Standard installation question

[cnsf]

I just ordered a new DirecTivo for existing customers through DirecTV.

I have no phone line close to where the Tivo will be place.

Is the installation of a phone line part of the standard install?

Also, they don't guarantee whether you will get a Hughes or Philips unit. Is there any difference between the two that should concern me? I have two HDVR2s and am satisified.

Thx in advance.

[spanishannouncetable]

The phone line is part of the install, but since you already have 2 HDVR2's (connected I assume) the installer will tell them your situation and let you slide. After 2 weeks the unit will begin to nag you to let it call out to TiVo. Do you have a phone cord long enough for this purpose ? The calls to Tivo are selectable through the menus while the calls to Directv are not, so a call every few weeks eliminates the nags but won't restore PPV purchase capability.

The Hughes and the Philips are the same on the inside, and have only cosmetic differences on the outer shell, so don't be concerned.

[cnsf]

Spanish,

Thx for that. The phone jack is about 50 ft from the Tivo and couldn't run straight to it (it's in another room). I definitely need to snake some phone wire to the room via the attic to an outside wall.

As for the Hughes and Philips, will they use the same remote? i.e. I already have two HDVR2 remotes, it would be nice to be able to use the remotes on diff't receivers if one konks out.

The other HDVR2s are near jacks (one which I snaked myself from another spot in the same room before the carpeting was put in; the other which I just ran phone wire to make a second jack in the room closer to the unit).

I'm considering using an electrician instead of the installer because I'm worried about them ruining the walls (the NY installers tend to be crappy - all come from the Brooklyn area for some reason to Westchester). i.e. they work on buildings more than houses.

[spanishannouncetable]

AFAIK, Hughes and Philips both use the exact same "peanut" remote.

[cnsf]

Good to know, thx.

[cnsf]

Got the HDVR2 last night and slapped in an extra 30GB HD I got for $30. Works like a champ. They now need to come out and install the second line and a phone line.

[Richssat]

CNSF,

The phone line is NOT part of a standard installation, nor has it ever been. If you have a phone jack nearby they will plug it in for you. Normally they will only do so if the jack is on the same or a connected wall and the cords path does not constitute a tripping hazard (ie across a doorway, hall, center of a room)

The modular cord that comes with the TiVo is where the techs responsibility begins and ends.

Some techs are have the tools and knowledge to hardwire a new jack for you but it is not free.

Just keep in mind what the local telco would charge you to run a new line to that location when the tech discusses what it is gonna cost you. Here in Ca it would cost you $100 just for the phone company to send a tech.

You may also want to consider wireless modem jacks.

RR