Purchasing S2 from ebay; what are manufacturer differences?

[lensheppard]

Hi. I am planning to purchase an S2 with lifetime on ebay, then sell my S1 subscription (but not the box) on ebay to someone who wants to take advantage of the lifetime subscription transfer that expires 1/31/07.

I am seeing on ebay and other places that there are "tivo-branded" boxes (hitachi and pioneer?) that seem to be different than "true" tivo boxes. Also, there are Humax boxes, which I'm not sure what category they fall into.

Can someone describe the basic differences between the different brands of S2's, so I know which to steer clear of, or what tradeoffs I'm making?

If this is posted elsewhere, please provide the link.

Thanks!

[jfh3]

As far as Series 2 boxes go:
- there are Humax and Tivo single tuner boxes that can record from OTA, cable or sat.
- there are Series 2 DT (Dual Tuner) boxes that can record from cable or sat.
- there are Humax, Pioneer and Toshiba DVD recorder boxes. The Pioneer and Toshiba boxes have a (very) limited lifetime service included, but all the key Tivo features require a "Tivo Plus" subscription.

The DT boxes are the fastest, then the earlier Tivo Series 2 boxes (240), then the newer "nightlight" 540 boxes, then the DVD boxes.

Other than that, they are pretty much the same.

[gastrof]

Hi. I am planning to purchase an S2 with lifetime on ebay, then sell my S1 subscription (but not the box) on ebay to someone who wants to take advantage of the lifetime subscription transfer that expires 1/31/07...

TiVo has said it again and again...

Your lifetime sub is tied to the box.

You sell the box, you sell the sub.

You keep the box, the sub stays with it...and with you.

TiVo can't transfer a lifetime sub to another box that isn't owned by the same person.

There are at least two cases where "somehow" they allowed someone to give them the ID numbers of a box and transfered the lifetime....only that person no longer owned the box, having sold it and the lifetime sub.

This led to serious problems, including the new owner discovering their machine no longer had lifetime, even tho' they'd bought it with the sub.

No doubt after two such occurences, TiVo's going to be very, very careful not to do any more transfers without knowing just who they're talking to, and making sure the person who owns the lifetime box is the same person as the one who owns the new box.

[ZeoTiVo]

I think he meant he would cooperate fully in allowing some one to transfer his lifetime to their S3 but that he would keep the box for the free year of service after the fact. No idea though of what paperwork hurdles he would face on that.

[classicsat]

For the most part, the differences would be with the DVD features or not, including the RF being just a passthrough.

The Toshiba and Pioneer units come with TiVo Basic (which although perpetual, should not be confused with Lifetime service, as some sellers seem to imply).

[chrishicks]

The DT boxes are the fastest, then the earlier Tivo Series 2 boxes (240), then the newer "nightlight" 540 boxes, then the DVD boxes.



so a 240 box is faster than the newer 540 box? what changed between them? I was looking at the 540 boxes on ebay for my bedroom thinking they'd be better since they are newer but now I'm lost here. how much of a difference are we talking about here in regards to speed between the 2?

[jfh3]

so a 240 box is faster than the newer 540 box? what changed between them? I was looking at the 540 boxes on ebay for my bedroom thinking they'd be better since they are newer but now I'm lost here. how much of a difference are we talking about here in regards to speed between the 2?

You would only notice the difference if you are using Tivo To Go over a wired ethernet connection. For "regular" Tivo stuff, I doubt there's much of a difference between a 540 and 240 box.

[lessd]

You would only notice the difference if you are using Tivo To Go over a wired ethernet connection. For "regular" Tivo stuff, I doubt there's much of a difference between a 540 and 240 box.

Using the TiVo G wireless adapter the 240 is 50% or more faster (then 590, 595,540, but not the 649) in MRV or to a PC.
I have tested this on the 240 I own.

[chrishicks]

Using the TiVo G wireless adapter the 240 is 50% or more faster (then 590, 595,540, but not the 649) in MRV or to a PC.
I have tested this on the 240 I own.

so if I plan on using MRV alot should I try to get a 240 then?

[rainwater]

so if I plan on using MRV alot should I try to get a 240 then?

Unless you need analog OTA, then you should get the S2 DT. Otherwise, the 240 is a good choice.

[SullyND]

Ok, given the current pricing and commitment requirements, why, oh, why, would someone buy a used S2 (provided they are not buying a lifetimed unit)

[chrishicks]

Ok, given the current pricing and commitment requirements, why, oh, why, would someone buy a used S2 (provided they are not buying a lifetimed unit)

I was wanting to buy a Lifetimed unit. I already have both a DTS2 and an S3. the single tuner S2 would basically be used as an "in case of emergency" extra tuner and as a way to MRV my DTS2.

[joker81]

I think he meant he would cooperate fully in allowing some one to transfer his lifetime to their S3 but that he would keep the box for the free year of service after the fact. No idea though of what paperwork hurdles he would face on that.

I would be pissed if someone did that and if I found out I would just cancel the old units tivo status.


Cancellation of only the 1-year contract on the old DVR while still transferring the Product Lifetime Service to the new Series3 HD DVR will be permitted, but only after 60 days of service for both boxes have elapsed.

[ZeoTiVo]

I would be pissed if someone did that and if I found out I would just cancel the old units tivo status.
I am pretty sure he also would be upfront about keeping the box. :rolleyes: many would buy a new S3 and want lifetime but have no interest in a S2 or S1 box it came from.

Did not strike me as a scammer, just someone bending the terms some.

[JPA2825]

I am pretty sure he also would be upfront about keeping the box. :rolleyes: many would buy a new S3 and want lifetime but have no interest in a S2 or S1 box it came from.

Did not strike me as a scammer, just someone bending the terms some.

I had the same impression (and am considering the same sale of the subscription, not the box on a currently unused S1 w/ lifetime. What terms do you think he/I would be bending?

[classicsat]

I had the same impression (and am considering the same sale of the subscription, not the box on a currently unused S1 w/ lifetime. What terms do you think he/I would be bending?

You can't sell a subscription, at least in spirit.

[TiVo Troll]

TiVo has said it again and again...

Your lifetime sub is tied to the box.

You sell the box, you sell the sub.

You keep the box, the sub stays with it...and with you.

TiVo can't transfer a lifetime sub to another box that isn't owned by the same person.

There are at least two cases where "somehow" they allowed someone to give them the ID numbers of a box and transfered the lifetime....only that person no longer owned the box, having sold it and the lifetime sub.

This led to serious problems, including the new owner discovering their machine no longer had lifetime, even tho' they'd bought it with the sub.

No doubt after two such occurences, TiVo's going to be very, very careful not to do any more transfers without knowing just who they're talking to, and making sure the person who owns the lifetime box is the same person as the one who owns the new box.

Who knows what evil lurks? (http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=dfhbzdfgfghnf&item=330049349901&iid=330049349901&frm=1883&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:SFS) :mad: