UK Tivo repair [Text View]

nemo99

01-10-2009, 06:51 AM

Hi,

I'm a lifelong (well nearly) UK Tivo user - brought my first UK unit back in 2000 after returning from a stint in the US working for Sony and falling in love with the little guy :)

A few months back my box finally packed up after a lightning strike (it just hangs when booting). I haven't been able to bring myself to cancel my monthly subscription yet as that seems to be admitting defeat :( I've used a Panasonic PVR in the meantime and it's truly horrible so I want Tivo back :)

So, the question is, is there someone out there who repairs UK Tivo units ? If not, what's the best place to buy a new/reconditioned unit (given that I don't really like ebay so always prefer not to shop there!).

All help much appreciated.

Nigel

blindlemon

01-10-2009, 06:57 AM

nemo99

01-10-2009, 07:03 AM

It's most likely a blown modem which can be worked around by fitting a network card and getting your updates via the internet if you have broadband.

Actual repairs to the motherboard are not cost effective these days - it would be cheaper to buy another TiVo on eBay and ask TiVo CS to transfer your sub.

Thanks for the quick response :) ! If the modem is blown (which I think you're right about) will fitting a network card mean the unit can continue to boot even though the modem is broken ? In other words, does fitting the network card disable the modem in some way to enable the boot sequence to proceed ?

mikerr

01-10-2009, 07:31 AM

Do some companies repair tivos, even to the point of a motherboard swap, keeping sub intact? YES :D
Sell reconditioned units ...? YES :D

Tivo hangs when it checks for the modem (if its blown),
it won't hang if there is a network card AND its also set for updates over the network.

Cachecards are getting in very short supply lately - long delays - but turbonet network cards are plentiful :)