If you have a DVR - like a TiVo - then you can use it with the Penn Video Network service!

PVN is an ANALOG, STANDARD DEFINITION CABLE service. We do not currently broadcast channels in High Definition (HD). You are welcome to purchase any DVR type that you please, just be aware that we do not broadcast in HD. However, most HD-capable DVRs are "backwards compatible" to record standard definition signal. (October 17, 2008)

1) Unpack your TiVo. Do NOT start to hook up the TiVo yet!

2) Look on the back of your TiVo for the MAC address. You will need this to register your TiVo on the network. The TiVo MAC address looks something like this:
00:11:11:11:AA:BB

3) Register your TiVo on Penn's network.
Go to: http://www.rescomp.upenn.edu/
Go to: "Register an Internet device." Click the link to register. You will need your PennKey and password to access the site. You may need to click "Continue" to get to the registration page.

4) Fill out the registration form.
Select "other" in the Type of Device field.
Click "Continue" when you are done.
You will be taken to a second page where you will be asked to input the specific type of device.
Type "TiVo DVR" in this space.
Click "Continue" when you are done.

Your TiVo's information should now be added to the network.
Click "OK" to complete your registration, or click "Add another device" to add another device.

Your TiVo comes with a very handy set-up guide poster, as well as all of the cables that you should need to set up your device. You want to follow the steps outlined for "Basic Cable (no cable box)" installation. Follow steps 1-6 on the setup poster.

If you require additional coaxial RF cables, you can pick them up at your College House Computer Lab, or at the front desk if you live in Sansom East or West.

Go to your TiVo; make sure that your TiVo remote has power and is working. You will use the TiVo on-screen menus to complete your TiVo setup.

-Agree to the service terms.
-Activate your service, if you have not already done so. The TiVo screen will provide your service number, which you will need to activate.
-Enter your ZIP code at Penn: 19104.
-You receive your signal via "Cable".
-The DVR gets its program info from "Internet".
-The Network Hookup is "Ethernet connection".
-The TiVo will tell you if you are properly connected. If so, click “Select” to continue. The TiVo will then access the network; this can take a couple of minutes.
-Confirm your connection and allow the TiVo to access the TiVo service. This is a 5-step process and can take a couple of minutes to complete. Click “Select” to continue.
-You are not using a cable box with PVN service, so click “No” to continue.
-Under Cable Provider, select “Penn Video Network” from the list of providers.
-Click “Select” to continue to the programming download. This may take a few minutes.
-You’ll be asked to confirm a particular channel feed. Select the proper option from the list. Your basic cable channel lineup will now be complete.
-The TiVo will now go to the TiVo site to download programming info. This can take up to between 10-20 minutes, though usually less.
-Click “Select” to continue.
-Click “Select” to continue to the final confirmation screen.
-Click your TiVo button on your remote to view the TiVo opening video and operational menu.

Congratulations!

It will take a few hours for the TiVo to get a full two weeks' worth of programming, but you are ready to go!

PVN is responsible for the PVN signal only as far as your ISC wallplate. We do not service DVRs, including TiVo systems. If you experience problems with your DVR, please contact the manufacturer.