Need advice for 1st Tivo--used with lifetime plan

[inaka]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

There seem to be a lot of posters on this thread that think that "LIMITED BUDGET" means you have to settle for a Maserati rather than a Lamborghini when you actually may not be able to afford a new Kia.

I don't get it. Then why get lifetime service if you're on a "LIMITED BUDGET"? Yes, it makes sense in the long run, but it's a large upfront cost for someone on a limited budget? I personally think buying a S2 is a complete waste of money.

If the OP's incentive is to watch the Olympics, and Doug only has an old-ish CRT TV, I personally think that the most cost-effective option is to take the lifetime service money ($499) and use that to buy an 42" HDTV. Then get the Comcast HD-DVR free for a year as a promotion with HD. Problem solved. You're going to gain sooooo much more in a viewing experience alone of having the Olympics in HD, much more than the benefit of keeping your old CRT TV and using it with a S2 w/Lifetime.

So anyone on a limited budget asking questions about pre-paying a large lump sum of $$$ on a forum dedicated to a luxury item is already kind of loading the question, no?

[ThAbtO]

The most Tivos on places such as Ebay would already have lifetime already on them, so it could cost less then the actual cost of a Tivo and getting lifetime (400+).

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by inaka

I don't get it. Then why get lifetime service if you're on a "LIMITED BUDGET"? Yes, it makes sense in the long run, but it's a large upfront cost for someone on a limited budget? I personally think buying a S2 is a complete waste of money.

If the OP's incentive is to watch the Olympics, and Doug only has an old-ish CRT TV, I personally think that the most cost-effective option is to take the lifetime service money ($499) and use that to buy an 42" HDTV. Then get the Comcast HD-DVR free for a year as a promotion with HD. Problem solved. You're going to gain sooooo much more in a viewing experience alone of having the Olympics in HD, much more than the benefit of keeping your old CRT TV and using it with a S2 w/Lifetime.

So anyone on a limited budget asking questions about pre-paying a large lump sum of $$$ on a forum dedicated to a luxury item is already kind of loading the question, no?

Nobody is suggesting buying a used TiVo 2 and then paying full price for PLS. A used TiVo 2 w/lifetime is available for a lot less than than that.

[dougitect]

It may seem strange to be posting on a site which probably mostly has people who have the now-common setup of a big HDTV and hundreds of channels about my limited TV watching. So be it.

I could spring for an HDTV, but what's the point when I have no interest in paying through the nose for HD Comcast? My Comcast TV bill is $15. Crazy, but true. If I had loads more money I might get 700 channels even if I rarely watched them, but not in my current circumstances.

Ebay has used S2 Tivo's with lifetime service for about $125. Sounds like a pretty good deal. Lower would be even better, but I'm liking the idea of the Ebay guarantee.

True, I think watching Youtube on my TV would be cool, but I can live without it.

As for watching the Olympics on lots of channels--my eyes get so red from watching one channel for six hours straight every night for two weeks, I don't think I could take any more viewing! And the good stuff is mainly on plain ol' NBC anyway. Tivo will greatly improve the experience, zipping past ads and background stories and synchronized swimming.

For around $100 or so, this setup would be worth it even if I buy a better TV in a couple or so years.

Thank you again for all your informed help!
Doug

[inaka]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

Nobody is suggesting buying a used TiVo 2 and then paying full price for PLS. A used TiVo 2 w/lifetime is available for a lot less than than that.

So what exact dollar amount are you suggesting he spend, and for what specific item?

[inaka]

Originally Posted by dougitect

I could spring for an HDTV, but what's the point when I have no interest in paying through the nose for HD Comcast? My Comcast TV bill is $15. Crazy, but true. If I had loads more money I might get 700 channels even if I rarely watched them, but not in my current circumstances.

HDTV has nothing to do with solely going with Comcast. You could get a lifetime Series 3 and get free HDTV with an over the air antenna. That was my original suggestion from the start.

