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Using This Guide
Thank you for choosing the TiVo® Series3TM HD Digital Media
Recorder (DVR). This Viewer’s Guide helps you learn about the
smart-recording features of the TiVo® service and home networking
capabilities of your TiVo DVR.
Getting Started
Here’s what you need to do first:
1. Activate the TiVo service. The TiVo service is what makes your
DVR smart. It includes everything from your program listings to
Season PassTM recordings and WishList® searches. Some DVRs
are sold with a TiVo service plan. If you haven’t yet activated,
visit www.tivo.com/activate or call 1-877-367-8486.
2. Connect your TiVo DVR. If the TiVo service is the brains, the
TiVo DVR is the body. Use the Start Here poster to connect the
DVR to your TV programming source and your television.
3. Complete Guided Setup. After connecting your DVR, follow the
steps in on-screen Guided Setup. This customizes the DVR for
your home.
4. Take a Tour! Once you’re done with Guided Setup, the Tours in
Chapter 1 of this guide introduce you to the best features of the
TiVo service. You may also find helpful videos already recorded
for you on the Now Playing List.
Basic Terms
If this is your first TiVo DVR, you’re about to completely change
the way you watch television. When we talk about the TiVo service,
here are some terms you should know:
Live TV. If you’re watching a program as it’s being broadcast,
you’re watching live TV. With the TiVo service, you can pause
live TV for up to 30 minutes. When you resume watching,
you’re “behind” live TV.
Dual tuner. A tuner is a device found inside DVRs, TVs, VCRs,
cable boxes—anything designed to receive TV signals. A tuner
picks one channel to display from all the channels you receive; it
“tunes” to that channel. The TiVo® Series3TM DVR is a “dual
tuner” device, meaning that it has two tuners inside.
CableCARDTM Decoder. Your cable company can provide
CableCARD decoders to receive and decode encrypted digital
cable programming without the need for a cable box. Plug two
CableCARD decoders into the back of the TiVo Series3 HD
DVR for dual tuner digital cable.
Service updates. From time to time, your DVR may receive
updates to the TiVo service including features not described in
this guide. Details are always available at www.tivo.com/guides.
Notes and Tips. In the side columns of some pages in this guide
you’ll find helpful Notes and Tips .
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