Series 1 lifetime questions

[Alphi]

I have an old Series 1 TiVo (Phillips-built) that has had lifetime on it since before I bought it (used, from a friend).


I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this (and that's that "it can't/won't happen"), but I figured I'd ask anyways:

Can I transfer the "lifetime" service off the Series 1 (that I literally don't even use anymore since I have two series 2 TiVos now, and will be buying a TiVo HD very soon)? More specifically: if I buy a TiVo HD soon, is there any way (and if so what is the cost) to transfer the lifetime off the S1 to the S3/HD?


Alternatively, is there any market any more for a Series 1 with Lifetime (and expanded to 160 hours capacity aftermarket)? How much should I expect I'd get for it if I sold it on, say, eBay?

[pdonoghu]

No, you can not transfer lifetime. Lifetime is for the life of that box. There are a few exceptions, if the box was activated before 1/2000 (I think that's the correct time frame), Tivo clarified lifetime after that and will allow one transfer if you unit meets the requirements. Occasionally, Tivo will offer upgrade promotions but those were when lifetime was not an available option. As long as you connect it back up and it connects in, you can use it to get a multi service discount on a new lifetime sub on an HD, $299 instead of $399, or you could get discounted monthly service.

As far as value, check eBay, but they are not worth much. Even the Series 2s with lifetime have dropped significantly in value. Its becoming an HD world.

[Alphi]

No, you can not transfer lifetime. Lifetime is for the life of that box. There are a few exceptions, if the box was activated before 1/2000 (I think that's the correct time frame), Tivo clarified lifetime after that and will allow one transfer if you unit meets the requirements. Occasionally, Tivo will offer upgrade promotions but those were when lifetime was not an available option. As long as you connect it back up and it connects in, you can use it to get a multi service discount on a new lifetime sub on an HD, $299 instead of $399, or you could get discounted monthly service.

As far as value, check eBay, but they are not worth much. Even the Series 2s with lifetime have dropped significantly in value. Its becoming an HD world.

I was afraid of that... As far as hooking it up to qualify for $299 lifetime instead of $399, that's not a concern, as one of my Series2 TiVos (a HUMAX DVD burner variety) also has lifetime on it already (but I'm not planning on transferring the service off that box), and I have another S2 that I'm paying $6.95 monthly for (at least until it expores next February - when I'll probably just cancel THAT subscription, assuming I've replaced it with a HD TiVo by then).


Thanks!

[ZeoTiVo]

and I have another S2 that I'm paying $6.95 monthly for (at least until it expores next February - when I'll probably just cancel THAT subscription, assuming I've replaced it with a HD TiVo by then).


Thanks!

do not cancel that sub unless you plan to go completely lifetime. If you plan a box to have monthly - then buy the box from someplace other than Tivo and go to account website and replace the TSN on the 6.95 sub with the new one.

PS the 1/2000 date is off some. It is close but I forget the exact date. I think that when you are ready to spring for the TiVo HD a call to TiVo about it might get you a good deal. Tivo is motivated to get folks on series 3 models and unsub the older models.

[Alphi]

do not cancel that sub unless you plan to go completely lifetime. If you plan a box to have monthly - then buy the box from someplace other than Tivo and go to account website and replace the TSN on the 6.95 sub with the new one.

PS the 1/2000 date is off some. It is close but I forget the exact date. I think that when you are ready to spring for the TiVo HD a call to TiVo about it might get you a good deal. Tivo is motivated to get folks on series 3 models and unsub the older models.

In actuality, yes, my plan IS to go all lifetime should I cancel my current $6.95/monthly one (although in more likelihood, I'll just wait until it's about to expire next February and simply make sure TiVo doesn't automatically renew it), as then I'd have three lifetime TiVos:
- S1 Philips TiVo - that's getting zero use right now - w/ lifetime
- S2 Humax DVD w/ lifetime
- S3/HD TiVo w/ lifetime (this is the one I've yet to buy)

I figure then I'll just shelve my S2DT until I find a time that I need to renew it (doubtful - more likely I'd just buy a lifetime S2 off of eBay if the need should arise).


Now just curious, but why do the transfer of the $6.95 if I were to stay with one with a monthly fee? Far as I know, that rate ends for me in February - wouldn't it also end if I tranferred it to another box?

[DancnDude]

Now just curious, but why do the transfer of the $6.95 if I were to stay with one with a monthly fee? Far as I know, that rate ends for me in February - wouldn't it also end if I tranferred it to another box?

The MSD price went up to $9.95/mo, so if you're sticking with monthly then you should just swap serial numbers in order to keep your grandfathered $6.95/mo price. Once you cancel that price, you won't be able to get it again.

[ZeoTiVo]

Now just curious, but why do the transfer of the $6.95 if I were to stay with one with a monthly fee? Far as I know, that rate ends for me in February - wouldn't it also end if I tranferred it to another box?

that depends on the plan you have. I ahve month to month 6.95 and keep assuming other do as well. Looks like you do not.

[Alphi]

that depends on the plan you have. I ahve month to month 6.95 and keep assuming other do as well. Looks like you do not.

Well, in this case, when I bought my S2DT 2 1/2 years ago, I got the $6.95 monthly plan, but it appears it was just for a 3-year contract (if memory serves, I had the option for a shorter contract, but it would have been more per month).

This upcoming Februrary would be the 3-year mark, and I received word from TiVo that my $6.95 monthly fee amount will be expiring, and that I needed to sign up for a new contract.

[scandia101]

Well, in this case, when I bought my S2DT 2 1/2 years ago, I got the $6.95 monthly plan, but it appears it was just for a 3-year contract (if memory serves, I had the option for a shorter contract, but it would have been more per month).

This upcoming Februrary would be the 3-year mark, and I received word from TiVo that my $6.95 monthly fee amount will be expiring, and that I needed to sign up for a new contract.

You do not need to sign up for a new contract. If you do nothing, your subscription will roll over to a monthly at the same rate you are paying now with no commitment. If you sign up for anything new, your $6.95 rate will increase to $9.95 and you'll have to commit to another year.

[appleye1]

PS the 1/2000 date is off some. It is close but I forget the exact date.Very close! The actual date is on or before 1/21/2000.
:)