Way ahead required

[NorthernRoyal]

Hello All,

I've a dial-up Tivo box connected to a Panasonic Sky Digital decoder. It's on Alt EPG but the software is standard Tivo (if that's possible).

I need to know how best to move forward. I think this means upgrading the software and replacing the STB (it's playing up anyway).

So, how do I do this? What are my options?

Any advice gratefully received.

Richard

[DX30]

I think the first thing you need to do is decide what your objectives are, then it will be easier for people to offer advice.

For instance is HD of interest to you? If so you will be looking at a complete change. e.g. A Virgin TiVo.

You mention you are using a Sky digital stb. Does this mean you want pay-tv? If not maybe Freesat is an option. Or maybe a complete platform change to Freeview is better. Once you decide that you can start thinking about which model of stb to get.

If you are keeping the TiVo do you intend to network it? If so the AltEPG disk image already has drivers for network cards installed, plus many useful things like tivoweb. If however you are staying with dialup there probably isn't any great incentive to change the TiVo software.

Also do you feel confident enough around PC's to reimage your TiVo hard disk drive yourself? If not maybe consider purchasing a prepared drive, although even then not everyone is happy fitting them themselves.

Give some thought to how much you want to spend. At the top end buying a prepared 1TB hard drive, SATA adapter, Cachecard for networking, and a new STB you could be looking at close to £300. At the other end of the scale you could just replace your failing Sky digibox with a cheap 2nd hand STB off ebay for £20.

[NorthernRoyal]

Thanks for the response DX30.

Let me try to fill in the gaps.

HD isn't necessary. I'm happy to stick with the Tivo box as it is simply the best way of finding the TV I want to watch. I also have a Sky+ HD box on the go for anything that needs HD.

I want to re-network Tivo. I've done this in the past but with house moves and the ease of access to Sky online, it has become less important.

Similarly, I have had the box open and upgraded the disk, and installed the network card myself, but it's always more stressful than I would want. That's why the OTA updates appeal to me. It may be that sending the disc off to someone for upgrade might be the best option for me as we stand.

Finally, can anyone recommend a Sky digital decoder that works well with Tivo. The Panasonic I have is ancient and is performing less well every week.

[millsb]

Answers to most of your questions are in the installaion/configuration FAQ: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=670#A105

[DX30]

Similarly, I have had the box open and upgraded the disk, and installed the network card myself, but it's always more stressful than I would want. That's why the OTA updates appeal to me. It may be that sending the disc off to someone for upgrade might be the best option for me as we stand.

I assume from this you that you don't need to preserve existing recordings? (If you do an upgrade would be more difficult).

If you've done a disk upgrade before I'd suggest after you have the TiVo disk removed give a DIY upgrade a go before sending it off. Installing the AltEPG image you can download here is pretty straightforward BUT ONLY IF you have a suitable PC available. If you have access to an old PC that predates SATA you'll probably be OK. I think some people have managed to do it by disabling SATA support in the PC BIOS but in general if the PC has SATA expect trouble.

The AltEPG image comes with network drivers so should work with your network card.

Finally, can anyone recommend a Sky digital decoder that works well with Tivo. The Panasonic I have is ancient and is performing less well every week.

I don't know if there are any particular models to watch out for I'm afraid.

Personally I use a Thomson Sky+ HD box with a TiVo and that has worked well for me. I record mostly SD on the TiVo and for the occasional HD programme I record on the Sky+ HD. Both recording on and replaying from the Sky+ HD needs care (make sure the TiVo isn't going to be recording anything at the same time), but little more than watching something Live on the TiVo.

You could contact Sky and get them to replace your Panasonic box. Alternatively I see ebay has refurb Sky boxes starting at less than £20. I think with both these routes the model of box is pot luck so if you decide on a particular model a local independant may be the best bet.

[NorthernRoyal]

Thanks again DX30,

I don't mind losing the recordings, so that is not a problem. But, on the basis that SATA might be an issue, I think the best option would be to send the disk off. The least I can muck up the better.

And I've sourced a Thomson Sky digital decoder off Amazon. Under £27 and works great. It made me realise how broken the Panasonic unit was.

Regards
NorthernRoyal