Is it okay to buy a Tivo from Canada?

[schuro]

I hope I didn't just screw up. I wasn't paying attention and just bought a new HDVR2 on eBay from Canada. I'm located in Montana. Am I going to have any problems activating it?

[litzdog911]

The HDVR2 is an old DirecTV/Tivo DVR and was never intended for use outside the US. Did you get the "Receiver ID Number" from the seller and verify its status with DirecTV? The main risk is that the Receiver was stolen or left with an unpaid account balance, in which case DirecTV might not let you activate it on your account. You'll find out when you call to activate it.

[halfempty]

The HDVR2 is a non-RID unit, so that won't be a problem. Getting a CSR that knows how to activate an old non-RID unit can be hit or miss. If you bought it to replace an existing DTivo then you can transfer the card yourself with ext. 722.

[schuro]

The HDVR2 I bought is new in box so it shouldn't have any charges applied to it. My Tivo is dying a slow death with several issues and want to just replace it. I've been watching eBay for a fresh Tivo and am not impressed by the "gently used" Tivo's I've been seeing. How can a Tivo be "gently used" when it's plugged in and turned on 24/7/365? A five year old "gently used" Tivo still is just a used PC to me so I've been looking for a never used Tivo. I plan on replacing the hard drive with a larger one before I put it into service. Thanks for your replies guys. I'll sleep better now.