Tivo from Tivo? Amazon? somewhere else?

[dial911]

So I think it's time to break down and finally upgrade my (space modified) Sony Series 1 Tivo and go Tivo HD. The Series 1 has served me well for over 7 1/2 years and might find a new home in the spare bedroom. I think the Tivo is the only electronic device I've every purchased that my WIFE would ever say was worthwhile. ;)

My current Series 1 has a Product Lifetime subscription. I've obviously enjoyed that option and would probably do it again on the new box.

Now for the questions:

Any reason to buy directly from Tivo? Any reason NOT to buy directly from Tivo and get it from another source? (leaning toward Amazon if that is the case)

If I buy a Tivo HD or HD XL from someone other than Tivo (say Amazon.com or Fry's), can I still get a Product Lifetime subscription for $299? or is that an "only if you buy directly from us" price? When I log on to Tivo.com and view my account, it offers me the $100 discount for the unit ($199 vs. $299 for the HD, and $499 vs. $599 for the HD XL) as well as a $100 discount for the Product Lifetime subscription.

And lastly, with zero inventory of the HD XL model in Tivo's stock rooms right now, is "something new" brewing on the horizon I should be waiting for?

Thanks in advance for your imparted wisdom, TCF!!!

[ThAbtO]

The discount is called multi-service discount or MSD, you qualify if you add a 2nd or more Tivo to your account, you can dis- qualify when you cancel the boxes you want to replace leaving just 1 subscription (think its don't cancel within a yr or have to make up the difference). You can buy from any where.

Lifetime service can't be transferred to another box except under special circumstances or offers.

[jimmiem]

I just bought a TiVo HD yesterday at Sears in Johnson City NY NIB for $130.97. The 97 cents is a code price at Sears meaning it's a closeout and they won't be carrying it anymore. I used to work in Sears electronics... generally this would be a national closeout but it's entirely possible that it was regional. YMMV.

[gweempose]

I just bought a TiVo HD yesterday at Sears in Johnson City NY NIB for $130.97. The 97 cents is a code price at Sears meaning it's a closeout and they won't be carrying it anymore. I used to work in Sears electronics... generally this would be a national closeout but it's entirely possible that it was regional. YMMV.Good grab! I didn't realize that there were still any units floating around out there. Sears has been liquidating them for quite a while now.

[rainwater]

So I think it's time to break down and finally upgrade my (space modified) Sony Series 1 Tivo and go Tivo HD. The Series 1 has served me well for over 7 1/2 years and might find a new home in the spare bedroom. I think the Tivo is the only electronic device I've every purchased that my WIFE would ever say was worthwhile. ;)

My current Series 1 has a Product Lifetime subscription. I've obviously enjoyed that option and would probably do it again on the new box.

Now for the questions:

Any reason to buy directly from Tivo? Any reason NOT to buy directly from Tivo and get it from another source? (leaning toward Amazon if that is the case)

If I buy a Tivo HD or HD XL from someone other than Tivo (say Amazon.com or Fry's), can I still get a Product Lifetime subscription for $299? or is that an "only if you buy directly from us" price? When I log on to Tivo.com and view my account, it offers me the $100 discount for the unit ($199 vs. $299 for the HD, and $499 vs. $599 for the HD XL) as well as a $100 discount for the Product Lifetime subscription.

And lastly, with zero inventory of the HD XL model in Tivo's stock rooms right now, is "something new" brewing on the horizon I should be waiting for?

Thanks in advance for your imparted wisdom, TCF!!!

There's no reason to buy from TiVo unless you find can find a good deal. I believe the father's day deal is over, so I don't think there is a current deal. Adding lifetime can be done on Tivo.com (as long as you have a current account) in just a minute or two no matter where you buy it. Personally, unless you can find a good deal somewhere, there's nothing wrong with going with Amazon.

Regarding a S4, sure, I'm sure one is in the works, but I can't see it happening anytime soon. AFAIK, it will be a tru2way device and even though the deadline has passed, the adoption rate from cable companies is still pretty poor. My guess is you will see one sometime next year. Even so, the only thing it seems you will get over the current S3, is VOD. Sure, the box may be more powerful and have a fancier interface. But in the end, it will not affect your tv viewing.