Direct/Tivo ?

[LOST FAN]

I just bought a Tivo about 2 months ago. It's the best thing since sliced bread.

I have basic analog cable.

There is a really good deal for Direct TV and I am thinking about switching.

Questions?
1. AM I screwed out of my TiVo? Can I use my current TiVo (Series2) with Direct?
2. I know wouldn't be able to use both tunners with Direct, but can I record one channel and watch another?
3. I really like my current set up A LOT. Basic cable, basically I have 3 tuners...I have it split so I can watch TV via the Tivo and also just on the TV without Tivo. That is pretty sweet. So with that said...is Direct TV worth the switch?
4. Should I use the DVR that Direct supplies?

Thanks for all of your help..this is the best Forum on the net!!!

Ryan

[puffdaddy]

1. No, yes.
2. No, not without two lines and two SA units
3. You decide.
4. No. If you're a long time tivo user, request an R10 DTivo (say you don't want the DTV DVR Plus).

Most folks will tell you to drop your current tivo sub, as the DTivo unit is cheaper (5.99 versus ~$12?) and the DTivo dual tuner allows you to record while watching another channel (or record two channel while watching a pre-recorded blah blah blah).

[LOST FAN]

I am not past my year yet, will Tivo charge me the early cancel fee? OR would that be a transfer of services?

[puffdaddy]

I believe Tivo would deem it a cancellation (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Additionally, depending upon how many SA units you have, how many of those SA units are still in their "one-year" commitment period, and how many DTivo units you plan to acquire. You could do the following:

Assuming you have at least one SA unit that could be cancelled right now. You could call D*, get a setup with two regular receivers and one DVR (again, request the R10, and make that a condition of your signing up for service--ask for a higher level CSR if need be).

Then, cancel service on one of your SA boxes and use the two SA tivos with the regular D* receivers until their contract year is up. When that happens, eBay or Craig's list an older DTivo (non-RID unit like the HDVR2, DSR7000, or DVR39), and then just pop the card from D* regular receiver into the tivo unit and you should be up and running (some hacking could be necessary). In this way, you could retire your SA boxes (or sell them), replace them with DTivo's, and conserve money in the process.

I'll note that with the possible need for hacking, this might not be the most straightforward method. But with the zipper script available, it's easy even for non-hobbiests (is that even a word :confused: )