Uses for Non-HD TiVo

[drrandysleeth]

What use(s) can I make of my non-HD Tivo? I now have the HD version in one room running with Verizon Fios and two cable cards. I also have an HD TV in another room running with the Fios Set Top Box.

Can I connect the old TiVo in any way to let it "receive" and play analog TV?

[RonDawg]

Is the old TiVo still subscribed? If so you can connect it to the FiOS STB using an IR blaster. You won't be able to record in HD of course, but you will be able to record a downrezzed version.

If it's not subscribed, if it's a Series 2 you can still view whatever programs are still on the hard drive, as well as perform the trick-play functions. You normally won't be able to record with an unsubbed Series 2 (unless it is one of the Pioneer or Toshiba units with "Basic Lifetime" service) but some have found ways to allow them to use the units as a manually-programmed digital video recorder, without any guide data. If it's a Series 1, you may be able to use it as such a device already.

[TiivoDog]

Regarding Verizon FIOS, you can use non-Cable Card supported Tivo units (i.e. Series2 & Series 1), however you must use it in conjunction with a DCT-700 adapter. I have 3 of my units connected in this manner and it works fine and the adapter is a generic Set Top Box - no On Demand, Guide, etc....

[DaJoos]

I have a couple old ReplayTVs (non-HD, of course) and I still use them fairly regularly to record standard TV and transfer it to my portable video devices (I have an Archos, but same would work for iPod, etc). You don't need (or even want) high def on portable devices, and the small size of the recording means I can just drop the recording onto the device, no reencoding needed.

Use the non-HD Tivo to record shows for your kids for those long trips, transfer them to the the computer with Tivo Desktop, and dump them on a portable device - I find it easier than gathering DVDs.

[Watt-man]

So let's see if my question is related. I have an old Series 1 140 hour and series 2 2-tuner 80 hour TiVo that we've subscribed with for a few years. We recently bought two new HD TiVos and have hooked them up instead, and subscribe with the new ones.

So I have two TiVos setting in my closet in a box.

When I travel for work every 6 months or so, it reminds me how great the TiVos are, because hotel room TV is a pain! No pause! No rewind! Oh the humanity!

I don't want to risk taking an HD TiVo with me on the trip, but I'd love to take one of the old (now un-subbed) units with me and hook it up in the hotel for the 5 days I'm there, and basically all I want to do is manually record for those few days and use the thing like an old VCR. Is this possible without initiating a full subscription for these units, as I might only use them 10 days a year?

[magnus]

Nope, with the box you listed you would have to pay for a subscription to even manual record.

So let's see if my question is related. I have an old Series 1 140 hour and series 2 2-tuner 80 hour TiVo that we've subscribed with for a few years. We recently bought two new HD TiVos and have hooked them up instead, and subscribe with the new ones.

So I have two TiVos setting in my closet in a box.

When I travel for work every 6 months or so, it reminds me how great the TiVos are, because hotel room TV is a pain! No pause! No rewind! Oh the humanity!

I don't want to risk taking an HD TiVo with me on the trip, but I'd love to take one of the old (now un-subbed) units with me and hook it up in the hotel for the 5 days I'm there, and basically all I want to do is manually record for those few days and use the thing like an old VCR. Is this possible without initiating a full subscription for these units, as I might only use them 10 days a year?

[LifeIsABeach]

All Philips Series 1 and most Sony Series 1 TiVos can be used to manually record shows without a subscription.

All unsubscribed TiVos can be used to watch any shows that were recorded previously.

[jmace57]

I have a couple old ReplayTVs (non-HD, of course) and I still use them fairly regularly to record standard TV and transfer it to my portable video devices (I have an Archos, but same would work for iPod, etc). You don't need (or even want) high def on portable devices, and the small size of the recording means I can just drop the recording onto the device, no reencoding needed..

Me too. I will keep one around for this purpose.

Jim

[Watt-man]

Nope, with the box you listed you would have to pay for a subscription to even manual record.

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like I'm taking a VCR with me on the next trip!

[LifeIsABeach]

Thanks for the quick reply. Looks like I'm taking a VCR with me on the next trip!

As I mentioned, the Series 1 can probably be used as a digital VCR.

[Watt-man]

As I mentioned, the Series 1 can probably be used as a digital VCR.

Thanks. I looked on my box and it turns out that my 140-hour TiVo is a Series 2. D'oh!

[tewcewl]

So, MRV is not possible in the OP's post? Say, he sticks his non-HD TiVo in his bedroom and he can't send the new, non-HD shows up to his bedroom?

[classicsat]

Yes he can, provided a subscription is maintained on the unit.