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

[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. I've read some warnings on this forum about buying a used Tivo with lifetime service, but any more tips would be appreciated.

My budget is kind of tight and I'm thinking I should get an S2, I guess. Can you suggest specific models that would be good? Or ones I should avoid? And if they are that old are the risks with getting screwed on the lifetime service not much of a risk?

Thank you,
Doug

[replaytv]

Probably the cheapest way is to find one at a thrift shop, but that can take a while, less you are very lucky. The next cheapest in on craigslist or on this forum. The safest is probably on ebay, because if you have trouble you get all your money including shipping back.
If you buy off of craigslist you want to see it up and running before you buy it so you can see that it has 'lifetime'.

'Evaluation' for the service state gives the same service, but it can be turned off anytime. And in fact, if you don't connect it to service before you buy it you might find that it has already been turned off. It happened to me, although I found out that it was turned off before I bought it. I do have 3 'evaluation' tivos and they have been running for years without me having to pay anything. I have had a bunch of 'evaluation' tivos and none of them have been turned 'off'.

As long as your comcast doesn't require a box...i.e. you can plug your TV directly into the cable that comes into the house,,, then a Series 2 standard definition Tivo probably would be good. But if you get a HD TV I have heard that standard def looks terrible. But I dn't know that from experience. If you want to go the cheapest Tivo with lifetime go with a Toshiba or Pioneer Tivo DVD>DVR with basic lifetime. You only get 3 days of programing and don't get internet features except downloading the program guide, but they are very cheap.

[bshrock]

TiVo.com has a comparison chart that compares the TiVo Premiere to older TiVo DVRs.
Start at TiVo.com select one of the TiVo Premieres in the "Products tab".
Open "Product details" then select the "Compare" tab.
select Compare TiVo Premiere to older TiVo DVRs Popups need to be enabled.

[jrtroo]

Originally Posted by replaytv

As long as your comcast doesn't require a box...i.e. you can plug your TV directly into the cable that comes into the house,,, then a Series 2 standard definition Tivo probably would be good. But if you get a HD TV I have heard that standard def looks terrible. But I dn't know that from experience. If you want to go the cheapest Tivo with lifetime go with a Toshiba or Pioneer Tivo DVD>DVR with basic lifetime. You only get 3 days of programing and don't get internet features except downloading the program guide, but they are very cheap.

There is a risk in this- while a S-2 would work in the short term- in the medium/long terms it would at best revert to a one-tuner model as Comcast is actively eliminating analog service.

I would go with a Series 3 or 4 (premiere)- they will continue to work as dual tuners after your area finishes their eventual transition.

[lillevig]

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. I've read some warnings on this forum about buying a used Tivo with lifetime service, but any more tips would be appreciated.

My budget is kind of tight and I'm thinking I should get an S2, I guess. Can you suggest specific models that would be good? Or ones I should avoid? And if they are that old are the risks with getting screwed on the lifetime service not much of a risk?

Thank you,
Doug

If Comcast includes the analog versions of the channels on cable, then an S2 box would work fine. Easiest way to test this is to take your cable right out of the wall jack and plug it into your CRT TV. If you can get the channels then you are good to go. Buying an S2 with lifetime is not very risky given that you can probably get one for $100 or less. The things that go bad on them are usually the power supply (bulging capacitors) or the hard drive (easy to replace and reimage with free SW). I ended up with three TCD240xxx models and think they are great inexpensive boxes.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by lillevig

If Comcast includes the analog versions of the channels on cable, then an S2 box would work fine. Easiest way to test this is to take your cable right out of the wall jack and plug it into your CRT TV. If you can get the channels then you are good to go. Buying an S2 with lifetime is not very risky given that you can probably get one for $100 or less. The things that go bad on them are usually the power supply (bulging capacitors) or the hard drive (easy to replace and reimage with free SW). I ended up with three TCD240xxx models and think they are great inexpensive boxes.

Comcast is in the process of going all digital and has already done so in many places. However, a single tuner S2 and a DTA from Comcast will allow you to continue to receive the basic cable channels even after they do convert in your area. Until they do, a single tuner S2 will work fine w/o the DTA.

Bottom line - for your purposes, any single tuner S2 would be my recommendation

[JoeTaxpayer]

The single tuner TCD240 can be hooked up nicely to a DTA and for no added cost (no cards, no monthly, assuming you buy a LIfetimeservice box) makes a great first TiVo.

