If you have TiVo at home or if you would like to purchase TiVo, you may be concerned that TeleBlend Service and TiVo are not compatible. Actually, there are several easy ways to use TeleBlend and TiVo reliably together.

TiVo has made progress in upgrading their DVRs. Software versions 7.2 and later do not require a traditional phone line to perform the setup process. Earlier versions of TiVo, do however, require a traditional phone line but only for completing the setup. After setup is finished, a broadband connection can be used to support TeleBlend and TiVo together via a wired or wireless network. Some customers simply elect to set up their TiVo from another location that does have a traditional phone line connection (neighbor, friend, work place) and then use their broadband connection at home after set up is complete.

Depending on which version of TiVo you own, there are several options which allow you to use TeleBlend and TiVo reliably together. Please note that certain TiVo models may be incompatible with TeleBlend. These guidelines should help you determine the status of your particular configuration.

OPTION 1 - IF YOU HAVE A NEWER TIVO SYSTEM (7.2 OR LATER) AND A WIRELESS HOME NETWORK
All Series 2 and later TiVo systems have 2 USB connectors on the back panel which enable you to connect an 802.11 wireless adapter right out of the box. This allows you to use your broadband connection to reliably retrieve the daily program information, and to use TeleBlend in conjunction with your TiVo system. The advantages of this are 1) you don't have to wire a phone line to your TiVo unit, and 2) a broadband connected TiVo gives you cool new functionality like streaming music, photos, and the ability to transfer programs to your PC and to other TiVo units in your home. TiVo's support website has easy step-by-step instructions on how to connect your TiVo DVR to the broadband network.

OPTION 2 - IF YOU HAVE A NEWER TIVO SYSTEM (7.2 OR LATER) AND A WIRED HOME NETWORK
If you do not have a wireless home network, you can use a basic router or network hub to connect TiVo to your broadband modem. Refer to TiVo's website for more information on connecting a TiVo DVR to your wired home network.

OPTION 3 - IF YOU HAVE AN EARLIER VERSION OF TIVO (7.1 OR EARLIER) AND CAN COMPLETE THE SET UP FROM A REMOTE LOCATION
Older versions of TiVo require you to complete the set up using a traditional phone line. Many customers elect to complete the set up from a remote location (neighbor, friend, work place). Once set up is complete, you can use your broadband connection via a wired or wireless home network to retrieve your daily programs. See Options 1 and 2 for more information about using a home network with TiVo and TeleBlend together.

OPTION 4 - IF YOU HAVE AN EARLIER VERSION OF TIVO (7.1 OR EARLIER) AND CANNOT COMPLETE THE SET UP FROM A REMOTE LOCATION
If you cannot set up your TiVo from a remote location, you can try using a wireless modem jack. While TeleBlend has not qualified the wireless modem jack to connect TiVo DVRs to the TeleBlend Service, TiVo indicates some customers have reported success using the following models: RCA RC930, Phonex PX 441, GE 965967, or the RadioShack(r) 43001600. Some wireless modem jacks are available at the TiVo Store. These wireless modem jacks are also generally available at national retailers such as Best Buy and RadioShack(r), with prices ranging from $80 to $100.

Using TiVo and TeleBlend Service together will become easier and easier as our technologies converge. There are already several options to make both TeleBlend and TiVo work, especially if you are purchasing or have purchased a newer TiVo system.