Author: Jeff

A couple of months ago, we posted about a problem impacting Series1 TiVo units. Specifically, these units are not able to complete setup and get an error message, “Failed while loading series.” For over two months now, TiVo has been working on the problem and has given us every indication that it will be resolved. Unfortunately, that day has not yet come. TiVo recently acknowledged the issue on their website, saying that “TiVo is developing a solution to [be] made available as soon as possible.” We hope and expect the fix to be implemented any day now.

After a very long wait, we are finally shipping the new DIRECTV C41W wireless Genie Mini (C41W) and the required DIRECTV Wireless Video Bridge (WVB). The Wireless Genie Mini will allow you to get DIRECTV satellite signal to a TV in your home that does not have a coaxial connection to the dish or to a single-wire multiswitch (SWM). The WVB, sold separately from the C41, gets connected to an open port on a SWM splitter and provides DIRECTV signal wirelessly, up to 80 ft, to the C41W. The C41W can be connected to your TV via HDMI (cable included), component (cable sold separately) or composite (sold separately). The C41W comes with an IR/RF remote (RC71), so you can mount the C41W behind a TV or in a cabinet. Together, the C41W and WVB work over a network entirely separate from your home Internet/broadband network, so the video traffic has minimal or no impact on your standard Internet traffic. In fact, no actual connection to the Internet is required for the C41W/WVB to function.

You can have up to 8 Genie Minis (combination of C31, C41, C41W) on your account, but only 3 can be active simultaneously. The C41W, like the C31/C41, require a DIRECTV Genie (HR34, HR44) to function.

If you have a large home, you can use multiple WVBs to connect to multiple C41Ws. The C41W and the WVB require an open port on a SWM or SWM splitter, but neither takes up a SWM tuner allocation.

We will be adding additional information on our website as it becomes available, but in the meantime, feel free to email any questions.

Series1 TiVo units are getting the error “Failed while Loading Series” when making the first call during setup. We have informed TiVo engineers of the problem and have provided them with information that we hope will enable them to fix the problem quickly.

If you are experiencing this problem, the only solution, unfortunately, is to wait it out.

Until the problem is resolved, if you have a Series1 TiVo (Philips HDR-series or Sony SVR-2000), we suggest that you do not enter the Guided Setup process unless/until the issue is resolved.

Update #4: Although TiVo engineering is out on vacation this week, someone stepped up to the plate and fixed the problem. Thank you, TiVo, on behalf of customers who were impacted and on behalf of weaKnees customer support reps, who were being bombarded with calls, emails and chats!

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If you have an old Series1 TiVo (Philips HDR-series or Sony SVR2000), you might have discovered that the unit has not dialed in for the last week or so, so you are suddenly getting a warning about guide data expiring soon.

Most likely, when you make a test connection, it works fine. However, when you force a connection to the TiVo service, the call connects and then fails with the error “Failed. Call Interrupted.” No need to yell at the kids for picking up the phone during a TiVo call at 3am. It’s not your family’s fault and it’s likely not a broken TiVo, either.

Given the number of phone calls and emails we have received recently regarding this problem, we believe there is a problem on TiVo’s side.

We have provided TiVo engineers with log files and information about the problem and we hope they will address the issue quickly…but the timing isn’t great. TiVo’s engineering staff is likely pretty short-handed over the holidays.

It might take TiVo Customer Service reps time to figure out that this is an issue, so if you call in with the problem, you’re likely to hear that you need a new TiVo or that you need the TiVo repaired. Don’t believe it.

UPDATE #1: We have received a call from someone with a first-generation Series2 TiVo (TCD140040) with the same problem, so if it’s related, the issue might be impacting more than just Series1 TiVos.

UPDATE #2: A representative from TiVo let us know that the Engineering department is out on vacation until Monday. If you have a Series1 TiVo that will run out of guide data before then, you’ll want to set up some manual recordings. If you have a Series2 with this problem or you are stuck in Guided Setup, I’m afraid there won’t be a solution for you until TiVo resolves the problem. It won’t hurt to keep trying to dial, but I don’t think this will resolve itself. It’s going to take TiVo’s intervention. For what it’s worth, similar issues have arisen with other TiVo models recently and, most recently, the fixes have been quick to come. We are optimistic!

Update #3: We just got a call from a customer with an early-model Series2 DIRECTV TiVo (HDVR2) who reported the same issue.

After weeks of testing (it takes a LONG time to fill up an 8tb unit and put it through its paces!), we’ve finally launched three 8TB units: The 8TB TiVo Roamio, 8TB TiVo Roamio Plus and 8TB TiVo Roamio Pro. In addition, we have released 8TB self-install kits for the Roamio, Roamio Plus and Roamio Pro. All 8TB products are in stock and shipping. Each unit contains a 4TB internal hard drive and an external 4TB drive. As always, we use only drives specially made for DVRs.

An aside for those still reading: When we launched our 4TB Plus and Pro, many emailed to ask about the differences between the 4TB Plus and 4TB Pro. If you look at the TiVo Roamio Comparison Chart, you’ll see that the only difference between these units from the factory is the size of the internal drive. Once we remove the factory drive and install a new one, the units become identical (aside for the word “Plus” vs “Pro” on the front of the unit). So while we offer the Pro in a 4TB capacity, we see no reason to spend the money on the Pro over the Plus unless you have some super-geeky friends that would be impressed by the word “Pro” on the front. We offer the 4TB Pro for those who, for that reason or whatever other reason, just want it.

The same is true for the 8TB Plus and 8TB Pro. We recommend that you save your money and get the Plus.