tivo dvr no subscription (1 Viewer)

[zpdrummer]

Hello,
I have a very basic question, I was looking for a DVR player and came across the tivo dvrs, they are quite cheap(off ebay) compared to standalone dvr, so my real question is, can I use the dvr feature of the tivo, without getting a subscription?? I understand I won't get the tivo benefits, but all i really need was recording feature.
Also, if I can do this, will I still be able to transfer files over my home network without a subscription?
thanks in advance

 

[Michael Reuben]

Only the first generation of TiVo machines will work as a DVR without a subscription. Beginning with (I believe) the Series 2, TiVos simply refuse to function unless they're subscribed. It's possible the later Series 1s have the same requirement; so I'd be careful.

As for transferring files over a home network, I'm pretty sure you need a subscription to enable that feature, for the simple reason that I don't believe the feature was added until the Series 2.

M.

 

[Brian^K]

TiVo Series 2, TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD all require subscription to have program information, set up recordings, and use any broadband features, such as MRV and TTG. You can play the recordings you already have once your subscription expires, but that's about it.

 

[zpdrummer]

wow, thanks for the help, you saved me from a potentially costly mistake

 

[gene c]

I have seen some Pioneer dvrs (possibly other brands as well) on Ebay that had Tivo built in and came with a lifetime subscription when sold new. I don't remember the model number but it had a 57 in it. I have no idea if they would still work after a sale to another individual but the sellers seem to think they would (which is what you would expect them to say).

 

[Brian^K]

There were two models. The 57-H was the elite model, with a larger hard drive. Mine was the matching standard model, the 810-H. They have TiVo Basic service. It provides only for three days of program guide information (as compared to fourteen days, for full TiVo service), and doesn't allow for the broadband features (MRV or TTG).

Doesn't much matter to me, though: My Pioneer 810-H has lifetime (full TiVo) service.

TiVo service (lifetime or Basic) travels with the DVR. That's TiVo policy.

 

[gene c]

Thanks for clearing that up. The 57-H isn't on Pioneers web site but I did find the 810-H there (under older models).

 

[Kevin Stewart]

I'm not familiar with their current policy, but it wasn't always that way. I bought tivo lifetime about 8 years ago and still have it, even though the equipment I had then is long gone.

 

[Brian^K]

It has always been their policy. Please believe me: always. They have allowed lifetime service transfers, both paid and free, under very specific and certain circumstances for each of the two. However, barring transfers, the service always is tied to the service number, which is burned onto the motherboard of the box.

 

[Michael Reuben]

Brian is correct. I also bought lifetime service about 8 years ago, and that particular subscription has been attached to three different boxes. The first switch (from Series 1 to 2) was free. The second switch (from Series 2 to 3) was not. But whatever box it's attached to, it stays with until and unless TiVo allows a switch.

M.

 

[Kevin Stewart]

Must be because my original paid subscription to tivo was for a D*tivo. Shortly after I paid it, the lifetime transfered to any D* DVR.

 

[Brian^K]

DirecTiVo service is with DirecTV, not with TiVo. The OP is discussing regular TiVo service, not DirecTV service.

Note that TiVo won't allow any transfers between DirecTiVo and regular TiVo service.