Can I Use My PB To Make a Phone Call?

[Mason]

I just got TiVo, and to make the initial set up, the box needs to make a toll-free phone call. However, I only have a cell phone - I don't have a regular land line. I'd rather not have to drag the TiVo to a friend's house, and so I was wondering whether there is any way I can use my powerbook to make this call. I can't imagine that there is, but I thought I might ask before I go hauling everything over to my buddy's house.

Thanks in advance.

[MacNut]

Doesn't a TIVO need to be connected to a phone line all the time to retrieve data? If you want to use your PowerBook as a phone line you can go VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) But thats gonna cost money. If your PowerBook is gonna dial out anyways don't you need a phone line anyways?

[Mason]

Doesn't a TIVO need to be connected to a phone line all the time to retrieve data? If you want to use your PowerBook as a phone line you can go VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) But thats gonna cost money. If your PowerBook is gonna dial out anyways don't you need a phone line anyways?

The weird thing about TiVo is that you only need a phone line to make the initial set-up. Once the box is set up, TiVo can use a broadband connection to get its weekly data retrievals. Therefore, all I need is a one-time ability for my powerbook to provide a dialtone for the TiVo.

[munkle]

Not sure if it's going to work for your needs but check out Skype (http://www.skype.com/), it'll cost you money but not much.

[Mason]

Mukie,

Thanks for the input. After browsing the TiVo forums I was able to find a way to do the initial set up with the broadband connection. For those interested: all you have to do is get a usb/ethernet adapter and then set the phone prefix as ",#401" - that's all it takes. I don't understand why TiVo doesn't just tell people they can do that.

Thanks to all that considered my question.