If your TiVo device experiences a problem with home-network connectivity or TV signal that standard troubleshooting fails to resolve, you can often pinpoint the cause with a location test. A location test is simply another way of saying, "Move the TiVo device to another place to see if the problem persists." Below are the location test types:
Cable TV signal location test
Worn-out or broken coax cables, splitters, or other components located behind the walls can interfere with the cable signal going to your TiVo device, causing the following symptoms:
A location test lets you bypass these hidden cables and components, and connect your TiVo device as close as possible to the place where the cable TV signal enters your house.
Before you begin:
Since we're not sure which coax component might be causing the issue, it's important that you connect your TiVo device using a coax cable and outlet that you have already verified to be working. Remember to first do normal troubleshooting before going through the hassle of a location test. See the following articles to see troubleshooting instructions for common signal issues:
Perform the location test
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Disconnect all cables from the TiVo device except the power cord. Unplug the power cord from the wall.
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Find the room closest to the location where your cable TV signal enters the house. This is where you will test the TiVo device.
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If you are sure the coax connection in the test room is good, connect the TiVo device with a new (or verified good) coax cable.
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Connect the TiVo device to a television (you can use the video cable from the original setup if you are sure it works).
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Switch to that video input on screen (you might need to use the TV remote for this if your TiVo remote isn't coded to that television).
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Plug in the power to the TiVo device and wait for it to boot up.
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Check to see if the signal problem is resolved.
Results
The cable signal improves in the test location: You will need to find and replace the broken component or cable that is affecting the signal in the original room. To isolate the problem, start by replacing the coax cable that plugs into the TiVo device, then work your way out from there, replacing components as you go.
Try to replace everything you can easily access first. Unfortunately, most of your cabling is probably behind the walls, and replacing it will involve some expense (and a lot of dust).
MoCA network location test
MoCA networking is particularly dependent on good coax components (see MoCA Setup and Info) for more information. If your home was wired for cable TV a long time ago, you probably have hidden splitters, cables, signal amplifiers, wall connections, and other small components that might not be up to the task of carrying a high-bandwidth MoCA connection. A location test lets you bypass these components to determine whether or not they are causing your issue.
Before you begin:
Since we're not sure which coax component might be causing the issue, it's important that you connect your TiVo device using a coax cable and outlet that you have already verified to be working. Remember to first do normal troubleshooting before going through the hassle of a location test. See the following articles to see MoCA troubleshooting instructions:
Perform the location test
-
Disconnect all cables from the TiVo device except the power cord. Unplug the power cord from the wall.
-
Find a room close to the location where your cable TV signal enters the house. This is where you will test the TiVo device.
-
If you are sure the coax connection in the test room is good, connect the TiVo device with a new (or verified good) coax cable. Refer to MoCA Setup and Info for the correct setup in the test location.
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Connect the TiVo device to a television (you can use the video cable from the original setup if you are sure it works).
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Switch to that video input on screen (you might need to use the TV remote for this if your TiVo remote isn't coded to that television).
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Plug in the power to the TiVo device and wait for it to boot up.
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Results
MoCA connection is successful in the test location: You will need to find and replace the broken component or cable that is affecting the signal in the original room. To isolate the problem, start by replacing the coax cable that plugs into the TiVo device, then work your way out from there, replacing components as you go.
Try to replace everything you can easily access first. Unfortunately, most of your cabling is probably behind the walls, and replacing it will involve some expense (and a lot of dust). If you are unable to resolve the issue immediately, you can still connect your TiVo device to the home network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi network location test
Your house is full of concrete and wood, electrical wiring, and electronic devices. All of these objects interfere with your wireless network signal. A location test simply means moving the TiVo device (and wireless adapter, if applicable) closer to the wireless router to see if performance improves.
Before you begin:
For the best streaming quality, speed, and reliability, you should be using a hard-wired Ethernet or MoCA connection to your home network. Many apps won't work at all on Wi-Fi because of signal strength and bandwidth issues. For more information on switching to a hard-wired connection, see Networking: Essentials.
Perform the location test
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Bring the TiVo (and wireless network adapter, if present) closer to the wireless router.
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Check to see if the wireless connection issue is resolved.
Results
If your wireless networking problem improves by moving the TiVo closer to the router, and you can't use MoCA or otherwise change your setup, a third-party Wi-Fi range extender is the easiest option to resolve the issue.
Try to replace everything you can easily access first. Unfortunately, most of your cabling is probably behind the walls, and replacing it will involve some expense (and a lot of dust). If you are unable to resolve the issue immediately, you can still connect your TiVo device to the home network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
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TIP #1: The wireless router should ideally be positioned so that it has a clear view of the surrounding area. The farther away from construction materials, wiring, and large appliances, the better.
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TIP #2: If your router is a long way from your wireless devices, you might consider purchasing a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the wireless signal across your home.
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TIP #3: You might already have most of the equipment you need for a hard-wired connection, even if you don't have Ethernet. MoCA networking is a great way to get a high-bandwidth, high-speed home network without having to rewire your home.
