TiVo Series2 Installation Guide

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Your DVR needs to be able to change channels in order to record programs and display 
live TV. If you are using a cable or satellite box, the DVR sends it signals to change the 
channel using either an IR (infrared) or a Serial (data) Control cable (If you use antenna or 
cable without a cable box, the DVR does not need a Control cable to change channels.)

You can use the Serial Control cable for channel changing if:

• You have a DIRECTV satellite receiver with a 9-pin data connector like this:

• You have a Motorola/General Instruments DCT2000 series cable box, and your cable 

provider has enabled it for serial control.

Otherwise, use the IR Control cable (described on the next page).

Some DIRECTV satellite receivers have alternative connections that you may be able to 
try. You will need to purchase an additional cable or accessory (available from 
www.tivo.com/store) for these types of connections: 

• If your DIRECTV satellite receiver has a 15-pin connector like this: 

 

you can connect the Serial Control cable by using a 15-pin adapter.

• Some satellite receivers for the DIRECTV service have a Home Control connector like 

this: 

(similar to a phone jack, but slightly smaller).

Home Control is the fastest and most reliable form of Control cable connection. To 
connect the Home Control cable, plug one end of the cable into the Home Control jack 
on your DIRECTV satellite receiver. This connector is sometimes labeled “Low Speed 
Data.” (Don’t try to connect a Home Control cable to the satellite receiver’s phone 
jack.) Plug the other end into the Control Out/Serial jack on the DVR.

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