TiVo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter for TiVo Series 2 and Series 3 DVRs Reviews

• Works as Advertised

  
  By AGQIQ1TEW7H5R on 2006-07-05
  Experience was as follows:
  
  1 ) Plugged unit into TIVO USB port.
  2 ) Went to TIVO network setup menu.
  3 ) Network immediately recognized.
  4 ) Clicked on network name.
  5 ) Entered WEP password using alpha-numeric alternative.
  6 ) Network link established.
  7 ) Used on-screen signal strength to reposition Adapter and router antenna.
  8 ) Connected to Tivo service.
  
  Good product. Recommended.
  
  
  

• Big Improvement over other Tivo Certified Wireless Adapters

  
  By A2MOD50IHEDH3G on 2006-04-21
  This Tivo Wireless Adapter is way better than the D-Link usb wireless adapter I was using on my Tivo. The performance increase (transfer speed from Tivo to PC using Tivo Desktop software) was about 25-40%. Signal reception also improved as displayed on the Tivo itself to "Good 70%" instead of "Fair 50%".
  
  I highly recommend this adapter if you are interested in taking advantage of some of Tivo's more advanced functionlity like transfering programs to your PC to burn to DVD or transfer to other Tivos in your house.
  
  

• If you have High Speed Internet Access, This is Great!

  
  By A3MQAQT8C6D1I7 on 2006-07-22
  First, thank you to the previous reviewers: I had several questions regarding this product such as "does it support Wireless Encryption?" and the previous reviews really helped...by the way yes, it supports WEP.
  
  What you will need if you want to use this:
  1) Wireless Internet Access (Wireless Router and Connection to Internet) within range of your DVR
  2) Series 2 DVR (with USB plug)
  3) A computer for some of the advanced features
  
  Once you have these two things then using this product is amazingly simple to set up for about 80% of "Lucky People."
  1) Plug it In
  2) Follow the Instructions
  3) Enter your WEP key (alphanumeric or hexadecimal --- alphanumeric is much easier)
  4) I had to restart my DVR
  5) If you're connecting a computer and using TivoToGo, you have to install the software on your computer...which also has to be connected to the network for your TIVO to see it and for your computer to see your TIVO and you'll need your Media Access Key.
  
  Benefits I received from this product:
  1) I don't have to use a phone line to get updates (no dialing)
  2) TIVO updates come much faster over Broadband (Faster updates)
  3) I bought TIVO to Go Plus --extra $$ from TIVO for the license key that you use with the computer software and I can listen to my iPod music through my Bose in my living room
  4) I have my picture library shared....baby pictures are nice on the television....but caution, the quality of the pictures will only be as good as your TV....ie HDTV is still not as good as a good laptop screen and if you don't have HDTV, they'll only look as good as your TVs best resolution. Its still very cool to show baby pictures on the big TV.
  5) I have a huge Attached Hard Drive array on my computer...its really a Server...so I offload movies I plan to keep and they're always there when I want to watch them so the 180hour DVR size limit kindof doesn't apply.
  
  Issues / Challenges:
  1) You have to know a little bit about computers if you want to get some of the more complex benefits such as share pictures, music, download movies.....ie you have to know about firewalls, how to install software, IP addresses and things like that.
  
  2) If you have wireless access already set up and just want to use it to connect to the internet and get program updates instead of using your phone line, its pretty easy but you'll have to a) have DHCP turned on or b) assign it a static IP......for those of you who think I just typed in Greek, chances are that you have DHCP but if you happen not to, you could bump into problems.
  
  3) If you want to listen to your IPod, share pictures, download to your computer, please make sure to read the software/hardware requirements for your computer.
  
  Overall, these are my thoughts on the average person installing this easily:
  
  A) 80% of the people who buy this should have Zero problems installing this product because you have a standard network configuration, know your way around networks, or are just lucky.
  
  B) 20% of the people who buy this who don't have a standard Wireless network configuration AND don't have some knowledge of networking....you could become frustrated at trying to connect this product ESPECIALLY if you want to use some of the advanced functionality.
  
  My Luck:
  1) Start to finish it took me 5 minutes to install this to get its updates through the wireless network.
  
