I just added the Tivo whole home bundle. I received the Tivo Quad, the Tivo Preview, and an Adaptec MOCA adapter/bridge. I believe the Tivos connect to each other using the MOCA network, while the adapter connects the MOCA network (including the Tivos) to the internet through my router and cable modem. I love its features, which I am still learning about.
Neither the installer (who did a good job reconfiguring my home wiring) nor technical support could answer this question: Can I use the MOCA network for wired internet use for other devices? Can I purchase additional MOCA adapters and a coax splitter, and hook up a couple of PCs in different rooms to the MOCA network? Can I only use Adaptec MOCA adapters, or will other brands' adapters (e.g. Netgear) also work? This should provide better internet connectivity, and reduce the workload on my Wifi network.
I discovered the Quad provides internet access through its ethernet port, which I connected to my DVD player, which has Netflix access. The Preview's ethernet port does not provide internet access.
Some other questions/comments I have:
1. Should I upgrade my cable modem? I provide my own Toshiba PCX 2600 modem, with DOCSIS 2.0. Would a newer modem make a difference? I live in Bethesda, MD.
2. Odd that RCN advertises that it has enabled Netflix Super HD, yet the Tivos can't access Netflix. I have no other device that is compatible. The DVD player connected to the Quad is probably too old.
3. On the Tivo quad, I found the new HD menus to be slow to maneuver through. Glad that I can switch back to the old SD menus, which move quickly.
4. RCN's recent price rises almost drove me to Fios. And I found that the new bundles offered to me by an RCN CSR were MORE expensive than my current legacy plan. I had an appointment to install Fios, but then cancelled after finally speaking to a more knowledgeable RCN CSR. I dropped some services, and found the price to be comparable to Fios. However, if RCN raises its prices any more, or puts me on the new bundles, I will likely switch to Fios, even though RCN generally provides good service, and I like Tivo. I think RCN should rethink its pricing and customer retention strategies.
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