Yet Another 'Recording without a subscription' question

I did do a search on this topic before deciding to post this new thread. Most of the topic and results that came up are over a year old.

I have a Series 2 Tivo. I used to have a subscription, which I cancelled. Towards the end of the subscription term, my phone line would not work to connect to TiVo. However, I could manually record by setting the channel and time. That all worked fine till now.

Recently, i got a wireless adapter, which I connected to tivo to see if it is compatible. But now, after attaching it (it worked), the software was automatically updated. It now shows that my service is cancelled, and I cannot manually record.

I also found out that Tivo does not do monthly subscription without a commitment. So, I dont want to sign a contract for a year. So you know the question... basically

- How can I get it working? I read something called "daily call" to Tivo, which I dont want to do. I am willing to hack it somewhat... something like reverting it to the old software or firmware? any guidelines for that ?

Thanks for your help

 

I know. But thats why I posted in the Underground section because arent talks about alternatives allowed here?

to ask coy-ly...
- Can I revert to an older firmware/software on a Tivo Series 2?


EDIT: To be clear, I am NOT asking for a free subscription. I only want manual recording on a hardware that I own to work.

 

I guess most of you misunderstood... I dont want TiVo service.

I just want manual recording. I think owning a piece of hardware and doing all the work manually does not require a subscription.

 

Ahh, thanks for clearing that up. I thought Tivo changed their policies about manual recording and thus changed the software to block me and other canceled accounts.

 

thanks for the replies guys. sadly, the answer is no

I would pay for Tivo if I used it. but its only for my mom who watches 2 channels and 5 programs. I just cant justify paying that much. I would do it on a monthly basis as long as im home and want to watch my sports, but after that, noone else but her will watch tv.

off to looking for alternatives...