Will Lifetime Box Work In Feb 2009?

[derrick111]

Hi, I hope this is in the best section to post this...

I am getting dizzy poking through all the posts about the coming move from analog to digital over the air transmissions in Feb. 2009.

I have a lifetime box and I am concerned about my TiVo still working after Feb 2009! I receive all my TV programming Over The Air (OTA) using a TV antenna.

It seems that you have to know what version TiVo box you have but there are many and I don't know which one I have. I think it's rather old though, but it is a lifetime box that works perfectly. Any help continuing the use of this lifetime box afterFe. 2009 would be greately appreceated!!

Thanks.

[jlb]

If your box is a Series 3, HD, or HD XL Tivo (all three are "HD" boxes), you should be ok. If you have anything else, I am pretty sure you will need a converter box. That being said, the dual tuner Series 2 will still work, but it will become a single tuner box as the "dual tuning" functionality is either 2 analog channels or 1 analog and one digital.

Even if you don't have an HDTV, it might be worth upgrading to an HD TiVo to avoid any concerns.

Someone please correct me if I didn't get it right.

[dshinnick]

It's my understanding that it will work, but will require a converter box, just like any analog-only TV would. And you also might need another antenna designed to receive digital signals. The antenna gets the digital signal, sends it to the converter box which converts it to analog, then sends it to your Tivo. Your Tivo will need an IR blaster to tell the converter box which channel to tune to. And if your Tivo were a dual-tuner, it would be reduced to a single-tuner, because the converter box can only tune one channel at a time.

dave

[jjberger2134]

You will need to know which Series TiVo you have, ie. Series 1, Series 2 etc. From TiVo Central, look under Messages and Settings, Settings, System Information. Then report to us the software version number, then FIRST THREE numbers of the TiVo Service Number (TSN). Do not post the entire number, as to that can lead to theft of your service. The first three numbers of the TSN are the Model number, and people will be able to help you further once we know the model number.

Finally, TiVo has published a list of compatible converter boxes, ones that will convert the digital OTA signal, back to an analog signal that your TiVo will be able to read properly. The list of the boxes is here...
http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Which_digital_converter_boxes_are_compatible_with_my_TiVo_DV R.html

Keep in mind, you can offset the cost of these converter boxes with a government sponsored $40 off "gift card". See https://www.dtv2009.gov/ for more info on that program.

[scandia101]

And if your Tivo were a dual-tuner, it would be reduced to a single-tuner, because the converter box can only tune one channel at a time.

dave

And if your TiVo is a dual tuner S2 (model 649), you are SOL as those models were not designed to receive OTA signals and will not be able to make use of a converter box. [although I believe there is an ugly work around]
The S1 Tivos will also be unable to control a converter box. [the work around may apply here too]

You likely have a series 2. If you go to the System Information screen of the menus and look at the fourth item listed - the TiVo Service Number, the first 3 digits will tell you which model number you have. If the first 3 digits are one of the following numbers; 110, 130, 140, 230, 240, 264, 275, 540, 565, 590, 595, you have a single tuner S2 and will require a converter box and possibly an antenna.
You could also look at the back of the Tivo for the model number or it would also be listed on your Tivo.com account.

[gastrof]

Hi, I hope this is in the best section to post this...

I am getting dizzy poking through all the posts about the coming move from analog to digital over the air transmissions in Feb. 2009.

I have a lifetime box and I am concerned about my TiVo still working after Feb 2009! I receive all my TV programming Over The Air (OTA) using a TV antenna.

It seems that you have to know what version TiVo box you have but there are many and I don't know which one I have. I think it's rather old though, but it is a lifetime box that works perfectly. Any help continuing the use of this lifetime box afterFe. 2009 would be greately appreceated!!

Thanks.

Check the back of your TiVo and find out for us what model number it is.

If it's a stand-alone single tuner Series 2, people will be able to help you get it working with an external OverTheAir digital tuner.

If it's a Series 1, there's also a way or two to achieve the same thing, and the work-around isn't all that ugly or difficult.

Check on the model number, and let us know. Then we'll get you rolling. (By the way...depending on the type of reception you get on digital in your area, you may be VERY pleased with the results.)

[derrick111]

Great guys... thank you very much! I will get the info tonight and report back. Again, this is a lifetime box so I hope I'm not sol:D
Cheers!
Derrick

[dwit]

You will need to know which Series TiVo you have, ie. Series 1, Series 2 etc. From TiVo Central, look under Messages and Settings, Settings, System Information. Then report to us the software version number, then FIRST THREE numbers of the TiVo Service Number (TSN). Do not post the entire number, as to that can lead to theft of your service. The first three numbers of the TSN are the Model number, and people will be able to help you further once we know the model number.

