Sign in

How to configure network settings on your TiVo box

Print this page


Choose settings on your TiVo box to connect to your home network through either a wireled, wireless, or MoCA connection.



For information on how to set up a basic home network, see How to set up a home network

Choose one of the following setup options:

Configure network settings on an existing TiVo box

Configure a Wired Connection using an Ethernet cable

Configure a Wireless Connection using a TiVo wireless adapter

Configure a Static IP (optional)

Connect your TiVo box to a MoCA network with an ECB

Configure MoCA on a TiVo Premiere Elite box



Configure network settings on an existing TiVo box

When you move to a new zip code, change your programming source or change/add equipment, you will need to repeat Guided Setup.

1. Change your current internet connection method or update your network settings.

  • Navigate to ‘Change network settings.'

TiVo with HD menus: From TiVo Central, go to > Settings & messages > Settings > Network & Phone > Change network settings

TiVo with SD menus: From TiVo Central, go to > Messages & Settings > Settings > Phone & Network > Change network settings

2. IP Address screen - Choose how you want the TiVo box to obtain an IP address.

  • Get automatically from DHCP server (typical):
    Choose this option if the router was set up to give out IP addresses automatically. When the connection is successful, the TiVo box will display ‘Network setup complete’.
  • Let me specify a Static IP address:
    Choose this option if you wish to manually assign an IP address to your TiVo box or if your router is not set up to automatically provide an IP addresses. For instructions on specifying a Static IP address, see Configuring a Static IP
  • Let the DVR assign itself an IP address:
    Choose this option if you are creating a peer-to-peer network with another DVR.

    NOTE: If your TiVo box fails to connect to your network, you will be prompted to change your network settings. Make sure your network password and other network settings are correct. If the TiVo box still cannot connect see General network troubleshooting tips.



Configure a wired connection using an Ethernet cable

1. Attach an Ethernet cable between your router and TiVo box:

  • If you have a Series2 ST (Single Tuner) DVR you must use a wired adapter. Connect an Ethernet cable between the router and wired adapter. Then plug the USB end of the wired adapter into the back of the TiVo DVR.
  • Series2 DT (Dual Tuner) and all HD TiVo boxes do NOT need a wired adapter because they have built-in Ethernet support. Connect an Ethernet cable directly between the router and the TiVo DVR.

2. Begin or repeat Guided Setup:

  • To Begin Guided Setup on a new TiVo box, see How do I begin Guided Setup?
  • When you move to a new zip code, change your programming source or change/add equipment, you will need to repeat Guided Setup. For instructions, see How do I repeat Guided Setup?
  • Follow the prompts until you see the TiVo Service Connection screen and then select ‘Internet (via broadband access & home network).'

3. IP Address:

If you already established an Ethernet connection, the box will detect it and go immediately to the ‘IP Address’ screen.

  • Get automatically from DHCP server (typical):
    Choose this if the router was set up to give out IP addresses automatically.
    When the connection is successful, the box will display ‘Network setup complete’.
  • Let me specify a Static IP address:
    Choose this if you wish to manually assign an IP address to your TiVo box or if your router is not set up to automatically give out IP addresses. For instructions on specifying a Static IP address, see Configuring a Static IP.
  • Let the DVR assign itself an IP address:
    Choose this if you are creating a peer-to-peer network with another DVR.

NOTE: If your TiVo box fails to connect to your network, you will be prompted to change your network settings. Make sure your network password and other network settings are correct. If the TiVo box still cannot connect, see General network troubleshooting tips for assistance..



Configure a wireless connection using a TiVo Wireless Adapter

1. Confirm the name of your wireless network (SSID) used by your wireless router.

2. Confirm your home network password used by your wireless router.

NOTE: If you need assistance finding your SSID or network password, visit the website of your router manufacturer for an updated user guide.

3. Setup your TiVo wireless adapter

4. Connect your adapter and begin or repeat Guided Setup:

5. Wireless Network Name:

  • After Guided Setup completes, the TiVo box will detect the wireless adapter and go to the ‘Wireless Network Name' screen.

    NOTE: If you have not yet connected a network adapter, follow the prompts on screen to choose a network connection type and connect the network adapter. When you are finished, the TiVo box will display the ‘Wireless Network Name’ screen.

  • Highlight your network name (SSID) and press SELECT on your remote.

NOTE: If your router has been set up to suppress its network name (SSID), you will not see it in this list. Highlight ‘Enter network name’ on the screen, press SELECT on your remote, and then follow the on-screen instructions to manually enter your network name and choose the type of wireless security the network uses.

6. Enter Network Password:

  • Enter the password for your wireless network when prompted.

    • NOTE: If the password is in hexadecimal format (WEP passwords often are), press INFO on your remote to display the hexadecimal onscreen-keyboard and then enter the password.

