Problem with my new TiVo Premiere - help?

[scott]

I got my TiVo Premiere on Friday and set it up on Saturday. Sunday and yesterday, I was using my Time Warner DVR since I still don’t have a CableCard (it was supposed to be installed today). But I hooked the TiVo back up to the TV last night before going to bed so it would be ready for today. I watched the TiVo for a few minutes last night, then put it in standby.
When I woke up this morning, the green LED light on the front of the TiVo was on and the other LEDs were blinking on and off at uneven intervals. When I turned the TV on, the TiVo “Welcome! Starting up” screen was also blinking on and off. After about 25 minutes and a few times power cycling, it seemed to be working. It went through the set-up process again and was able to watch about 10 minutes of ESPN2 before the TiVo froze. After power cycling again, the original problem (blinking lights and welcome screen) began again.
All the connections between the TiVo, TV and receiver (including the cable and power supply) are secure. Does it sound like I have a bad TiVo and need a replacement? Any TiVo veterans know what might cause this?

Thanks.

[Skaggs]

I don't have a Premiere (2 TiVo HD's) and haven't had this issue.

You've completed TiVo guided setup and connected the Premiere to the internet, right?

You may get the cable card installed today, but I don't imagine they will bring the Tuning Adapter. You will need to request the TA first, get a letter, and bring teh letter into the TWC office. See Hurnik's thread.

Only guessing, but the Premiere may be looking for the cablecard & TA and not finding it.

[scott]

Thanks for the input, Skaggs.

Yep, I went through the setup and the Internet connection is fine. I had to fill out the online form for the tuning adapter so I'm not expecting that today. I didn't think that the box may be looking for the cable card. But would the tech be able to install/program the card if the box isn't booting properly? Or is the cable card programmed independently of the TiVo?

I did a chat session with a rep on TiVo's site today and he told me to try to fix it to do this:

You want to disconnect EVERY connection directly from the back of the DVR. Also, eject the cable card if you have any. (Keep in mind which slot each card belongs to.)

Then, you want to wait 20 seconds, and reconnect only the Power cord straight to the wall (Bypass and strips or SP's.) and video cables straight to the TV.

With only these 2 connections in the TiVo, you will be watching a couple of previous recordings, and navigating the menus(don't change anything).

During this time (30-45 minutes) you are trying to cause the TiVo to reboot.

If it does, give us a call.

If it doesn't, continue.

Then, in 30 minute increments, I want you to reconnect items to your TiVo DVR in this order. Network, Cards, Cable line from wall.

Again, watching recordings, and playing with the menus to try and get it to reboot itself.

Same rules apply:

If it does, give us a call.

If it doesn't, continue.

That seems like an awfully time-consuming process.

[Skaggs]

How did the cable card setup go?

[scott]

The tech couldn't get it set up because the box wouldn't stop rebooting. I called TiVo and they couldn't figure out what could be wrong with it, so I have a replacement on the way. It's supposed to come Tuesday and if it works, I'll have TW come back out to try the cable card install again.

On the bright side, I did get the TA letter today. But they want me to go to Schenectady or Clifton Park to pick it up instead of the Glens Falls office 5 minutes away from me. So I'll probably just have them UPS it instead of traveling an hour round trip. It'll probably be another week before I have the cable card installed anyway so no rush.