Newbie DirecTivo R10 questions...

[WalksInDarkness]

Hi All,

I just got a new R10, and it is great. But the manual is sometimes less than helpful, and the remote buttons don't always match the commands in the manual and on-screen. So I have some questions:
1) I am using a 1 cable system, so I can only record what I am watching. What is the best way to do this? Should I program the sytem ahead of time, and then turn it on while it is already recording? Or is it just as easy to hit the "record" button while already watching? What are the "pros and cons"?
2) The remote is kinda clumsy for my fingers. The number buttons are too small and too close together. The 1 piece round "arrow" pad is too touchy, and somethimes responds incorrectly. Some of the buttons don't match the instruction on the screen and manual. Are there alternate remotes that I can purchase?

TIA for any answers!
Will

 

[Tonedeaf]

If you know what you want to record, of course set it up ahead of time. If you want to record something you are already watching hit the record button. You know you can watch something that is recorded at the same time something is recording right? Don't have to watch what is being recorded.

 

[WalksInDarkness]

If you know what you want to record, of course set it up ahead of time. If you want to record something you are already watching hit the record button. You know you can watch something that is recorded at the same time something is recording right? Don't have to watch what is being recorded.

Thanks for the reply, I thought everybody was too busy reading the flame bait on the main D* page today.
Yeah, I guess that was part of my question. I didn't know if I could Pause/FF/Rew the same program that was currently recording if I didn't have the two coax setup.
But the other question is how it gets "filed". I know if you preprogram soemthing it should have all the show details listed. But say I start recording 10 minutes before a show starts (say during the news), and then continue on into the actual show I want, does it file both shows seperately? Or does it put it all under one big file?

TIA,
Will

 

[Hogarth]

But the other question is how it gets "filed". I know if you preprogram soemthing it should have all the show details listed. But say I start recording 10 minutes before a show starts (say during the news), and then continue on into the actual show I want, does it file both shows seperately? Or does it put it all under one big file?

If you start a recording of the current channel 10 minutes before the show you want, it will record only the time remaining of the current show.

If you browse to the guide and select "record" on the show you want, it will record only that, unless you "pad" the recording. (Options -> Start Recording Early or End Recording Late.)

If you want both, record both.

The only time TiVo will put multiple programs in one file is if you schedule a Manual Recording. (And don't -- it will file them under the name of the first program at the first timeslot.)

Most TiVo devotees never watch live TV any more.

Also -- run another line to your TiVo. You're missing more than half of the value. Two tuners is a HUGE thing to have.

 

[Chado]

Also -- run another line to your TiVo. You're missing more than half of the value. Two tuners is a HUGE thing to have.

Couldn't have said it better. Sometimes I wish I had a third channel to record. How bad is that...

 

[WalksInDarkness]

thanks

OK, thanks for the good info. I will just preprogram all my shows, once I have the time sit down and figure out how everything works. Yeah, I do plan on getting the bigger multiswitch so I can run the second coax; but I am waiting until I build my new theater room in my basement (my winter DIY project). I am going to post a new TiVo subject, so if you have the time please take a look.