Best Options For Tivo and (existing) Directv Account

[sloan]

Ok.

I have 1 standalone Tivo (Series 2, 540 model). I have 3 directv receiver boxes.

My current setup is that I use the Stand Alone Tivo, with 1 of the directv receiver boxes.

The other two, I use without any connection to Tivo.

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I've been noticing some DSR6000 boxes and DSR7000 boxes on ebay.
(And some other models that are direct-tivo boxes)

I have the skills/know how to replace/upgrade harddrives. (My current Stand Alone has >570 hours capacity).

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I think I want to keep my current StandAlone as-is, because I use it as the "backup" .. .and have it attached to an antenna, just in case of the rare storm .. blocking Tivo.

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I have the Total Choice package, with local channels. Aka, not the "premium", where I think you get the ability to dvr for free.

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My question is this.....

What is the most economical way to "tivo-ize" the other 2 receivers.

I'm already paying $4.99 (2X) for those extra boxes.

One option, though I don't think it wise, would be to get 2 other standalone tivo's.
(I'm famaliar with the new pricing issues, so we don't need to rehash that here)

The other option, since I'm a happy directv customer, might be to buy some used direct-tivo boxes.

If I buy some used DSR's, can I subsitute the 2 extra boxes..with directivo boxes?

I think I'd have to pay the DVR fee, but not per box, but per account? Is that right?

The DSR's would give me the advantage of being able to record 2 shows at once (which I don't have at all right now).

(I know about the satellite feed requirements, so just assume I can run as many satellite feeds as needed)

Now, my current Stand Alone, S2, has the latest software upgrade, as I can TivoToGo my shows from it to my laptop.

My question ... are there any direct-tivo machines which would allow my current S2 to "network" and do the show-swapping thing, where I think you can copy a show from one tivo , to another tivo?

I know the DSR6000 is a S1, thus this can't take place. But is there ~any model Series 2---direct-tivo which would integrate with my current Stand Alone S2?

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I guess I'm at a crossroads.... as I want to update the tivo recording ability (too many conflicts, especially on Wed night at 9pm !)

I think the DSR's give me multiple recordings at the same time, but I might sacrafice some of the inter-tivo copying.
But that's why I'm asking here.

I've searched, and read about 60 posts already, so figured it was time to ask the question more directly.

Any advice is appreciated. The clearer the advice, the more it would be appreciated.

Thanks............

[morgantown]

If I buy some used DSR's, can I subsitute the 2 extra boxes..with directivo boxes?

I think I'd have to pay the DVR fee, but not per box, but per account? Is that right?

Yes and yes.

Search "Zipper" here and that will answer your other show swapping question.

[tortio]

I just finished zippering my hard-driveless DSR7000 from weaknees, (I also ordered the card) for $60, got a 120GB drive from Office Depot for $40 after rebates and then a refurb Netgear usb ethernet dongle for $13.

To me, that was the best deal and I get a whole lot more than, imho, than a new R10 or R15 which would cost about the same. In fact, I've deactived the two R10's I have since I have a refurbed HDVR2 (DRV4ME) and the already mentioned DSR7000 in service, if you know what i mean wink wink wink.

[BillyBob_jcv]

I would be a bit careful with purchasing an ebay unit. There have been reports of DirecTV not wanting to activate some units because the previous owner had an unpaid balance or it was reported stolen. I think some of the issues were resolved by working your way up the CSR food chain. IMHO, Weaknees or another good dealer is probably a safer bet.