Yet Another Service Transfer Question

[terryfoster]

So, reading in a seperate thread, I see you cannot transfer service to a box that has already been activated. Does this mean that I cannot buy a SA TiVo, get a service only subscription to try it out, and then even if I like it enough to replace my S1 I can't transfer the lifetime sub to it?

It would make sense to me that I would be allowed to cancel my sub on the new SA TiVo (after my commitment, if one is required) and then transfer the lifetime sub.



Read this question as, "I want to take the S3 for a test drive to see if I can live with only two tuners and if I like it enough I would like to kill my S1 and transfer the lifetime sub to it. Otherwise I will keep the S3 on a monthly sub."

[LifeIsABeach]

You cannot transfer a lifetime subscription from a Series 1 TiVo unless it was activated before a certain date (I think January 2000).

[terryfoster]

Assuming you are browsing with a device that can view signatures, you should have read that my S1 qualifies for the one time transfer, so that point is irrelevant.

[ah30k]

Why do you say that you cant transfer service to another box (lifetime must be done within the first 30 days of lifetime purchase. The following quote is from the Tivo web page...

You can transfer any service agreement to another TiVo DVR of any make or model at any time. (For Product Lifetime Service transfer policies, see below.) Just go to Manage My Account. After you log in to Manage My Account, select Change service number from the left navigation bar, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Warning: Rebates offered with the purchase of a new or refurbished TiVo DVR apply only to new activations. You will not receive a rebate if you transfer service.

You can transfer Product Lifetime Service to another DVR only if:

* You activated the DVR less than 30 days ago.
* The DVR was exchanged under warranty, either through the retailer or the manufacturer.
* The DVR was activated under an incorrect service number.

If any of these conditions apply, you can transfer Product Lifetime Service through Manage My Account (following the instructions above), or by contacting Customer Support.

[rainwater]

Why do you say that you cant transfer service to another box (lifetime must be done within the first 30 days of lifetime purchase. The following quote is from the Tivo web page...

You can transfer any service agreement to another TiVo DVR of any make or model at any time. (For Product Lifetime Service transfer policies, see below.) Just go to Manage My Account. After you log in to Manage My Account, select Change service number from the left navigation bar, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Warning: Rebates offered with the purchase of a new or refurbished TiVo DVR apply only to new activations. You will not receive a rebate if you transfer service.

You can transfer Product Lifetime Service to another DVR only if:

* You activated the DVR less than 30 days ago.
* The DVR was exchanged under warranty, either through the retailer or the manufacturer.
* The DVR was activated under an incorrect service number.

If any of these conditions apply, you can transfer Product Lifetime Service through Manage My Account (following the instructions above), or by contacting Customer Support.

Those apply to the DVR with lifetime on it. Not a new unit. Assuming you have a S1, then none of those would apply.

[ah30k]

Sorry for any confusion regarding my snippet from the Tivo policies...

The original poster said that you can't transfer service to a previously activated box. I would like to confirm or deny that thought. Preferrably deny it.

[terryfoster]

I only wonder because jfh3 in the Transfer of service question on new DT units (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=39894111) thread seems to believe that once the box is activated you cannot transfer lifetime service to it...

You can't transfer any subscription to a unit that's already activated.

The DTs from tivo.com are already activated. You don't want it in 30 days, return it. But you can't transfer lifetime to it.

[ah30k]

Maybe I'll send a note to TiVo Ops Manager to confirm or deny. I have an open ebay auction to transfer a lifetime within the 30 day window. If I can't transfer to certain units I would like to update and disclose all relevent info the prospective buyers. The last thing I want to do is waste anyones time or screw anyone.

My thought was that it was only the Tivo Bundle units that could not have service transferred to them (although even that seems to to be against the policy snippet I grabbed).

[Einselen]

Maybe I'll send a note to TiVo Ops Manager to confirm or deny. I have an open ebay auction to transfer a lifetime within the 30 day window. If I can't transfer to certain units I would like to update and disclose all relevent info the prospective buyers. The last thing I want to do is waste anyones time or screw anyone.

My thought was that it was only the Tivo Bundle units that could not have service transferred to them (although even that seems to to be against the policy snippet I grabbed).

I thought I saw your auction... It is in my watch list because I am just interested to see what it goes for, not to buy, sorry if you were excited about me having it in the watch list

[ah30k]

I never get excited about watchers. I'm not usually in the business of flipping things on ebay, but I bought two S2s with lifetime on 4/15 with the expectaion that the DTs would not be out for a while. Now that they are out, I am interested. I really hate sitting down to watch something in my LR only to find out that the Tivo is recording 'Thats So Raven' or some other kids show!!! I can't justify getting the DT without returning at least one of the new S2s to Circuit City. The question is should I return/cancel the lifetime, if even possible or sell it. If I can, I figured I would try to sell it. I really thought I could make it happen based on reading the policies. I still think so, but I'm not so sure.

