TiVo Premiere 500 GB DVR Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your TiVo Premiere 500 GB Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and Streaming Media Player. The TiVo Premiere allows you to record up to 75 hours of high-definition programming, control live television, and access a variety of on-demand movies, TV shows, and web videos from integrated services.

Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance of your device.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your TiVo Premiere package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact TiVo customer support.

• TiVo Premiere 500 GB DVR Unit
• TiVo Remote Control
• Power Cord
• HDMI Cable
• Ethernet Cable
• Composite A/V Cable (Red/White/Yellow)
• 2 AA Batteries (for remote control)
• Quick Start Guide
• TiVo Premiere User Manual (this document)

Figure 2.1: TiVo Premiere 500 GB DVR with its remote control, power cord, HDMI cable, Ethernet cable, composite A/V cable, and documentation.

3. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to connect your TiVo Premiere DVR to your television and home network.

3.1. Physical Connections

1. Positioning the DVR: Place your TiVo Premiere unit on a flat, stable surface near your television and cable/antenna connection. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.
2. Connect to TV (HDMI): Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT port on the back of your TiVo Premiere and the other end to an available HDMI input on your television. Note the HDMI input number on your TV for later selection.
3. Connect to Network (Ethernet): Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the ETHERNET port on the back of your TiVo Premiere and the other end to an available port on your home router or network switch. A broadband internet connection is required for TiVo service and streaming features.
4. Connect to Cable/Antenna:
   • For Cable TV: Connect your incoming coaxial cable from your cable provider to the CABLE IN port on the back of the TiVo Premiere. The TiVo Premiere is designed for use with digital cable systems and requires a CableCARD (sold separately and provided by your cable company) for encrypted channels.
   • For Digital Antenna: Connect your digital antenna coaxial cable to the ANTENNA IN port on the back of the TiVo Premiere. This unit does not receive analog programming or satellite signals.
5. Power Connection: Insert the power cord into the AC IN port on the back of the TiVo Premiere, then plug the other end into a wall outlet.
6. Insert Remote Batteries: Open the battery compartment on the back of the TiVo remote control and insert the two AA batteries, observing the correct polarity.

Figure 3.1: Rear panel connections of the TiVo Premiere DVR, including AC IN, CableCARD slot, Component, Composite, Digital Audio, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, Cable IN, and Antenna IN ports.

3.2. Initial On-Screen Setup

Once all physical connections are made, turn on your television and select the correct HDMI input. The TiVo Premiere will automatically power on and begin the guided setup process.

1. Welcome Screen: Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language and agree to the terms of service.
2. Network Connection: The TiVo Premiere will attempt to connect to your network. If using an Ethernet connection, this should be automatic. If using an optional TiVo Wireless N Adapter (sold separately), you will be guided through wireless setup.
3. TiVo Service Activation: A TiVo service plan is required for full functionality. You will be prompted to activate your service during this step. This typically involves creating or logging into a TiVo account and selecting a subscription plan.
4. Channel Scan: The DVR will scan for available channels based on your cable or antenna connection. This process may take several minutes.
5. Program Guide Download: After scanning channels, the TiVo Premiere will download the program guide data. This can take a significant amount of time (up to several hours) depending on your internet speed and the amount of data. Do not unplug the unit during this process.
6. Remote Control Setup: You will be guided to program your TiVo remote control to operate your television (power, volume, mute).

Important Note:

A minimum 1-year service plan is required for the TiVo Premiere DVR. Without an active subscription, the device will have limited or no functionality.

4. Operating Your TiVo Premiere

The TiVo Premiere offers a user-friendly interface for managing your entertainment. Here are some core functions:

4.1. TiVo Remote Control Overview

The TiVo remote control is designed for intuitive navigation. Familiarize yourself with its key buttons:

Figure 4.1: TiVo Premiere remote control with clearly labeled buttons for navigation, recording, playback, and special functions.

• TiVo Button: Press to go to the TiVo Central menu, your main hub for all TiVo features.
• Directional Pad (Up/Down/Left/Right) & Select: Navigate menus and make selections.
• Guide: Access the program guide to see what's on and schedule recordings.
• Live TV: Return to live television.
• Record (Red Circle): Instantly record the current program or schedule a recording from the guide.
• Pause/Play/Fast Forward/Rewind: Control live TV and recorded programs.
• Instant Replay (Green Arrow): Jump back 8 seconds in live or recorded TV.
• Advance (Yellow Arrow): Skip forward 30 seconds or jump to the next tick mark in a recorded show.
• Thumbs Up/Down: Rate shows to help TiVo learn your preferences for suggestions.
• A, B, C, D Buttons: Context-sensitive buttons for various functions within menus.

4.2. Recording Programs

Your TiVo Premiere can record two shows simultaneously. There are several ways to record:

• Instant Recording: While watching a program, press the Record button on your remote.
• Scheduling from Guide: Navigate to the desired program in the Guide and press the Record button. You can choose to record a single episode or create a Season Pass for all episodes.
• WishList® Searches: Create WishList searches based on keywords, actors, or directors, and TiVo will automatically find and record matching programs.

4.3. Controlling Live TV

With your TiVo Premiere, you can pause, rewind, and fast-forward live television. When you tune to a channel, TiVo automatically begins recording it, allowing you to control the broadcast as if it were a recorded program.

4.4. Accessing Streaming Services

The TiVo Premiere integrates popular streaming services directly into its interface. From TiVo Central, navigate to the "Video On Demand" or "Apps" section to access:

• Netflix (subscription required)
• Hulu Plus (subscription required)
• Amazon Instant Streaming
• YouTube
• Pandora
• And more, depending on available updates.

You will need active subscriptions for certain services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu Plus) and a broadband internet connection.

4.5. Searching and Exploring

The TiVo Premiere features powerful search capabilities:

• Search: Use the search function to find programs by title, actor, or keyword across live TV, recorded shows, and streaming services.
• Browse: Explore content by category, genre, or recommendations.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your TiVo Premiere DVR, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosols, or abrasive materials.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation openings on the unit are not blocked. Do not place the DVR in an enclosed cabinet without proper airflow.
• Power Cycling: If the unit becomes unresponsive, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, wait 15 seconds, and then plug it back in. This can resolve minor software glitches.
• Software Updates: Your TiVo Premiere will automatically download and install software updates when connected to the internet. Ensure the unit remains connected to the network for these updates.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your TiVo Premiere, consult the following common troubleshooting steps before contacting customer support.

6.1. No Picture or Sound

• Verify that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input.
• Check that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the TiVo Premiere and your TV.
• Ensure the TiVo Premiere is powered on (the front panel indicator light should be illuminated).

6.2. Remote Control Not Responding

• Replace the AA batteries in the remote control.
• Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the TiVo Premiere unit.
• If the remote is programmed for RF (radio frequency) control, ensure the TiVo unit's RF receiver is not blocked.

6.3. Cannot Record or Access Program Guide

• Confirm your TiVo service subscription is active.
• Check your internet connection. The TiVo Premiere requires an active internet connection to download program guide data and verify subscription status.
• For cable users, ensure your CableCARD is properly inserted and activated by your cable provider.

6.4. Network Connection Issues

• Verify the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the TiVo Premiere and your router.
• Restart your router and modem.
• From TiVo Central, navigate to "Settings & Messages" > "Network Settings" to check the network status and run network diagnostics.

7. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the TiVo Premiere 500 GB DVR (Model TCD746500).

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase accessories, please visit the official TiVo website or contact TiVo customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt and the model number (TCD746500) handy when seeking support.

TiVo Website: www.tivo.com