Welcome! Start Here

SDOC-00091-001 Rev A1
Setting up your TiVo Series3TM HD Digital Media Recorder (DVR) is easy.
Activate the TiVo service (if you havent already)
The TiVo service is what makes your DVR smart. It includes everything from your program listings to Season PassTM recordings and WishList searchesall the cool features youve heard about. Some TiVo DVRs are sold with a TiVo service plan. If yours was not, activate the TiVo service at www.tivo.com/activate or call TiVo Customer Support at 1-877-367-8486. Youll need your 15-digit TiVo Service Number, found on the label on the back of the DVR. Write it here for reference ___________________________. Now, lets get started with Connecting Your TiVo Digital Media Recorder!

Start Here

Follow these easy steps to connect your TM TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder
Remember: Connect all cables from the OUT jack of one device to the IN jack of the next. Never connect OUT to OUT or IN to IN.
Do you subscribe to Digital Cable?
I dont have digital cable.

Start with step 1 below.

I have digital cable. Turn this poster over.
Connecting Your TiVo Digital Media Recorder
Get to know your cables (you may not use all of them)

HD Video Cables

Connect the TiVo DVR to an HDTV using one of these cables to get high-definition video. HDMI cable for high definition video and digital audio Component Video cable for high definition video (no audio)
If you have digital cable, turn this poster over.

Basic Cables

Other cables you might need.

Phone cord

Composite A/V cable for stereo audio (red & white ends) & standard video (yellow end) Coaxial RF cable for standard audio & video

Phone splitter

Power cord
(Optional) Connect an Antenna
Local TV stations broadcast high-definition signals over the air on dedicated digital channels. To receive both digital (ATSC) and standard (NTSC) channels over the air, connect an indoor or outdoor antenna to the TiVo DVRs ANTENNA IN jack.
Tune your TV to see the Welcome Screen

Turn on your TV.

If you dont see the Welcome screen:
Use the Input, Source, or TV/Video button on your TV remote or TV to select the audio/video input source you used in step. Press the button until you see the Welcome screen. On some TVs, you can also change the channel to select different input sources. When you see the Welcome screen, youre ready to begin Guided Setup, which customizes the TiVo DVR for your home. To optimize the TiVo DVR for high-definition viewing, read Understanding HDTV in the Viewers Guide. To learn more about the amazing, smart-recording features of the TiVo service, see the Tours in Chapter 1 of the Viewers Guide.

TiVo DVR

Connect to Your Cable Service
If you are a basic cable subscriber, connect the Coaxial RF cable coming out of the wall directly to the CABLE IN jack on the back of the DVR.

Television

Plug in the Power Cord
The TiVo DVRs front panel displays a TiVo logo as it is starting up.
NOTE: If you subscribe to digital cable, turn this poster over and follow the steps on the other side.
Connect to the TiVo service: Network OR Phone

The TiVo DVR needs to connect to the TiVo service to receive program listings, service updates, and other information. Network-connected DVRs have access to additional features and services. See Chapter 4 in the Viewers Guide for details. Choose how your DVR will connect: Network or Phone

Connect Audio

If you used the HDMI cable in step , you already have a digital audio connection (HDMI is both audio & video). Recommended: Connect an Optical Digital Audio cable (sold separately) from the DVRs DIGITAL AUDIO jack to an A/V receiver or home theater system. Alternate: Connect the red and white ends of the Composite A/V cable from the DVRs A/V OUT jacks to the A/V IN jacks on your TV, A/V receiver, or home theater system.

Connect Video

Recommended: Connect the HDMI cable from the TiVo DVRs HDMI OUT jack to the HDMI IN jack on the back of your high-definition TV. Alternate: If your TV doesnt have an HDMI jack, use the Component Video cable instead. Then connect a separate cable for audio. See step. Make note of the input you used on the back of your TV.

Network

ETHERNET USB 1 USB 2
Choose this option if you have a home network with a broadband Internet connection. Use the connection that works with your type of home network: Wired or Wireless
Wired (Ethernet) Connect an Ethernet cable (sold
separately) from your home network to the TiVo DVRs Ethernet jack (the upper jack pictured here).
Wireless Connect a compatible wireless USB network adapter (sold separately) to one of the DVRs USB ports. The TiVo Wireless G USB Network Adapter pictured here is available at www.tivo.com/store. Phone
Choose this option if you dont have a home network with a broadband Internet connection. Connect the provided phone cord from the DVR to a nearby wall jack. Use the provided phone line splitter if the DVR is sharing the wall jack with a telephone.

