Vonage and TiVo - the final word

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Sep 02, 2003 Posts: 2

You are correct. I cannot call DirecTv, only TiVo. I have this configuration for six months w/o any problems. (But, I don't order any PPV) I don't believe DirecTv half of the HDVR2 allows you to play with it's modem settings like TiVo software does.

Guest

Help!

I recently attempted to reconnect up my Series 1 Sony SVR-2000 after disconnecting it when my land line went dead. I had not wanted to pay SBC to hunt for a problem in someone else's basement (the POTS line comes into my townhouse through two others) so I discontinued land line service. I recently learned the recommended setup - forcing the modem to a slower speed - to use my TiVo with Vonage, so I attempted to reconnect it. This was unsuccessful.

When I turned on the TV after connecting the TiVo it went into the guided set up. I configured the phone setup with the ',#034' sequence in the appropriate box but my TiVo doesn't recognize the Vonage connection as a phone line. I re-tried several times with different configurations - enabling the line detection, the dial tone detection, etc. All results were the same: a failure to connect. The only variable was the length of time the failures took to occur. I even went through this same process using the ',#019' sequence, with the same results.

The phone line my TiVo is connected to is a 50' cable home run to the ATA. I tested it by connecting my cordless phone base unit to it and had dial tone, etc. Since I have Vonage fax service, I even tried using the 2nd port on the ATA as I've never had problems sending faxes from the 56k modem in my iMac. Still, no success!

One odd thing I did note: While the TiVo is connected to the ATA, the function button on the ATA remains lit. My phone doesn't show an 'Extension in use' message however and I can make a call; the function light just remains lit all the time.

Several people have stated they were able to use their Series 1 with the Vonage service and ATA. What settings were used for line and dial tone detection? Were they able to make the initial set-up call over Vonage?

I would appreciate any suggestions people have to resolve this with a minimal investment in added equipment.

Thanks.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 5:08 pm Post subject:

Does anyone read anything on Cisco's website?

I've posted some info that might cure some curiosity. I believe these issues in regards to using TIVO through the ATA 186 are a limitation within the device itself. The ATA 186 is unreliable if configured at 14.4 bps as well.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/gatecont/ps514/
products_configuration_example09186a00800d698e.shtml

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Quotes from Cisco's website:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/788/ata-fax.html#diag

Note: ATA 186 is not supported for analog modem calls. The modem referred to throughout the documentation implies fax modem.

Note: The fax-tone can be detected only for calls terminated by the ATA. For calls originated by the ATA, the fax detection and renegotiation of the codec has to be initiated by the supporting gateway. In G.711 FAX Mode, the Cisco ATA 186 passes the Real Time Protocol (RTP) packets sent between the end fax machines without intervention. It treats the fax session like any normal voice call.

Note: Fax transmission rates are supported up to 9600 bps. For more information on fax transmission rates, refer to http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/770/fn17440.shtml Fax Pass-through Limitations on ATA 186. ATA 186 L1/L2 can support fax rates up to 14.4 kbps.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 06, 2004 Posts: 1

krbumgarner is right.. saw this on another forum too. This is how I am now connecting. I have vonage, but have been unable to get Tivo running through it. As long as you have a broadband connection and a USB network adapter for your Tivo then ,#401 works like a charm. The 9th tee adapter looks pretty nice, but any USB network adapter that Tivo recommends should work. I am using the Linksys Compact USB 2.0 10/100 Network Adapter - http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=30&prid=497

Posts: 243 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Jan 18, 2004 Posts: 243

There is nothing wrong with Vonage so those of you blaming them need to stop. The problem is with Tivo's modem not being able to negotiate a proper speed to work over VoIP. If you want reliable connections over VoIP then you MUST connect a external modem to your Tivo and configure it to make your daily calls. Once I connected a external modem I've never had a failed call since. External modem are capable of setting themselves to the proper speed for reliable data transfers.

Good luck!

Posts: 5 · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 12:22 am Post subject:

The Hawking UF100 works perfectly with my TIVO Series 2. You can get it at Frys for $20. Word of caution though, I have read in other forums that if you plan on networking more than one TIVO with the Home Media Option to share recordings, a USB 2.0 adaptor will transfer quicker, dispite the fact that the USB ports on the TIVO are 1.0.

Posts: 188 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Mar 07, 2004 Posts: 188

gfoulks,
I have set up an external modem (US Robotics) but still can't quite get it to work. It fails while trying to negotiate. Sad

Could you please let me know what Init String and/or Dip Switch settings you are using. Thanks.

Posts: 243 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Jan 18, 2004 Posts: 243

I wish I could... I purchased the modem plus cables from Weaknees and simply plugged it into my Tivo. Made the dial prefix change and that was it. The modem is too difficult to get to being that's it behind my entertainment center. The next time I'm behind there I can take a look but you might be better off asking weakness what settings they recommend.

Posts: 188 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Mar 07, 2004 Posts: 188

Thanks, I think that I got it. Smile

Posts: 71 · Full Forum Member Joined: Mar 09, 2004 Posts: 71

in Tivo, go to ->Messages & Setup ->Recorder & Phone Setup ->Phone Connection ->Change Dialing Options ->Set Dial Prefix. Enter ,#034 and hit Select.

Next, go to Set Dial-In Number -> Enter your Area Code and Press Select to Continue. if your Tivo Doesn't have a list of Numbers, hit select so it will dial-Up and grap a new list. and Make Sure you tell the Unit to dial 1 and your area code then the number.

NOTICE Do NOT put the 1 and area code with the prefix, it won't work.
Directv had me do the above steps and right after it got a new number and started dialing 1-area code and the number and worked everytime and hasn't failed yet.