TiVo and DirecTV in a Cellular-Only Household? 110
Balthisar
asks: "Like so many others, my wife and I have recently made the move to pure mobile telephone use, and have disconnected the landline permanently. Today, I turned on the TiVo and received a stern warning that only three days of the program guide remained! I screwed up. Anyone have a good emergency way of refreshing the program guide while I wait for my TiVo networking card to come in? An additional concern is DirecTV: I never use Pay Per View, but it's not connected, either. Any horror stories about not having your DirecTV connected to a phone line? If you don't have any advice, at least take this as a cautionary tale to make a good checklist before taking the leap of eliminating your terrestrial line!" This topic was handled in a previous article over 2 years ago. What suggestions do you have for others, that find themselves in this position?
DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:3, Informative)
As for Tivo's guide, maybe I'm missing something but is it that big a deal? I've never used a Tivo but I'd guess that the guide you get from your satellite TV receiver ought to have most of the same functions. Granted, it won't guess at shows you might like to watch, but then again that 'feature' leads only to bad standup comedy jokes which reference Will and Grace, in my experience...
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:1, Informative)
Except that extra digits in a telephone number are ignored, so the number formed by "4" + (DishNetwork number) might be a valid 7-digit or 10-digit telephone number. In which case somebody could be getting random calls from your number, probably late at night.
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:2)
> so the number formed by "4" + (DishNetwork number) might be
> a valid 7-digit or 10-digit telephone number.
I wasn't long-winded enough in the original post to mention this, but assuming it's an 800- number to begin with, the prefix would be "418" which doesn't exist in my area code (I checked).
And to the best of my knowledge, it's not trying to make outgoing calls anyway - I'm just trying to have an extra layer of protection in case I
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:1)
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:1)
Plus the ability to guess what you might like has come in useful for me in the past. Since I never watch Will and Grace, Tivo doesn't think I'm gay;)
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:2)
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:2)
Sell the Tivo and DirecTV receiver, and get a Dish PVR setup. They usually have good deals going on - and the 701 receiver is Linux-based (and expensive).
Re:DishNetwork doesn't mind (Score:2)
There are sometimes 9 PPV movies sitting on the smartcard that were ordered last year, but since the telephone line isn't connected, they were never reported. Once someone tries to order one more, the receiver notifies them that they need to connect a telephone line. They do so temporarily and BAM 9 PPVs download to DishNetwork's servers and the
DirecTV does not require a phone line (Score:5, Informative)
DirecTV does not require a phone line, unless you use pay-per-view options. It gets the program guide updates over the air. If your phone has an accessory to provide dial tone, you'd be able to use that to allow it to phone home. However, you'll probably have to tell them about the phone number, as they don't seem to like units reporting in from the phone number that's not associated with the account.
As you've figured out, TiVo gets its updates over the phone line. If you have an integrated TiVo/DirectTV receiver, I'm not sure what happens in that case. I've got the original, and it can only do it over the phone line (not including network mods).
Re:DirecTV does not require a phone line (Score:5, Informative)
Re:DirecTV does not require a phone line (Score:2)
Phone Lines and DirecTV's Illusions (Score:1)
Re:DirecTV does not require a phone line (Score:2)
Parent is correct (Score:2)
I spoke to customer service about this once and they just said not to worry about it. You may want to do one phone call to make sure there aren't any upgrades waiting for you, but for the most part directv isn't doing anything with the directivos.
Simple? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Simple? (Score:2)
DirecTiVo boxes all require service to record, but they get their guide data over the dish, not over the phone.
Direct Tivo reports 175 days since I've dialed up. (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Direct Tivo reports 175 days since I've dialed (Score:3, Informative)
And phone line or not, you can always buy your Pay-Per-View shows by going to the DirecTV website [directv.com].
Re:Direct Tivo reports 175 days since I've dialed (Score:1)
Re:Direct Tivo reports 175 days since I've dialed (Score:2)
That's a known bug which has also shown up on our DirecTiVo -- even though our line is plugged in. I can't find the TiVo Community Forum thread that discusses it at the moment, though.
