Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Amazon Unbox on TiVo service work?
Using Amazon Unbox on TiVo is easy. After a simple registration process, you will be able to shop for Unbox videos to your TiVo DVR from two places - the Amazon Unbox website and directly from your TiVo DVR.

If you're shopping on the Amazon Unbox Website, just look for the TiVo logo to find TiVo-enabled videos. You'll be able to select your TiVo DVR as a RemoteLoad download destination each time you purchase or rent a video at amazon.com/unbox.

To shop for Unbox videos from your TiVo DVR, select "Find Programs" > "Download TV & Movies" > "Amazon Unbox". You'll find a great selection of movies and TV shows to watch right on your TiVo.

In both cases your videos will appear in your TiVo Now Playing List.

How is Amazon Unbox on TiVo different than other options for watching digital videos on my TV?
Unlike most digital video-to-TV services, Amazon Unbox on TiVo is not an extender service so you don't have to somehow connect your PC to your TV or extender device. Instead, your TiVo DVR communicates directly with the Unbox service through your home network, so your videos get downloaded directly to your TiVo DVR, where you already watch your favorite movies and TV shows.

Which TiVo DVRs can play videos from Amazon Unbox?
Any broadband-connected TiVo Series2™ or Series3™ DVR can download and play Unbox videos. Sorry, this service is not available for DIRECTV TiVo subscribers, TiVo Series1™ owners, or TiVo subscribers who use a telephone phone line to access the service.

See the TiVo Getting Started Guide to learn how to connect your TiVo DVR to your home network.

Verify that your TiVo user account preferences are set to "Enable for Video Downloads" at the TiVo.com Manage My Account Page.

Need a TiVo DVR or a TiVo wireless adapter? Visit our TiVo store.

Do I need to install any special software on my PC to use the service?
No, you can use the standard web browser on your PC or Mac to purchase your videos at Amazon Unbox and to download them directly to your TiVo DVR.

How does the quality of Unbox videos compare to the quality of shows recorded by my TiVo DVR?
Unbox videos watched on a TiVo DVR are of equal or better quality than videos recorded at the Best Quality setting on a TiVo Series2 DVR.

Which Unbox videos can I download and watch on my TiVo DVR?
You can download thousands of titles from leading studios and networks to watch on your TiVo DVR. To identify videos that are available for download to your TiVo, just look for the TiVo logo on the detail page of your favorite movie or TV show.

See all Unbox videos available for download to your TiVo DVR

Where can I find my downloaded videos on my TiVo DVR?
Your downloaded Unbox videos appear in your Now Playing List with the rest of your TiVo content, just where you would expect them to be!

If I delete my Unbox videos from my TiVo DVR are they gone forever?
Amazon Unbox stores your purchased videos in Your Media Library for re-download - so your videos don't have to take up all the space on your TiVo DVR. (Please note that due to licensing restrictions certain new release movies are unavailable for re-download for an unspecified period of time starting 90 days after their release date. While these movies can be viewed as often as you like during this window, they cannot be re-downloaded from Your Media Library.)

How long does it take to download an Unbox video to my TiVo DVR?
Download times vary depending on your actual Internet connection speed, the speed of your home networking hardware, and the length of the video. With a fast broadband connection (5 Mbps), a movie can download in about an hour, while a 1-hour TV episode can download in about 30 minutes. However, on a slower broadband connection (less than 1 Mbps), a movie can take up to 5 hours.

Fortunately, the Unbox RemoteLoad feature allows you to order from Amazon.com and download anywhere. So, you can order a video while at work and it will be ready to watch by the time you get home.

Can I use TiVo Home Media features with my Unbox videos?
While the TiVoToGo™ and Multi-Room Viewing features have been disabled to meet rights holder requirements, the Amazon Unbox RemoteLoad feature allows you to download your videos directly to up to 2 PCs or TiVo DVRs at any time.

How many copies of my Unbox videos can I have downloaded at one time?
Your videos from Amazon Unbox can be downloaded on up to 2 PCs or TiVo DVRs and 2 portable devices at any one time.

What is the Amazon Unbox on TiVo Preview Service?
The Amazon Unbox on TiVo Preview service delivers movie previews and trailers right to your TiVo Now Playing List.

To sign up from your TiVo DVR, select "Find Programs" > "Download TV & Movies" > "Amazon Unbox on TiVo Previews".

Still have questions? Visit Amazon Unbox on TiVo Customer Support.

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Frequently Asked Questions