A codec assists in the transfer and replay of recorded files to your PC. Although most of the TiVo boxes come equipped with a compatible codec, there are certain old versions that do not have them. To upgrade these, it is necessary to install an appropriate codec that will work to meet your requirements. TiVo recordings are compressed by using the MPEG-2 standard and hence, a codec that is necessary to decode will be ideal. However, the required codec depends on the device you connect to your TiVo box. For instance, a PC may require a specific codec whereas the same codec may not work for other portable media players. Here is find and install the proper codec for your device.
Instructions
Install the Proper Codec for PC and/or Laptops
1. Check if the TiVo Desktop software is pre-installed on your TiVo box. Usually, the TiVo box is pre-installed with the software, which has a couple of built-in codices, including the MPEG-2 codec, which is necessary for the transfer of video programs onto the PC.
2. Download the Tivo Desktop if you do not have it on your box, from the TiVo website.
Install the Proper Codec for Handheld Devices
3. Check that the TiVo Desktop software is pre-installed in your system. Transfer and replay of video files on to iPod, PSP, Palm Treo and such devices requires the MPEG-4 codec, which you get by upgrading TiVo Desktop to the latest TiVo Desktop Plus version.
4. Purchase a License Key by visiting the TiVo website for each computer that you plan to use with your TiVo Desktop Plus.
5. Upgrade to TiVo Desktop Plus after purchasing the license. Select "Help" on the Tivo Desktop, enter the License Key and go to "Upgrade to TiVo Desktop Plus."
6. Choose the handheld device for which the codec has to be installed.
Install the Poper Codec for Microsoft Portable Media Devices with Windows XP
7. Verify whether your system has a compatible MPEG-2 codec installed on it (provided that you use Windows XP), by downloading the Windows XP Video decoder Checkup Utility from Microsoft.
8. Purchase a compatible one in the event you don't have one.
9. Search for a list of compatible codecs for Widows XP online and obtain the one of your choice. Some compatible codec for Windows XP are Sonic Cineplayer DVD decoder pack, Cyberlink DVD SE*, InterVideo DVD Xpack and .NVIDIA DVD Decoder.
Install the Proper Codec for Microsoft Portable Media Devices with Windows 2000
10. Verify that the appropriate MPEG-2 codec is installed on your system. You will require an AC3 filter to enable transfers for Microsoft Portable Media Devices with Windows 2000 running on your system.
11. Download a the compatible AC3 filter from the Web site (see link below).
Tags: Desktop Plus, Install Proper, Install Proper Codec, TiVo Desktop Plus, your system, codec installed