How to Adjust TiVo DVR Clock and Workaround for Recordings

One common question among TiVo Users is whether it's possible to manually adjust the clock on a TiVo Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The short answer is no, you don't need to change the clock manually. TiVo DVRs are designed to set the time automatically, usually performing this task slightly more frequently than once daily.

Why TiVo Doesn’t Need Manual Time Adjustment

Since TiVo DVRs sync their time during regular updates, there is no need for manual intervention. These updates typically occur at intervals more frequent than a 24-hour cycle, ensuring the clock remains accurate without requiring intervention.

Common Issues and Solutions

Some users encounter issues where parts of their recordings are cut off at the end. This problem is not directly related to TiVo's internal clock but rather to broadcasting station policies. Many broadcast stations intentionally run their shows longer than advertised, leading to cut-off recordings on both TiVo and other recorders.

Automatic Workaround: End Padding Setting

To address this issue, TiVo has provided a long-standing workaround that involves adding end padding to your recordings. This feature allows you to record a bit more after the scheduled end time of the show, ensuring no important content gets missed. For example, setting the default preferences to add one minute before and after recordings can help mitigate this problem.

How to Use End Padding:

Step 1: Go to your TiVo's settings menu. Step 2: Navigate to the recording preferences. Step 3: Adjust the end padding setting as needed. For most shows, one minute each way should be sufficient. For longer shows that tend to run over scheduled time, you might consider adding more padding.

Applying End Padding to New Recordings

For OnePass recordings, where you have a repeating schedule, setting the default end padding can simplify the process. By configuring the default preferences, you ensure that all new recordings will automatically include the desired amount of end padding, streamlining your recording experience.

No Tuner Limitation

While more tuners can help handle recordings more efficiently, the end padding feature can work even with a single tuner. Even with one minute of end padding, you can still utilize the subsequent hour's recording slot effectively. This means that even if you're recording a show that runs over, the next available slot can be used without manual adjustments.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no need to manually adjust the clock on your TiVo DVR. Instead, take advantage of the built-in features such as end padding to manage unexpected runtimes of shows. This ensures that you don't miss any important parts of your recordings. Enjoy your hassle-free entertainment with TiVo.