Problem with "snow" after hooking up Tivo

[Kray]

Hooked up a new Tivo and everything is working except I get a lot of "snow" in the picture (almost unwatchable picture quality) when watching the "basic" cable stations. I say "basic" cable stations because I also subscribe for extended service including movie channels and a high-definition package, and all of these "premium" channels are received fine.

I've checked and re-checked all of the connections, including making sure I have made the correct connections and also testing whether connections are secure. Can't fine the problem. Was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what it might be and/or how to trouble-shoot. My basic installation is:

- coaxial cable from wall to cable box
- component cables (red, white, and yellow) from cable box to Tivo
- component cables from Tivo to back of TV (have also tried S-video connection.)

(I know the problem is not the television as channels come in fine when I run coaxial cable directly from wall into TV).

I think the fact that only the basic cable stations are snowy is probably a big clue, but I'm not sure what to do with it!

Thanks

[stereoguy]

I would guess it is probably a problem with the Tivo. You might find the quickest resolution by calling their tech support.

Tivo is wonderful. Try to watch as much recorded stuff as possible and you'll find yourself viewing alot more quality programming in alot less time.

[SafeWatch]

Make sure you have a hi-bandwidth coax cable all the way from the demarc outside. If you're using RG-59, then that may be your problem.

You may want to try running the cable directly from outside to the TiVo to see what happens. Process of elimination - just keep eliminating possibilities until there's only 1 left.

But, more than likely, it is the TiVo - you didn't happen to buy it on eBay or online somewhere, did you? Not that that's a bad thing - but usually those are refurb'd pieces.

Good luck!

[kuhurdler]

make sure the TiVo has downloaded the latest software. I don't know much about TiVos. But that fixed a tuning issue with my ReplayTV.

[BobF]

This may or may not apply but I would try an s-video connection from the cable box to the TIVO. When I had Time-Warner digital cable (not the HD), the "basic" channels were not digital. They were not available on component output. I think you are running into the same thing. The component output on the cable box is for the digital channels. Just a thought. Its easy to test the theory.