Support Article

Most cable operators are installing M-Cards (multi-stream CableCARDs) in CableCARD-ready devices such as HD TiVo DVRs. An M-Card is a CableCARD that is capable of running in either single-stream mode (supports one tuner) or multi-stream mode (single card can support multiple tuners).

• Series3 HD DVRs support M-Cards in single-stream mode only, which means that you must install two (2) CableCARDs for the DVR to run in dual-tuner mode.
• TiVo HD DVRs support M-Cards in multi-stream mode, which means that you need to install only one (1) M-Card to receive two digital cable channels at once. The M-Card must be installed in slot 1 (the slot on the right).

To ensure that your CableCARD installation runs smoothly, we recommend that you complete Guided Setup on your DVR before the CableCARDs are installed. If possible, it is best to do this two days or more before the installation appointment. This ensures that the DVR can connect to the TiVo service and download the latest software, allowing the installer to concentrate on CableCARD activation.

You can perform Guided Setup even if you don’t have cable service yet. For instructions, go to Running Guided Setup (Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs).