tivo Box useable sockets

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 00:06

I see from the pictures of the back of the Virgin Tivo box (mine hasn't arrived yet) that there are numerous sockets some of these are designated in the pictures. There are other sockets but it is a bit difficult to see from the pictures what they are. Are any of these useable ?? I can see an RJ45 & there appear to be sockets like USBs though these are not clear enough to make out. Any Info ?

dwarfofpoison · 24-11-2011, 02:31

On the back there is 1 x optical audio, 1 x ethernet, 2 x USB sockets. The optical worked on delivery the latest 15.2 software update has enabled the ethernet socket, plug it into your router (I use the TiVo Premier iphone app for a handy remote control simulator) Virgin will be delivering UK android and apple apps for use on smart phones and tablets soon. Posters on other forums say that the update enabled them to use keyboards with the USB sockets (see. http://vmhd.blogspot.com/).

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 09:47

Thanks for that useful info dwarfofpoison

Was hoping that there might be some form of analog sound out (headphone socket or line out) as I am a bit hard of hearing & use infra red earphones.

My present TV gives headphones out without muting the speakers but if I change to an Flatscreen TV I doubt that this option will be available.

I may have to take an output from the scart lead or use the optical output via a D to A convertor & put this through a small amp to feed the headphone transmitter which is a rather messy & complex setup just to get some earphones working. Either that or let the wife go without sound

dwarfofpoison · 24-11-2011, 14:12

Unfortunately KDBCOM there's no analog sound output from the TiVo but your idea of changing to a flat screen is highly recommended. Not only to take advantage of High Def TV (not at all dissapointing) but on my TV there are numerous connections including anolog phono out, so connecting your headphones without disabling the TV sound isn't a problem. (adds to the sell to the wife as well!)

---------- Post added at 13:12 ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 ----------

Sorry KDBCOM I'm not stalking but have found the simplest and cheapest way to solve your problems, look at the two links!
http://www.maplin.co.uk/through-scar...nd-s-vhs-33041
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Female-3-5mm.../dp/B0029HQ132

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 14:16

Analog phono out would be handy for me, trouble with changing to a flat screen is is that I am limited to size as the old 26" LG (has been an excellent set & is still going well) fits inside a disused fireplace / chimney breast. I am a bit concerned that the stand on the flat panel may project too far forward into the room as my wife is in a wheelchair & we have limited space. I could possibly board up the front of the fireplace & mount one of the new very flat panels on it with the VESA mounting bracket. In this case I could probably go up to a 32" screen but it would to be a model with the phono out sockets.

BTW dwarfofpoison what brand is your TV ?

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 14:18

Ethernet and USB have been enabled and are usable as of the 15.2 update. Ethernet is supposed to be used for multi-room streaming however even though the feature is there people with two or more TiVos report it isn't working (yet), but you can still control the TiVo using a smartphone app like Peanut (iPhone) or TiVo Commander (Android), and connect a USB keyboard for typing in searches and some UI control.

Technically the SCART has stereo analogue sound output though you'd probably have to make or buy a specialised cable in order to split it from the video signal etc.

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 14:24

No need to apologise those are 2 excellent ideas to sort my problem, and at a reasonable cost, just got to wait just over a couple of weeks for the Tivo to arrive now
Thanks for the links

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDBCOM

In this case I could probably go up to a 32" screen but it would to be a model with the phono out sockets.

Depending on whether or not you need use of the TV speakers (which in anything 32" or below tend to be tinny) you could just use the headphone out socket with a 3.5mm to two RCA (red/white) jacks converter lead to go to your amp. I have my old 5.1 system hooked up using TV optical, and the headphone jack goes to an old hifi with small speakers for quiet nighttime viewing (no sub to shake the walls and wake the neighbours).

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 14:32

Will the latest update come with the Tivo or does it do a download soon after it is set up ?

Does anyone know if that Ethernet be used to output the Tivo to a PC

---------- Post added at 13:32 ---------- Previous post was at 13:29 ----------

Unfortunately I have just got rid of my 5.1 amp as I was not using it due to my hearing problem & the wife is just content being able to just hear the voices. May have to get a little mini hifi to run it through as we are not bothered with the 5.1 sound.

dwarfofpoison · 24-11-2011, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDBCOM

Analog phono out would be handy for me, trouble with changing to a flat screen is is that I am limited to size as the old 26" LG (has been an excellent set & is still going well) fits inside a disused fireplace / chimney breast. I am a bit concerned that the stand on the flat panel may project too far forward into the room as my wife is in a wheelchair & we have limited space. I could possibly board up the front of the fireplace & mount one of the new very flat panels on it with the VESA mounting bracket. In this case I could probably go up to a 32" screen but it would to be a model with the phono out sockets.

BTW dwarfofpoison what brand is your TV ?

My TV's a Sony Bravia but did you you check the problem solving links on my previous post?

KDBCOM · 24-11-2011, 15:22

Yes very useful info thanks.

This seems like a very helpful & informative forum & not bitchy like some I have been on, perhaps you are all breaking me in gently

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDBCOM

This seems like a very helpful & informative forum & not bitchy like some I have been on, perhaps you are all breaking me in gently

Apart from the odd troll here and there, it is generally pretty civilised, yes. TiVo forums tend to appeal to geeks and generally speaking most geeks are well-behaved.

dwarfofpoison · 24-11-2011, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDBCOM

Yes very useful info thanks.

This seems like a very helpful & informative forum & not bitchy like some I have been on, perhaps you are all breaking me in gently

Of the forums this ones my favourite but don't be fooled you posted a question that the responses wouldn't be too personal and just after a very good software update (15.2). Where you can almost feel a tangeble optomism about TiVo, there are threads that the personal sniping and Virgin bashing are rife!

But for now a gentle welcome!!!!

Mr Spock · 01-01-2012, 11:41

Hi, sorry for a possibly dumb first post but here goes:

Can I use the spare ethernet socket on the Tivo to access the internet via an ethernet cable on my laptop? It is an old laptop and hard wiring tends to work better than WiFi on that machine.

Similarly if I get a Sony Internet enabled TV, can I connect that via the ethernet socket on the TiVo? Will it make any difference to using the TiVo? That is, if I can connect in this way, is there any change in performance to the TivO?

Hope this makes sense.

Mr Spock · 01-01-2012, 14:22

Well here is an update:

I tried connecting it anyway.

The laptop detected a local area connection with a speed of 100Mbps, but said that it had limited connectivity. When I launched IE it couldn't connect, andit couldn't repair the connection.

Any ideas anybody? It seems a connection could be made but I'm not sure how. I am hoping this is possible as it would be great to have an internet TV enabled in this way, as the dongle costs extra, and I do prefer a wired connection.