DirecTV and Tivo's

[Extremist]

There's several threads that I could post this in, but it's not 100% on track with the OP's message, so I'll start a new thread.

My sister-in-law has a DTivo that they are not going to use as they have switched to another cable provider (trees in the way of the sat dish when they moved).

She's prefectly willing to give me the Tivo unit, but I have heard some people say on here that DIrecTV won't subscribe an old Tivo unit to your account. Then in some threads I've read that some people are saying to go buy a tivo from some online stores.

Just a little confused on the topic, can I take the Tivo from her and get it subbed on my account or will they not do that, or is it an issues of CRS roulette?

[John T Smith]

Yes it is CSR dependent... but MOST people have few problems

You MAY need to buy a new access card... but even that is dependent on the CSR

[mitkraft]

I have never heard of not being able to sub a unit because of age. There should be nothing to stop you from subbing the unit other than the previous owner of that unit having an account issue (i.e. unpaid bill). The ACCESS CARD however is another issue. That part is definitely CSR roulette. The worst case scenario should be that they make you pay $20 for a new card.

Can someone who has had direct experience with not being able to sub a DTivo strictly because "its an older unit" let us know if what I've said isn't true? I'm curious myself since I've never heard of that.

[KSbugeater]

Yes, it's true... D* will no longer let you start a new account with a used machine. My cousin tried and they would not let him, even after taking down all the information from the box. He had to get a new box (SD sat-only at a minimum, he chose the HR20) in order to begin a new account, then add the old Tivo to it as a 2nd machine.

[Extremist]

aah, but on an existing account I should be able to add another Tivo unit from what you're saying KSbugeater?

[goony]

aah, but on an existing account I should be able to add another Tivo unitAffirmative.

[wolflord11]

Yes, it's true... D* will no longer let you start a new account with a used machine. My cousin tried and they would not let him, even after taking down all the information from the box. He had to get a new box (SD sat-only at a minimum, he chose the HR20) in order to begin a new account, then add the old Tivo to it as a 2nd machine.

If you have a current account with Directv, you can add any receiver/dvr you wish, even a used one. You may need to get a New Access Card.

[DonDon]

If you have a current reciever that you are replacing with the Tivo unit, MOST csr or tech support reps will move the card over for you. I've done it both ways. If they won't or can't figure out what to do, just hang up and call back.

If you are going to add it as an additional receiver, you will most likely have to purchase a new access card for 20 bux.

Don

[Extremist]

Good deal, I have a standard (old as dirt) reciever that for some unknown reason sometimes decides to act funny, like when you press the channel up key it can take up to 5 seconds for it to respond.

Hopefully they can move over the access card that's in that unit to the Tivo and everything will be good :)

Thanks!

[wolflord11]

Directv can sometimes transfer over a Access Card that is on your account from One Unit to another.

If you have an older unit, with an older Access Card it may not be able to be done. They may have to replace the access card.

As for the $20.00 fee for a New Card, if the above is the case, they will charge you $20.00 for the card, but you should receive a $20.00 credit on your account.

Total Cost: $0.

:D