Wi-Fi Your TiVo

TiVo is a marvel of modern technology. At first glance, it is little more than an automatic VCR. But with all of the automation and additional broadband multimedia features now available, it could easily become the cornerstone of your home entertainment center. TiVo is a product in the ever-increasing market of digital video recorders (DVRs), but TiVo is different from most other DVRs—very different. Primarily, this DVR excels above others in the unique TiVo service plan.

For a modest fee, the TiVo box becomes a gateway to entertainment unlike anything you’ve seen. The service plan manages and controls TiVo recordings. There are so many ways to record shows, including by actor, keyword, title, team, or by searching the entire program guide. And, like other DVR machines, TiVo brings you the ability to pause and rewind live TV. You can make your experience that much better by adding a wireless client adapter and break your TiVo from the wires that bind it.

By eliminating the slow telephone line and using a broadband network connection with the Home Media Option, you can stream MP3 music, create a digital photo slideshow, and schedule recordings over the Web. Also, you pave the way to more in-depth TiVo explorations with a highspeed wireless link to your TiVo. Adding digital photo viewing is a feature a long time coming to home entertainment. Other products just coming to market have been designed to show digital pictures on TV screens. Now TiVo adds that capability for a fraction of the cost of those other systems. You no longer have to imagine the impact a digital photo makes when presented on a 40-inch screen.

Make a slideshow for your next party! In this chapter, you will learn how to get your TiVo on a wireless network. And you will also be introduced to some aspects of the Home Media Option which requires a high-speed connection.With a wireless connection, you open up high-speed network access to your TiVo. In addition, but not covered explicitly in this book, you can delve further into the hackability of TiVo. A wireless connection will make many TiVo hacks more accessible.

Here’s what you will need:

1. Broadband-capable TiVo

2.Wireless client adapter

 

3.Wireless access point

4. PC computer on your home network (optional)

5. TiVo Home Media Option (optional)

TiVo Models

The TiVo digital video recorder comes in many models. These can be grouped as Series 1, Series 2, and Integrated Series 1 or 2. The different series and models vary greatly in form and function. And there can be some limitations on what the manufacturer supports with Integrated TiVo. So it’s important to determine if your TiVo can support broadband. If using an Integrated TiVo, the easiest way to determine broadband support is to contact your TiVo manufacturer or TiVo service provider. For example, due to the specialized software used on the integrated platform; a DirecTV system with a built-in TiVo DVR may not support broadband.

It will depend on their plans. Let them know that TiVo users want broadband support. While adding features, the functional limitations are usually greater when using any integrated product. If you want the most functionality and “hackability” from TiVo, make sure to get a stand-alone unit.

The following sections cover the differences between the two major platforms, Series 1 and Series 2. Figure 12-1 shows the Series 1 and Series 2 stand-alone TiVo DVRs.





Series 1: Wi-Fi for Early Adopters

The original Series 1 TiVo was noticeably lacking in one area: high-speed connectivity. Hardware hackers soon developed various methods to escape this limitation. Online retailers now have a variety of upgrade components available for Series 1 TiVo.Table 12-1 shows the Series 1 models. Series 1 TiVo are no longer being manufactured.

Installing a broadband adapter (wireless or Ethernet) in a Series 1 TiVo can be significant, and goes beyond the scope of this book. However, if you do have a Series 1, we’ll cover some of the basics to point you in the right direction.

Series 1 TiVo upgrades require breaking the case and removing or installing hardware components. Opening the case may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Companies like 9th Tee Enterprises, www.9thtee.com, have made the process easier than it used to be for Series 1 owners. 9th Tee provides two distinct products made for Series 1 TiVo.

9th Tee provides detailed instructions for each adapter:

TiVo TurboNet—Ethernet adapter

TiVo AirNet—wireless PC-card adapter

TiVo software version 3.0 or higher directly supports the TiVo TurboNet Ethernet adapter without the additional software hacking needed to enable basic network connectivity. This method is more direct, but does not provide extra network features like Telnet and FTP service for the TiVo.

High voltage is present inside TiVo DVRs. Even when unplugged, a TiVo unit can produce a hazardous electric shock. Before opening the case of the TiVo, remove all power (pull the plug) and do not touch any power supply components.

This step relies on a standard Ethernet-to-wireless bridge. The Linksys WET11 or the D-Link DWL-810 are good examples of this easy-to-find product. The bridge simply connects an Ethernet jack to a wireless access point as just another wireless client. It effectively places any wired device onto a wireless network.

Table 12-1 TiVo Series 1 Models

Manufacturer Models

Hughes GXCEBOT

Philips HDR112, HDR212, HDR312, HDR412, HDR612, DSR6000(R, R01)

Sony SVR-2000, SVR-3000, SAT-T60

TiVo PTV100, PTV300


In this case, the Ethernet-to-wireless bridge is configured to connect to the TiVo Ethernet jack to your existing wireless network. Follow the instructions that come with your particular bridge to configure it for your wireless network.

