TiVo TiVo Commander Android App - Page 2

zekeisaszekedoes · 21-11-2011, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by m0j00

Just to add playing shows from the app is way faster than using my shows on the Tivo.

No surprise there... TiVo's use of Flash in the HD side of the STB really slows things down.

I think what I'm looking forward to most is being able to schedule/organise shows without going into the menus, doing it all in the background via phone so the TiVo itself is in fullscreen mode. Combined with VM's own TV Guide app, could be pretty useful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan20

Nah, not sad. Might be a bit geeky but we like our toys don't we?

Couldn't agree more. I already got my TiVo hooked up to the household ethernet switch and installed the app... even went as far as to put the TiVo's MAC address into the router DHCP list so I know which IP it will get when the port is enabled!

...and the geeks shall inherit the earth...

Joedm45 · 23-11-2011, 13:48

Must admit I'm impressed with this app, works a treat and took all of 2 minutes to set up.

Hopefully VM will release an official version of it as there are a few buttons missing on the remote compared to the VM remote but on the whole it's pretty damn good

zekeisaszekedoes · 23-11-2011, 14:52

Yep, found it very easy to get things working. Go into custom settings and enter TSN/MAK/IP details and it's good to go. Whenever I get a problem it's because the WiFi connection on my Samsung Galaxy has dropped for some reason: software itself is stable and fast.

Nice for Android users to get the better app before iDevice folks, eh? :P

GordonD · 23-11-2011, 21:03

Try as I might, I just cannot get tivo commander to connect, having followed the instructions in previous posts.

**Edit** I think I've resolved the issue, seems to be working great!

ToonEll · 23-11-2011, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan20

MAK is Media Access Key. You will find it listed in System Info.
You will also need to switch remote network connection on.
The IP adress that it needs is the adress of the Tivo on your home network - probably something like 192.168.x.y
Leave the TiVo Port as 1413 (defaulted) and leave the TiVo service number blank. This will autofill later.
I'm not sure but I think you will also need to rerun the connect to the Connect to the Virgin Mrdia Service Now dialogue.

Great advice, thanks. Followed this and it works great.

andy_m · 24-11-2011, 09:04

Any advice on a decent wireless solution for connecting Tivo to router or am I hoping for too much?!

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy_m

Any advice on a decent wireless solution for connecting Tivo to router or am I hoping for too much?!

Cheapest, easiest way is to buy a cheap router or two that can be flashed with DD-WRT firmware (I'd recommend budget D-Link models) and set one up as a wireless bridge. Then you can have up to five devices that are ethernet only on the wireless network instead.

An even easier way than that, although not as inexpensive, is to use Homeplugs.

scaseman · 24-11-2011, 11:58

Tivo Commander seems to work for me except I get an error code BD72 in settings and when I tap on a programme I get a busy symbol spinning in the tv screen. I suspect it may be a flash problem but if any one can help please let me know. The App is still very useful even as it is.

BenMcr · 24-11-2011, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by zekeisaszekedoes

An even easier way than that, although not as inexpensive, is to use Homeplugs.

You can get Powerline adapters for Â£35 now http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-P.../dp/B004INVKP4 so not that bad. Personally go for them over wireless

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 14:24

D-Link DIR-615 D2 routers can usually be picked up for around Â£10 from eBay and DD-WRT for it is free so it is cheaper, and in my experience wireless bridging can work very well if your regular wireless in the house is reliable in the first place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

You can get Powerline adapters for Â£35 now http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-P.../dp/B004INVKP4 so not that bad. Personally go for them over wireless

I've never used them but yeah, generally wired is far more reliable, presumably even if it's piggybacking across the house electrical supply.

Manster62 · 24-11-2011, 14:32

I have got Tivo Commander working - but I must say I'm a little disappointed. Fairly limited in what it can do. Would be far better if you could:

Cancel recordings without going into SD menu and losing what you're watching
Browse planned recordings (again avoiding SD menus on your TV)
Basically doing any of the things which mean that you lose audio and video

If I'm watching TV, the only advantage I can see in this app is if you can avoid going into menus which disturb the viewing pleasure of anyone in the room.

Or am I missing something???

zantarous · 24-11-2011, 14:32

The problem with wireless is that for stuff like the apps they are fine but if you have two Tivos streaming will not work well. I was having a browse of some my recordings today and had a look at the file sizes and some movies were clocking in at 23GB.

Also if you are going wireless you can get wireless dongals that fit in the ethernet port although you will need one that doesn't need a driver installed. Some folks may find that easier then setting up a bridge.

BenMcr · 24-11-2011, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manster62

Or am I missing something???

Remember it's not an official app, so some of what it does will be a workaround.

I'm sure the official app, when released for Android, won't have those limitations

zekeisaszekedoes · 24-11-2011, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manster62

I have got Tivo Commander working - but I must say I'm a little disappointed.

You can schedule series links without a hitch. Can't do WishLists though, or a second Series Link for a show that has one already on a different channel. It's a good basic app though and I quite like it... last night I set up about ten series links with it, using the search function in a few cases.

My favourite things are going right into My Shows to see what is recording without bringing up the Info menu, or playing a show from My Shows without going into those menus, which even with the F11 SD menu can be slower.

Still need the VM TV Guide app for EPG. It's a workaround using both but hey, still better than just rudimentary Peanut app iOS has.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zantarous

The problem with wireless is that for stuff like the apps they are fine but if you have two Tivos streaming will not work well. I was having a browse of some my recordings today and had a look at the file sizes and some movies were clocking in at 23GB.

Are you talking about seeing a movie clocking in at 23GB on the VM TiVo itself?! If so how did you do that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zantarous

Also if you are going wireless you can get wireless dongals that fit in the ethernet port although you will need one that doesn't need a driver installed. Some folks may find that easier then setting up a bridge.

Easier indeed, but I find using a proper router as a wireless bridge gives you much better range than a smaller dongle. If reliability is an issue it's something to consider when devising a solution.

andy_m · 24-11-2011, 14:58

Lots of good advice there-thanks to all!

---------- Post added at 13:58 ---------- Previous post was at 13:55 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

You can get Powerline adapters for Â£35 now http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-P.../dp/B004INVKP4 so not that bad. Personally go for them over wireless

Would these be good enough for Tivo to Tivo streaming when its enabled?