Can I use universal remote on an old analogue tv?

What TV do we need to use a tivo box in the UK?

• Hello, we're considering getting a tivo 500GB box from virgin media (along with cable broadband) but we only have a very old analogue tv & no outdoor aerial. (Ludites I know) We think we need an outdoor aerial anyway in preparation for when digital TV comes in April, as our reception is pretty bad, but can we still use our old tv with tivo? Anyone else use theirs? We don't like throwing things away that still work perfectly well. We do have an old freeview box but, like I said, never use it as reception is so bad with our indoor aerial. (I've looked on the internet but no where seems to answer this question, at least not in terms I understand) Many thanks for your time!

• Answer:

  Hi there. Firstly you need to know whether Virgin Media supports your address with fibre-optic cables. This is done by going to http://shop.virginmedia.com/check-your-postcode/ If it says your address can get TV it will say "You're in a Virgin Media fibre optic cable area, so you can enjoy....." then you contact Virgin Media and order your TIVO box and installation. You need a HD Ready 720p or Full HD 1080p Digital TV to get the best picture available from recording HD programmes on TIVO. There is no need for an outside aerial with Virgin BUT you do need a new TV as mentioned above. If you can't get Virgin you will need to find an aerial installer and invest in a new DIGITAL aerial to receive Freeview via a updated Freeview Box, cost up to £50 and up to £150 for a digital aerial installation. Unless your old TV has a scart input it won't work with a new Freeview box. If the Virgin Media route is unsuccessful, get your aerial sorted and try your old Freeview box first. You may have re-install all the channels because there has been major updates in Freeview channles lately. That way you may not need to buy new TV or new Freeview box? Good luck, ... TIVO is great so I hope you get it.