Monthly subscription with new TiVo

[Pinster56]

I have a monthly subscription with a TiVo Series 2 for at least 5 years now. I am in the process of purchasing a new HD TiVo. I assume I have to change the subscription somehow. My questions:

1) Do I need to do this ahead of time BEFORE Comcast installs the CableCards and Firedog sets up the TiVo? Do I call TiVo to do this or can it be done on line?

2) How much extra will it cost me monthly for the HD TiVo subscription?

3) What happens with my 5 year old Series 2 TiVo box? Do I have to return it? I don't want to pay for two boxes.

[LifeIsABeach]

1) You can do it online. Whether you wait until Comcast comes or not is up to you. When you switch you will still be able to watched recorded programs on the Series 2, but not record any new programs.

2) It will be the same price since you are doing a swap.

3) It is your to do what you want: give it to a friend, throw it out, etc.

[RonDawg]

1. In order to change your subscription over to the new TiVo, you will need the new box's TSN (TiVo Service Number). You won't know what this number is until you get the new box in your hands. Once you know the TSN of the new box it can be done via the TiVo website or over the phone.

2. If you stay with your current analog cable subscription, the price does not change. But to take advantage of your cable provider's digital offerings (including High Definition) you will likely need to upgrade your service to a digital tier, possibly an HD tier on top of that, and that will cost extra. CableCards are required to tune to the digital channels and are an additional cost, and you will need 2 single stream or 1 M-card. Contact your local cable provider for the exact costs.

3. Once you transfer the subscription from the old to the new, the old becomes little more than a doorstop, and unless it has Lifetime Service it is of little value on the open market. You can continue to watch any recordings still on it but cannot take advantage of the Program Guide or any other features.