The series 3 will have much more recording capacity than any series 2, and it will also serve up HD content should you choose to move toward HD in the future with a cheap over-the-air antenna. This HD content will be true HD and not down-sampled like the HD over comcast. You can still record only SD, and feed it to your current TV.

A series 2 has virtually no value to me, and locks you into a complicated setup where you're required to use a comcast box with it, and you'll experience channel switching delays, and you're still going to need to go through comcast. It's a door stop without Comcast. The Series 3 with HD is not.

[dougitect]

Originally Posted by inaka

HDTV has nothing to do with solely going with Comcast. You could get a lifetime Series 3 and get free HDTV with an over the air antenna. That was my original suggestion from the start.

The series 3 will have much more recording capacity than any series 2, and it will also serve up HD content should you choose to move toward HD in the future with a cheap over-the-air antenna. This HD content will be true HD and not down-sampled like the HD over comcast. You can still record only SD, and feed it to your current TV.

A series 2 has virtually no value to me, and locks you into a complicated setup where you're required to use a comcast box with it, and you'll experience channel switching delays, and you're still going to need to go through comcast. It's a door stop without Comcast. The Series 3 with HD is not.

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger, so this thread can close. I bought a S2 with lifetime service on ebay for $125. You may be right about some of this stuff, but it's all too complicated for me right now. I live in an apartment and don't know if I could install an OTA antenna here, etc etc.

I'm sure I'll soon be learning the headaches of getting this thing set up, may need some kind of Comcast box, don't know yet.

In any case, this Olympics I won't be watching the previous day's events on one VCR while taping this evening's on another VCR!!

Over and out,
Doug

[mattack]

Originally Posted by dougitect

You guys are all over this!
I live in the San Francisco east bay area.
I will be watching the Olympics on just one channel since my Comcast only gets me to channel 32: no extra NBC channels (or even ESPN!).

How much are you paying for cable?

That's what I keep saying.. You likely ARE paying for digital, and would get it with a S3/premiere + cable card.. and multiple tuners would be especially useful for the Olympics.

[inaka]

No problem then, Doug.
Enjoy your S2. If you need help hooking it up, you can ask here.

You will need either a Comcast box (or a digital-to-analog converter box if you were going over-the-air) but since you're not, yeah, you're going to have to use the S2 in conjunction with a comcast box.

Hopefully you have one of the larger Comcast boxes that can accept a serial cable input.
Hopefully the S2 auction you won included the serial cable as well. This is the best way to connect to the Comcast box.

If not, you're going to have to use an IR blaster which essentially "translates" your remote control commands to the tivo box, but it increases delays and headaches as far as I'm concerned.

But let the forum here know if you need help. Cheers.

[cannonz]

Originally Posted by dougitect

W

I'm sure I'll soon be learning the headaches of getting this thing set up, may need some kind of Comcast box, don't know yet.



Over and out,
Doug

Since your not using box now will not need one for the tivo to get same channels. Just hook cable and phone line to tivo the composite from it to your TV plug it in will guide you thru set up.

[inaka]

Originally Posted by dougitect

You guys are all over this!
I live in the San Francisco east bay area.

Originally Posted by cannonz

Since your not using box now will not need one for the tivo to get same channels. Just hook cable and phone line to tivo the composite from it to your TV plug it in will guide you thru set up.

Something doesn't sound right. OP says he's in the SF Bay Area, East Bay. So am I.

I'm pretty sure Comcast has converted all of their analog cable broadcasts to digital throughout the bay area, requiring a digital to analog converter box, etc. Unless, the OP is in like Tracy, or Manteca or something, way out past the bay area. Still, I'm pretty sure Comcast converted to digital years ago.

[cannonz]

Originally Posted by dougitect

Hi all. I've never had Tivo. I'm trying to figure out which used Tivo with a lifetime plan is best for me. I'm hoping to get one in time for the Olympics.

I have Comcast cable (no box, no HD, very basic service) and an old-ish CRT TV.

Thank you,
Doug

Just going by his post.

