The TiVo Mini FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the TiVo Mini DVR Companion

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. - The TiVo Mini does support these streaming platforms.

Networking the Main TiVo - The main TiVo can be connected to a network via ethernet or MoCA. With a TiVo WiFi adapter, you could also connect the main TiVo using WiFi, although performance can suffer. Generally, TiVo strongly encourages a wired connection to the main TiVo when using a Mini.

There are two options for hardwired connections: Ethernet and MoCA. Ethernet is self-explanatory - just attach a CAT5 or better cable from the TiVo to your router, and make sure your Mini is on the same ethernet network. MoCA is a network signal that travels through coax. If you cannot run an Ethernet cable to your main TiVo, but you have cable (or off-air) coax and Ethernet in the same location (typically, near your router), then you can use a TiVo MoCA Bridge (see below) to combine Internet and coax to your TiVo. Then, your main TiVo will be set to be a "MoCA Bridge" (you'll see that option in the network settings), so that your coax around the house will carry both Internet and cable (or off-air). Note: some older TiVos and TiVo OTA models cannot be used as MoCA Bridges.

Networking the TiVo Mini - If you have the newest Mini, the TiVo Mini VOX or Mini Lux, running the New TiVo Experience (which supports voice commands), then your Mini can be connected via ethernet, MoCA or WiFi (using a TiVo Mini Wireless adapter). If you have an older Mini (with a TiVo Service Number starting with A92 or A93), your Mini must be connected with Ethernet or MoCA. Technically, an older A92/A93 Mini could be connected using a WiFi bridge using ethernet, although performance can suffer. Generally, TiVo strongly encourages a wired connection to the Mini if you are not or cannot use a Mini WiFi adapter.

There are two options for hardwired connections: Ethernet and MoCA. Ports exist for both on the back of the Mini (click the picture above for a larger view). Ethernet is self-explanatory - just attach a CAT5 or better cable from the TiVo Mini to your router, and make sure your Premiere/Roamio is on the same ethernet network. MoCA is a network signal that travels through coax. If your Premiere/Roamio is on a segment of coax in your house that is linked to the coax in another room, all you need to do is plug in the MoCA port. While many people think of the coax cable as only carrying cable TV, that same coax cable can also carry networking information in a different part of the bandwidth. The only time you wouldn't use coax in most installations is where there is no coax run to the room that will house the TiVo Mini.

Preparing the TiVo for MoCA - If you plan to use MoCA, you need to enable it in the menus. To use MoCA on your DVR, it needs to be enabled in the settings. Go to Messages and Setttings -> Settings -> Network -> Change Network Settings and set MoCA to On.

Using a MoCA Bridge - In general, the only current installations that will need a MoCA Bridge are ones where the current DVR is using a Wifi connection and does not have an ethernet connection nearby. Since the TiVo must be hardwired to the network and a coax cable is already at the TiVo, the solution is to put the network into that coax cable, and that's what a MoCA Bridge does. It's located at a place in your house that has both ethernet and coax - usually right at your broadband router. Then, it has a port for each, and allows for units on one network to seamlessly see everything on the other network, including the internet. For more information, please see TiVo's information on the TiVo MoCA Bridge, how to install it and when it is required.

OTA Reception with the TiVo Mini - The Mini can watch live or pre-recorded OTA content if connected to an OTA-configured Roamio or Bolt.

Multiple Mini Configurations - With six-tuner Roamios, Bolts, and Edges, you can connect up to five Minis to use at once; with a four-tuner Premiere, Roamio, Bolt, or Edge, you can connect up to three. In addition, there is a limit of twenty TiVo serial numbers per account, and a TiVo Roamio Plus and Pro each count as two (because the built-in Stream has its own dedicated TiVo serial number).

TiVo Mini VOX and Lux Units - The only difference between the VOX and the Lux versions is the remote. The newer Lux Mini has the Lux backlit remote.

Click to enlarge	TiVo Mini LUX 4K Companion device for TiVo EDGE, Bolt, TiVo Bolt VOX, Roamio (OTA, Plus, Pro), and Premiere 4 and 6 tuner DVRs. Access your TiVo DVR from any TV in your home by simply by attaching a TiVo Mini LUX. Includes TiVo LUX remote (TiVo VOX remote with backlighting), HDMI cable and power adapter. Requires TiVo with TiVo service and four or more tuners. Wired connection to TiVo strongly recommended. Wired connection to Mini (or Mini WiFi adapter) required. TiVo Mini LUX can connect to earlier generation TiVo Premiere 4 and XL4/Elite DVR’s; however, the voice control functions of the TiVo Mini LUX will be disabled in this configuration. Includes 90-day TiVo warranty. $189.99 - FREE GROUND SHIPPING
Click to enlarge	TiVo MoCA Bridge Plus (New, Actiontec - ECB6200) OPEN BOX Combines Internet onto existing coax cable line to enable a TiVo and/or TiVo Mini to get wired Internet access over existing coax line. Includes setup guide, power supply, ethernet cable and coax cable. This Bonded MoCA 2.0 adapter turns a home’s coaxial wires into a high-speed Ethernet network, with speeds up to 1 Gbps. The result is a blazing fast wired backbone that enhances the connected home experience and supplements an existing Wi-Fi network with high-speed wired connection points. Not sure if you need one? See this page. $49.99 - IN STOCK - FREE GROUND SHIPPING
Click to enlarge	TiVo VOX Remote (Black) Brand new factory original TiVo VOX (voice) remote. Compatible with all TiVo EDGE, BOLT, TiVo BOLT+, TiVo BOLT VOX and TiVo Mini VOX DVRs. Does not include dongle required for TiVo Roamio and earlier TiVo Mini models. $54.99 - IN STOCK - FREE GROUND SHIPPING
Click to enlarge	TiVo Mini Wifi Adapter (New) TiVo Mini wireless adapter. Compatible with TiVo Mini VOX and TiVo Mini LUX (serial model/number beginning A95) running the TiVo New Experience (with voice control). Incompatible with earlier-model Minis (A92/A93). $59.99 - IN STOCK - Eligible for FREE SHIPPING