Review on TiVo AN0100 Wireless Network Adapter by David Golden

TiVo I've had since it came out. After years of using Sony's Series 1 TiVo with lifetime warranty, I was convinced of the need for an upgrade when the Series 2 TiVo came out with wireless connectivity. I first connected them to the originally supported Linksys Wireless B USB adapters and enthusiastically upgraded to the TiVo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter for TiVo Series 2 and Series 3 DVR adapters when they came out and was very happy with the increased speed . There were several reasons I decided to upgrade to a TiVo TCD746320 Premiere DVR (Black) in November 2010, not the least of which was the fact that the new TiVo model supports the Wireless N standard for better streaming of shows between TiVos or even to the PC. There was no doubt that I would connect them to the network with new adapters. When I installed the adapters on my new TiVos, I quickly realized that TiVo had seriously downgraded the quality of the new adapters. Yes, they are faster thanks to the speed of Wireless N. But while previous wireless adapters for TiVo were easy to set up and manage, the new AN0100 adapter isn't that easy. Older adapters simply plug into the TiVo's USB port and then plug in the wireless network's SSID. and password on the network setup screen. However, this new Wireless-N adapter connects to the Ethernet port on the back of the TiVo. If your wireless router supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup, it "usually" isn't that difficult to connect to your wireless network using this method, but I have to say that it doesn't always come with Wi-Fi Protected the first time Setup connects. Since I have Wireless N adapters for TiVo, I've connected them to three different Linksys routers and one Belkin router (long story, don't ask). the router I used. Conversely, I had no problems using Wi-Fi Protected Setup with other network adapters. If for some reason you are unable to use the Wi-Fi Protected Setup method, you will need to connect the TiVo AN0100 adapter to your PC with a USB cable to set it up for your wireless network. then move it to the appropriate TiVo.On control. With older adapters, you can just go to the Network Settings section of the TiVo menu and change network information for your wireless network, check wireless signal strength, and more. This is not possible with the TiVo AN0100. These settings and information are NOT displayed in the TiVo menu, so you have little or no ability to see how your AN0100 is working and if it is connected to your network. And just try moving the TiVo Wireless N adapter to the new wireless network as needed. To do this, you must first reconfigure the wireless network settings on the AN0100 adapter, and then also reconfigure the Ethernet settings in the TiVo menu (especially if you are switching subnets with a new wireless router). Considering my setup and management issues. TiVo AN0100 N Wireless Network Adapter, I'm hesitating between 3 stars and 4 stars. Yes, it's complicated to set up and it annoys me that I can't easily check the status of the wireless adapter, but once connected it works. I wish I could give three and a half stars, but since Revain only allows full stars, I'll round up to four. In fact, if you want to connect your TiVo to a Wireless N network, pretty much stick with that single option. I'm hoping the next model that comes out will have a better UI for customization and control, but until then I'll have to live with that and live with it.