Buying 2 new Tivo HDs, 3yrs + Lifetime and other ?s

[Bruce N]

After a long run with DirecTV and Tivo I find the lure of FiOS TV to be overwhelming. I already have FiOS internet so the ONT is already installed. I'll be looking to buy 2 Tivo HDs to replace an HR10-250 and a DSR7000. Then I'll sign up for FiOS and 4 Cable Cards. I've only had Tivo with DirecTV so I have no previous account directly with Tivo and most of the info I found when searching is focused toward existing Tivo customers and used equipment.

If I add a Tivo HD to my cart on the Tivo website I'm offered several plans including 3yr prepaid for $299. If I go back and add a second Tivo HD it now offers lifetime service for $399 for the second box. If I'm looking to keep my Tivos for a long time is this the best option? Is there a way to get lifetime service on both boxes?

Each Tivo HD only has one cable connected to it unlike the DirecTV units which have two, correct?

Each Tivo will need a network connection, either ethernet or wireless, correct?

When I first connect my Tivo HDs there will be no cable connection as FiOS TV will not be installed yet, will I be able to update them using only the internet connection?

I'm sure other things will come up but help with these questions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[johnf@home]

After a long run with DirecTV and Tivo I find the lure of FiOS TV to be overwhelming. I already have FiOS internet so the ONT is already installed. I'll be looking to buy 2 Tivo HDs to replace an HR10-250 and a DSR7000. Then I'll sign up for FiOS and 4 Cable Cards. I've only had Tivo with DirecTV so I have no previous account directly with Tivo and most of the info I found when searching is focused toward existing Tivo customers and used equipment.

I've recently done something similar - switched from DirecTV + HR10-2050 and a SAT-T60 to a pair of TiVo HD boxes. I've only got two cable cards because my cable supplier offers M(ultistream)-cards; I don't know whether Verizon/FIOS offer that option.

If I add a Tivo HD to my cart on the Tivo website I'm offered several plans including 3yr prepaid for $299. If I go back and add a second Tivo HD it now offers lifetime service for $399 for the second box. If I'm looking to keep my Tivos for a long time is this the best option? Is there a way to get lifetime service on both boxes?.

That's the deal I chose. You can only get lifetime on additional units, not on the first unit on any account.

Each Tivo HD only has one cable connected to it unlike the DirecTV units which have two, correct?.

Correct. You can also connect an aerial for OTA channels, if you so choose.

Each Tivo will need a network connection, either ethernet or wireless, correct?.

Not quite; you need either a network connection or a phone connection. But if you're going to take advantage of all the fancy features TiVo have introduced since the HR10-250 came along you'll want to use a network connection. Wireless is handy if either of your units is going to be located somewhere where you don't have a phone or network drop. It's not as fast as wired ethernet, but I don't believe the TiVo HD could make much use of the extra bandwidth in any case. That's assuming you have wireless-G, of course - wireless-B works, but is painfully slow.

When I first connect my Tivo HDs there will be no cable connection as FiOS TV will not be installed yet, will I be able to update them using only the internet connection?.

Yes - updates come via the phone/internet connection.

I'm sure other things will come up but help with these questions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Once your units are installed don't forget to visit the TiVo site and turn on multi-room viewing, etc., for your boxes. Then force a connection on each TiVo so they know to look for each other - they won't do that until the TiVo site tells them to do so.

[Bruce N]

Thanks very much for the feedback! I just ordered 2 Tivo HDs from Amazon and scheduled my FiOS TV install for Feb 5th. Wish me luck!

[rturrentine]

If you plan to go wireless, go ahead and order the Tivo Wirelesss adapters from Amazon as well. They are only $40 and are the only wireless adapters that work with TivoHD.

[Bruce N]

I saw that but I'll be hard-wiring them to the ethernet.

[DrBunsen]

I'm doing essentially the same thing. I had 2 SAT-T60's, then went to 2 HR10-250's, and got my TiVoHD's a few weeks ago. Did 3year/lifetime on the 2 THD's. Cablecards should be installed tomorrow. Hopefully the signal quality will be good through my cable provider (Suddenlink); I'm eager to jump off the DTV bandwagon.


Bunsen

[yargok]

Well one way to get around the initial box is to use the hdgift promotion. It looks to still be available, even though it has technically expired.

http://www.tivo.com/hdgift

It is still possible to add a lifetime box to your cart using that page. If you don't have a TSN to use, PM me and i can give you a direct link to the cart with a tivo added to it. Then you can go back after receiving it and order a second box with lifetime, in the manner you describe.

[Bruce N]

Thanks very much for that offer but I've already ordered my units from Amazon for $256 each with free shipping.