  2) It took me about 30 minutes to install all the other software and get everything configured to share music, pictures and enable TivoToGo on my computer.
  
  
  
  

• Flawless

  
  By A236V1U1P2K4OG on 2006-08-02
  For the last 10 months I connected my Tivo's wirelessly, using a Netgear and a Linksys Adapter - I had nothing but problems, the signal strength in the network did not remain constant, resulting in one of the boxes not communicating. I tried using two Linksys, the same problem.
  Tivo customer service suggesting I invest in their branded Adapters and since installing them (which was a breeze), I have had no more problems.
  I just wish Tivo had released these at the same time they launched Series Two Tivo's, that would have avoided people like me wasting time on adapters that were really not compatible.
  
  

• tivo branded g adapter better than sliced bread

  
  By A1RRSQDUOPVNFF on 2006-03-27
  we have 3 tivos all wireless with this awesome tivo branded adapter, we can transfer shows back and forth to each unit at 3times+ normal air play time, we love it. no more waiting to transfer signal we received with our b linksys adapter that i gladly tossed out. can't wait for the dual tuner tivo model TCD649180 now offer on amazon but out soon. also gonna pick up a new series 3 tivo high definition unit out later in the year. GO TIVO
  
  
• TiVo Wireless G USB adapter fits the bill for TiVo DVR
  By A178KFYE505JQD on 2006-07-28
  If you're looking for a USB network adapter to use with a TiVo series 2 DVR, then the TiVo Wireless G USB network adapter fits the bill just fine. I have to say that overall I'm very disappointed with TiVo series 2 DVR's compatibility with USB network adapters. There are many good 802.11g USB network adapters available on the market at affordable prices, but you'll find the TiVo series 2 DVR is not compatible with most of them. I really think TiVO should update the network technology of their box. They're way behind. I settled on the TiVo Wireless G USB network adapter because it was one of the few that works perfectly with my TiVo, but it does not support security features that I really wish it did support. For example the only wireless security it supports is WEP encryption. It does not support WPA at all. And by the way, if you decide to use WEP encryption, make sure you use a Hex key, not an ASCII key. When I tried to set it up using a 128-bit ASCII key it would not connect to the wireless network at all. As soon as I changed to a Hex key, it finally connected and has maintained a reliable connection ever since.
  
  If you're looking for a USB network adapter that will work reliably with the TiVo series 2 DVR, this is a good one to consider.
  
  
• I love this TiVo adaptor!
  By A1ZJDWBOMXXJDR on 2006-03-28
  When I first got my TiVos I had to run a phone cord to them to get the daily updates, then later on the TiVo downstairs near my PC was hooked directly to my router. Then when the TiVos became wireless I bought some b wireless adaptors. When g came along I was able to set my newer model TiVo up with g but not my older TiVo. Finally, the TiVo Wireless G USB Network Adapter for ALL Series 2 TiVos came along! Both my TiVos are in bedrooms now and pick up the signal from the wireless router perfectly.
  Plus the TiVo software will now recognize added adapters and they're easier than ever to set up.
  3 thumbs up!
  
  
• I love this thing!
  By AJ57WGKBXHYEX on 2006-05-02
  The Tivo AG0100 makes hooking the Tivo up to a PC Network so darn easy I could do it in 15 minutes.... and that's saying something.
  
  It has a very small footprint and is powered by the Tivo Unit not another AC power-supply behind the TV, of which I have tons.
  
  One great benefit of this is that now the Tivo service can check several times a day instead of just once every 24hrs or so using the phone-line. This seems to keep the Guide a lot more up to date.
  
  I am very satisfied with it's ease of setup, functionality, and even it's esthetics.
  
  I would highly recommend this to someone who is " Network Illiterate " .... As I am.
  
  
  
• The one to get for a TIVO
  By AYI5398GMZ2XN on 2006-06-11
  Before I decided to go wireless, I had 5 TIVOs (yeah, 5-- everyone in the house has one). They were wired together via a 100Mbs switch and also connected to the Internet via cable modem for updates. I replaced my old 8-year old UMAX router with a new Linksys WRT54GX4 wireless-G MIMO router. It also had 4 wired ports, which I tried first, and they worked OK.
  