[lpwcomp]

If they haven't already, when they go all digital, if you can't get a full box with serial control, just get a DTA and buy or build one of these.

[dougitect]

Originally Posted by inaka

Something doesn't sound right. OP says he's in the SF Bay Area, East Bay. So am I.

I'm pretty sure Comcast has converted all of their analog cable broadcasts to digital throughout the bay area, requiring a digital to analog converter box, etc. Unless, the OP is in like Tracy, or Manteca or something, way out past the bay area. Still, I'm pretty sure Comcast converted to digital years ago.

Comcast calls it "Limited Basic". It's so limited most folks have never heard of it. I just plug the cable into my VCR then run a coaxial cable from there to my TV. Comcast offers digital here, but this limited basic is not digital. That's my understanding.

I'm not going to try to figure out what I need to get the TiVo going till it arrives. Tivo.com has good instructions and diagrams, so it might not be all that hard to do, actually. No point in trying to figure it out ahead of time when I might be wrong anyway.

Doug

[mattack]

Originally Posted by inaka

I'm pretty sure Comcast has converted all of their analog cable broadcasts to digital throughout the bay area, requiring a digital to analog converter box, etc. Unless, the OP is in like Tracy, or Manteca or something, way out past the bay area. Still, I'm pretty sure Comcast converted to digital years ago.

Wrong.. I still get through ~32 in analog.. and use the analog channels as a backup/when I need more tuners. (Heck, last night, admittedly for the first time in a long time.. when I tried to record the last half hour of Jimmy Kimmel on my Tivo HD, ABC was 'searching for signal'.. but the analog version was in... of course that was a bad enough signal that I didn't want to keep that recording, but it works for conflicts..)

[inaka]

Originally Posted by mattack

Wrong.. I still get through ~32 in analog.. and use the analog channels as a backup/when I need more tuners. (Heck, last night, admittedly for the first time in a long time.. when I tried to record the last half hour of Jimmy Kimmel on my Tivo HD, ABC was 'searching for signal'.. but the analog version was in... of course that was a bad enough signal that I didn't want to keep that recording, but it works for conflicts..)

Doesn't matter. It's just a matter of time before they pull this option from you. When they do you'll have to use the box. That's why to me, buying a S2 is putting good money into old tech that will eventually be obsolete.

[replaytv]

I just sold two single tuner Tivos for $120 for both of them on craigslist yesterday. I can get more money for them on eBay, but I hate eBay.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by inaka

Doesn't matter. It's just a matter of time before they pull this option from you. When they do you'll have to use the box. That's why to me, buying a S2 is putting good money into old tech that will eventually be obsolete.

So your advice is to do without until he can afford a TiVo 3 or later?

[inaka]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

So your advice is to do without until he can afford a TiVo 3 or later?

No. If cost is the main option, my advice was to take advantage of the free comcast DVR for a year, until you can save up for a used Tivo Series 3.

[cannonz]

Since he has basic no free DVR from cable for him, after the upgrade to digital and DVR probably raise his bill $40 a month.

[inaka]

Originally Posted by cannonz

Since he has basic no free DVR from cable for him, after the upgrade to digital and DVR probably raise his bill $40 a month.

Nope.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by inaka

Nope.

And you base this on what? Which offer for existing customers (or even new customers) are you talking about? One that is $15/mo (his current bill) or less and includes a free DVR for a year?

[inaka]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

And you base this on what? Which offer for existing customers (or even new customers) are you talking about? One that is $15/mo (his current bill) or less and includes a free DVR for a year?

First off, it's pointless going into this for the OP since he already got a S2. I wish him the best with his purchase.

Second, again, if you're ONLY talking cost, Comcast does offer a DVR for one year for existing customers. Each region is different, and sometimes it is 6 months, but call them for yourself. They do this to hook you into the DVR, knowing you'll like it and then full rates apply after 6 months or 1 year (depending on the location). You also get dual tuners with the Comcast DVR, etc.

