Best plan and cost to add a TiVo HD

[megory]

I want to add an HD TiVo to my current analog dual recorder. (Brighthouse update the last straw for me!)

When I went to tivo.com to get their "deal" ($249) they said they would transfer my 3-year contract, expiring in July 2010, to my new TiVo.

Since I want to keep my sub on the Series 2, I don't know what is the smartest thing to do.

I am confused by the Sub prices etc. And, at this time, don't plan to get Lifetime (I think I saw a few months ago that it had been resurrected). I will plan to add an external expansion drive however.

[jjberger2134]

First, let me address the external expansion. I have read that the external expander is very unreliable with a high failure rate. Thus, an internal expansion is more reliable and more cost efficient.

As far a subscription prices, let me try to explain (since they are complicated).

If you buy a TiVo direct (phone or online) you will need to buy a subscription with it. Therefore, I do not know why you think you can transfer the sub. If you buy your tivo direct, then the pricing described below is the same no matter where you buy your unit.

To buy a TiVo without a service commitment, you would need to buy your TiVo from a third party such as Best Buy, Amazon, etc. Then you would need to activate service when you setup the unit. Going this route, you would pay $9.95/month for the second sub, or you can prepay for a year. I believe the cost for a 1yr MSD pre-pay is $99.

Finally, did you check tivo.com/upgrade for upgrade pricing? If you have had your unit for longer than 3 years, then you can get a NEW (not refurb) TiVoHD for $199. The upgrade deal, keeps service on the older unit. The older unit just "qualifies" you for a discount. All subscriptions and service on the older unit remains in effect. Further, Best Buy is running a deal for TiVo HD (which may end today) for $230ish.

[megory]

Good info and thanks. The Tivo upgrade pricing for me is $249 and change from my Dual Tuner. It's a 3-year contract.

My previous TiVos going back to 2003 apparently don't count as I haven't had a sub for them recently enough.

So wait, are you saying that when I buy the new HDTiVo, then both of them are on contract until 7/2010? And then the contracts expire and they can charge me more again?

I'm also confused about monthly charges as I didn't see that. I pay $12 per month for the DT, what will the new charge be?

It seems like this should be simpler. It feels like negotiating for a car <g>

[jjberger2134]

Originally Posted by megory

So wait, are you saying that when I buy the new HDTiVo, then both of them are on contract until 7/2010? And then the contracts expire and they can charge me more again?

Each TiVo contract is for a specific box, not for the account. Each box has its own contract, and thus its own expiration date. A second box on an account qualifies for a discount, known as MSD (Multi Service Discount). Thus if you buy a new HD TiVo now (November 2009) your commitment on that box will be until November 2010. As each contract expires you can either renew at the prevailing rate or cancel your service. FYI - the basic price structure has been in place for a long, long time.

I'm also confused about monthly charges as I didn't see that. I pay $12 per month for the DT, what will the new charge be?

TiVo pricing is sometimes very difficult to decipher. You are paying $12/month (I am guessing it is really $12.95) on your existing box, and it will stay that way.

Any box you add to your account will be at a MSD discount rate. Your choice of payment plan - either monthly ($9.95) or yearly ($99). Obviously, the $99 yearly commitment is better than the $9.95 month. So there is an extra built in discount for going with a yearly commitment.

It seems like this should be simpler. It feels like negotiating for a car

More like a cell phone contract

Overall, in your situation your original TiVo S2 Dual Tuner will retain the $12/month pricing until your contract expires in July 2010.

A NEW TiVoHD will qualify you for a discount on the second unit - either 9.95 month or 99/year. These charges will be in addition to your current payment of $12.95.