Controlling two set top boxes

**1downunder** · 21-03-2006, 04:04 PM

So it is possible to connect two set top boxes with the Second Audio Input mod and have them both controlled by tivo?

How does the tivo decide which av input to record from? Would one av input have to be switched off if the one is needed, or can they connected and used simultaneously?

Cheers,
Zach

**petestrash** · 21-03-2006, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by 1downunder

So it is possible to connect two set top boxes with the Second Audio Input mod and have them both controlled by tivo?

Yes.

Originally Posted by 1downunder

How does the tivo decide which av input to record from? Would one av input have to be switched off if the one is needed, or can they connected and used simultaneously?

Each box is a separate source and you allocate the channels you receive from each box when setting it up. as long as the remotes for the two boxes do not share any codes it works well and both STB's remain on all the time.

Note: Tivo can still only record from one box at a time.

Peter.

**1downunder** · 21-03-2006, 05:00 PM

Excellent!

Could you recommend which tivo I should buy then? Perhaps, which unit is the most reliable/compatible with all of the software here?

**Darren King** · 21-03-2006, 05:20 PM

Any USA series 1 Philips or Sony. So long as it is a Series 1 USA TiVo they all have the same motherboard in them despite the different model numbers (ie HDR-x12, PTV-x00 or SVR2000) which only designated the ORIGINAL factory fitted hard disk size and has no bearing on any larger new hard disk size limitation.

**1downunder** · 22-03-2006, 03:37 AM

Thanks Peter and Darren for the help. Much appreciated!

**1downunder** · 29-03-2006, 02:27 PM

Peter in response to your answer about organising the IR blaster to controll two boxes..

Originally Posted by petestrash

This shouldn't be a problem, the TiVo has a powerful blaster built into the 'eye' at the front of the unit. It usually happily bounces IR off walls to control other equipment. You can also buy dual head blaster cables if need be.

I have never actually seen a Tivo or how it works, but if this eye is able to happily bounce off IR codes to both my foxtel and stb (which are situated in the same position, one above the other) then will I need an IR blaster at all?

**petestrash** · 01-04-2006, 03:05 AM

It is quite possible the internal IR emmiter will be strong enough to control both boxes. It definately would be ok if the TiVo could face the STB's, but whether it will bounce signals in your room is impossible to tell without trying it

.

Peter