Third, analog channels are going the way of the Dodo Bird. Most regions from Comcast don't even offer this in northern california. Link is from 2009, and I'm surprised when I read of any markets where they still offer this. It's just a matter of time before you're going to need a digital-to-analog converter box through Comcast, which also makes using the S2 a headache with an IR blaster, serial cable, etc.

This is why there are posts like this that are all over the internet from people stuck with equipment that doesn't work the same way it once did (like the S2) when Comcast goes all digital in your area.

Fourth, it's funny because I suggested a Series 3 and people here said that I was forgetting someone on a limited budget. Well, even if Comcast didn't offer a free limited time offer for a DVR, renting a box from them is still cheaper than a S2 w/lifetime, and during that time the Op can save up for a Tivo Series 3 and an antenna and get FREE SD (and even HD down the road) with a simple over the air antenna.

So which is it? The rock bottom cheapest option (Comcast DVR) or the right one (S3) planning ahead for the future? The S2 is neither in my book for the reasons listed above.

[mattack]

Originally Posted by inaka

Doesn't matter. It's just a matter of time before they pull this option from you. When they do you'll have to use the box. That's why to me, buying a S2 is putting good money into old tech that will eventually be obsolete.

Yes, I agree that buying a S2 is a bad idea.

But Comcast "went digital" a few years ago (which was my impetus to get my S3 then Tivo HD)... and even though AFAIK they don't advertise the analog anymore, and DID give out free DTAs, we still get this analog.. (and I appreciate it very much!!)

[mattack]

Originally Posted by inaka

Most regions from Comcast don't even offer this in northern california. Link is from 2009

You apparently didn't read that. It said they were moving 47 analog channels to digital.. which is true.. I used to get analog at least into the 70s.. and now get it through either 32 or 33, though Discovery on 29 is the highest one I care about.

[inaka]

Originally Posted by mattack

You apparently didn't read that. It said they were moving 47 analog channels to digital.. which is true.. I used to get analog at least into the 70s.. and now get it through either 32 or 33, though Discovery on 29 is the highest one I care about.

Yeah, I used to to get at least to the 70s, I think to 72 or so. I also got unencrypted QAM HD signals. Then, nothing. All encrypted now, so any Tv tuner cards that didn't use a cable card were worthless (without a comcast box) and my Tv tuner card didn't use that. Dead tech.

So like I said, you're living on borrowed time expecting that to last forever.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by inaka

First off, it's pointless going into this for the OP since he already got a S2. I wish him the best with his purchase.

Second, again, if you're ONLY talking cost, Comcast does offer a DVR for one year for existing customers. Each region is different, and sometimes it is 6 months, but call them for yourself. They do this to hook you into the DVR, knowing you'll like it and then full rates apply after 6 months or 1 year (depending on the location). You also get dual tuners with the Comcast DVR, etc.

Third, analog channels are going the way of the Dodo Bird. Most regions from Comcast don't even offer this in northern california. Link is from 2009, and I'm surprised when I read of any markets where they still offer this. It's just a matter of time before you're going to need a digital-to-analog converter box through Comcast, which also makes using the S2 a headache with an IR blaster, serial cable, etc.

This is why there are posts like this that are all over the internet from people stuck with equipment that doesn't work the same way it once did (like the S2) when Comcast goes all digital in your area.

Fourth, it's funny because I suggested a Series 3 and people here said that I was forgetting someone on a limited budget. Well, even if Comcast didn't offer a free limited time offer for a DVR, renting a box from them is still cheaper than a S2 w/lifetime, and during that time the Op can save up for a Tivo Series 3 and an antenna and get FREE SD (and even HD down the road) with a simple over the air antenna.

So which is it? The rock bottom cheapest option (Comcast DVR) or the right one (S3) planning ahead for the future? The S2 is neither in my book for the reasons listed above.

I have had Comcast at my current location for more than 4 years and have NEVER gotten an offer of a free DVR for any period, unless possibly as part of a package upgrade or Double/Triple play. There is no way he would get a free DVR with his current package. None.

