Want TIVO But Have No Landline Phone? Your Solution Is Here
Written: Jul 10 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: No need for home phone as it connects through high speed internet for TIVO
Cons: Expensive, easy to get out of position and lose connection
The Bottom Line: A must have to set up TIVO without home phone service. I have been happy as TIVO works even without a phone
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| pablothegreat's Full Review: Tivo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter |
So you purchased a TIVO! How do people without a telephone have TIVO? Through their high speed internet, home network. To establish a home network, I have learned that you need a router and this item: Tivo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter. You can purchase the adapter at many locations but TIVO itself also sells it so you could order your TIVO DVR box and adapter at the same time http://www.epinions.com/content_436695109252 . Prices vary from $30 to $60 for this item so shop around!
What is it and what does it do? Installation Pointers:
This item wirelessly connects your TIVO to your highspeed broadband internet so you have no need of a phone line! Updates for your TIVO service happen over this connection and do not tie up the phone line. To install it, just plug the cord into the USB place in the back of your TIVO DVR, set it up close to your internet connection (computer) and point it towards the internet connection, flip up the center piece ONLY until it clicks into place, then watch the lights...the light should slowly creep up until it is fully connected. If it stalls, try moving it closer to your internet connection or just turning it more towards the internet connection. This light will stay on as long as it is fully connected. It stays flipped up all the time and is actually pretty cute!
3 1/4" long, 1 1/2" wide, and stands 3 1/2" tall.. A little less than 3 ounces, it has a bit of a weighty weighted base. It has a silver metal base with a black flip up top with the cute TIVO logo on it. Open it and see a semi-circle that has a green light on once it is connected. The USB cord comes out of the back of it.
The TIVO website states that TiVoToGo™ and Multi-Room Viewing transfers, Music and Photos, and Online Scheduling can be done as well but I only use it for TIVO updates on programming. Once you have hooked up the adapter, you will need to go into your TIVO settings to network settings to establish the connection to the router. This is when you should see the adapter lights creep up until it is fully connected. A simple process that just takes a little time.
How has it worked for me?:
This TIVO adapter established contact with the router easily for me but has stopped working at times. Then I would have to reposition it as it might have gotten turned around, facing away from the router or something of the sort. Since it is so little, it is hard to notice this until an update is ready and I find that it is not working. The USB cord is so short that I have to place it right by my television, not a great spot when you have a young child who likes to dust! So it isn't the adapter's fault but mainly it being repositioned away from the internet connection and router. I have never had a phone line to compare how using a home network is worse or better but it works fine for me. Updates are going through fine and I have had it over a year. The TIVO adapter runs the updates without doing anything special once you have completed installing it. I get a message on my screen if it was unable to complete an update and I know to check the position of my adapter.
What it is not for:
The website states that this product is not anything other thanTiVo Series2, Series3 and TiVo HD and I have the TIVO Series2.
Customer Service:
You can go to the TIVO website for direct instructions on setting this up but the instructions that come with the item was enough for me to hook it up. Also you could call TIVO customer service and they will help you over the phone.
Final Say:
A must have to set up TIVO without home phone service. I received this item for free from TIVO after making a complaint, otherwise I feel it costs way too much! Look around and check prices as TIVO had the highest cost when I was searching for this adapter. I have no experience with other wireless adapters as this one has worked out well.
What is so good about THIS?
No need for home phone as it connects through high speed internet for TIVO
What is unique about this?
Small item that does so much
Is it worth the price?
On the expensive side but not many choices available!
There has to be some bad to this, right?
Expensive.
Any warnings people should be aware of?
None. \
Final verdict:
A must have to set up TIVO without home phone service. I have been happy as TIVO works even without a phone!
Here is another online store where I have shopped:
Bath & Body Works Online Store http://www.epinions.com/content_433178316420
pablo the Lost fan
You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight. Jim Rohn
Recommended:
Yes
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pablothegreat
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