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TiVo regular reboots
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Posted by: der_phoenix

I have experienced an odd and extremely annoying problem with my new TiVo (bought sat 23 Dec 2000): On certain channels the TiVo reboots after 3-5 seconds of Live TV viewing.
System generally fails to make a "make daily call now".

System = Pace Sky Digibox, Finlandia (badged: could be anything underneath) VCR, Finlandia (could be anything underneath) TV all connected together via scart.
OS version=1.5.0-000.

I have many questions. However I'll limit them to:
1) Anyone ever hear of this problem before?
2) Is user error or is there something up with my box?
3) Can I force a software update and do you think 1.5.1 will fix it?

My TiVo's life story:

I bought a brand spanking new TiVo today. After connecting it up to my Sky Digital system, I took twenty minutes required to set it up. Then, for the next 4 hours I waited - got bored - fell asleep - woke up - got bored and then it finished. Hurrah.

So, I went straight to Live TV and onto 404 (cant remeber channel title). I realised, however, I wanted to view 444 (VH-1 classic) and had mistyped the number. So, I duly corrected my mistake. As soon as the 3rd 4 was entered, my TiVo rebooted. "Strange" was my initial thought but, when it came back on-line, I went to 444. No problem. I played with the Trick TV(TM) features and was instantly impressed.

I then went to Cartoon Network (601). 5 seconds later - TiVo rebooted. "Even stranger" was my next thought. I decided that this wasnt the one-off event I originally thought it was so I went back to 601. Again - after 5 seconds TiVo rebooted.

So, after experimentation, I found that a handful of channels (404, 601, 602, 301 - probably a load more) all cause my TiVo to reboot after 3-5 seconds on being on the channel.

I eliminated the video source as the problem - leaving TiVo thinking it was still on 101 (BBC1) and instructing the Sky Digibox to view any of the offending channels. This caused no failure.

The next test was switching off the Digibox and then instructing TiVo to view one of the offending channels. After 3-5 seconds of the "Frowning" TiVo screen TiVo rebooted.

I tried rebooting (from menu). No difference. I tried unplugging (and plugging back in!). No difference. I even tried a complete system reset (4 hours of fun! Try it one day!). No difference.

I've tried asking the TiVo to make the daily call (which I assume will update the system software). It refuses. Most of the time its stuff like "connect failed" and "Configuring Modem" but once it actually rebooted and claimed "Unknown Error".

Looks like I'll probably have to take it back to the shop http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/frown.gif

Posted by: xneilj

Not heard of any problems quite like that in this forum before. Sounds like you got a bad TiVo http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/frown.gif. Hope you can get it back to the shop tomorrow for a replacement in time for Christmas! http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/smile.gif

Neil.

------------------
See the TiVo UK FAQ at http://www.tivoukfaq.com

Posted by: Stupot

Realy hope you haven'y been put off mate. But do get a replacement. Not a standard TiVo, honestly.
I'll guarantee you'll be even more impressed when they give you a normal one.

Stu

Posted by: der_phoenix

Day 2: Phoned Dixons - they mentioned the magic word "exchange". Hopefully, I will have a fully working TiVo. http://www.avsforum.com/ubbtivo/smile.gif

Posted by: der_phoenix

Day 2 (still): Returned to Dixons, box in hand. Attempted exchange but they'd only had a delivery of two (the other was the display model) meaning there was none left. They checked stock at the local Currys but they didnt have any either. So - refund time.

However, I moseyed on over to the Currys outlet and found that that actually did have one TiVo left in stock (which I bought....). Its now in its 3 hour setup call.

Posted by: Anonymous Jay

I had *exactly* the same problem with my new TiVo. I got it from Sky two days ago. When watching Live TV it would spend about 6-10 seconds on the channel and then reboot.

Tech support acknowledged a similar problem although it related to accessing the TV guide (this causing a reboot).

Updating to 1.5.1 from what I presume is 1.5.0-000 fixes the issue (and indeed has on my unit). I had *loads* of problems getting the first daily call to go through (the call during GS does not download software).

Yesterday, technical support recommended changing the unit but after persisting with the daily calls, it suddenly managed a complete update. Force you TiVo to make a daily call. Keep trying. It's probably worthwhile - worked for me! Oh yes, check the quality of your telephone line. It's probably fine but pick up and listen for crackling on the line. This could be causing the first call to fail. The download of the new software takes about 30-35 minutes (I seem to remember) and another 10-15 minutes to install.

Posted by: Anonymous Jay

Sorry, one other thing. During the many daily calls I tried, the TiVo would reboot during the download process, never actually completing it. After the reboot, the modem status is listed as "configuring ...". It stays like this for 5 minutes or so. Then it invariably changed to "Unknown error". Really, keep trying. It worked eventually. I seem to remember the TiVo dials into a shared modem pool which is not exclusive to TiVo units. I guess at this festive time of year the system maybe overloaded.

Posted by: der_phoenix

Day 3: (Mon 25 Dec) - MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

OK. I've left the TiVo in standby overnight having completed a Full System Reset and found that is now crashes on channels it was previously OK on!

But, when I tried TiVo out this morning (10am), it appears Santa has been and given my TiVo some Christmas spirit, for it now works without any signs of rebooting (even on Cartoon Network).

- phoenix

Posted by: der_phoenix

Spoke too soon. Most movie channels still play up. I'll try forcing the software update.

Another way to check for this weird bug -> TiVo central -> pick channels to record -> browse by channel - [select any day) - [select a defective channel]. TiVo thinks for a few seconds and then reboots.

Posted by: bignoise

Faulty listings data for the channels in question, possibly?

Posted by: der_phoenix

Yeah, faulty EPG (channel listing) data is what I thought it might be....

However, I instructed it to perform a daily call and it succeeded in downloading the 1.5.1 software. I rebooted to install the software and (drum roll) the now TiVo appears to be in perfect working order (no crashes).

God bless 1.5.1!

- Pheonix

PS. Thanks to everyone for their help!

[This message has been edited by der_phoenix (edited 12-25-2000).]