Re:Direct Tivo reports 175 days since I've dialed (Score:3, Funny)
usb adapter (Score:5, Informative)
It works perfectly, with the only hassle being that initial setup.
Re:usb adapter (Score:4, Informative)
Re:usb adapter (Score:2)
DirecTV (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:DirecTV (Score:1)
Directv was NOT connected (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Directv was NOT connected (Score:2)
I suspect that if you're having that problem (my most recent was an issue tuning the local channels on the RCA430RG) it might be a dish pointing issue or some defect with the receiver.
They even sent me a
You don't need a network card (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:You don't need a network card (Score:1)
http://www.b-lan.com/otto/tivo3xp/
Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:1)
Re:Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:1)
Re:Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:2)
I've heard this. I haven't gotten DirecTV yet, but have had aborted attempts that netted me two dual LNB dishes for 1 cent each (no line of sight). I've been wondering if they could be combined to form a mini-VLA of dishes when pointed at the same satellite.
I have heard of people putting DirecTV LNBs on BUDs (Big Ugly Dishes) and getting enough signal that not even Ming the Merciless' Hot Hail affects them.
Re:Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:1)
Re:Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:1)
Bullshit. I live in Utah, and I've NEVER lost signal.
Also Comcast DVR has HBO on demand, and free ondemand shows and programming
I hope you get a "Your using too much bandwidth. Stop it or we'll shut you off. And no, we won't tell you how much your using." letter from them. Besides, I buy a PayPerView movie, and my DirecTivo records it.
And who wants to use a UI designed by meth whore school girls?
Directv tivo requires a phone line to stay up to date.
267 Days without
Re:Comcast On Demand/ DVR (Score:2)
Great TiVo Community Website (Score:4, Informative)
Enjoy!
Re:Great TiVo Community Website (Score:1)
plus I still dont see why slashdot doesn't turn URLs into link automatically.
Use your cell phone (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Use your cell phone (Score:2, Interesting)
Modems use analog. Cell phones are digital.
You can't run a normal modem through any type of cell phone adapter as far as I know.
Re:Use your cell phone (Score:1)
Re:Use your cell phone (Score:3, Informative)
Clue, meet AC. AC, meet clue.
As far as the existence of an RJ-11-to-cellular adapter and its viability for TiVo, (A) Cellular modem is usually a 14.4 connection unless you pay for "real" service from your phone company. Ouch. Take all ni
Anyone using VoIP? (Score:2)
The service rep said the PVR had to have a phone connection. I tried qualifying my situation - noting that I don't order any PPV and the guide and updates come through the dish. No matter, they were insistent I needed one. Yah, right - been four months since I plugged the phone cor
Re:Anyone using VoIP? (Score:2)
Anyway, everything works fine. I can order PPV (and get charged for it), but I would need to connect up to a real phone line if I had multiple recievers, or was interested in some of the premium sports packages. Plus there is that annoying message e
Re:Anyone using VoIP? (Score:1)
interesting (Score:1)
Much bigger problem (Score:5, Interesting)
That said - I cannot find it explicitly in the act , after a quick review. (EPIC.org [epic.org]). But it may be that I missed it, or that the details are in some resulting regulation, or that that is the interpretation of the credit issuer.
My buddy was trying to buy furniture, and got turned down even tho he has an excellent credit record. After doing the digging the credit issuer told him that they could not issue because he gave them only a mobile phone number.
I'd love to hear about your experience should you apply for new credit.
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:2)
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:1)
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:3, Interesting)
I do run into problems every once in a while. Domino's won't deliver without a regular phone # on caller ID, so I order from Papa John's when I'm too lazy to pick up pizza from some place good. I was turned down for credit once at a Jewelry store because of the lack of home phone thing. I went across the mall to another store and made my purchase there instead.
