I could use some friendly (informed) advice

[Gypsy]

I'm considering trying to win a TiVo on eBay (url restricted because I'm too new here - I swear I'm not a spambot!). But before I commit to bidding any higher, there are a few things I'd like to be more (or less) sure of.

Since I can't post the url, here is some info from the eBay listing:
LIKE NEW TiVo SERIES 2 - MODEL # TCD 540040

WITH INSTALLED 320GB UPGRADE DRIVE


LIFETIME SERVICE INCLUDED!!!!


UP FOR AUCTION IS A USED TiVo SERIES 2 DVR w/ A BRAND NEW SEAGATE BARRACUDA 320GB HARD DRIVE INSTALLED!!!!


LIFETIME TiVo PLUS SERVICE IS INCLUDED WITH THIS UNIT AND ALREADY ACTIVATED!!


I USE ONLY BRAND NEW / FACTORY SEALED SEAGATE BARRACUDA HARD DRIVES - 7200RPM / 16MB CACHE. ORIGINAL 40 HOUR TiVo HARD DRIVE WILL BE INCLUDED FOR WARRANTY PURPOSES.


ADDITIONALLY, SELLER GUARANTEES FULL FUNCTIONALITY OF NEW INSTALLED UPGRADED HARD DRIVE w/ THE EXCEPTION OF EVIDENCE OF TAMPERING / NEGLIGENCE OR ACTS OF GOD!


320 GB UPGRADE DRIVE ALLOWS UP TO 360+ HOURS OF RECORDING AT BASIC QUALITY. NEVER MISS ANOTHER SHOW AGAIN!!!

First off: Is this equipment worth anywhere near his Buy It Now price of $789?

Also, I have my computers wirelessly networked at home. What kind of possible issues might I have with this model despising my network, and having to buy more hardware to make it work?

These are the questions I asked the buyer:
If you have the wireless adapter, I assume that you had it wirelessly networked. I already have two computers wirelessly networked in my home. Do you know, by chance, exactly what I'd have to have and do to add this TiVo to that network?

If I can put this on the wireless, I could send any movies I want to burn to my bedroom computer, which already has a DVD burner, correct? Have you ever done this?

This is the buyer's answer:
Hi,

Actually no, I did not have it hooked up with the wireless adapter. I do not know all of that technical info. about burning onto your computer.. my instincts say yes, but I don't want to be giving you misleading information. Your best bet is to log onto the TiVo website and search within their technical support section. I will try and do the same later on tonight as I am at work right now. Then maybe we can compare notes.

thanks.

Anyone who has valid input about this unit - including any problematic (or wonderful) scenarios I have not thought of myself - won't you please chime in? I'm just a full time single mom and full time college student, living on a tad of child support, a part time job, and whatever is left of my Pell grants. I save up the entire year to make sure my kids have Christmas... I can't afford to spend all I've saved on something I can't even make work. It would be catastrophic. I just cannot deal with even the idea of letting my kids down that way.

Thanks in advance for all advice,
Gypsy

[Gypsy]

I put this request for info in this forum because the unit in question has already been upgraded. I figured that might be a factor that might change advice.

If this is NOT the right place for me to post this thread, can someone please tell me where I should post it?

Thank you.
Gypsy

[mick66]

This particular TiVo is roughly worth the cost of a 320GB hard drive, the cost of lifetime service and probably a little extra because lifetime subscriptions are no longer an option. I think that $789 is too much. I wouldn't pay more than $450, but I could easily see it selling for as much as $600 on ebay.

As for connecting via a wireless network, You just need to get an appropriate compatible USB adapter. If you use WPA security on your network, the only compatible adapter is the TiVo branded wireless G adapter.
http://customersupport.tivo.com/LaunchContent.aspx?CID=56cc9bdc-b292-448e-a6c3-2e55fc03c89f

[funtoupgrade]

I agree with mick66. $789 is way too much for this unit, and $450 would be about right. Also any series 2 will network with the correct compatible USB wireless adapter. Since you have lots of choices on eBay, you might consider an older series two TiVo (240 models) which many feel have a better picture quality than their latest 540 models. Do an eBay search for "lifetime" under TiVo series 2 units and see what all pops up.

