Help! My TiVo remote is possessed!
I've been having this problem for a couple of weeks now, and it's extremely irritating. To wit: most of my TiVo buttons have stopped working properly. First, it was the select and the up and down arrow buttons -- not that they *didn't* work, but they were acting cracked. So I'd push the select button, and it'd back up to the previous page; when the up button is pressed, TiVo would act as if I'd pushed the select button. Sometimes I got the live TV when I was still trying to select out of the list. After a while, even the power button and the scroll buttons have stopped working properly. Initially, it was once in a while, and I thought my remote has gone wonky so I ordered a new one from Weakknees, and the new remote is acting exactly the same. Now, *every single button* is doing something else than what it's supposed to. And I've started getting the "grey screen" that says "please press live TV button to get to the programme" or some such.
I know it's not the batteries because I've changed them a few times. And the TiVo does go on recording the scheduled show merrily. I just can't get the machine to show it to me. Now, pulling the plug/restarting the TiVo fixed the problem for a few hours. The next day? Back to possessed!remote. I'm afraid it's not the remote, but some major problem with the hardware. Or could it be due to some wacky software upgrade? I've trawled the TiVo Community help page for hints, but couldn't find how to fix it.
Well, this is long-winded. But I need my TiVo back!! Wahh. Plus, I can't send it for servicing because I've opened the box and upgraded the hard drive.
Sounds like the problem might lie in the IR sensor on the TiVo, is my wild guess.
I was using IR for channel change before, but because it was having trouble changing channels properly, I'd switched to serial cable several weeks ago. So, not the IR.
Hmmm. I'm trying to remember if the problem started before or after I switched to serial cable. Around the same time, I think.
The sensor I'm talking about is the "eye" on the front of the TiVo -- the peanut blasts a little IR beam at the eye (which is why it works better if you aim directly at the TiVo). But the serial connector might be somehow messing up the IR eye function, so it would be quite worth it to try reconnecting!
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folks, I have never ever taken apart a computer (except my Tivo), and I am thinking of putting a wireless card in it. I have a Dell Desktop 'puter. Is it difficult to put such a card in?
If I don't want to do it myself, how can I get someone to install the card?
It's not difficult. You need to be a little careful so you don't transmit any static electricity to the card or motherboard. (Generally I turn the computer off but leave it plugged in, and then ground myself to the case before I handle any components. You handle the card by the edge, but not the edge with the contacts on it.) There is a blank metal strip that you'll have to remove to make room for the card - it's either held on by a screw or you'll have to break and pry it out. When you put the card in, you have to make sure it's lined up. Then you push it in - it might take a little force.
I've never put a wireless card into a desktop computer - is there usually an external antenna? The antenna is pre-attached, right?
your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea. maybe this is a bad idea?
OK, i googled - there's a tiny antenna on the back of the card (already attached) - when the card is put in the antenna is outside the computer.
Here's an example: [link]