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:1)
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:2)
Re:Much bigger problem (Score:1)
Don't believe the hype (Score:1)
Re:Don't believe the hype (Score:1)
You are correct. Data can be downloaded to the receiver via the dish, but uploading data would go through the phone line. Just like broadband via Sat requires a phone line for data uploads as well.
Re:Don't believe the hype (Score:2)
DirecTV for 4 years with no phone (Score:2)
Some suggestions... (Score:3, Informative)
As others have said, there's no need to have a DirecTiVo connected to the phone line except in one specific case: software upgrades. Software upgrades are always sent over the dialup modem, not over the satellite. There is a software release for DirecTiVos going out right now that fixes a significant bug (the TiVo always reports that there's only a day or two of guide data, even though there's far more). The bug is only cosmetic though and doesn't cause any functionality loss, according to most users. If your TiVo software is version 3.1.0b or less (Series 1) or 3.1.1b or less (Series 2) you'll need this new version. The version number is on the System Information screen.
In your case, I'd wait a few weeks until the software is completely rolled out to all users. Then take your TiVo over to a friends and force it to dial in right then (there's a selection in the TiVo phone setup to do this). This call will take about an hour and download the new software.
Others have mentioned tivocommunity.com, excellent resource for stuff like this.
Don't Do Anything Perhaps? (Score:2, Funny)
As a TiVo owner myself, I can say with confidence that not having the service available for
Re:Don't Do Anything Perhaps? (Score:2)
No phone lines required. (Score:1)
I have DISHnetwork and TiVO. The DISHnetwork devices don't need to be hooked up to the phone line. They get their program info over the air.
One of them is hooked up to a regular TiVO, and we use wireless networking to get the updated program guides.
DirecTV Illusions (Score:1)
Re:DirecTV Illusions (Score:1)
Here's what I do: Don't watch TV. Its simple, healthy and you'll find far more free time in addition to saving money. And that TiVo can make a decent MIPS or PowerPC box depending on the version.
Using multiple DirecTV receivers (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Using multiple DirecTV receivers (Score:2)
Moderate that -1 (Factually Incorrect)... that is a just a line that DirecTV gives you in order to make you plug in the phone line.
As others have said (and my 3 receivers, 1 UTV, 1 Sony, 1
Re:Using multiple DirecTV receivers (Score:2)
I have two receivers and receiver #2 has never been plugged into a phone line except during initial setup. No problems whatsoever and still only charged the extra $5/month for an extra receiver.
Re:Using multiple DirecTV receivers (Score:1)
Someone needs to mod the grandparent down.
Re:Using multiple DirecTV receivers (Score:1)
What type of TiVo do you have? (Score:2)
But just in case, let's state the obvious: If you're using a Series2 Standalone TiVo, just get a USB network connector and plug the system into your home network.
Re:What type of TiVo do you have? (Score:2)
That he's getting a network card rather than a USB-Ethernet bridge also points to it being Series1 hardware.
The timeframe prevents him from running v2.0 of the software, so if it is a Philips, manual recording without guide data is still an option until the network card arrives. More iffy if it is a Sony as some of them did ship with 2.0 or newer software and thus con
TIvo needs conenctivity, DTV does not (Score:2, Informative)
Subject covers it.
Your DirecTV only needs the connection if you try to order PPV stuff directly through the box. You can still call them up, order that way, and the box will get the approval signal over the air.
Your Tivo, though, needs to contact the service to download updates and guide data. All Tivo's with USB ports (Even Series 1 Tivo's, I have one in my bedroom) have USB-connected Ethernet supported once you get your software revision to 4.0+. Once you're on Ethernet (wired or wireless, both are s
Small correction (Score:2)
You can use a DirecTivo (as other posters have pointed out) without a phone line, as long as you don't need to do any PPV stuff.
Re:Small correction (Score:2)
However, both you and many of the posters in this thread assume the person who submitted this question has a DirecTivo - when he specifically says his Tivo complained about the lack of guide data, and he also had questions about his DirecTV.