[greg_burns]

If one is on a budget I would consider just buying one from directly from Tivo since they are practically giving them away. (80GB for $70 + $12.95/month for 3 years) Sure, you have the monthly bill to deal with, but that maybe easier than coming up with cash for an upgraded lifetime unit. (You can always do the upgrade yourself down the road if you think 80GB isn't enough).

Finally, note that the 540 series are not dual tuners units. That may be a deciding factor.

Do you have cable or satellite?

http://www.tivo.com/2.0.boxes.step.1.asp

[Gypsy]

Thanks guys, this is great advice. I hadn't thought about it not being a dual tuner, but you're right - I'd like to have that.

I have cable, and a broadband connection that isn't the very fastest offered, but the speed just below that. Not awake enough to come close to remembering what that is, at the moment. I've been wondering about the speed thing, too. My living room computer moves SO slow compared to this one (the one sitting next to the modem). The internet connection is only used by TiVo for updates in the middle of the night though, right?

you might consider an older series two TiVo (240 models) which many feel have a better picture quality than their latest 540 models.

Now, this is something I was unaware of. Hmmm... think I'll do an eBay search on that particular model, see what pops up. But that model doesn't have dual tuners, right? I guess that means I can't eat cake.

P.S.
Sorry for the slow response to your advice. It's final exam week. When I'm not working, I'm studying for the next final. I'm busting my ass trying to keep my 4.0 GPA. I think Political Science is going to rob me of it, though. LeSigh.

Oops, just rambled off topic. Sorry. That happens when I'm waiting for the coffee kick-in to start.

[Gypsy]

Up for auction is a Toshiba SD H400 TiVo unit w/ DVD player that comes with FREE Lifetime TiVo Basic service. So there is no monthly fee unless you decide to switch to the TiVo Plus service.

Hey guys... I thought if you had the Lifetime service, it was Plus. I'm confused. Can someone clarify this?

This (http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-SD-H400-TiVo-DVD-FREE-Lifetime-Basic-Service_W0QQitemZ170059019193QQihZ007QQcategoryZ79865QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem?hash=item170059019193) is the auction I'm getting this from.

[greg_burns]

I have cable, and a broadband connection that isn't the very fastest offered, but the speed just below that. Not awake enough to come close to remembering what that is, at the moment. I've been wondering about the speed thing, too. My living room computer moves SO slow compared to this one (the one sitting next to the modem). The internet connection is only used by TiVo for updates in the middle of the night though, right?

Your internet connection speed it not a concern (at least not as far as using your Tivo is concerned. :p )

I asked about cable versus satellite becuase the newer dual tuner models only work with cable. And even then, it can only record one digital channel at a time.

[greg_burns]

Hey guys... I thought if you had the Lifetime service, it was Plus. I'm confused. Can someone clarify this?

This (http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-SD-H400-TiVo-DVD-FREE-Lifetime-Basic-Service_W0QQitemZ170059019193QQihZ007QQcategoryZ79865QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem?hash=item170059019193) is the auction I'm getting this from.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4569271&&#post4569271
Tivo Basic applies only to a limited number of S2 Tivo-DVD units. The cost of the basic service on these units was built into the higher purchase price. With basic those units receive 3 days worth of guide data but have no MRV or TTG functionality. The old S1 units are simply capable of recording by time and channel w/o guide data and w/o a subscription.

Regular lifetime gives you 14 days of guide data plus everything else Tivo offers. (Multi-Room Viewing and Tivo2Go.)

[greg_burns]

I have both a 240 and 540 model. I've personally never noticed much difference in PQ. Now, I've heard the Series 1 models do have a noticeably better picture. (But you don't want one of those.)

The 540's are somewhat slower, than a 240. And both are slower than a DT.