Finally, TiVo has published a list of compatible converter boxes, ones that will convert the digital OTA signal, back to an analog signal that your TiVo will be able to read properly. The list of the boxes is here...
http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/compatibilityhelp/Which_digital_converter_boxes_are_compatible_with_my_TiVo_DV R.html

Keep in mind, you can offset the cost of these converter boxes with a government sponsored $40 off "gift card". See https://www.dtv2009.gov/ for more info on that program.

Thanks for the info in this thread. I had purchased an Apex converter box from BB a while back ($25 after coupon and tax), but grew tired of waiting for Tivo to release the support update for the converters. Thanks for the link.

I connected the Apex to the 540040 via s-video, and the 540040 via s-video to my new 50" HD plasma. Tivo hit the nail on the head on this one. Not that anything worse was expected.

Pretty awesome picture. Probably about as good as you can get from an S2. It rivals, and maybe even surpasses sd digital cable of my Tivo HD. Up til now, I could barely watch the poor quality of the standard cable on the S2.

It will be a huge upgrade in picture quality and provides more recording capacity considering the high quality picture ota provides.

[derrick111]

OK, I got the information but I am a bit confused by the layout as to just which number whas which... Here is what I saw:

Philips PTV100

Service Number (or serial number): 000-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

MN:HDRxxx

SN: 223xxxxx

powered up to find:
software version: 3.0-01-1-000

Product Status: 5:product lifetime service


Did I leave anything out?
Thanks!!

[terrypcarter]

I was just pulling my old Toshiba Series 2 with lifetime service out of the closet because Cox Cable has finally ticked me off too much.
Indeed my first three tivo service # digits are 264, which I'm told on this thread will not work in the upcoming all-digital world.
Can anyone here put in simplest possible terms what I'm going to need to do.
I will have Cox Cable and digital cable box.

Also,
Any recommendation on where to get a replacement remote control unit for the Toshiba SD-H400 Series 2?

[RonDawg]

Can anyone here put in simplest possible terms what I'm going to need to do. I will have Cox Cable and digital cable box.

These detailed instructions (http://www.tivo.com/setupandsupport/technicalsupport/setupmytivodvr/How_Do_I_Set_Up_My_Single_Tuner_DVR_with_a_Cable_Box_or_Sate llite_Receiver_and_a_VCR_.html) were meant for TiVo branded units, but you can adapt them for your Toshiba unit as the hookups should be similar.

[RonDawg]

OK, I got the information but I am a bit confused by the layout as to just which number whas which... Here is what I saw: Philips PTV100

This model is a Series 1, and I believe it to be the first TiVo to hit the market.

TiVo will not be updating the software to make these compatible with digital OTA boxes, so as mentioned above you will need to search the forums for a workaround.

Because this is such an old model, you may want to check to see if its Lifetime subscription was purchased before January 21, 2000. If that is the case, its Lifetime can be transferred for free to a new TiVo. If you can afford a new TiVoHD, I would recommend going this route instead.

[wmcbrine]

Indeed my first three tivo service # digits are 264, which I'm told on this thread will not work in the upcoming all-digital world. Can anyone here put in simplest possible terms what I'm going to need to do. I will have Cox Cable and digital cable box.Nothing. Unless you're asking how to hook up the STB to the TiVo? (That's in the manual.)

The Feb. 2009 analog shutdown does not affect cable (although some cable companies are taking advantage of it to try and shift the blame as they switch to digital of their own accord).

[gastrof]

OK, I got the information but I am a bit confused by the layout as to just which number whas which... Here is what I saw:

Philips PTV100

Service Number (or serial number): 000-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx

MN:HDRxxx

SN: 223xxxxx

powered up to find:
software version: 3.0-01-1-000

Product Status: 5:product lifetime service


Did I leave anything out?
Thanks!!


Derrick-

If you do decide to stay with the Series 1, try experimenting with Guided Setup. More or less "lie" to your TiVo and tell it you have satellite service instead, but that your satellite box has a digital OverTheAir tuner built in (to get digital locals by way of antenna).

You'll have to go into "Channels I Receive" and uncheck all the cable type channels, and leave only the OTA local channels. (So your TiVo won't bother with anything but the locals.)

Check this thread
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=375578
to see what digital converter boxes your Series 1 would be able to control by way of the IR blaster. (While the Series 1s aren't being updated, it seems some codes older TiVos DO know will actually work on OTA digital boxes.)

You "lie" to the TiVo again, and tell it you want it to use "such and such" a code set with your set top box.

The TiVo will control the box by way of the IR blaster, and it'll only try to tune locals. It'll also have guide data on your local digital channels.

