Replace Disk in Series 1 or Buy Series 2

[bearymore]

I have a Philips Series 1 recorder which I upgraded to 98 hours over 3 years ago. It has been continuously rebooting and it doesn't look like a clear program and season pass data is going to help -- its been at that for about 15 hours and it has already rebooted itself once in the process. I'm becoming resigned to the fact that one (or both) of the two hard disks in the unit has failed.

Here is my question. Weaknees has a 120 hour drive replacement for $149. They have a new 140 hour R10 series 2 for $329. Is upgrading to a series 2 worth $180, or should I get a drive replacement for my 4 year old series 1? Please help me soon, or I'll go through Tivo withdrawal.

Thanks.

[jlac839]

I'd suggest that you have to weigh the pros and cons of switching to a new unit. If you are happy with the functionality of the Series 1 (assuming a replacement drive of course) then that would be your cheapest option. You didn't mention whether your existing Series 1 has a monthly or lifetime subscription since that would make a difference.

If you want to try some or all of the new features and functions offered by Series 2 units then by all means upgrade but be sure to understand your purchase options. Tivo has the following deal available that might be of interest: http://www.tivo.com/0.11.summer.asp and there are other sources from which to purchase a unit (eBay is an obvious option). Remember that you'll need a new subscription for a new unit and that lifetime subscription isn't available any more from TiVo. You can however find Series 2 units with lifetime for sale on eBay.

<EDIT> Oops! Sorry, I just noticed that your post was in the DirecTV forum so the TiVo deal I mentioned might not be of any use... </EDIT>

[Idearat]

The previous response doesn't really apply to a DirecTivo at all.

Find a Series 2, no reason to look for a Series 1. The R10 will limit your hacking options somewhat, such as The Zipper. If it were me I'd look for a used Series 2 DirecTivo and upgrade the drive myself, or just buy the upgraded drive for it. Since DirecTV was selling them for under $20 a few months ago you should be able to find a used one at a reasonable price.



I'd suggest that you have to weigh the pros and cons of switching to a new unit. If you are happy with the functionality of the Series 1 (assuming a replacement drive of course) then that would be your cheapest option. You didn't mention whether your existing Series 1 has a monthly or lifetime subscription since that would make a difference.

If you want to try some or all of the new features and functions offered by Series 2 units then by all means upgrade but be sure to understand your purchase options. Tivo has the following deal available that might be of interest: http://www.tivo.com/0.11.summer.asp and there are other sources from which to purchase a unit (eBay is an obvious option). Remember that you'll need a new subscription for a new unit and that lifetime subscription isn't available any more from TiVo. You can however find Series 2 units with lifetime for sale on eBay.

[jlac839]

Yup, I was brain dead this afternoon - sorry about the useless reply. Hope Idearat's response is of more use.

[bearymore]

The previous response doesn't really apply to a DirecTivo at all.

Find a Series 2, no reason to look for a Series 1. The R10 will limit your hacking options somewhat, such as The Zipper. If it were me I'd look for a used Series 2 DirecTivo and upgrade the drive myself, or just buy the upgraded drive for it. Since DirecTV was selling them for under $20 a few months ago you should be able to find a used one at a reasonable price.

There's a new wrinkle. Following this advice, I found a new Series 2 with no hard drive from PTVUpgrade for $65. Through them, I could get a 146 hour drive kit for $149 and less if I wanted to go the do it yourself route. In any case, that would give me a series 2 for $215 or less. Since PTVUpgrade doesn't supply access cards, I called Directv to find out if I could use my old one. They told me I needed a new one and then they offered me a brand new Directv DVR with 100 hours for free, nada, nothing. Is there any reason at all why I shouldn't take this deal???

[puffdaddy]

Is there any reason at all why I shouldn't take this deal???It's not a TiVo based unit.

Lots of posts on the differences between DirecTiVos and the DTV R15s. It will also be a leased unit (you own your S1 DTiVo), but that does not matter much to some.

Also, despite what the DTV CSR told you, you need not purchase a new access card from them. If you buy the Weakness DSR7k refurb (sans HD) that you were looking at, you can simply pop the access card from your S1 DTiVo into the DSR7k, dial 1 (800) DIRECTV, and hit x722 when the automated lady starts talking. This will send a re-auth message in the sat stream, and your unit should work. This assumes that you've hacked your unit (or zippered).

Really, it all depends upon how much effort you're looking to put forth versus the $$ you spend. One can hunt for a Craig's list, non-RID DTiVo for ~$25, and then hack it manually for free, and swap out the card. But all of that takes time, effort, reading, and learning.