So I got Vonage -- UPDATE!!!

[Amused]

Well, setup was not so easy for me with my router. For some reason, I kept losing the internet every time I set it up. On the forth try, it all worked.

Somehow, someway, the Cat5e line from my router to my gigabit switch went bad and wasn't working after the first setup. If it wasn't for the activity lights on my gigabit switch, and the fact that I could connect wirelessly with my laptop but not with any of my wired boxes, I never would have known.

It was a funny scene here until I figured out what was wrong. My cat had thought I went mad because I was screaming at a little black box.

Damn generic Cat5 cable from Newegg. :|

It's worked flawlessly since then.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: minendo
Amused, are you on InsightBB? (For some reason I think I've seen you mention it before, but I could be mistaken.)

If so, how is the quality of Vonage? Do you suffer lags when on the phone?

Hey, Minendo,

I discovered that you can drop the bandwidth requirements of the phone, but still keep acceptable voice quality.

This makes it safe for you to try.

 

[Amused]

Update:

I disconnected the line coming into the house and connected my Vonage box to the wall. Now all my outlets are live and I can use a voice phone over them. My DirecTV boxes can connect as well.

But, as has been reported before about all VoIP services, my Tivo cannot call out. So I think I'm going to try the hack that makes it so the Tivo doesn't try to call out.

So, it's a success for the most part

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: TechITguy
Are victim

are?

 

[Amused]

Update #2

I got the Tivo to call out!

In the prefix you need to put ,#019. This slows down the Tivo modem and it works like a charm. Then dial up for new access numbers. Pick one you like, and make sure you choose the option to make it dial the number like this: 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx. It MUST dial 1, plus the area code.

Your Vonage box MUST be set to use the highest bandwidth (found in "features" on the online control panel at Vonage.com). If you cut the available bandwidth, Tivo cannot call out successfully.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: Amused
Update #2

I got the Tivo to call out!

In the prefix you need to put ,#019. This slows down the Tivo modem and it works like a charm. Then dial up for new access numbers. Pick one you like, and make sure you choose the option to make it dial the number like this: 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx. It MUST dial 1, plus the area code.

Your Vonage box MUST be set to use the highest bandwidth (found in "features" on the online control panel at Vonage.com). If you cut the available bandwidth, Tivo cannot call out successfully.

I had gotten tivo to call out once without using that #019(I'll have to remember that number). It took me two attempts to do it. Hopefully, I won't be stupid and reset my tivo like that time, so I won't need to do it again.

 

[faZZter]

Oh man I just got vonage going and had the same exact problems as you. I am going to try the same solutions. was mainly worried about the DirecTivo needing to update the schedule, cause there is no way I am going to give up the Tivo!

I really can't believe that Tivo doesn't have a broadband adaptor of some kind. ReplayTV has had it for awhile. (yes I still use those too) I mean really, W_T_F? Get a clue Tivo!

Anyway thanx for havin' the balls to try out your solutions......helped me out.

 

[steelels1]

The first thing I did when I got Vonage was to disconnect the telco line coming to the box outside and plug the Vonage box into the nearest phone outlet. Never had a problem with it, even with my Dish Network receivers. I didn't know Vonage warned against it. Now if you didn't disconnect the telco line first, I imagine you'd fry the Vonage box. Maybe that's what they were afraid of.

And speaking of Vonage, is everyone's service out this morning? Mine is, and can't get to their website or even their support line (busy signal). First outage I've had in the 8 months I've been with them.

 

[faZZter]

Hmmmm, can't get my DirecTivo to call out succesfully using that #019 modem prefix. Is it supposed to work for DirecTivo also or just regular Tivo boxes? What all will I lose out on if I don't have a phone line connected to the DirecTivo? Is it just the local sports and PPV ordering? I can connect it to a regular phone line once every 6 months to get updates to software if needed.

 

[KK]

Does your tivo box have a USB port? I got the toshiba DVD player tivo box and it has a usb port I put a wireless adapter in. I thought all series 2 boxes had the same.