Need some help?

Check out the Troubleshooting chapter in the Viewers Guide for more help with connecting your TiVo DVR, completing Guided Setup, and using the TiVo service. If you have more questions, visit www.tivo.com/support for help with getting started, learning about TiVo service features, audio & video troubleshooting, frequently asked questions, help forums, and more.

www.tivo.com/support

2006 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in Mexico. TiVo, the TiVo logo, WishList, Season Pass, Series3 and the Series3 logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries, 2160 Gold Street, P.O. Box 2160, Alviso, CA 95002-2160. CableCARDTM is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Connecting Your TiVo DVR with CableCARD Decoders
What is a CableCARD decoder?
A CableCARD decoder works like a digital cable box. CableCARD decoders allow compatible devices to receive digital cable channels without a cable box. The TiVo Series3TM HD DVR is a CableCARD device. CableCARD decoders plug into the slots on the back of the DVR. Plug in two for dual tuner: watch & record two channels at the same time. CableCARD decoders replace your digital cable box. They allow you to access the same channels that you currently subscribe to. You can only get CableCARD decoders from your cable company. Call your cable company to request two CableCARD decoders, typically delivered by an installer.
If you DONT have digital cable, turn this poster over.
When the CableCARD installer arrives.
Present these instructions to the installer. The installer will insert the CableCARD decoders into the slots on the back of the TiVo DVR, and activate them.
Locate the sheet titled Instructions for CableCARD Installers, included in the TiVo DVR carton.

CableCARD

Call your cable company and order 2 CableCARD decoders today!
Disconnect Your Digital Cable Box
CableCARD decoders replace your digital cable box. Disconnect your cable box from your TV and set it aside. NOTE: While youre waiting for CableCARD installation, you may want to connect your cable box to another input on your TV so you dont miss any of your favorite shows.
Use the Input, Source, or TV/Video button on your TV remote or TV to select the audio/video input source you used in step. Press the button until you see the Welcome screen. On many TVs, you can also change the channel to select different input sources. When you see the Welcome screen, youre ready to begin Guided Setup, which customizes the TiVo DVR for your home. After CableCARD decoders are installed, you will need to repeat Guided Setup. To optimize the TiVo DVR for high-definition viewing, read Understanding HDTV in the Viewers Guide. To learn more about the amazing, smart-recording features of the TiVo service, see the Tours in Chapter 1 of the Viewers Guide.

Connect the Coaxial RF cable coming out of the wall directly to the CABLE IN jack on the back of the DVR.
NOTE: While youre waiting for CableCARD installation, you may want to leave this cable connected to your cable box. See step.
If you used the HDMI cable in step , you already have a digital audio connection (HDMI is both audio & video). Recommended: Connect an Optical Digital Audio cable (sold separately) from the TiVo DVRs DIGITAL AUDIO jack to an A/V receiver or home theater system. Alternate: Connect the red and white ends of the Composite A/V cable from the DVRs A/V OUT jacks to the A/V IN jacks on your TV, A/V receiver, or home theater system.
Remember: Connect all cables from the OUT jack of one device to the IN jack of the next.
Never connect OUT to OUT or IN to IN.

On-Screen Menus & the Remote Control
To navigate the TiVo DVRs on-screen menus, use the remote controls arrow buttons to move to the option you want, then press SELECT. The LEFT arrow button often takes you to the previous screen.

TV Pwr

Live TV

DID YOU KNOW.

TV wr P pu In t

As c pe t

You never have to watch reruns again.
Recording Options, Page 25

Select

Aspect Guide

Chan Page

You can schedule recordings from the web.
Online Scheduling, Page 18

TiVo Vie w e r s Gu id e

Two Types of On-Screen Arrows
The arrows that appear beside or near the highlight bar show the directions it can move. For example, on this screen, you could press the RIGHT arrow to highlight Options or the DOWN arrow to highlight View upcoming episodes.

Highlight Bar

You can watch a slideshow of digital photos on your TV.
Music & Photos, Page 39
You can record two programs at the same time.

e LivTV

t lec Se

Gu id e

Dual Tuner, Page 3
Arrows near the Highlight Bar

an Ch ge Pa

ar Cle
You can learn a lot in a short Tour. Grab your TiVo remote and turn to Chapter 1.

