Support article

The TiVoToGo feature allows you to transfer video files from your Series2, Series3, or TiVo HD DVR to your PC.

NOTE: TiVoToGo is not available for Series1 DVRs. Toshiba & Pioneer DVRs with integrated DVD must have TiVo Plus Service to use this feature.

Before you can transfer and play back files, you will need to do the following:

• Have the latest version of TiVo software installed on your DVR (see TiVo software version information).
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• Connect the DVR to your home network. For instructions, see How to connect a TiVo DVR to your network.
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• Install TiVo Desktop for Windows. For more information, refer to How do I install TiVo Desktop for Windows?
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• Make sure that transfers are enabled in Manage My Account (MMA). Log in to Manage My Account and click DVR Preferences on the left navigation bar. Make sure there is a checkmark in the Allow Transfers column next to each DVR from which you would like to transfer programs.

NOTE: If you experience issues when trying to transfer or play files, refer to TiVoToGo troubleshooting.

To transfer programs to your PC and play them back, perform the following steps:

1.  Launch TiVo Desktop by double-clicking the TiVo icon in your Windows taskbar (next to the clock) or the TiVo Desktop icon on your desktop.

2.  Click Pick Recordings to Transfer.

3.  Select the DVR from which you would like to transfer a program. It may take a moment for the screen to fill in once you select the DVR.

NOTE: If you have only one DVR, this option populates automatically.

4.  Click to select the program(s) that you would like to transfer to your PC. If the program is part of a series, you have the option to Auto-Transfer this Series. If you select this option, whenever episodes of the series are available on your DVR, they will be transferred to your PC automatically.

5.  Click Start Transfer to begin transferring the programs to your PC.

6.  The status of your transfers will display next to Transfer Status. You can get details about the transfers, restart an interrupted transfer, or remove a transfer from the list by clicking Transfer Status. Transfer times vary, but may take at least as long as the program duration (for example, a one hour program may take one hour or more to transfer).

To play a file that was transferred to your PC, perform the following steps:

1.  Launch TiVo Desktop by double-clicking the TiVo icon in your Windows taskbar (next to the clock) or the TiVo Desktop icon on your desktop.

2.  Select the program that you would like to play from the Now Playing List.

3.  Click Play. The program will open in your default media player program. We recommend that you install Microsoft Windows Media Player 11.

NOTE: TiVo makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability of third party software. Any installation of third party software is at your risk. If you need support relating to the third party technology, please contact the manufacturer directly.