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cogeco TiVo Mini - User Manual

cogeco TiVo Mini
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Replacing your Cogeco TiVo® Mini
Replacing your
Cogeco TiVo® Mini
Activation and Setup Time: Up to 30 minutes
(including installation, setup and activation)
Test the Internet connection on your main TiVo® PVR
Connect your TiVo® Mini
Before activating your new TiVo Mini, start by testing the Internet connection on your main TiVo PVR. Here’s how:
Note: You may receive either of the models shown below.
Press the TiVo button on your remote.
Select Menu.
Select Settings.
Select Network settings.
Select Network Troubleshooting.
Select Internet Connection.
Wait while the Internet connection is being tested.
Three blue checkmarks will appear when this
process is complete.
Connect the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the
Cable In input of your TiVo Mini.
Connect the provided HDMI cable from the HDMI Out
on the TiVo Mini to one of the HDMI inputs on your
TV (take note of the HDMI input used).
Connect one end of the power supply to the TiVo Mini
and the other end to an active power outlet.
Use the INPUT or SOURCE button on your TV remote
to select the input used in Step 2. Once you see
the TiVo Welcome screen, you’re ready to start the
activation process.
Here’s how to connect your TiVo Mini:
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Activate your TiVo® Mini
After connecting your TiVo Mini to your TV, follow these instructions to activate your receiver using your remote:
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Note: If the light at the top of the remote is an amber colour when you press buttons, it’s still paired to your old TiVo Mini.
To x this, hold down the C and TiVo buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds so the remote will work with your new TiVo Mini.
The light should now be red.
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Do you have a question about the cogeco TiVo Mini and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Test Internet Connection on Main TiVo PVR

Access Menu

Press the TiVo button on your remote and select Menu.

Navigate to Network Settings

Select Settings, then Network settings.

Perform Network Troubleshooting

Select Network Troubleshooting and then Internet Connection.

Verify Connection Status

Wait for three blue checkmarks to confirm a successful connection.

Connect Your TiVo Mini

Connect Coaxial Cable

Connect the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the TiVo Mini's Cable In.

Connect HDMI Cable

Connect HDMI Out from the TiVo Mini to a TV HDMI input.

Connect Power Supply

Connect the power supply to the TiVo Mini and an active power outlet.

Select TV Input Source

Use TV remote's INPUT/SOURCE button to select the correct HDMI input.

Activate Your TiVo Mini and Guided Setup

Remote Pairing

Hold C and TiVo buttons for 5 seconds if remote light is amber for pairing.

Select Country and Language

On the Welcome screen, select Canada and then your preferred language.

Begin Guided Setup

Press SELECT to begin the Guided Setup for Canada.

Configure Network Connection

Select MoCA connection, then Continue, and get IP automatically from DHCP.

Complete Setup Stages

Wait for all setup stages to complete and press SELECT.

Name TiVo Box and Select DVR

Name your TiVo Mini and select your Main TiVo DVR if prompted.

Finalize Setup

Press the TiVo button to complete setup and begin downloading guide information.

Program and Return TiVo Remote

Program TiVo Remote

Program your TiVo remote to control your TV or sound system via Menu settings.

Return Old TiVo Mini

Follow Equipment Return guide instructions to avoid unnecessary charges.

Summary

Test Internet Connection on Main TiVo PVR

Access Menu

Press the TiVo button on your remote and select Menu.

Navigate to Network Settings

Select Settings, then Network settings.

Perform Network Troubleshooting

Select Network Troubleshooting and then Internet Connection.

Verify Connection Status

Wait for three blue checkmarks to confirm a successful connection.

Connect Your TiVo Mini

Connect Coaxial Cable

Connect the coaxial cable from the wall outlet to the TiVo Mini's Cable In.

Connect HDMI Cable

Connect HDMI Out from the TiVo Mini to a TV HDMI input.

Connect Power Supply

Connect the power supply to the TiVo Mini and an active power outlet.

Select TV Input Source

Use TV remote's INPUT/SOURCE button to select the correct HDMI input.

Activate Your TiVo Mini and Guided Setup

Remote Pairing

Hold C and TiVo buttons for 5 seconds if remote light is amber for pairing.

Select Country and Language

On the Welcome screen, select Canada and then your preferred language.

Begin Guided Setup

Press SELECT to begin the Guided Setup for Canada.

Configure Network Connection

Select MoCA connection, then Continue, and get IP automatically from DHCP.

Complete Setup Stages

Wait for all setup stages to complete and press SELECT.

Name TiVo Box and Select DVR

Name your TiVo Mini and select your Main TiVo DVR if prompted.

Finalize Setup

Press the TiVo button to complete setup and begin downloading guide information.

Program and Return TiVo Remote

Program TiVo Remote

Program your TiVo remote to control your TV or sound system via Menu settings.

Return Old TiVo Mini

Follow Equipment Return guide instructions to avoid unnecessary charges.

Overview

  1. Function Description
  2. Usage Features
  3. Maintenance Features

The Cogeco TiVo Mini is a compact entertainment device designed to extend your TiVo experience to additional televisions in your home. It functions as a client device, allowing you to access content and features from your main Cogeco TiVo PVR (Personal Video Recorder) on other screens without needing a separate PVR for each TV. This means you can watch live TV, recorded shows, and streaming content from your TiVo service in multiple rooms, all managed through a single, central TiVo PVR.

Function Description

The primary function of the Cogeco TiVo Mini is to provide a seamless multi-room viewing experience. It connects to your main TiVo PVR via your home network, typically using MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) technology, which utilizes your existing coaxial cable wiring to create a robust network connection. Alternatively, it can connect via Ethernet if your home is wired for it. Once connected, the TiVo Mini acts as an extension of your main PVR, allowing you to:

  • Watch Live TV: Access all the channels available through your Cogeco subscription, just as you would on your main PVR.
  • Access Recorded Shows: Play back any shows recorded on your main TiVo PVR from any room where a TiVo Mini is installed. You can start watching a show in one room, pause it, and resume it in another room on a different TiVo Mini or your main PVR.
  • Utilize TiVo Features: Enjoy the full suite of TiVo features, including the TiVo programming guide, search functionalities, WishList® searches, and streaming app integrations (if available through your main PVR), all from the comfort of your secondary TV.
  • Pause, Rewind, and Fast-Forward Live TV: Even though the TiVo Mini doesn't have its own tuner or recording capabilities, it leverages those of the main PVR, allowing you to control live TV playback on your secondary screen.

The device is designed for ease of installation and setup, guiding users through a step-by-step activation process that ensures proper connection to the home network and the main TiVo PVR. It's an ideal solution for households that want to expand their TiVo service without the added cost and complexity of multiple PVRs.

Usage Features

The Cogeco TiVo Mini is designed for user-friendly operation, offering a range of features that enhance the television viewing experience:

  • Simple Connection: The device features essential ports for connectivity: a "Cable IN" for coaxial cable, "HDMI Out" for connecting to your TV, "A/V OUT" for older televisions, "Ethernet" for wired network connection, "USB" ports for potential future expansions, "S/PDIF" for digital audio output, and a power input. This straightforward layout makes physical installation intuitive.
  • Guided Setup Process: The activation process is highly guided, starting with a welcome screen where you select your country and preferred language. It then walks you through network setup, offering options for MoCA or Ethernet connections, and guides you to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). This minimizes the technical knowledge required from the user.
  • Network Troubleshooting: Before activating the Mini, the manual advises testing the internet connection on your main TiVo PVR. This proactive step helps ensure a smooth setup for the Mini by confirming the foundational network is stable. The main PVR provides a clear indication of a successful connection with three blue checkmarks.
  • Remote Control Integration: The TiVo Mini works with a dedicated TiVo remote control. The setup process includes instructions for pairing the remote to the new Mini, addressing common issues like the remote being paired to an old device (indicated by an amber light). Users are instructed to hold down specific buttons to re-pair the remote, ensuring it controls the new Mini effectively.
  • Multi-Room Viewing Control: Once activated, the TiVo Mini allows you to control your viewing experience from any connected TV. You can browse the TiVo guide, search for content, and manage recordings from your main PVR, all from the secondary screen. The ability to pause a show in one room and resume it in another is a core convenience feature.
  • Personalized Naming: During setup, you can assign a custom name to each TiVo Mini (e.g., "Living Room," "Bedroom," "Kid's Room"). This personalization helps in identifying and managing multiple Mini devices within a household, especially when troubleshooting or configuring settings from the main PVR.
  • TiVo Central Access: Upon successful setup, the TiVo Mini automatically directs you to TiVo Central, the main hub for all TiVo features. This ensures immediate access to the programming guide, recorded shows, and other functionalities, making the transition from setup to viewing seamless.
  • Remote Programming: The TiVo remote can be programmed to control your TV or sound system, reducing the need for multiple remotes. Instructions for this are provided, allowing users to consolidate control of their entertainment system.
  • Comprehensive Support Resources: The manual highlights various support channels, including online FAQs for self-installation, features and troubleshooting, and channel selection. It also provides dedicated technical support phone numbers for Ontario and Quebec, ensuring users have access to assistance if they encounter issues that cannot be resolved through the guided setup or online resources.
  • Return Process Guidance: For users replacing an old TiVo Mini, the manual includes a crucial reminder to follow the enclosed Equipment Return guide. This helps users avoid unnecessary charges and ensures a smooth transition when upgrading or replacing devices. Online instructions for equipment return are also provided for convenience.