Page Up Arrow

When you see page up or page down arrows at the top or bottom of the screen (or a list), press the CHAN UP/DOWN button to jump an entire page at a time.

r te En

Page Down Arrow
Chan CHAN UP/DOWN Page Button

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Customize Your TiVo Remote
Some buttons on your TiVo remote are programmable: TV POWER TV INPUT VOLUME & MUTE (can control sound on your TV or A/V receiver) DVR SWITCH (useful if you have more than one TiVo DVR) To program your TiVo remote, press the TiVo button to go to the TiVo Central screen and select Messages & Settings, then Settings, then Remote Control. Follow the easy on-screen instructions. Due to the wide variety of brands and models available, some TVs and A/V receivers are not compatible with the TiVo remote. See Chapter 5 of this guide for more on programming the TiVo remote control, including the ability to learn functions from other remotes.

Remote Control Tips

Program your TiVo remote to control your TV or A/V receiver. See Customize Your TiVo Remote to the left, or Remote Control Settings in Chapter 5. Press the TiVo button once to go to the TiVo Central screen, or twice to go to the Now Playing Listyour list of recorded programs. Press LIVE TV to switch between tuners. See page 3 for more about watching live TV with dual tuner. Press ASPECT once to display the current mode. Press again to change the Aspect Correction mode to Full, Panel, or Zoom. Use this feature to quickly adjust the picture to your liking. See page 56 for details. Press FORWARD and BACK up to 3 times for 3 speeds. Press a fourth time to resume normal play. INSTANT REPLAY
TiVo Button Arrow Buttons TV Power TV Input Aspect Mute Volume Record Thumbs Down Play

Activity Light

Live TV Select Info

Now Playing

(Green) This program will be saved until you delete it. Plain folder contains more than one episode of the same series. Folder with red dot for any group that includes a program that is currently recording or transferring. Folder with blue star contains one or more programs recorded by a WishList search. Folder with Thumbs Up contains all programs recorded as TiVo Suggestions. DVR for a DVR connected to your network.
(Yellow) In less than one day, this program may be deleted to make room for other recordings you have requested, but only if space is needed. (Yellow with exclamation mark) At any time, this program may be deleted to make room for other programs you have requested. (Red with black border) This program is currently being recorded or transferred. This program is a TiVo Suggestion. TiVo Suggestions are recorded only if space is available, and are the first to be deleted when space is needed.

Chan (Page) Up/Down

Thumbs Up
replays the last 8 seconds of a program.
Back (rewind) Slow Instant Replay Advance DVR Switch see Chapter 5 Number Buttons Forward
Press CLEAR to delete a title in a list (like the Now Playing list) or to hide things that arent part of the program youre watching (like the TiVo channel banner). Press GUIDE to see the TiVo program guide, then press INFO (while the guide is visible) to see Guide Options and change the way channels display, or show only a certain types of programs.

Programmable Buttons

Music, Photos, Products, & More
A song title inside a music folder or playlist. A highlighted song title. Press PLAY to play the song. A folder of songs. Press PLAY to start playing songs in the folder. A photo that the DVR is unable to display. A Home Network Application or, on the Now Playing List, a computer connected to your home network.

CHAN UP/DOWN does more than change the channelit also pages up or down through lists of programs or menu items.

Clear Enter/Last channel

Inserting the Batteries
Push the battery door at its point, near the center of the back of the remote, to open. Insert four AAA batteries (supplied). Match the + and - marks on the batteries to the + and - marks in the compartment. Replace the battery door.
When youre watching behind live TV (for example, if you pause live TV and later resume watching from the paused spot), ADVANCE catches you up to the live broadcast. In a recorded program, press it once to jump to the end of the program, then again to jump to the beginning. Also, use ADVANCE to enter a dash for channel numbers that contain a dash. If programmed, the DVR Switch lets you control two different TiVo Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) with the same remote. See Chapter 5.
A playlist created on your computer. A highlighted playlist. Press PLAY to start playing songs in the playlist.

