Directv to Comcast and Tivo / Tivo Newbie here

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After 5 years with DTV (HDDVRS, no HR34/44) and 4 years with Dish, we're going back to cable. I'm scared, but I'm hoping Tivo makes the transition a good one.

On a budget. Took advantage of the $0 down, $20 a month Tivo basic. Two of them to be exact. Since the second one is going to be adding $30 on top of the bill ($20 + $10 additional outlet fee), I might just hook one up and send the second back.

Thought about getting the Plus for the 2 extra tuners and 1TB, but it is 2" too wide to fit the entertainment center.

HDD will be upgraded after I order a WD20EURX (BB only has the EZRX in stock).

Long story short, how do I mirror the signal to the bedroom tv? using the basic? I see the breakout cables, but can I use the components for an HD mirror with the basic roamio? If so, how do I get audio?

Can I even use component for the basic or does it have to be composite? I'd prefer an HD mirror, but can live with SD until we get the mini in a few months.

If I could get the Plus, I'd run the 5 cable combo, but the plus won't fit.

I'm very excited. Have had DVRs for over 10 years, but this is our first Tivo. Should be here this evening. I can't wait.

 

A mini will be in the future. We just don't have an extra $150 to spend outright yet. With the base Roamio only having a 500gb drive, we have to drop ~100 on a bigger drive right away.

Speaking of which, there are no drives in my are that I can get my hands on. I'd have to install and activate the Tivo/CC tonight (satellite signal is out). Then install a new drive later next week when it came in. WDs site says Walmart has the WD10EURx in stock, but Walmarts site says no, so I won't know until I get there.

What is the Seagate model equivalent to the WD AV 1 or 2 TB?

Lol, 8 tuners sounded awesome. I realized the Plus would be a better option, but it's about two inches too wide to fit into the tv stand. It's kind of a tight space so I can't really put it anywhere else. The Samsung tv sits too low to put it on top with that.

 

Well, the Roamios didn't make it. UPS had a weather delay so delivery was pushed back until Monday.

This delay has given me time to realize a near record level of intellectual deficiency on my part.

The Plus that I thought was too big to fit the entertainment center? It's not too wide. Just the actual cardboard box is too wide. I was looking at the shipping carton dimensions. Since the Plus is 16.5" instead of the 19.75" I thought, the Plus is back into the equation.

So I have 2 base Roamios due to be delivered on Monday. One will be returned.

My option is to keep one base Roamio. Add a ~$100 hardrive. 4 tuners, 1.5 TB, SD mirror to bedroom 1 through composite. Deca (same as Moca?) already ran in their from the DirecTV system for future addition of the Mini.

Second option. Return both base Roamios and get the Plus for ~$100. 6 tuners. 1 TB, HD mirror to bedroom 1 through component. Allows for a future Mini(s) to be placed into bedrooms 1 & 2. (Bedroom 2 has no Deca/Moca set up.)

The two extra tuners, HD mirror, and the ability to expand a little easier, makes up for the loss of 500gb (base plus 1TB WD Dvr Expander = 1.5TB).


Sorry for the thinking out loud post. Still flip flopping on the decision so I'll take any and all input please!

The Questions:

Has anybody ever dealt with the 30 day return? Is there an RMA in the box or do they ship a separate one out?

Will the remote work in another room about 30 feet away with a wall and an open doorway between the remote and Tivo?

In the future, with each Mini added, they take up 1 tuner, but if inactive for 4 hours they release? Example, if two Minis are being used at one time, the Plus can still record with 4 tuners?

Has anyone found the fail rates to increase with the Plus/Pro over the base due to the extras tuners? Too soon to say?

 

Good points and random thoughts are my favorite kind.

When I was planning for the base Roamio, I was looking at the WDx0EURX to replace. I then changed my mind to the 1TB WD Dvr Expander out of concern for the Continual Care Warranty.

Since I've decided to go with the Plus, I'll have to delay the hdd upgrade. I've only got around $100 extra to play with and the Plus upgrade will take that. I'll add on later, but 1TB should be fine for a while. We've got 820gb with the DirecTv system now, so it's still a step up.

 

Yes. The spherular deal doesn't appeal to me right now. I figure 4K will come eventually. If it comes next year, I'll pay the ETF of the $0 down deal and upgrade. If it takes two years, I'll own the roamio/s to sell to help offset the upgrade price.

Also, if the Comcast HD PQ is as bad as I remember it being 5 years ago in my area, I'm cancelling and will have to sink a few hundred into a creative Directv solution. If I had $500+ to spend this week, I would be doing that tomorrow.

For now, I need minimum 4 tuners with a minimum 1TB of space for two HDTVs in separate rooms.

I think I'll just bite the bullet and sign the Comcast contract. For 2 base Roamios, HD Preferred Triple Play, taxes, fees, misc. items, it will be $206/month.

$206/ month, 8 tuners, 1TB (upgrade later) + phone and internet.

Replacing

$217/ month, 4 tuners, 820gb, + phone and internet.

Plus later on I can buy a modem, and pay the two Roamios yearly, to knock $50 off the bill.

Now I just have to find an actual answer to what Comcasts ETF fee is before I sign. Oh boy.

 

Yes! Plus 8 tuners should be more than enough for future upgrades. I'll add a bigger AV drive to them in a few months. They should be here sometime today. UPS has them out for delivery, and I have 2 cablecards ready to go.

The local office told me the COE credit is only for modems. I let it go until we see the first month bill. Then I'm going for my $4.98 credit. Wish me luck!

 

We know that. She seemed confused at the office though. Once I get it set up and make sure we're keeping it, then I'll call in or try the email. It'll come eventually, lol.