[mattack]

Originally Posted by dougitect

I have Comcast cable (no box, no HD, very basic service) and an old-ish CRT TV. I've read some warnings on this forum about buying a used Tivo with lifetime service, but any more tips would be appreciated.

My budget is kind of tight and I'm thinking I should get an S2, I guess. Can you suggest specific models that would be good? Or ones I should avoid? And if they are that old are the risks with getting screwed on the lifetime service not much of a risk?

I definitely think you should AT LEAST get a S3 or higher. Newer, like Premiere or XL4 (4 tuners) is better, and I don't even have a Premiere.

I used a S3 & TivoHD with a CRT for a long time (until the TV itself died), and in fact I mostly still watch them connected through analog (since I switch between inputs a lot, I use my non-Tivo hard drive/DVD recorder as the input switcher most of the time). I used the lifetime transfer options that happened with the S3 & TivoHD years ago.

But I am thinking about getting an XL4 sometime soon, just to have more tuners in one box (my S3 is currently dead -- I think it's a power supply issue). Yes, that's one more thing to go bad, but I still think more tuners in one box is useful.

ANYWAY, especially for the Olympics, I think a lot of the stuff will be on the NBC *CABLE CHANNELS*, so having more tuners will be worth it. e.g. NBC, Bravo, etc., will all be showing Olympics, if they do the same as they did last time.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by mattack

I definitely think you should AT LEAST get a S3 or higher. Newer, like Premiere or XL4 (4 tuners) is better, and I don't even have a Premiere.

I used a S3 & TivoHD with a CRT for a long time (until the TV itself died), and in fact I mostly still watch them connected through analog (since I switch between inputs a lot, I use my non-Tivo hard drive/DVD recorder as the input switcher most of the time). I used the lifetime transfer options that happened with the S3 & TivoHD years ago.

But I am thinking about getting an XL4 sometime soon, just to have more tuners in one box (my S3 is currently dead -- I think it's a power supply issue). Yes, that's one more thing to go bad, but I still think more tuners in one box is useful.

ANYWAY, especially for the Olympics, I think a lot of the stuff will be on the NBC *CABLE CHANNELS*, so having more tuners will be worth it. e.g. NBC, Bravo, etc., will all be showing Olympics, if they do the same as they did last time.

From the initial post - tight budget, basic cable, no HD.

[dougitect]

Wow, you folks are great! Thank you for all the information and suggestions. I'll have to do some more research now and see what to go for: S2 or S3.

I keep spending my evenings watching Wimbledon online. Need to take a little time to get up to speed on Comcast's future direction, number of tuners in each box, Tivo.com comparisons, DTAs, etc.

Thank you for all your help,
Doug

[blackngold75]

I'd stay away from the S2: sure, you have an older-model TV now, but when you do buy a new one someday it will be HD-capable, and your S2 would not be.

[steve614]

Agree.

A used Series 3 / TivoHD with lifetime may be a little more expensive, but in the long run, it will pay for itself. You'll have more Tivo features and access to more online content compared to the S2.

I used to have a SD CRT TV. Then one day it stopped working. I thought about having it repaired, but after doing my research, I found that it was cheaper to just go ahead and get a new HDTV (with comparable screen size).
I'm glad I already had an HD capable Tivo to go with it.

[JoeTaxpayer]

Originally Posted by blackngold75

I'd stay away from the S2: sure, you have an older-model TV now, but when you do buy a new one someday it will be HD-capable, and your S2 would not be.

S2 with lifetime $75. Cable to connect to DTA with 100% functionality, no ir blaster, $12. USB to Ethernet to avoid phoning home, $20.
$107 total.

This machine pays for itself over about 4-5 months and then again if used to buy a lifetime service on a higher model. Until the OP gets the larger TV why pay $300+ for anything else?

[mattack]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

From the initial post - tight budget, basic cable, no HD.

I don't record HD either, but I still use these recorders.. He almost certainly gets VERY FEW channels without a box of some kind, and using a tivo with an external box is a HORRIBLE experience, IMHO. ESPECIALLY if he's trying to watch the Olympics, which, as I said, will presumably be shown on multiple channels simultaneously... (so you can't do that at all with a Tivo + external box).