To install the TurboNet:

1. Unplug the TiVo.

2. Open the TiVo case.

3. Insert the TurboNet adapter onto the edge-connector plug.

4. Install an Ethernet-to-wireless bridge (see Figure 12-2).

5. From a PC, configure the Ethernet-to-wireless bridge.

6. Boot up the TiVo and configure the dialing parameters, as specified in the instructions.

The TiVo AirNet adapter is not supported by TiVo software version 3.0, but it may be supported in future versions. Here is a guideline for the AirNet adapter software install:

1. Download the AirNet install CD image and burn it onto a CDR.

2. Remove the hard disk drive(s) from TiVo.

3. Install the drive(s) in a desktop PC.

4. Boot the PC using the CDR (this loads a Linux kernel).

5. Follow the instructions to back up the TiVo drive.

6. Follow the instructions to add the AirNet driver.

7. Shut down the PC and reinsert the TiVo drive(s) back into the TiVo. (If you changed the hard drive jumper settings, make sure you return them to the original positions!)

8. Insert the AirNet adapter and a compatible PC-Card into the edge-connector plug inside the TiVo unit.

9. Boot up the TiVo unit and reset the dialing parameters as specified in the instructions.

Figure 12-3 shows a TiVo AirNet adapter with a compatible PC card installed. The AirNet adapter software adds extra network features to the TiVo software.Telnet and FTP are now available to directly access the TiVo. To really go further with a Series 1 TiVo, pick up one of the many books available on hacking TiVo.

Series 2: Wi-Fi for Late Arrivals

Series 2 TiVo are more readily upgraded to wireless. There’s no need to open the case. It may take some experimentation to get it working, though. Series 2 TiVo include two USB connectors on the back of the unit. Figure 12-4 shows these connectors. Either one can be used successfully.


Series 2 TiVo are far more numerous than Series 1 models.To see which Series you have, check the service number on the back of the TiVo unit. Series 2 TiVo begin with the following service number prefixes (with more to come):

110, 130, 140, 1F0, 230, 240, 264, 275, 2F0, 2F4, 2F5

For example, the service number “240-0000-3298-21EC” starts with 240, and is therefore a Series 2 TiVo DVR.

There are dozens of wireless USB adapters on the market. Unfortunately,TiVo only works with a small number of the most popular adapters. The TiVo software is patched periodically with driver updates for the most recent USB network adapters.

When it was discovered that many wireless USB adapters available in stores did not work with the current TiVo software, the company offered no timely solution. “Wait a month or two” was the response from TiVo technical support. This frustrating but true comment indicates the software upgrade path used by TiVo central. As new wireless products are brought to market, TiVo is engaged in a game of continuous catch-up. If you happen to buy a USB adapter at the wrong time in the lifecycle, these words may be your only solace.

To set up your TiVo Series 2 with a wireless connection, you need to follow these steps:

1. Get a USB adapter from your local computer store.

2. Make sure your TiVo’s software is up-to-date.

3. Plug in the adapter.

4. Configure the wireless network.

These are discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Step 1: Raiding the Computer Store

The first thing you need to do to is get your TiVo connected to a wireless network, which means you’ll need a USB adapter. This should be as simple as going to the store and buying one, but unfortunately, it’s not that easy.TiVo doesn’t support all the major USB adapters, and support varies by the TiVo software on your model as well.

You may be tempted to buy your favorite brand of wireless USB adapter and return home to set up your TiVo. Yet, the path of least resistance is not always an option.To ensure a successful installation, raid the store of every full-size USB adapter available from major manufacturers.

Table 12-2 shows a list of some of the adapters we tried. Note the subtle distinction between adapters that are supported and those that are not. The Linksys WUSB11 version 2.6 works, while version 2.8 did not. Also,TiVo states support of the D-Link DWL-120, but not the DWL-120. The “” makes all the difference. Chances are, the USB adapters listed in the table will be supported by TiVo eventually. However, as new adapters are released,TiVo will need to keep updating their software to work with them.


TiVo maintains a list of recommended adapters at www.tivo.com/adapters. Some are directly supported, while others carry caveats like, “we have had positive reports on these makes,” which is the same as telling you to try them. Who knows if it will work or not.

There is a simple solution:

1. Visit the computer store.

2. Verify their return policy (shoot for 30 days with no restocking fee).

3. Buy every USB adapter from every different manufacturer.

4. Try them one at a time until you are successful.

5. Return all of the ones that didn’t work.

If none of the adapters work, there is one more option: Buy a new adapter, and return it as defective to the manufacturer. When asked what model is needed for replacement, specify the version number that is known to work. For example, with Linksys, request the WUSB11 version 2.6 while sending back version 2.8. This trick only works with products using the same model number. Linksys technical support recommended this procedure to overcome the TiVo compatibility problem since they discontinued version 2.6.

