2kewl4u.com / blog / tivo and wireless goodness
tivo and wireless goodness
10/17/2004 @ 9:06:11 AM | 1494 days ago | permanent link | posted in gadgets

Sprang for the Linksys WUSB11 (usb wireless adapter) to get my Tivo networked. Installation was smooth but you basically need to get one of the supported adapters. Had tried the 802.11g version but Tivo just ignored it (power but no link). It's a really small device though I guess you shouldn't be surprised since they also have these adapters in the usb key form factor. The Tivo has 2 usb ports so even if you want to go for wired, you need a usb adapter

That is cost about $50 at Fry's though there is a $10 rebate, or about $35 from Amazon

After you plug it in for the first time, you have a new message in your inbox and new menu options to set select network, set encryption and ip information. When the Series2 Tivos just came out, I think there were a lot of discussion about how you need a certain OS version to work with different WUSB11 releases (versions 2.6, 2.8 or 3.0) but I think mine shipped with the latest so there was no firmware update or anything to deal with

After that's done, the fun begins and you can now check out the Music and Photos options. Before you can stream away, you do have to install the Tivo Desktop Server on your computer and share photos and songs (a breeze). Interface is pretty adequate, the whole setup with tivo and your home network is a nice way to browse some content in your living room, pictures have a cool slideshow feature

With a link quality of about 55%, the streaming quality for songs can be uneven. The Tivo controls are a bit weird for music, especially you can't actually skip a song... retarded. While playing, the banner for aritist - title will jump around every x seconds to prevent screen burn ins, that's kinda cool. It gets song info from id3 tags. There's the standard shuffle and repeat play options. It'll stop playing once you get outside the music options but I wish you could leave the music on while in other Tivo menus, so you can listen to something while updating your season passes or picking new programs to record

Once the Tivo is networked, you can get rid of the phone connection cable it needed for tv guide and other updates (looks like that is still done daily)

Supposedly, Tivo will check every hour if you use the online scheduling feature so you can program things remotely up to an hour in advance


Links
- http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2006.htm
- http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005AW1H/kewlio-20

Posted Sunday, October 17, 2004 @ 9:06:11 AM (1494 days ago)
Tags gadgets
Last posts in gadgets 3G FTW
DSLR vs Ultra-Compact Pt. 2
DSLR vs Ultra-Compact Utility
Best iPhone Apps
iPhone
on
flickr
Previous Tivo Up In Here
Next weather blah