It still makes the most sense to get S3 or higher, just for ease of use with cable.

[ThAbtO]

I recently setup my S2 with a digital converter box for OTA and compared to the THD, its SLOW, it also records while the channel changes.

[unitron]

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. I've read some warnings on this forum about buying a used Tivo with lifetime service, but any more tips would be appreciated.

My budget is kind of tight and I'm thinking I should get an S2, I guess. Can you suggest specific models that would be good? Or ones I should avoid? And if they are that old are the risks with getting screwed on the lifetime service not much of a risk?

Thank you,
Doug

In which part of the country do you live?

[replaytv]

I have bought two lifetimed Series 2 Tivos for $25 each this last month at area thrift stores. But I go to thrift stores most every day, as I buy all kinds of stuff from thrifts to sell on craigslist and eBay.
You can buy or get free SD TVs on craigslist or the thrift shops for cheap. I have 3 extra TVs that I have got for free that I am saving for 'backup' till I have the money to get HD.

[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!).
I'm not that huge a TV watcher, but I would love to have a DVR. And for them TiVo is about the only game in town (due to market forces beyond my comprehension).

Watching one channel while recording another takes two tuners, yes? So that would mean I'd want an S3, right?

[unitron]

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!).
I'm not that huge a TV watcher, but I would love to have a DVR. And for them TiVo is about the only game in town (due to market forces beyond my comprehension).

Watching one channel while recording another takes two tuners, yes? So that would mean I'd want an S3, right?

Look these over:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/?...ivo&catAbb=sss

[leiff]

one more thing to consider. For new S4 (premier) TiVo's , comcast now offers on-demand in San Francisco bay area. I just upgraded to S4 for this reason and infact you can see my S3 1.5 tb harddrive for $375 on north bay Craig's list I'd be happy to sell you. On demand is working great for me with my new S4. You might want to check with Comcast to see if you'd have to pay more for on-demand. I do believe Comcast on-demand will be showing Olympics which should give you extra coverage. Unfortunantly on-demand is only available for S4 TiVo which may be over your budget. Having owned a series 3 and now s4, the differences are minor between them I say, biggest being on-demand.

[inaka]

Get an HDTV, and a TiVo Series 3 with lifetime, and use an over the air antenna to get free HDTV for the Olympics.
Otherwise, you can get a premiere (or series 3) with a cablecard and view HDTV via Comcast. That way is easier, but you have to pay for the HD package with Comcast. The good news is that the cablecard is free though.

[dougitect]

Originally Posted by JoeTaxpayer

S2 with lifetime $75. Cable to connect to DTA with 100% functionality, no ir blaster, $12. USB to Ethernet to avoid phoning home, $20.
$107 total.

This machine pays for itself over about 4-5 months and then again if used to buy a lifetime service on a higher model. Until the OP gets the larger TV why pay $300+ for anything else?

At tivo.com it doesn't sound like having lifetime service on one model helps getting it on another model later. Where have you seen this being offered?

Thanks,
Doug

[unitron]

Originally Posted by dougitect

At tivo.com it doesn't sound like having lifetime service on one model helps getting it on another model later. Where have you seen this being offered?

Thanks,
Doug

It gets you the MSD $100 off the price of lifetime.

[jfh3]

Originally Posted by dougitect

At tivo.com it doesn't sound like having lifetime service on one model helps getting it on another model later. Where have you seen this being offered?

Thanks,
Doug

There is a $100 discount on subsequent lifetime units if you already have a lifetime box. Been a while sine I looked, but you don't see it on the service options page unless a lifetime box is already on your account.

[dougitect]

Originally Posted by jfh3

There is a $100 discount on subsequent lifetime units if you already have a lifetime box. Been a while sine I looked, but you don't see it on the service options page unless a lifetime box is already on your account.

OK, I didn't know about that. But $100 off $499 (plus a new box) is more than I want to pay in the forseeable future.

I think I'm leaning toward an S2 from ebay and see how I like it.

Doug

[ThAbtO]

Subscriptions are:

Premiere: $14.99 for the 1st, 12.99 for 2nd, 3rd, etc., but earlier models are 12.95 for the 1st, 9.95 after. Records from antenna/cable with its dual tuners, no box, cable cards instead. Netflix, hulu plus, youtube.