[Einselen]

I never get excited about watchers. I'm not usually in the business of flipping things on ebay, but I bought two S2s with lifetime on 4/15 with the expectaion that the DTs would not be out for a while. Now that they are out, I am interested. I really hate sitting down to watch something in my LR only to find out that the Tivo is recording 'Thats So Raven' or some other kids show!!! I can't justify getting the DT without returning at least one of the new S2s to Circuit City. The question is should I return/cancel the lifetime, if even possible or sell it. If I can, I figured I would try to sell it. I really thought I could make it happen based on reading the policies. I still think so, but I'm not so sure.

You could transfer lifetime to the S2 DT, but then you would have to buy the S2 DT at retail and not get the rebate.

If you can not stand sitting to watch TV and finding the Tivo is recording a kids show why not record the kids show on another TV using your other Tivo with lifetime and then if and when the kids want to watch it in the LR just use MRV.

Also as others have said all in the forum, if you are still watching live tivo then you are not using your tivo properly. Sooner or later you will never have to watch live tv again.

[ah30k]

Also as others have said all in the forum, if you are still watching live tivo then you are not using your tivo properly. Sooner or later you will never have to watch live tv again.
I consider timeshifting current programming an excellent use of Tivo. I have season passes for the three or four programs I really enjoy and use time shifting of current programming for the rest. The first thing I did with my previous Tivos was turn off all of the annoying recommended recordings. I hated having to wade through the stuff that Tivo thought I might like.

[ah30k]

If you can not stand sitting to watch TV and finding the Tivo is recording a kids show why not record the kids show on another TV using your other Tivo with lifetime and then if and when the kids want to watch it in the LR just use MRV.
I'm new to the whole MRV thing since I was a previous owner of S1s. Can I remotely tell a second Tivo to record a show from the LR Tivo or do I need to physically go up stairs to tell it to record?

[RoyK]

I'm new to the whole MRV thing since I was a previous owner of S1s. Can I remotely tell a second Tivo to record a show from the LR Tivo or do I need to physically go up stairs to tell it to record?

You have to make the trek upstairs -- sadly.
Roy

[ZeoTiVo]

I'm new to the whole MRV thing since I was a previous owner of S1s. Can I remotely tell a second Tivo to record a show from the LR Tivo or do I need to physically go up stairs to tell it to record?


MRV is solely to be able to copy a show from one TiVo to another TiVo. You can start to watch the show as soon as it starts to transfer, much like a recording. Now playing will show it with a BLUE dot while it is copying. Transfer time depends on network config and quality recorded at.


You can not do anything on the remote TiVo except browse the now playing list of other TiVos on your home network adn copy shows from them. The recording stays on the remote TiVo and no attributes about it change - like time to keep.

You have to go to the remote TiVo if you want to delete it.

[terryfoster]

My understanding at this time is that ah30k has a question out to TiVo Ops Manager about this, but I will bump the thread anyway.

Simply, I want to know if I can transfer Lifetime to a TiVo that currently has monthly service. According to jfh3, you can't transfer Lifetime to a TiVo that has already been activated (quote provided in a previous post).

Is jfh3 right or can I transfer lifetime from my S1 (that qualifies for one lifetime transfer) to a new SA TiVo that has already been activated?

[TiVoStephen]

(Assuming you are eligible to transfer your Product Lifetime, since in most cases it cannot be transferred.)

You cannot transfer any kind of service to a unit that already has service. The existing service on a second unit would need to be canceled first before anything could be transferred.

[terryfoster]

Thank you. That is what I expected. Now that I have had time to think about it on the way home, I think I will transfer my lifetime immediately and go monthly on my S1 box. This way I don't run the risk of my S1 dying and losing the lifetime sub.

[jfh3]

(Assuming you are eligible to transfer your Product Lifetime, since in most cases it cannot be transferred.)

You cannot transfer any kind of service to a unit that already has service. The existing service on a second unit would need to be canceled first before anything could be transferred.

Guess nobody believed me. :rolleyes:

Well, at least all of this is moot in two weeks.

(So if someone REALLY wanted to get lifetime on a DT from Tivo, they probably could, as long as they are also going to pay the $150 cancellation penalty on it. Still far cheaper/easier ways to do this if you really want to).

[terryfoster]

Well, at least all of this is moot in two weeks.


No, not really. I plan on transfering my lifetime to a S3 when its released.

[greg_burns]

Thank you. That is what I expected. Now that I have had time to think about it on the way home, I think I will transfer my lifetime immediately and go monthly on my S1 box. This way I don't run the risk of my S1 dying and losing the lifetime sub.

No, not really. I plan on transfering my lifetime to a S3 when its released.

:confused:

You do realize you get only one transfer with a grandfathered series 1? Choose wisely. ;)

[ah30k]

(Assuming you are eligible to transfer your Product Lifetime, since in most cases it cannot be transferred.)

You cannot transfer any kind of service to a unit that already has service. The existing service on a second unit would need to be canceled first before anything could be transferred.
Slowly I am learning the various roadblocks.

1) if you transfer to a new retail machine you cannot use the rebate. This has been posted here before.

2) You must cancel any service (and incur any penalty associated with this) prior to transferring the lifetime to it.

My read on this is that you could transfer a 30 day window lifetime to any box that is out of its committment period by simply closing the service on the current box then moving the lifetime to it.

I may (or may not) have an e-mail reply directly from Stephen on this subject that adds clarifying info but won't know until I get to work tomorrow.

ah30k