Also, only very old (ok, maybe not VERY old, but old-as-in-old-style-case) Series 1 Tivos won't support the USB ethernet. As I stated, the Series 1 60 hour Tivo I have in my bedroom, once it upgraded to version 4 of the software, recognizes my Linksys USB Ethernet dong
even smaller correction (Score:2)
DirecTivos don't support ethernet of any sort despite having USB, but you don't need it. (DirecTV is scared of connectivity. Fear of pirated shows, or something.) You get your guide from the satelli
Serial connection (Score:1)
This is really easy. (Score:2)
If you have an older DirecTivo (series 1) like I do, buy a turbonet adapter from 9thtee.com and install it per directions. You then put in a special code into the phone number field and your DirecTivo will use your Internet connection instead of a phone line.
I don't know if that will work for PPV (I never buy PPV)
If you have newer DirecTivo models, I believe you can get a USB/ethernet port
The real deal (Score:1)
My tip for you to get updated beofe your NIC gets to you is to find a few super long phone cables and run them over to your neibors house. Buy him/her a 6 pack in exchange of using his/her phone for a few seconds. Toll free and all.
Now you will have another 2 weeks be
Don't need 'em. (Score:2)
Re:lazy rich folks (Score:5, Insightful)
Ask Slashdot is a section for people to pose their questions to the Slashdot community. Slashdot is made up of, in large part, a tech-savy and geek-indentifying community. I'd be willing to bet that a higher percentage of Slashdot readers have TiVo and/or ReplayTV than the general population. So this seemingly narrow question that, on the surface, would not be helpful to anyone is probably of interest to a large number of
Likewise, those lucky enough to play with tech-related toys are likely to have more money to throw around. Again, compare Slashdot's readers to the general population, and I'll be you'll find a higher income among the Slashdot population. So while saying that the poster owns a TiVo and ReplayTV may cause envy in some Slashdotters eyes (mine included), it probably isn't enough to cause any fits of jealousy over this damnable soul who is clearly of a higher social and econimic standing than the rest of us slobs.
Finally, I very much doubt that the manual has instructions for not using a phone line. My guess is it simply says that TiVo requires a phone line. But that would seem to not be the case. And Ask Slashdot could be considered "checking a website..." The poster is asking for Slashdot's collective knowledge on the subject. Consulting Google is the only valid point you bring up. Plugging in tivo and "no phone line" brings up MOSTLY ads, but a couple of valid-looking links.
But Ask Slashdot isn't meant to only to give the origonal poster an answer (hopefully) to their question, but to provoke discussion and inform others. So someone with a unique experience might post here, and only here. Their knowledge may be absent from every single webpage out there, and a Google search could be useless. Or maybe I was thinking about getting a TiVo, but know I don't have a phoneline for it to work with. After reading this thread, I might learn that I definitely can or cannot buy a TiVo and expect it to work.
Or, as someone who doesn't have and doesn't plan on getting a TiVo, I may just be curious about the problems of living without a land-line. A friend of mine recently killed her phone line, and I'm curious how others have dealt with possibel problems. Dealing with TiVo and ReplayTV is only a small subset of the larger problem of living without a land-line. So I'm interested in what people have to say, not only about TiVo and ReplayTV specifically, but about living without a land-line in general.
The "Your problems aren't important enough so we'll ignore them" argument has always seemed shallow to me. The fact of the matter is the editors (for whatever reason) decided to post this question to Ask Slashdot. Maybe they were currious themselves. Maybe it was just a slow news day. Maybe the specific goal was to piss someone like you off to the point of posting a knee-jerk, thoughtless response to prove some point about the nature of Slashdot. We'll probably never know.
But clearly a sarcastic comlaint is the right sollution...
-Trillian
Not having a land-line... (Score:2)
I'm increasingly tempted to get rid of my mobile phone, too.
Re:lazy rich folks (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:lazy rich folks (Score:3, Insightful)
One of the benfits of asking technical questions on Slashdot is that almost always there's someone there who can point you to an even better sour
Re: (Score:2)