KK

 

[faZZter]

Yeah it has two usb ports but I don't think they are functional or turned on. I tried using a USB to Ethernet adaptor and couldn't even get a link light.

Not sure if my Directivo is a series 2. I don't see that anywhere on it.

 

[KK]

go to tivos website and see if that's a recommended usb adapter you tried. Some it'll take, some it won't. Others you got to have it dial up and load some type of upgrade software to get it working. First off I would check the website to see if you're box will work. I believe the older series didn't even have usb ports on it, I could be mistaken though.

KK

 

[bmacd]

i've found that the boxes use a 7/16" socket to open up.

-=bmacd=-

 

[faZZter]

Well I purchased the Linksys USB200M which is supposed to work with all series 2 tivos and .........it doesn't work! However it seems my software is not version 4.0 or above, yet it has been connecting fine for MONTHS so why wouldn't it be the latest version? Anyway I found a way to hack the box after searching around the net so if I have to that's what I'm gonna do to get the USB/Ethernet working. Might as well expand the hard drive capacity while I am at it too...

 

[Aves]

I want it and would get it in a heartbeat, if they offered it in my area code.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: aves2k
I want it and would get it in a heartbeat, if they offered it in my area code.

Who cares what area code it's in? Anyone who doesn't have unlimited long distance either through VoIP or a telco flat rate plan is an idiot anyhow. There is no reason why someone should be worried about phoning long distance now.

I'm in central Illinois and I'm using a Chicago area code.

 

[aircooled]

I'm signing up early next month. Sprint can kiss my a$$.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: faZZter
Hmmmm, can't get my DirecTivo to call out succesfully using that #019 modem prefix. Is it supposed to work for DirecTivo also or just regular Tivo boxes? What all will I lose out on if I don't have a phone line connected to the DirecTivo? Is it just the local sports and PPV ordering? I can connect it to a regular phone line once every 6 months to get updates to software if needed.

I have DirecTivo.

First, you must have at LEAST a full 90kbs up and have it set to the highest quality on Vonage's website.

Secondly, you must first dial up to get a new access number. When you do, make sure you choose the option to have it dial 1 plus the area code. Vonage doesn't work with 7 digit numbers.

If you are still having problems, try looking for answers here:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

anyone know if this would work with Lingo? I'm in need of a house phone (going only cell phone doesn't cut it anymore) and Lingo looks to have a better plan (Unlimited domestic and long distance for $19.99 per month with the first 3 months free) but I was wanting the whole house connected. This same thing should work with lingo right?

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
anyone know if this would work with Lingo? I'm in need of a house phone (going only cell phone doesn't cut it anymore) and Lingo looks to have a better plan (Unlimited domestic and long distance for $19.99 per month with the first 3 months free) but I was wanting the whole house connected. This same thing should work with lingo right?

up for my question.

 

[Hoober]

How hard is it to get Vonage to work with a router? I'm not worried about TIVO because it connects through the network, but I'd put the Vonage adapter behind the router... did you have a lot of problems with that Amused?

 

[thirdlegstump]

Try a multi page fax now.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Hoober
How hard is it to get Vonage to work with a router? I'm not worried about TIVO because it connects through the network, but I'd put the Vonage adapter behind the router... did you have a lot of problems with that Amused?

Yes, In my experience, Vonage must be put in front of the router between the router and the cable modem.

I had it working behind the router but was unable to access the Vonage box to change settings.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: deathkoba
Try a multi page fax now.

I have. I send a few of them a week. Granted, I get a failed attempt every so often, but that's a small price to pay for the savings I'm getting.

 

[Hoober]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Hoober
How hard is it to get Vonage to work with a router? I'm not worried about TIVO because it connects through the network, but I'd put the Vonage adapter behind the router... did you have a lot of problems with that Amused?

Yes, In my experience, Vonage must be put in front of the router between the router and the cable modem.

I had it working behind the router but was unable to access the Vonage box to change settings.

So do you have 2 IP addresses then?