Lifetime Service Transfer question

[divot]

I just purchased my 4th Tivo since 2003. It is a series 3 HD unit that I plan to use for OTA only. It has been 2 years since my last HD Directivo died and since Tivo no longer had a unit that worked with the Dirtectv service I was left with no choice other than to go with the HD Directv PVR or switch to DISH and their HD PVR or go cable. After much research I decided I did not want to give up satellite and switched to DISH and their HD PVR.

Now my DISH bill with no premium channels just went to $100 per month and we have decided to go OTA only and put the $1200 per year in the bank. All of my previous Tivos had the lifetime service policy. When I activated the new Tivo box I asked about transfering my old lifetime service to my new box or at least offering me some discount. I was told that because my service was through Direcvtv and not Tivo they could not help me. That they never made any money from my account and because of that I could not be considered for any kind of a "loyal" customer discount. The CSR said they could see where I had the 3 units and their serial numbers and the fact they had lifetime service but did not have access to my billing history.

I remember my first Tivo I dealt directly with Tivo even though the service was through Directv. I remember when I got my HD Directivo I had to deal with the Directv people who, at that time, couldn't spell Tivo.

I expalined to them that I never wanted to give up my Tivo in the first place but they kind of left me swinging in the breeze when the decision was made to no longer produce a Tivo for satellite tv. I am not sure how they would consider someone who has bought 4 units in 6 years not worthy of a "loyal customer" discount.

Enough crying. Does anyone have any suggestions on who I should contact further up the ladder at Tivo to plead my case? Any help would be appreciated.

[scandia101]

Plead what case? You don't have one.
There are limited circumstances where transferring a lifetime subscription is allowed. One is when TiVo offers it for a limited time. This generally happens when a significantly different new model is released and they do charge a significant fee for the transfer. Another circumstance is if you have a S1 with a lifetime sub that was purchased before 1/21/00. They'll transfer that sub one time at no cost.
Transferring a lifetime subscription is not an option for anyone right now, so it doesn't matter who you paid for your subscription. You are not entitled to anything. You wouldn't even qualify for the MSD (Multi-Service Discount).

For the record, TiVo didn't leave you hanging in the wind. How could they? you weren't their customer, you were D*TV's customer. The production of D*TiVos stopped because D*TV decided that they wanted to force their customers to start using their dvr.

[andyf]

Good answer!

[mattack]

Though also, he should know that there *will* be a new DirecTivo.

[LifeIsABeach]

I am not sure how they would consider someone who has bought 4 units in 6 years not worthy of a "loyal customer" discount.

I have 6 TiVos on my account and have never received a "loyal customer" discount.

[lew]

I moved from DTV to FiOS last year. At the time tivo was only offering LS to existing customers. Tivo agreed to treat me as an existing tivo customer and allowed me to purchase LS. I was a tivo customer that obtained service through DTV. Tivo had my name, address and email address on file, otherwise I would have had to fax them confirmation (copy of DTV bill).

I doubt you'll be allowed to transfer your LS but you might be able to purchase LS for the existing subscriber price.

[berkshires]

I have 6 TiVos on my account and have never received a "loyal customer" discount.

I have 7 and they always tell me how much they love me. You are right on the cusp.

The unfortunate reality is that the OP really for all purposes has been a customer of DirecTV and not TiVo. It is a vastly different relationship between what TiVo gets from DTV subscribers and its own SA subs. I am not aware of any inducements TiVo has ever offered to DTV subscribers - even during the time when the relationship wasn't going anywhere I don't think TiVo ever tried to get DTV TiVo users to jump over to SA TiVos.

However, Lew's suggestion above of asking for the MSD LT price ($100 less) is worth a try. If the S3 is still returnable, TiVo may go for it instead of risking a return of the unit.

[LifeIsABeach]

I have 7 and they always tell me how much they love me. You are right on the cusp.


Dammit! When is the Tru-Way coming out so I can get that lucky #7? :)

[badcrc]

Don't feel bad, I have three S1 tivos with lifetime that were all purchased within a few months of the free transfer date (1/21/2000) and I don't get anything either. I think I can get a multi service discount if I wanted to purchase an entirely separate unit. You would think tivo would be able to think logically in cases like mine. I would be willing to take all three of my units out of service if I could transfer lifetime service for free to an HD unit. They would be saving money if I could do that, and unfortunately until there is a deal like that I can't afford to upgrade.

[nrc]

I was just looking at my account online tonight and noticed that it still shows my old Series 1 as having lifetime service and being eligible for re-activation. I thought that subscription was transferred to DirecTV way back when. Maybe I should plug it in and try reactivating it online and see.

[ed08724]

I just read here where I can transfer a lifetime service. I have tivo lifetime service on a series 1 activated on 12/11/1999 per my tivo account screen. Can I buy a new HD XL and transfer the lifetime service to this one. That would be terrific if true! :) How do I do it. Call them? Thanks for any help.

[pdonoghu]

I just read here where I can transfer a lifetime service. I have tivo lifetime service on a series 1 activated on 12/11/1999 per my tivo account screen. Can I buy a new HD XL and transfer the lifetime service to this one. That would be terrific if true! :) How do I do it. Call them? Thanks for any help.

Yes, there is an exception to the transfer rules for Tivos activated before sometime in 1/2000. If you activated your Tivo before that, you can buy a new Tivo and transfer the lifetime. Since all Tivos purchased directly from Tivo require a plan, your best bet would be to buy one elsewhere.

I would call Tivo customer support with your TSN just to confirm you are eligible.