Maintenance Features

While the Cogeco TiVo Mini is largely a plug-and-play device with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements, there are aspects related to its upkeep and troubleshooting that contribute to its long-term usability:

  • Self-Diagnostic Capabilities: The guided setup process includes steps like "Network Troubleshooting" and "Internet Connection" tests on the main PVR. These are essentially self-diagnostic tools that help identify and resolve common connectivity issues before they impact the TiVo Mini. The "Getting Setup Info" stages (Preparing, Connecting, Getting info, Disconnecting, Loading info, Verifying) also act as a diagnostic sequence, indicating progress and potential hang-ups during activation.
  • Firmware Updates: Although not explicitly detailed in the user manual, TiVo devices, including the Mini, typically receive automatic firmware updates. These updates are crucial for maintaining optimal performance, adding new features, and patching security vulnerabilities. Users generally don't need to manually initiate these updates, as they are managed by the TiVo service.
  • Remote Control Re-pairing: The ability to re-pair the remote control (by holding down C and TiVo buttons) is a key maintenance feature. It addresses a common issue where the remote might be inadvertently paired to an old device or lose its connection, ensuring continuous control over the TiVo Mini.
  • Online Support and FAQs: Cogeco provides extensive online resources, including FAQs for self-installation, troubleshooting, and feature usage. These resources empower users to resolve minor issues independently, acting as a first line of defense for maintenance and problem-solving.
  • Technical Support Access: For more complex issues that cannot be resolved through self-help, dedicated technical support lines are provided. This ensures that users have access to expert assistance for diagnostics and resolution, minimizing downtime and frustration.
  • Cleanliness and Environment: While not explicitly stated, general electronic device maintenance practices apply: keeping the device in a well-ventilated area, free from dust and extreme temperatures, helps ensure its longevity and reliable operation.
  • Cable Management: Proper connection of coaxial, HDMI, and power cables, as guided by the manual, is essential for stable performance. Ensuring these connections remain secure and undamaged contributes to the device's reliability.
  • Network Stability: The TiVo Mini's performance is highly dependent on the stability of the home network and the main TiVo PVR. Maintaining a healthy network environment (e.g., ensuring your router is functioning correctly, avoiding network congestion) is an indirect but crucial maintenance aspect for the TiVo Mini.
  • Software Reset (Implicit): In cases where the device might become unresponsive, a power cycle (unplugging and re-plugging the power cable) is a common troubleshooting step for electronic devices, implicitly serving as a soft reset for the TiVo Mini.
  • Equipment Return Guidance: For users returning an old TiVo Mini, the provided instructions ensure that the device is properly disconnected and packaged. This process, while seemingly about "returning," is also a form of maintenance for the overall service, ensuring that old equipment is handled correctly and doesn't cause billing or service issues.

cogeco TiVo Mini Specifications

General IconGeneral
ModelTiVo Mini
Video OutputHDMI
ResolutionUp to 1080p
CategorySet-top box
Audio OutputHDMI, Optical
StorageNone (streaming device)
CompatibilityTiVo DVRs
ConnectivityEthernet
RemoteTiVo Remote

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