Another alternative is to get a digital tuner box that includes an event timer. (Zinwell Zat 970A, DTVPal, or TR-40.) Everything would be set up the same as I've just described, but you just wouldn't have to use the IR blaster. (This could be a safer method, avoiding missed channel changes.)

Instead you'd have to set the timers on both the TiVo and the digital tuner box. They'd "turn on" at the same time and work together, your TiVo doing the recording and the box providing the signal at the right time.

[terrypcarter]

Am still searching for the remote and chances of finding it are starting to look......remote.

Is it extremely difficult to find a remote for the Toshiba Series 2 SD-H-400, which also plays DVDs?

If so, is it easy enough to just buy a universal remote and program it? And if that, any spoon-feeding directions around here on how to do that?

Thanks.

[derrick111]

Thanks to all of the suggestions! Gastrof, I will check the the link and options if I am stuck with the series 1 or a new one is too expensive for me.

I will try to just transfer the lifetime to another box if it's cheap enough... anybody have any idea what this might cost? How do I find out when it was purchased to see if it's possible to transfer?

[scandia101]

Thanks to all of the suggestions! Gastrof, I will check the the link and options if I am stuck with the series 1 or a new one is too expensive for me.

I will try to just transfer the lifetime to another box if it's cheap enough... anybody have any idea what this might cost? How do I find out when it was purchased to see if it's possible to transfer?

call tivo and and ask them when the lifetime sub was purchased.

[jjberger2134]

There are several "deals" which allow someone to upgrade to a TiVoHD.

There is a free limetime transfer (as previously stated) for units activated before January 21, 2000. You will need to call customer service and ask them the date of activation or look on tivo.com under Manage My Account. The original activation date should be listed there. With that deal you will need to purchase a TiVoHd model (They range from $250-$300 new depending where you buy it).

The other option is a $99 TiVoHD PLUS the purchase of a new lifetime subscription at $299. To see if you are eligible, check....
http://www.tivo.com/digital2009 for more information. You will need to plug in your TSN and the system will determine if you are eligible.

There may be more available deals out there, but these are the 2 options that I know of.

[Adam1115]

If your box is a Series 3, HD, or HD XL Tivo (all three are "HD" boxes), you should be ok. If you have anything else, I am pretty sure you will need a converter box. That being said, the dual tuner Series 2 will still work, but it will become a single tuner box as the "dual tuning" functionality is either 2 analog channels or 1 analog and one digital.

No, Dual Tuner boxes don't do OTA, either analog or digital.

And you also might need another antenna designed to receive digital signals. The antenna gets the digital signal, sends it to the converter box which converts it to analog, then sends it to your Tivo.

No.

There is no difference in antenna to receive digital ota or analog ota. There is no such thing as a 'digital antenna' or an 'hd antenna', that's just a rip off marketing ploy.

The same antenna the OP is currently using will work just fine.

[gastrof]

...There is no difference in antenna to receive digital ota or analog ota. There is no such thing as a 'digital antenna' or an 'hd antenna', that's just a rip off marketing ploy.

The same antenna the OP is currently using will work just fine.


I'll agree with that.

I got a simple set of rabbit ears with UHF loop antenna, non amplified, and hooked it up to one of those digital OTA converter boxes.

I live in a gully. OTA analog is tolerable.

The digital comes in looking like cable, and the signal strength ranges from the 70s to the 90s for all the channels I'm aiming for. Acceptable, steady pictures.

From an old fashioned set of rabbit ears with UHF loop.

[Forcelite]

Will the series 2 still work if it is hooked up to the walls analog cable? Will the cable companies still be putting out the regular analog signal that the tv or tivo can navigate channels up and down?

Thanks,
Force

[jjberger2134]

Will the series 2 still work if it is hooked up to the walls analog cable? Will the cable companies still be putting out the regular analog signal that the tv or tivo can navigate channels up and down?

Thanks,
Force

Yes, as long as your cable provider still supports analog. Some cable companies are moving all digital, but that is a business decision and has NOTHING to do with the OTA change in February 2009.

If your cable company goes all digital then a single tuner S2 will remain fully functional as long as a set top box is connected. A Dual Tuner S2 will become a 1 tuner device if your cable company goes all digital. Again, you will need a set top box to tune to any channels.

So, the short answer is - there is no impending death of the S2 units.

[David_NC]

If you stop using the series 1 next year, make sure you hook it up and have it call in at least every 6 months, so the lifetime subscription stays active. That way you will be able to take advantage of any future deals to transfer to a newer unit, and qualify for any multi-service discounts.

[wmcbrine]

Will the series 2 still work if it is hooked up to the walls analog cable?

Ahem...

The Feb. 2009 analog shutdown does not affect cable