Step 2: Ensuring TiVo Is Ready

If this is a new TiVo just out of the box, make sure it’s connected to a phone line first. TiVo requires activation through a regular phone line. Also, it may need to download software updates to bring the version to a level that will support USB broadband (version 4.0 or higher).

Many TiVo units are shipped with older software. This is not a problem because TiVo sends updates directly over the phone. However, it may take several connections to the TiVo service and a few reboots to apply all of the updates. The process can take a couple of hours with manual intervention, and probably would take days if left untouched.

Figure 12-5 shows the system information screen. Make sure TiVo is running version 4.0 or higher before inserting a USB adapter. Manually activate the TiVo update service to get caught up with updates. These menus vary from TiVo to TiVo. Use this as a guideline:

1. Press the TiVo button on the remote

2. Click TiVo Messages and Setup

3. Click Settings

4. Click Phone and Network Setup


5. Click Connect to the TiVo service now

6. Press Select on the remote to start the update procedure

Now go to the System Information Screen, and follow these steps:

1. Press the TiVo button on the remote

2. Click TiVo Messages and Setup

3. Click System Information

Check the “Software Version” on the first page. Press Channel Down on the remote to monitor the “Service Connection: Current/Last Status.” Sometimes, the status will show that a reboot is required. Perform a restart by following these steps:

1. Press the TiVo button

2. Click TiVo Messages and Setup

3. Click Restart or Reset System

4. Click Restart the TiVo DVR

5. Follow the on-screen confirmation instructions and observe the warnings

Now check the System Information again. If the status is “Succeeded,” try another update connection until the system is at the required software version: 4.0 or higher.

Step 3: Plugging In

Now that TiVo is running the latest software, it’s time to start plugging in all of those USB adapters until one works. The tricky part here is knowing when it has worked. Figure 12-6 shows the best screen to see network adapter status: Phone and Network Setup. Follow these steps to get to this screen:

1. Press the TiVo button

2. Click TiVo Messages and Setup

3. Click Settings

4. Click Phone and Network Setup

When an adapter is present and detected by TiVo, the IP address and MAC address will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Also, wireless network information will be displayed just under the MAC address. TiVo recommends a lot of troubleshooting steps, but you can circumvent all of the hassle by plugging and unplugging one adapter after the other.Wait about 30 seconds in between swapping adapters.

Before TiVo detects its first adapter, the Phone and Network Setup screen will show an entry like, “Click here to learn about networking.” This will disappear when an adapter is detected and it will be replaced with network options.


Step 4: Configuring for Wireless

The TiVo connects to your home wireless network like any other client. The wireless and TCP/IP settings need to be configured to coincide with the wireless LAN settings. Figure 12-7 shows a standard wireless network and how TiVo will connect.

TiVo will walk you through the wireless network setup. Follow these guidelines:

1. Go to Phone and Network Setup

2. Click Change connection type

3. Select Network

4. Go back one screen

5. Click Edit phone or network settings

6. Select Wireless Settings

7. Follow the on-screen guide to configure the wireless adapter

8. Check the final status screen to ensure connectivity. The TiVo will let you know if it does not connect to the wireless network.

If you’re using WEP on your network (which is highly recommended) try to use a hexadecimal password (also called a WEP key). This will ensure the same key is used on all devices. Some alphanumeric to hexadecimal converters follow different algorithms. Entering an alpha password like “wi-tivo-link” can be converted differently on different wireless devices.

Try making names out of regular hex characters (A-Z, 0-9), like “cafe2feed1decaf4fadedface1.”

Next, set up the TCP/IP settings:

1. Go to Phone and Network Setup

2. Click Edit phone or network settings

3. Click TCP/IP Settings

 

4. Follow the on-screen guide to configure the TCP/IP settings

5. Check the final status screen. The TiVo will attempt to verify the TCP/IP settings

Now test the network settings by connecting to the TiVo service:

1. Go to Phone and Network Setup

2. Click Connect to the TiVo service now

3. Press Select to connect

4. Make sure the screen displays something like, “Connecting to the TiVo service via the network.”

Congratulations! TiVo is now connected to your wireless network. Now there’s so much you can do. The following sections will explore some of these options. If you have problems connecting to the TiVo service at this point, the problem is probably one of two things: an incorrect WEP key or a TCP/IP configuration problem.

First, double check that the WEP key is entered correctly. Often, the network will respond well to a connection, but no traffic is passed because the keys don’t match. You may wish to temporarily disable WEP on your access point to eliminate this possibility.

Second, ensure your TCP/IP settings match those of your network. Check another computer on your network to see if it uses DHCP (automatic IP address assignment) and make sure the TiVo matches that setting. If you are using static IP addresses, make sure you use an unused IP address for your network and that the Subnet Mask, DNS, and Gateway addresses all match one of your working computers.

In Windows 2000 and XP, use the command prompt and enter ipconfig/all to see TCP/IP

 

settings. In Windows 98, use the winipcfg command from the Run menu.