He bought a TiVo 2 w/lifetime for $125. A Comcast DVR is $15.95/mo (Possibly + $9.95/mo HD technology fee). So in 8 mos he would have paid more than $125 and have nothing. Even when they go all digital, the addition of a simple FREE DTA will allow the TiVo to receive the same limited basic channels he has now. For < $15, he could buy a direct control cable and avoid using the IR blaster. Most if not all of the complaints are from S2DT owners. Not only does it have poor support for the DTA, you are now down to one usable tuner. That was why I recommended a single tuner S2.

Since I do not believe he could have gotten a free DVR from Comcast, unless it was included in a package upgrade, for 6 minutes much less 6-12 months, I re-iterate that your advice was to get an S3 or later model or do without.

Bear in mind also that I said he should get a THD w/lifetime if he could afford it, but he can't. IMNSHO, he went with the best affordable option.

[inaka]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

I have had Comcast at my current location for more than 4 years and have NEVER gotten an offer of a free DVR for any period, unless possibly as part of a package upgrade or Double/Triple play. There is no way he would get a free DVR with his current package. None.

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

I have had Comcast at my current location for more than 4 years and have NEVER gotten an offer of a free DVR for any period, unless possibly as part of a package upgrade or Double/Triple play. There is no way he would get a free DVR with his current package. None.

You're dead wrong, but again, it's pointless to even debate this since the OP already got a S2. You don't get sent an offer at all. You call them asking if they have a any DVR promotions. This is when they offer you the free DVR for 12 or 6 months depending on your location. Again, if you've been at your current location for four years, here's a link to people discussing this same offer in 2009-2010. You've been at your location for four years so surely you heard about it then too, right? I'm guessing no. It's the same deal today.

It's like the Sirius $25/6 months or $77/year subscription deal. (Google that too if you don't believe me.) Again, it's not publicized and you don't get a card in the mail or a call from Comcast. You have to call. You call and ask for any promotions. They throw you a free DVR for a year, hoping you stick with it and keep the DVR fee they can then tack on to your bill after the promotion ends. Again, I don't care if you don't believe me, because those people talking about the deal in the link I posted aren't lying either. I took advantage of this deal in 2011. As I also said, YMMV as each location has different offers, but this deal is still valid. They're going to initially say the deal is dead, and then miraculously offer it to you in you ask for the Retention Department.

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

He bought a TiVo 2 w/lifetime for $125. A Comcast DVR is $15.95/mo (Possibly + $9.95/mo HD technology fee). So in 8 mos he would have paid more than $125 and have nothing. Even when they go all digital, the addition of a simple FREE DTA will allow the TiVo to receive the same limited basic channels he has now. For < $15, he could buy a direct control cable and avoid using the IR blaster. Most if not all of the complaints are from S2DT owners. Not only does it have poor support for the DTA, you are now down to one usable tuner. That was why I recommended a single tuner S2.

Except your math is wrong when you aren't factoring in the Comcast DVR is free under the promotional period.

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

Since I do not believe he could have gotten a free DVR from Comcast, unless it was included in a package upgrade, for 6 minutes much less 6-12 months, I re-iterate that your advice was to get an S3 or later model or do without.

Again, I don't care if you don't believe me. I will re-iterate that you just want to argue. OP has his option so I hope he enjoys it. If you think I also made up the slickdeals posts about others discussing this too, then there's nothing else to say. That deal is valid today as well. The promotion is in the Comcast system to get basic users to eventually upgrade to a DVR and/or HD because Comcast makes a lot of money leasing the box. That also doesn't mean you have to continue to lease it. To the OP, he should exploit the free offer from comcast for the DVR, save up the $$$ for a S3, and then you have a much more future-proof setup.

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

Bear in mind also that I said he should get a THD w/lifetime if he could afford it, but he can't. IMNSHO, he went with the best affordable option.

