A Tuning Adapter is a small set top box that gives your CableCARD-equipped TiVo box the ability to request switched digital video (SDV) channels. Like CableCARDs, Tuning Adapters are part of the digital cable system, so they must be issued by your cable provider.

TiVo Series3 and Premiere boxes are compatible with Tuning Adapters.

If you are trying to connect a Digital Transport Adapter (DTA) to your Series2 box, click here.

Tuning Adapters are installed in the cable line between your TiVo box and your cable wall outlet. An additional USB connection is used by the TiVo box to send channel tuning requests to the Tuning Adapter, which transmits the requests back to the cable system.

NOTE: TiVo Series3 boxes may require a software update before they are compatible with a Tuning Adapter. Tuning Adapters require TiVo software version 9.4 or later and some TiVo Series3 boxes were manufactured with an earlier version. To ensure that your TiVo HD box is running the latest software, install the box and run Guided Setup at least 2 days before connecting a Tuning Adapter.

Click here to use our interactive Tuning Adapter installation wizard, or follow the instructions below:

1. Install your CableCARD(s) and confirm they are activated by ensuring you can view all the non-SDV channels in your cable package.

IMPORTANT: CableCARDs are required for decrypting programming and for decoding copy protection on your channels. CableCARD(s) must be working properly before you can test the operation of a Tuning Adapter.

2. Remove the coax cable feed from the TiVo box.

3. Attach the coax cable from the wall to the Tuning Adapter.

4. Connect a coax cable from the Tuning Adapter to the TiVo box.

5. Connect the USB cable from the Tuning Adapter to the TiVo box.

6. Plug in the Tuning Adapter power cable.

The Tuning Adapter will start up and download a channel map, which contains information the TiVo box requires to tune to your channels. While the channel map is loading, you will see "Please wait. Acquiring channel information." in live TV.

IMPORTANT: Your cable provider may require you to call to get your Tuning Adapter activated before the adapter can download the channel map. If you still see "Please wait. Acquiring channel information." after 20 minutes, contact your cable provider.

7. Once the channel map is loaded, test your channels.

With SDV, you will have many new programming choices. Your cable provider can tell you which additional channels you can receive now that a Tuning Adapter is installed. To test tuning operations using the Tuning Adapter, go to TiVo Central and select Messages & Settings > Account & System Information > Tuning Adapter > Test Channels. Press the CHAN UP/DOWN button or enter channel numbers on the remote to tune to channels and make sure you can see video. If you have any issues, please see Tuning Adapter troubleshooting or contact your cable provider.

For more information about switched digital video and Tuning Adapter operation, go to Switched Digital Video - Will it impact you? or contact your cable provider.