  The problem was that a few of the wired TIVOs took forever to transfer programs to another TIVO for viewing, even after I swapped out to the new router. If I started a transfer from those TIVOs, and then started to view it on the receiving TIVO, I would often have to wait for the receiving TIVO to get more, as the playback was way faster than the transfer.
  
  So I replaced the wired connection to one of the problem TIVOs with this TIVO certified wireless solution. Now I can transfer a 30-minute program in 8 minutes. And this is from the TIVO that is 60 feet away, behind 4 walls. Signal strength is between 68% and 75%, which is outstanding for the distance and obstacles.
  
  I highly recommend this solution for your TIVOs, if you do not have a wired solution and don't feel like pulling cable through your house. Yes, it is a bit costly, but at least you will not be punching holes in your walls. It should also be backward compatible with wireless-B routers, but I cannot vouch for that. Also, it supports WEP encryption, but not WPA or WPA2, so that might be a security drawback if you have a high level of paranoia.
  
  Setup on the TIVO is automatic; once you plug it in, the Series 2 TIVO will automatically recognize it. Configuring it might be a wee bit of a problem; so you should read a few FAQs on wireless networking if you don't know what you are doing. I didn't know that much about wireless, but it only took me a few minutes to figure out. Your milage may vary. Heck, if you have a wireless router, you are probably smart enough now to get it working in no time.
  
  
• Works as promised
  By A3JUHP1E3WUHEA on 2006-12-11
  TiVo's new software is WPA compatible, so this little network adapter can now (some might say finally) be used for those of us who haven't wanted to downgrade our network security. Mine easily and quickly connected with my Apple Airport-based network, requested the password, and then went about its business. There are two small green LEDs to indicate power and ongoing communications; the unit itself receives its power from the TiVo's USB port so there's no extra power adapter. Using TiVoDecode Manager on my Mac, I was easily able to wirelessly download programs that are stored on the TiVo, then watch them at my convenience. As an extra bonus, I don't have to pay for those long local phone calls that the TiVo used to make for service and information upgrades (where I am, local phone calls over the landline cost quite a bit). Overall, a nice easy to use product.
  
  
• Disappointed - No Improvement Over Cheaper Alternatives
  By A1CFU5XJXN3PV4 on 2007-10-23
  So many people have given this adapter 5 star reviews that I was expecting great things. It didn't happen. This Wireless G adapter gives less signal strength and NO speed improvement over an old $10 Wireless B adapter I'd been using. And yes, I upgraded to Wireless G from my "send" unit, and yes, I've got a Tivo with USB 2.0 which should allow faster transfer speeds.
  
  In trying to transmit about 35 feet, all on the same floor, through a couple of walls, the best signal strength I can get is about 30%, compared to 45% on an older Dlink adapter. In testing downloads to a Mac, which is really the only reason I wanted a speed boost, there was no improvement at all.
  
  I stand in the minority, but I'll just say that the adapter I received is overpriced and underpowered. It's going back.
  
  
• Worked out of the box - Easy setup
  By A12TWUNLO6IITJ on 2006-04-18
  The tivo network adapter was easy to setup. I got it to work in 5 minutes.
  
  
• fine fine
  By A39MV4GP78QB4P on 2006-06-01
  Works like a charm , fast and easy setup.. your network will be more complicated and take longer to setu than this simple little adapter..
  
  once hooked up and into the tivo guide, you get to see all your neighbors network names .. and their unsecured setups ha ha!!
  
  i bought it thru amazon .. and am buying a 2nd one now.. i figure they are 3 bucks more but with free S&H, no tax, it comes out a bit cheaper than all others and cheaper than buying it on the tivo site.
  
  only drawback to me is.. this little thing is just too damn expensive, no matter what way u slice it.. that's why i gave it 4 stars
  
  the "tivo2go" is a service automatically avail to series 2 users.. u just download the program.. i'm using it now just to test it.. so far it's super easy to use.. for testing i'm transfering a 30 min show (that 70's show) to my pc.. when it started it said it will take 1 hour 15 mins to transfer... so we shall see if it really takes that long! (and this is on fast connection etc)
  
  just make sure you have a secure network setup on your pc because it's just to easy to access your neighbors pc's and tivo service :)
  
  
• Great adapter for your Tivo!
  By AVKWEV8RA2DTG on 2006-10-04
  Tivo doesn't have a lot compatible adapters (go figure) so to save yourself the hassle of researching, just get this one. I did a lot of research but had a lot of trouble finding compatible adapters.
  