Cheapest option is the comcast DVR as a free promo. I hate the box myself and have a Tivo Premiere XL4, but again, the most cost-effective option is the Comcast DVR promotion.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by inaka

You're dead wrong, but again, it's pointless to even debate this since the OP already got a S2. You don't get sent an offer at all. You call them asking if they have a any DVR promotions. This is when they offer you the free DVR for 12 or 6 months depending on your location. Again, if you've been at your current location for four years, here's a link to people discussing this same offer in 2009-2010. You've been at your location for four years so surely you heard about it then too, right? I'm guessing no. It's the same deal today.

It's like the Sirius $25/6 months or $77/year subscription deal. (Google that too if you don't believe me.) Again, it's not publicized and you don't get a card in the mail or a call from Comcast. You have to call. You call and ask for any promotions. They throw you a free DVR for a year, hoping you stick with it and keep the DVR fee they can then tack on to your bill after the promotion ends. Again, I don't care if you don't believe me, because those people talking about the deal in the link I posted aren't lying either. I took advantage of this deal in 2011. As I also said, YMMV as each location has different offers, but this deal is still valid. They're going to initially say the deal is dead, and then miraculously offer it to you in you ask for the Retention Department.


Except your math is wrong when you aren't factoring in the Comcast DVR is free under the promotional period.


Again, I don't care if you don't believe me. I will re-iterate that you just want to argue. OP has his option so I hope he enjoys it. If you think I also made up the slickdeals posts about others discussing this too, then there's nothing else to say. That deal is valid today as well. The promotion is in the Comcast system to get basic users to eventually upgrade to a DVR and/or HD because Comcast makes a lot of money leasing the box. That also doesn't mean you have to continue to lease it. To the OP, he should exploit the free offer from comcast for the DVR, save up the $$$ for a S3, and then you have a much more future-proof setup.


Cheapest option is the comcast DVR as a free promo. I hate the box myself and have a Tivo Premiere XL4, but again, the most cost-effective option is the Comcast DVR promotion.

Ok. Just to be clear I particularly don't believe that someone with the limited basic package is or ever was eligible for this offer. Posting a link to a thread in another forum from 2-3 years ago is meaningless. Even there, the posts seem to indicate it was sort of a hit or miss proposition. When was the last time you heard of anyone actually getting this? Oh, you in 2011. Every time I ask for the retention department, the response is "no such department". Your initial post mentioning the promotion said it was free "with HD", so it isn't really free now is it?

If the idea is just to get people hooked on their DVR w/o requiring a service level change or multi-year commitment, making it difficult to get would be counter-productive and exceed even Comcast's level of stupidity.

As for whether or not I am continuing with this because I "just want to argue", GMAB. I wasn't the one who initially continued the argument after the OP had made his decision. You just decided at some point to try to declare victory and go home.

You had no idea that the package the OP has existed. You initially denied the possibility of analog channels in the area ( although I agree that they will go away, probably sooner rather than later. Then again, it being in California, who knows what kind of requirements the LFA has in place). You overstated the difficulty of adding a Cable box/DTA to the setup. You have no certain knowledge that the "Free" DVR is still available to anyone, much less to someone with the limited basic package, you simply assume that it is.

Perhaps the OP should have explored the free Comcast DVR option. If you had initially suggested that and told the OP what he needed to do to try and get one, I might agree with you, although I continue to doubt that it is available to him. But that isn't what you did. Instead, your posts implied "no S2 under any circumstances even if it means no DVR at this time". Heck, your first post said he should get an HDTV and an S3. That's when I inferred that you were totally clueless about what "tight budget" meant. You also exhibited ignorance when you said he should "take the lifetime service money ($499) and use that to buy an 42" HDTV." Nobody with even half a clue would have thought he was going to buy a used S2 and pay full price for PLS. OTOH, "tight budget" doesn't mean "no budget" and it was shameful of you to imply that he shouldn't be spending whatever he thought he could afford on a "luxury item".

As far as obsolescence is concerned, yes the S2 is obsolete. But then so is the S3. And it is possible that the S3 will be in worse shape at some point than the S2. If the Cable operators move to MPEG4...

[inaka]