Welcome

This Viewers Guide describes features of the TiVo service running on the TiVo brand Series3TM HD Digital Media Recorder. 2006 TiVo Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. TiVo, the TiVo logo, TiVo Central, WishList, Season Pass, TiVoToGo, Series3, the Series3 logo, the Advance logo, the Instant Replay logo, the TiVo HD logo, the Thumbs Up logo, the Thumbs Down logo, Overtime Scheduler, Overlap Protection, Ipreview and the sounds used by the TiVo service are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries, 2160 Gold Street, P.O. Box 2160, Alviso, CA 95002-2160. CableCARDTM is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. THX and the THX logo are trademarks of THX Ltd., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby and the Double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. TiVo product and service protected by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,241,428; 6,233,389; 6,327,418; 6,385,739; 6,490,722; 6,642,939; 6,643,798; 6,728,713; 6,757,837; 6,757,906; 6,792,195; 6,847,778; 6,850,691; D424,577; D435,561; D445,801. Other patents pending. Printed in Mexico. ii

Table of Contents

Using This Guide. v Understanding HDTV.vi

Chapter 5: Settings. 41

Audio Settings. CableCARDTM Settings. Channel Settings. Display Settings. Parental Controls. Recording Settings. Remote Control Settings. Video Settings. Phone & Network Settings. Messages. Account & System Information. Restart or Reset System. Standby. 66
Chapter 1: The Basics in 5 Short Tours. 1
Tour One: Playing with Live TV. 2 Tour Two: Recording Programs. 4 Tour Three: Your List of Recordings. 6 Tour Four: Finding Great Entertainment. 8 Tour Five: Beyond the TiVo Box. 10 More Cool Things You Can Do. 12
Chapter 2: Finding Programs. 13
Finding Programs to Record. Finding Programs Using a WishList Search. Season PassTM and Repeating Recordings. Setting Recording Options. Managing Recordings with the To Do List. The Status Bar. The Channel Banner. The Program Guide. Saving Programs to Other Devices. 35
Chapter 6: Copy Protection, Privacy, & the TiVo Service. 67 Chapter 7: Troubleshooting. 93 Appendix A: Front & Back Panel, Warranty, & Specifications. 119
Safety Instructions. 120 TiVo DVR Limited Warranty. 127
Chapter 3: Watching Programs. 29
Chapter 4: TiVo Desktop & Home Media Features. 37
Connecting Your TiVo DVR to a Home Network. 38 Music & Photos. 39
Index. 131 Glossary of Icons. Inside Back Cover

Using This Guide

Thank you for choosing the TiVo Series3TM HD Digital Media Recorder (DVR). This Viewers Guide helps you learn about the smart-recording features of the TiVo service and home networking capabilities of your TiVo DVR.

Basic Terms

If this is your first TiVo DVR, youre about to completely change the way you watch television. When we talk about the TiVo service, here are some terms you should know: Live TV. If youre watching a program as its being broadcast, youre watching live TV. With the TiVo service, you can pause live TV for up to 30 minutes. When you resume watching, youre behind live TV. Dual tuner. A tuner is a device found inside DVRs, TVs, VCRs, cable boxesanything designed to receive TV signals. A tuner picks one channel to display from all the channels you receive; it tunes to that channel. The TiVo Series3TM DVR is a dual tuner device, meaning that it has two tuners inside. CableCARDTM Decoder. Your cable company can provide CableCARD decoders to receive and decode encrypted digital cable programming without the need for a cable box. Plug two CableCARD decoders into the back of the TiVo Series3 HD DVR for dual tuner digital cable. Service updates. From time to time, your DVR may receive updates to the TiVo service including features not described in this guide. Details are always available at www.tivo.com/guides. Notes and Tips. In the side columns of some pages in this guide youll find helpful Notes and Tips.

Getting Started

Heres what you need to do first: 1. Activate the TiVo service. The TiVo service is what makes your DVR smart. It includes everything from your program listings to Season PassTM recordings and WishList searches. Some DVRs are sold with a TiVo service plan. If you havent yet activated, visit www.tivo.com/activate or call 1-877-367-8486. 2. Connect your TiVo DVR. If the TiVo service is the brains, the TiVo DVR is the body. Use the Start Here poster to connect the DVR to your TV programming source and your television. 3. Complete Guided Setup. After connecting your DVR, follow the steps in on-screen Guided Setup. This customizes the DVR for your home. 4. Take a Tour! Once youre done with Guided Setup, the Tours in Chapter 1 of this guide introduce you to the best features of the TiVo service. You may also find helpful videos already recorded for you on the Now Playing List.

