Find out how TiVo works with your cable connection to provide interactive programming.
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Before satellite companies began offering DVR, or digital video recorders, as part of their standard operating equipment, TiVo was a novelty. A DVR that customers can purchase from retail outlets, TiVo allows users to manage cable or satellite content, skimming through user-friendly menus to find and record the programming content they most enjoy. Today, TiVo continues to be an option for customers who would rather own a DVR than pay a monthly fee to a cable or satellite company for use of a DVR that they never own.
How TiVo Works
TiVo is a brand of DVR, or digital video recorder. The device connects to an existing satellite or cable connection in a user's home. Once connected, users interact with TiVo's menu system to find and record content they want to watch. As customers input information about which shows they want to record, TiVo makes suggestions about other shows it thinks the customer would enjoy. TiVo also offers access to online movie content. The TiVo interface provides a seamless platform for users to access Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand and Amazon Instant Video as well as other services to total more than 100,000 titles and millions of songs.
Modems
TiVo devices are designed to work with the modems that are installed internally within the units. When you buy a TiVo, it comes with a built-in, internal modem. Some TiVo units advertised as DirecTV TiVos have two modems built-in to them -- both the standard modem and a DirecTV receiver. The internal modems connect with TiVo central servers to download programming data every two weeks. The modems also transmit user habits and viewing patterns to TiVo servers so that customized content can be arranged for the user. The internal modem(s) within your TiVo box can connect to a dial-up, DSL or cable high-Speed Internet modem.
Types of TiVo
There are two types of TiVo products which customers can purchase - TiVo Premiere and TiVo Premiere XL. TiVo Premiere offers a high-definition user interface and up to 45 hours of high- definition recording space. In addition to replacing a cable box, TiVo Premiere offers a large video on-demand virtual store and both online and mobile recording scheduling. TiVo Premiere XL costs more but offers customers up to 150 hours of high-definition recording space, a TiVo Glo backlit remote control and THX-certified sound, in addition to all of the features included as with TiVo Premiere.
TiVo Setup
In addition to connecting your TiVo to your television set and the coaxial cable wire coming out of the wall, you will need to connect your TiVo to your Internet connection to access video-on-demand titles and to update menu content. Connect your TiVo to a wired router connection by running an Ethernet cable from the back of your router to an Ethernet port on the back of your TiVo unit. Connect it to a wireless router by purchasing the TiVo wireless G or N Adapter (depending on whether you have a G or N wireless router) and plug the device into the back of your TiVo with a USB cable.
References
Photo Credits
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