TiVo Service Series II

[monoxide]

I just happend to pick up a TiVo Series 2 box (TCD540040) for 10$ at a second hand shop then took it home to see they are asking for me to dial them and pay them... I am not really looking for them to send me show updates and so on, I would really just like it to work as a DVR and send them a fake call and record one set channel when I ask it to. are my thoughts way off course??? I have read a few things about some fakecall program but I am not looking to get TiVo's service I just want to record my shows

[supasta]

A TiVo requires service.

[Soapm]

I just happend to pick up a TiVo Series 2 box (TCD540040) for 10$ at a second hand shop then took it home to see they are asking for me to dial them and pay them... I am not really looking for them to send me show updates and so on, I would really just like it to work as a DVR and send them a fake call and record one set channel when I ask it to. are my thoughts way off course??? I have read a few things about some fakecall program but I am not looking to get TiVo's service I just want to record my shows

Modding that box would mean changing the PROM then buying software for the mod. This still won't reactivate the box because it called home after the account was closed. No matter what you do, you will have to pay the balance. I suggest returning the box. You can get a new 649DT free after rebate if you search for Best Buy.

[monoxide]

I just was reading about the PROM mods needed to be done. when I fist got the box it was fine and the service seed to have been activated, then after tinkering with it I had seen the screen for call did not go thru (because no line was connected) so that screen basically messed me up...??? If so I am sure e-bay will do fine for this box seeing it turns on and works someone might have messed up there tivo and need the drive or something.... but thanks for the fast replys

edit: soapm ... I got the box at a second hand shop so there is no returns.

[Einselen]

You can get a new 649DT free after rebate if you search for Best Buy.

Not anymore, on Sunday the price went back, so now it is $50.

[Soapm]

Not anymore, on Sunday the price went back, so now it is $50.

Whoops, guess if it wasn't for bad luck monoxide wouldn't have no luck at all.

monoxide = I wonder if you got the rumored 30 deactivation??? Have you called to see what is owed?

[monoxide]

no I had no clue to call them and check the service on the box, i really should tho if someone had some lifetime deal on it or something.... I was just looking at Ubuntu & MythTV on the tivo to record the shows I want

[classicsat]

You don't need to do a PROM mod to make the box work, you just need to subscribe. Modifying the software or OS to enable subscription features without paying is considered theft of service here.

You cannot install PC linux softwares on the TiVo, you need to use the TiVo software.

Since you have nearly zero investment in the box, it might be worth it to pay the $299 3-year prepay, rather than invest in a PC to to PC based DVR solutions.

[steve614]

At the very least, subscribe for 1 month, and load it with movies you like watching over and over.
When the subscription runs out, you will still be able to watch live TV through the buffer and watch anything that is already on the Tivos hard drive.

[monoxide]

paying for a service, and even paying for one month of the service is not really worth it to me, my only plan was to basically use it as a DVR, it is also said from my friend Google you can indeed put ubuntu and mythTV on a tivo..... if not I am really not at a loss and got a 40gb hdd out of it/ but thanks for the suggestions and replys I really do appreciate your time and willingness to help me & if any of you poster above need a webhost account just let me know and I can see what I can do to return the favor :D
P.S - I was not looking to steal there service, just use it as a DVR as stated above. I really dont need all there extra services and suggested programming features

[classicsat]

You don't get it, even basic recroding is a feature of the paid service, despite it technically not using outside resources, hecse the statement it is considered stealing.

You either get all of their services by paying (you can choose not to use certain elements of it), or you get nearly nothing by not subscribing.

You cannot put PC based Linux software on it, becasue they work differently than a TiVo. TiVo hardware is very proprietary, and the only DVR app for i t is the TiVo one.

If you want a recorder you don't need to sub to, you don't want a TiVo.

[LifeIsABeach]

Try finding a Series 1 TiVo. All Philips and most Sony's will let you use it like a VCR without a subscription.

Your friend google is incorrect.

[atmuscarella]

If you really want a subscription free VCR type DVR I would go down to walmart and buy one. They have combo DVR/DVD burners last one I saw had a 160 GB hard drive, DVD burner, and a built in digital tuner for $250. Seems pretty cheap to me.

Thanks,

[Sadara]

You need to find a Series 1 Tivo. The Series 2 and Series 3 Tivos will need a subscription. No matter what you may be reading on Google, you need a subscription. I'm sure you could track down a Series 1 Tivo that will do waht you are looking for!

[mchabura]

Or you could find a Series 2 with Tivo Basic (on ebay). These include the Toshiba RS-TX20 and RS-TX60. Tivo Basic has the very basic DVR functionality with 3 days of guide data without the monthly subscription.