  Setup was a breeze (about 5-10 mins) and the functionality was great. Once you've set it up, you never have to touch it again and you can start enjoying all of the features that you've been missing out on by using a phone line. Online scheduling is a great feature, as well as TivoToGo. If you have a CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football account, you can check it from your Tivo on Sundays!
  
  The only reason I give this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the security. It does not support WPA, only WEP. So if you are currently using WPA to protect your network, you will need to reconfigure everything just to get your Tivo adapter to work. If you already use WEP, then this is no problem but a little more compatibility with today's vast technology options would be nice. You should not have to be limited to one security setting to accomodate your Tivo.
  
  UPDATE: The new software version for Tivo now supports WPA so this is a great buy! I will probably re-purchase it in the near future.
  
  
• Easy Setup. Easy Fixes.
  By A2MSRP3YDDC3HQ on 2006-08-09
  Worked the moment I plugged it in. Overnight, though, it lost the connection to the network (probably the router's fault). Just unplugged the adapter, waited 10 seconds, plugged it back in and -- voila -- it recommenced downloading the programs that I had asked it to stream from my other Tivo. Haven't had to think about it since.
  
  This is the kind of experience that you'd expect from Tivo (or Apple for that matter). It just works.
  
  
• Supporting Only WEP Is Disappointing
  By A3VCI3SDVMQL01 on 2006-10-13
  It disappoints me that this product only supports WEP. WPA is a more recent standard that is widely adopted and quite likely to be in use by many customers. It's disappointing that WEP is your only encryption option, given that it's a technologically inferior one.
  
  That said, it works as advertised.
  
  
• A tip to possibly make installation a little easier on yourself
  By AF6A0DDUVY3DL on 2007-05-11
  There is one installation issue with this adapter that I was not aware of, and it took me a few detours to get the wireless adapter functioning with my new TIVO series 2 box.
  
  The adapter plugs into the TIVO recorder and uses the TIVO software onboard the recorder to connect to the internet. Unfortunately, the software in the TIVO was a revision 7-something and that only works with WEP security encryption. Unfortunately in this case, my network uses WPS2-PSK wireless encryption. In order to access a network (like mine) using WPA-level encryption security, it was necessary to first download a software update from TIVO, to a level 8-something. But since I had no landline telephone access and the adapter could not get through to my network, I was apparently stuck. No way to download the software that was required to get the adqpter operating. Then I realized that I had an undocumented work-around. Since the adapter recognized all of my neighbors' networks and showed their names (SSID) as networks TIVO identified in the setup program, I found one of those which had no security.
  
  I then set up my TIVO using my neighbor's wireless network SSID as if it were mine. I was then able to connect to TIVO through my neighbor's internet connection and download the software update which then allowed the adapter to access WPA security. After the download, I went back into TIVO settings and changed the wireless network setting from my neighbor's to my own wireless network and the adapter and TIVO accepted my change without a hiccup.
  
  It worked, but before I figured that out, I spent a lot of time messing with setting up IP access settings (and inadvertantly shut my own computers out of my network until I hard-wired a laptop with a network cable and then added all of my devices' IP addresses). Don't do that. Grab an unencrypted neighboring wireless signal and save yourself lots of time and aggravation.
  
  A note on how to find which neighbors' accounts are unencrypted. My Netgear wireless setup program (which boots up with the computer every time it starts) has a search for available networks tab. I clicked that and it gave me a list of all networks my computer could identify, showing network name (called the SSID), security level (WEP/WPA/WPA2-PSK or "none"), and strength of signal. I noted the name of the strongest signal without security and then told TIVO that was "my" network.
  