If you are concerned about picture quality, a S2 is not the way to go, on a HDTV, plus the fuss over setting a cable box. The dual tuner S2 is not much different.

The S3/HD is a better choice, no cable box to control, dual recording tuners, sub @12.95/9.95 monthly, netflix, youtube, HD quality, records from antenna and cable at same time, though its only 1 channel from each, or 2 from either. No boxes either.

Lifetime for any tivo is 499.99/399.99.


The Olympics will be broadcast on NBC, so even Antenna can receive it.

[CoxInPHX]

Originally Posted by ThAbtO

The Olympics will be broadcast on NBC, so even Antenna can receive it.

Not just NBC but all of their affiliates too.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv-listings/index.html

NBC will broadcast 272.5 hours of London Olympic coverage over 17 days for the most extensive coverage ever provided by an Olympic broadcast network. Swimming -- including Michael Phelps’ quest to become the most decorated Olympian ever -- track and field, gymnastics, diving, and beach volleyball, among other sports, will serve as the centerpieces of NBC’s coverage, which begins with the Opening Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Friday, July 27.

NBC Sports Network will serve as the home to U.S. team sports, with 292.5 hours of total coverage from 2012 London Olympics this summer, including 257.5 hours of original programming – the most-ever for an Olympic cable network. Coverage will begin on Wednesday, July 25, at 11:30 a.m. ET, two days before the Opening Ceremony, when Team USA takes on France in women’s soccer. NBC Sports Network coverage, originating from Olympic Park in London, will air up to 20 medal rounds and 22 Olympic sports, including Team USA basketball, women’s soccer and field hockey

MSNBC, NBC Universal’s 24/7 cable news channel that is fully distributed in roughly 100 million homes, will carry 155.5 hours of a wide variety of long-form Olympic programming over 19 days. The channel will air up to 18 medal rounds and 20 Olympic sports, from badminton to basketball to soccer to wrestling On most weekdays, coverage will air from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET with longer programming windows on Saturdays and Sundays.

CNBC, NBC Universal’s fully distributed cable business channel -- will serve as the home of Olympic boxing this summer, including the debut of women’s boxing. The channel will televise 73 hours of coverage over 16 days from elimination bouts to the men’s and women’s finals. Same-day coverage will air from 5-8 p.m. ET during the week, with six hours of live coverage airing each day on the weekends.

Bravo, NBC Universal’s fully distributed lifestyle cable channel, will be the home of Olympic tennis this summer. The channel will televise 56 hours of long-form coverage over seven days, from July 28-August 3. Live coverage will air from early morning until mid-afternoon (ET) on most days.

Olympics HD 1 (Full time Soccer)
Olympics HD 2 (Full time Basketball)
A total of 770 hours of coverage will be available on two NBC Universal specialty channels devoted solely to soccer and basketball.

Olympics 3D Channel (specialty channel)

Telemundo, NBC Universal will have the most extensive Spanish-language Olympic coverage in the company’s history, offering more than 173 hours of the London 2012 Olympics on Telemundo, “The U.S. Home of the Olympic Games in Spanish.” Telemundo’s comprehensive coverage will feature marquee disciplines such as boxing, swimming, basketball and soccer, which will be a major broadcast highlight.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by dougitect

OK, I didn't know about that. But $100 off $499 (plus a new box) is more than I want to pay in the forseeable future.

I think I'm leaning toward an S2 from ebay and see how I like it.

Doug

Given your current circumstances, I think that is the best choice.

I would go with a single tuner. If your TV has a/v inputs. you can always split the cable and connect both the TV and the TiVo the cable, record one thing and watch something else live. You can also be recording something while you watch something else previously recorded.

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.

Having said that, if you can find a used TiVo HD with lifetime within your budget, by all means get that instead.

[unitron]

Originally Posted by lpwcomp

Given your current circumstances, I think that is the best choice.

I would go with a single tuner. If your TV has a/v inputs. you can always split the cable and connect both the TV and the TiVo the cable, record one thing and watch something else live. You can also be recording something while you watch something else previously recorded.

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.

Having said that, if you can find a used TiVo HD with lifetime within your budget, by all means get that instead.

Or a used original S3 with PLS as well.

[lpwcomp]

Originally Posted by unitron

Or a used original S3 with PLS as well.

Since it requires two CableCARDs, that entails an additional, although minimal, monthly expense.