Different units on same network?

[sbn]

I want to get a 2nd Tivo unit for another TV primarily just for playback only, i.e. transfer of recorded shows from one Tivo unit or other digital files from a PC. As such I really do not need a unit with service as I would not need the TV listings or to do any recording. I had thought about taking the old S2 and hacking it, but this unit has a PROM that just makes it not worth it.

The existing Tivo is a HD unit with 3 year contract for that single unit. I have seen on both Ebay and Craigslist S2's with lifetime service for $50. So I thought it might just be a good idea to not waste time trying to find a modified/hacked unit, but rather just to buy one of these with the service.

Now I need either a hacked unit that I can transfer files via FTP, or a unit with service in order to transfer files. I would rather not deal with hacking a Tivo as my time is limited.

Now I know Tivo has a plan for having multiple units under one service. But if I bring in another Tivo unit that has one service plan into a network with a unit that has another service plan; will these 2 units be able to transfer to each other? Or do both need to be on the same service plan to transfer between them?

If that is not going to work, then what options do I have to simply get a DVP unit connected to this TV? I do not desire using a computer+ MythTV or anything like that (too noisy, too many wires, etc..).

[pdonoghu]

To transfer files between Tivos, you need to meet several requirements. Tivos need to be on the same account with active subscriptions, on the same network segment, and have transfers enabled. You can not transfer HD recordings to a Series 2 unit, nor can you transfer any recording that has the no copy flag set.

Once you have your first unit on your account, additional units are eligible for a multi service discount, currently $9.95/month, $99/year prepay, $299/lifetime.

So if you pick up a used Series 2 with lifetime, all you need to do is have it transferred onto your account. If you get a unit without lifetime, you can add it to your existing account using the multi service discount.

[sbn]

Originally Posted by pdonoghu

To transfer files between Tivos, you need to meet several requirements. Tivos need to be on the same account with active subscriptions, on the same network segment, and have transfers enabled. You can not transfer HD recordings to a Series 2 unit, nor can you transfer any recording that has the no copy flag set.

Once you have your first unit on your account, additional units are eligible for a multi service discount, currently $9.95/month, $99/year prepay, $299/lifetime.

So if you pick up a used Series 2 with lifetime, all you need to do is have it transferred onto your account. If you get a unit without lifetime, you can add it to your existing account using the multi service discount.

In other words no matter what I would have to pay more to Tivo, an extra fee for multi service, just to transfer files between machines, even if both have a subscription already?

[CuriousMark]

Originally Posted by sbn

In other words no matter what I would have to pay more to Tivo, an extra fee for multi service, just to transfer files between machines, even if both have a subscription already?

If the new machine has a lifetime subscription already, it will not cost you any additional money. You will just need to get it transferred on to your account.