  Good luck.
  
  
• Great piece of hardware. Ultimate Tivo accessory.
  By A2YNRQMFXIB79H on 2006-05-08
  Well, I have to say that for being somewhat tech limitted (only know enough to have an idea of what I want).
  
  I just graduated from caveman last year. I got my first cellular phone, I was afraid of it at first, but setting this up along with the LinkSys router was farily straight forward.
  
  I had it up and running in about 10 minutes, tested the connection, and now I've completely unplugged the phone jack. I'm happy!
  
  
• Ordering my second adaptor!
  By A1LHQPILT0BLCH on 2006-09-04
  When I bought my husband a new dual tuner Tivo box for his birthday, I broke down and ordered the wireless adaptor with it. We had previously had a verrry long phone cord going though 2 rooms to hook the box up, which was unsightly and annoying. Now we have this teeny tiny adaptor that works great, is easy to install and adds so much to the already terrific Tivo experience! I moved our old box to my studio and HAVE to have an adaptor for it as well. Highly recommended and a must-have for all Tivo users!!! (It's a little less expensive here than at the Tivo website, but still a bit pricey. Is it worth the price? YES!!!
  
  
• Tivo Wireless
  By A5L2FZKM8PN6Y on 2007-01-10
  I like having the Tivo wireless, but the main draw back is that it uses WEP encryption. I had to lose wireless capability with my laptop...it uses WPA encryption.
  
  
• Get Updates in an hour not 48.
  By A2BY4C0UMICZ56 on 2006-07-05
  This wireless network adapter was cheaper from Amazon than from TiVo directly. After a week of slllloooooowwwww updates, I sprung for this wireless adapter. It was a tremendous improvement.
  
  
• Effortlessly perfect!!! TiVo's Wireless is cool!
  By ABOTQXNUBA1MM on 2006-07-21
  We're a MAC family, so my apprehension to any "works with PC or Mac" device is based on past bad experiences. This baby works!
  
  TiVo's Wireless G USB Network Adapter worked so fast that I was sure that I made a mistake. With the Airport in the next room and this tiny toy hooked up to the TiVo a room away, we're sending photos through Yahoo! and ENJOYING TV like never before. We watch less, but watch much, much better. I now program shows to record at work or anywhere at an hour's notice.
  
  Mindblowingly cool and a true "show-off" item that works 100% perfectly!
  
  
• TIVO @ Light Speed :)
  By A319T2FFVDIXSN on 2006-08-08
  I recently purchased this product due to the fact that I was stuck in molasses so to speak. The 11 mbps that I was getting with my B USB adapter was a snail's pace compared to my 54 mbps I'm getting now. Roughly 10 minutes to transfer a 30 min program (high quality recording). I can actually watch the transferring program in real-time as it tranfers and it finishes transferring faster than I can watch the program (even with tivo'ing through the commercials!). Couldn't be happier with this purchase. Works seamlessly with Tivo-2-Go and Tivo-Tivo transfers.
  
  
• Works as expected; Looks better than expected!
  By AT5KGXGOZNZ59 on 2006-11-23
  It was easy to set up this adapter! I only had one problem which was solved by entering the MAC address from my wireless router at one point (sorry, I don't remember exactly when I entered it!). It was also easy to install Tivo Desktop on my iBook; although it's not as convenient as TiVoToGo which is available for Windows, it's cool to be able to listen to my music and look at my photos on my TV. If you have any trouble, the Home Media Features guide, which you can download from Tivo.com, was very helpful.
  
  I was pleasantly surprised by the construction of the adapter itself. The base is quite heavy, with a brushed stainless-steel-like finish. It seems very well-made, and it looks great on the shelf.
  
  I'd definitely recommend this to anyone with a TiVo and a wireless network!
  
  
• worked as advertised
  By A8AEGMDD7WHDL on 2006-11-25
  Pros:
  Easy set up, took me about 4-5 minutes.
  Good reception, even from a different floor of the house.
  WPA compatible once you get software version 8 on your tivo.
  Guaranteed compatibility for at least the near future of tivo.
  