  • When you are finished, highlight ‘Done entering network password’ and press SELECT on your remote. The box will attempt to access your network. If the router is set up to give out IP addresses automatically and the connection is successful, the screen will display ‘Network setup complete’ At this point, your setup is complete and you may now enjoy your TiVo box.
  • If the IP Address screen appears, go to Step 7.

7. IP Address - Choose how you would like to obtain an IP address for your TiVo box:

If you entered the router name because the router does not broadcast its network name (SSID), or if the router is not set up to give out an IP address (that is, it is not a DHCP server), you will be prompted to choose where to get an IP address (network address) for the box:

Get automatically from DHCP server (typical):
Choose this option if the router was set up to give out IP addresses automatically. When the connection is successful, the TiVo box will display ‘Network setup complete’.

Let me specify a Static IP address:
Choose this option if you wish to manually assign an IP address to your TiVo box or if your router is not set up to automatically provide an IP addresses.
For instructions on specifying a Static IP address, see Configuring a Static IP

Let the DVR assign itself an IP address:
Choose this option if you are creating a peer-to-peer network with another DVR.

NOTE: If your TiVo box fails to connect to your network, you will be prompted to change your network settings. Make sure your network password and other network settings are correct. If the TiVo box still cannot connect, see General network troubleshooting tips.



Configuring a Static IP (optional)

Most networks are set up to have the router assign IP addresses to each device on the network. This ensures that each device has a unique IP address without the need to track these addresses. The TiVo software also allows you to give your box a Static IP address.

IMPORTANT: If your router is giving out IP addresses, you must choose a Static IP address that is not in the range of the DHCP server. You can find this range by logging in to your router from your computer.

1. Verify the IP addresses on your computer:

  • Click the START button on the bottom left corner of your desktop. Type 'run' in the search box. Click Run at the top of the Programs list. In the window that opens, type 'ipconfig /all.'
  • Windows XP:
    From the Start menu, select Run and type 'cmd'. In the window that opens, type 'ipconfig /all.'
  • Macintosh computer:
    From the Dock, double-click System Preferences icon, and then the Network icon.

2. IP Address:

‘Let me specify a Static IP address.' Choose this to configure your Static IP address.

3. Enter IP Address:

Enter a Static IP address for the TiVo box. This address must be unique on your network.

  • The first three sets of numbers of the address (192.168.1 in the illustration above, for example) must be the same as the first three sets in the IP address of your computer.
  • The last number should be unique on your home network.
  • Press SELECT on your remote when done.

IMPORTANT: If you assign a Static IP address of 192.168.1.25 to the box, all other devices on the network must have an IP address that starts with 192.168.1, but only the IP address of the box can end in 25 (or any unique number you choose).

4. Use These Addresses?

  • The Subnet Mask and Gateway address should be the same as the ones assigned to other devices on your network.
  • The DNS address should also be the same as the ones assigned to other devices on your network. Most ISPs give you at least 2 DNS addresses for redundancy. TiVo software will allow you to enter up to 3 DNS addresses.

5. If these addresses match the ones assigned to your computer, select ‘Yes, use these addresses.' Your network setup is complete.

  • If these addresses are NOT correct, select ‘No, let me specify specific addresses.'
  • Follow the prompts to enter the same Subnet Mask and Gateway address as those that are assigned to your computer.
  • Enter a Primary DNS server address.
  • If you have multiple DNS Server addresses, enter the first one in the list.

6. The next screen asks if you want to enter another DNS address.

  • If you have multiple DNS servers, follow the prompts to enter up to 3 DNS server addresses.
  • Otherwise, select ‘No.'

7. The TiVo box will attempt to connect to your network.

  • When the connection is successful, the screen will display ‘Network setup complete’.
  • If your TiVo box fails to connect to the network, you will be prompted to change your network settings. Make sure your network password and other network settings are correct.
    If the TiVo still cannot connect, see General network troubleshooting tips for assistance

Connect your TiVo box to a MoCA network using an ECB

TiVo boxes that have an Ethernet port can connect to your existing MoCA network using an ECB (Ethernet to Coax Bridge) adapter. When using a Premiere Elite, we recommend that you use the built in client or bridge feature instead.

To setup all other boxes with an ECB connection do the following:

1. Setup your ECB according to the manufacturer’s direction.

2. Connect the coax cable to the coax end of the ECB.

3. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet end.

4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your Series2, Series3, or Series4 box.

5. Scroll up to Connect your TiVo box to a wired network to continue setup.

 

 

Please rate this article to help us improve your web support experience

Rate this article:
neutral

Feedback submitted. Thank you!
Support requests cannot be sent through this form. If you need additional help, please contact TiVo Customer Support.

Previously viewed articles

Chat now