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Question:

Does a TiVo act as a Cable Box?

Does it? or does it connect to my current cable box?please respond asap. thanks.

Answer:

It depends on the type of TiVo that you get. A TiVo Series 2 standalone (Or 1 but they are not made anymore) can work both as a standard receiver or use your cable box. When not using a cable box the TiVo is only able to receive unscrambled analog content. However, today most cable companies use digital broadcasting technology. In order for a Series 1or2 to work with digital cable you must also have a cable box. The TiVo then controls the cable box, turning it to the right channel at the correct time. Series 1or2 are also able to work with Sattellite TV as well using their cable boxes. Note: I mention standalone because there were a few TiVo Series2 models that ONLY worked with DirectTV. However the standalone model can work with DirectTV orpractically any other cable setup. A Series 3 box does NOT require a cable box. In fact it CANNOT work with a cable box. Instead the Series 3 replaces the cable box. This is achieved through the use of Cable Cards. These are small pieces of hardware installed by your cable company inside the Series 3. This allows you to receive Digital Cable. The Series 3 also allows for HD content, while earlier Series 1or2 do not. A series 3 CANNOT receive Video On Demand. So you will still get HBO if you subscribe to it, but you will not be able to purchase a movie, or similar content, and watch it through Video on Demand. Finally the Series 3 only work on cable systems, they do NOT work with Satellite systems. They both have trade offs: Series 2: Pros - Works with practically any service, low cost Cons - Not HD, Channel Changing can be slower because it uses an external cable box. Series 3: Pros - Records HD, No cable box required, Newer model with more features Cons - Higher Cost, Will not work with Satellite. This Wikipedia page breaks down the details for all Series of TiVos. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a detailed description of each:
It should get basic and intermediate channels but not premium or pay per view. If you hooked up your cable directly to the tv or vcr it would get the same channels as that.
i have Tivo. its not a cable box, but i hooked up my cable cord to the back of the tivo and thats how i get cable though my tivo. hope thats not to confusing
Tivo is basically a big hard drive. It does not help you get channels. You will still need your cable box and the Tivo connects to that.

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