  Cons:
  A little pricey considering it is just an adapter, but it is nicely made.
  Can't use it on another computer (until someone out there hacks it at least), so if you give up on tivo, it's a paperweight. (Would have gotten it the 5th star)
  
  As always, great service from Amazon. Got it 4-5 days after I ordered it, and cheaper than tivo's website.
  
  
• Expensive but worth it
  By A720S06Y6KV49 on 2006-12-27
  From the heft of the milled aluminum to the matching design to the fact that it just works, this is definitely the adapter you want if you have a TiVo. Yes, it costs a little more than some other brands, but the thing just works, and works well.
  
  Setup was as simple as plugging it in and entering my network's pass phrase. That's it. One less wire behind my TV, and that's a good thing.
  
  Performance is excellent. In fact this adapter sees networks that neither my PocketPC or my laptop's card can see, and they both can be plugged into an external antenna!
  
  Lastly, and never discount this when it's something you have to look at in your living room - the little TiVo guy is cute! It looks good on the entertainment center.
  
  Heartily recommended. Worth every penny.
  
  
• No surprise: TiVo brand adapter works best on TiVo DVRs.
  By A1UGGU9DIN32NB on 2007-01-09
  I did a quick experiment with my TiVo, comparing the performance of my NETGEAR 54MBPS Wireless B 2.0 (Model WG111) adapter with a brand new TiVo Wireless G Network Adapter. It had been suggested that the TiVo adapter contained some wireless encryption offload hardware resulting in big transfer speedups.
  
  Conclusion: the TiVo adapter was 40% faster (about 400 kb/sec) in transferring a 1 hour show recorded at best quality (2.588 GB) from my TiVo Series 2 (Model 540, Software version 8.1-01-2-540) using each adapter, through my Linksys WRT54GX2 Wireless-G router (using 64 bit WEP) to my Mac Mini attached to a 10/100 Ethernet wired port on the router.
  
  
  
• Easy setup, use WPA w/ TKIP, not AES
  By A3Q106OSRS1SLB on 2007-01-15
  Worked great. But, I had WPA setup to use AES encryption on my wireless network prior to connectiong this adpater. That is wrong. Change WPA to use "TKIP" encryption on your wireless network (if you have Linksys router, you have a choice between AES and TKIP.) If you don't do this, you will scratch your head and wonder why the TIvo adapter is "not working."
  
  Also, after you successfully connect, Tivo may fail to call home properly. Simply reset the Tivo. Even though Tivo says it will "not save" your changes. It actually does save your changes, and after the reset, everything will work nicely.
  
  
  
  
• This is GREAT!!!
  By A2F6XBIGZV768Q on 2006-08-06
  This TIVO adapter is so simple to hook up. I just plugged it in and Tivo recognized that I had attached it. It allowed me to follow the steps and I was on my way. Of course I had to have the necessary equipment prior for this to work. And now I love it. I no longer need the phone line. Thanks Tivo and Amazon.
  
  
• Tivo Brand Wireless G USB
  By A3K88X6N01PVX2 on 2006-10-06
  I purchased this item from Amazon for $45.00 each; Much cheaper than at a retail store like Best Buy for $64.99 + tax. I even did the amazon credit card to get $30 off my first purchase. That made the deal even better. Once I received both adapters I hooked it up to my living room Tivo and within 5 minutes it was ready to go. I plugged in the adapter and Tivo recognized it immediately. I had to answer some basic question along with keying my network password and that was it. Simple!!! I then connected my 2nd Tivo and 5 minutes later it was ready too. I down loaded the software from Tivo website to my laptop and with in a few minutes all three where tied together. I can download shows to my laptop. (That does take a while). From the living room I can view what shows are available on the bedroom tivo and transfer show to the living room. Once you start the transfer process you can start watching the show. Having you music & Pics available to view or hear on either Tivo via the laptop is awesome. It opens up a new set of options that I didn't know where available. Movie show time, purchase movie ticket, weather info, games, movie trailers. A must have if you have two Tivo's. You can get a Dual Tuner Tivo from there website for $30 with shipping. Great deal!!! Tivo.com
  
  

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