Tivo Serise 2 (TCD540040)

[William Lander]

I purchased the aforementioned unit at our local Goodwill store, for $10. It was my intention to rip out the hard drive and use it to replace the HD in my son's computer which crapped out.

The unit is in very clean condition and complete with the owners manual, quick start guide and remote. Before canalizing the Tivo, I thought to check it out, just for something to do. The unit after taking ages to boot, worked fine. I watched all the programming that was stored to the hard disk.

My question: I'd like to use this in conjunction with the ZAT-500 HD over the air digital receiver I have. The receiver had A/V outputs, the Tivo has A/V inputs outputs and the TV has a number of A/V inputs. All seems fine in that arena...

However, before I get into all the hassle of moving things around, plugging and unplugging cables etc, I want to know if I will be able to use this unit 'as is' as a stand along recorder, with out contacting the gods at Tivo Central or id there some secret jumper I can change or add that will allow me to use this as a recorder.. Or, sadly is my original plan was what I should stick with?

Lastly, if I connect the Tivo to my computer (USB to USB) can I use it as a "secondary HD" on my computer?

Thanks!
WHL

[T1V0]

However, before I get into all the hassle of moving things around, plugging and unplugging cables etc, I want to know if I will be able to use this unit 'as is' as a stand along recorder, with out contacting the gods at Tivo Central or id there some secret jumper I can change or add that will allow me to use this as a recorder..
nope. it requires service for anything more than you've already done with it.
Lastly, if I connect the Tivo to my computer (USB to USB) can I use it as a "secondary HD" on my computer?
nope.

[David_NC]

You should at least check the account status on the system information page - you might get really, really lucky and someone donated a lifetime subscription unit.

[William Lander]

This is what I though might be the reply.

l just do not believe in anything that revolves around paying for TV in any way. However, this is not really a loss. I'll just go a head with my original plan to rip the Hard Drive out of it and use it in my sons computer. The rest of the tivo can hit the trash.

Thanks again for confirming my thoughts!

Bill