Understanding HDTV

High-definition television combines high-resolution digital television with digital sound. It is bigger, sharper, and better than anything you have previously experienced in home entertainment. If youre new to the world of HDTV, here are a few basic terms and concepts to help you get the most out of the experience. HDTV Receiver. An HDTV receiver decodes high-definition video signals for display on your TV. The TiVo DVR combines an HDTV receiver with a digital video recorder. It also receives ATSC (digital) and NTSC (standard) antenna signals. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface for electronic devices. HDMI improves on DVI in that it sends both highdefinition video and digital audio signals through a single cable. Digital Visual Interface (DVI). DVI describes a type of video connection found on many HDTVs. DVI allows a true digital connection for video signals and other digital information. To connect the TiVo DVR to a TVs DVI jack, youll need an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or HDMI-to-DVI cable (sold separately). Dolby Digital Audio. Programs broadcast with Dolby Digital audio have six audio channels, each of which can be heard on one of six separate speakers. To hear Dolby Digital audio, use an optical digital audio cable (sold separately) or the HDMI cable (supplied) to connect your TiVo DVR to an A/V receiver or home theater system that supports Dolby Digital audio. Aspect Ratio. A TVs aspect ratio is the comparison of the screens width to its height: either the standard 4:3 screen or 16:9 widescreen. For more about this setting, see page 57. Aspect Correction. Aspect correction is required when the aspect ratio of the broadcast picture and the screen size of the TV dont match. The ASPECT button on the DVR remote lets you quickly change how a picture is displayed while watching TV. Aspect correction offers three modes to fit the broadcast picture to your TV screen: Full stretches the picture, Panel adds letterbox or side bars to the picture, and Zoom expands and crops the picture, eliminating bars that may be in the broadcast. For tips on using Aspect Correction, see page page 56.

Video Formats

TV programs are broadcast in a variety of video formats. The TiVo DVR can display video on your TV in exactly the same format as its broadcast, or it can convert the video format to suit your TV. Video Output Format. Choose the Video Output Format you want the TiVo DVR to use based on the formats your TV can display. Check your TVs owners manual to be sure. Then go to the TiVo Central screen and select Messages & Settings, then Settings, then Video, then Video Output Format.
Each video format is named with a number and a letter: 1080i and 720p are high-definition formats, 480p is known as enhanced-definition, and 480i is standard-definition. The number indicates video resolution: how many horizontal lines of information make up a single frame of video. Generally, bigger numbers mean sharper, more detailed images. The letter indicates the method of scanning: interlaced or progressive. With interlaced scanning (1080i & 480i), the horizontal lines in a video frame are divided into two groups. If you were to number the lines from the top to the bottom of the screen, one group would be the odd numbered lines, and the other would be the even numbered lines. All the odd lines, then all the even lines, are refreshed 60 times per second, alternating between the two. This means the whole video frame refreshes 30 times per second. This is fine for smaller screens but can result in flickering on larger screens. Progressive scanning (720p & 480p) refreshes the whole video frame (all even and odd horizontal lines) 60 times per second. This eliminates flicker but requires the TV to process more information since twice as many frames are displayed each second.
any given program, the broadcast format may or may not match a format that your HDTV is capable of displaying. The TiVo DVR offers three types of formats which control how broadcast signals are convertedif at all for display on your TV. Native (Recommended). When you use native format, the DVR sends all video in its original broadcast format, with no conversion. Native mode is recommended if your TV supports all four formats. Its also a good format to choose if you consider yourself an HD novice. Hybrid. When you use a hybrid format, the DVR converts standard broadcast signals to 480p. It converts HD broadcasts to the HD format you choose. Hybrid is recommended if your TV supports either 720p or 1080i, but not both. Fixed. When you use a fixed format, the DVR converts signals broadcast in other formats to the fixed format you choose, and video is always displayed in this format. Choose the fixed format that matches your TVs highest resolution. Using a fixed format eliminates any screen flicker associated with switching formats automatically, as occurs in native or hybrid modes. See Video Settings on page 56 for more.

Native, Hybrid, and Fixed Formats
Just as TV programs are broadcast in a variety of formats, TV equipment receives and displays video in a variety of formats. For
Choose What Looks Best to You
You should feel free to experiment with all the different video formats that your TV and the TiVo DVR support. You may find that some formats are better suited to certain programs than others.