Connecting Tivo to computer using APC USB to Ethernet cable

[xenxabar]

Any Tivo owners out there ever connect to a computer using the USB to ethernet cable that comes with an APC UPS? Since I don't have a wireless network (and don't want to buy more equipment to make one), I'm looking to hook up Tivo to a computer the old fashioned way. However, the reviews I saw for Tivo's certified wired adapters (the Linksys) were far from stellar. Most people said that the construction was extremely poor and breaks like glass in the Memorex testing lab.

I held off buying one, even though Circuit City had it on sale for $20USD. I was telling my neighbor at work about the situation and he suggested using the APC cable. Unfortunately Google and Tivo's web site didn't really help me figure out if it might work or not.

 

[Starthinker]

Any standard USB cable should be the same no matter who makes it. However, back in serial cable days APC would change the pin-out on their cables even for similar models so you couldn't use any other cable except what came with the UPS. Not sure if they'd change the pin-out on a standard USB cable but I wouldn't put it past them.

Or are you talking about the cables that came with some UPS's that was a USB connector on one side and a RJ-45 on the other? Those aren't ethernet cables and they are wired specifically for APC and I wouldn't try it in anything else as you may get voltage on a pin you don't want voltage on.

I've never seen a Tivo, so I can't comment on their cable but APC was very propriatory so I wouldn't bother with those cables.

 

[xenxabar]

Or are you talking about the cables that came with some UPS's that was a USB connector on one side and a RJ-45 on the other? Those aren't ethernet cables and they are wired specifically for APC and I wouldn't try it in anything else as you may get voltage on a pin you don't want voltage on.

That's the one. Good point, thanks! I guess I'll have to break down and find another solution. I suppose I could replace my single port router and 5 port hub with a wireless switched router. At least they still have wired ports in addition to the wireless connectivity.

 

[stormer]

Please do not use the APC cable. It will not work and will most probably damage your equipment.

A list of compatible USB to Ethernet adapters here