[buscuitboy]

I have a special project that requires me to manual record just some local SD and cable access channels (3-4 times/month) in 6hr blocks.

I was looking to possibly get two lifetime series 2 TiVos on ebay. Would then hook up one of Comcast's Flex boxes and/or a Roku (w/ HD downcoverter) to its "input" and just record as needed. Then transfer the recordings to a PC via pyTivo. I am doing this with some cable carded Roamios now, but want to drop the Comcast TV and save about $40/month (would then sell all my Roamio lifetime equipment)

I see some on ebay that don't have the network jack, but include a USB network adapter. I am assuming these will then work with pyTivo, correct?

 

[Dan203]

I have a special project that requires me to manual record just some local SD and cable access channels (3-4 times/month) in 6hr blocks.

I was looking to possibly get two lifetime series 2 TiVos on ebay. Would then hook up one of Comcast's Flex boxes and/or a Roku (w/ HD downcoverter) to its "input" and just record as needed. Then transfer the recordings to a PC via pyTivo. I am doing this with some cable carded Roamios now, but want to drop the Comcast TV and save about $40/month (would then sell all my Roamio lifetime equipment)

I see some on ebay that don't have the network jack, but include a USB network adapter. I am assuming these will then work with pyTivo, correct?

Yes. I actually have an only Pioneer DVD unit that I recently dug up so my wife could watch a DVD. I had to connect it to the network so it wouldn't complain about not having service and when I did it started showing up in pyTivo. (it has a few shows on it that were recorded like 15 years ago)

 

[Dan203]

One thing to keep in mind if buying a used one.... it'll only work if it has lifetime service. TiVo will not activate a unit older than a Premiere so the only ones that still work are ones that have lifetime service. Network transfers via pyTivo require service even if you only use the TiVo to do manual recordings.

You also need it to be on your account, or to know the MAK for the account it's connected to. I'm not sure if TiVo will still transfer these older units between accounts or not.

 

[buscuitboy]

yea, I was looking for "lifetime" Series 2 so should be good there. Will maybe call TiVo and ask about transferring

 

[krkaufman]

TiVo will not activate a unit older than a Premiere

Ummm...

Series 4 Premiere DVRs can no longer be activated

Roamio's and newer are the only boxes now eligible for subscription service or purchase of a Lifetime/All-In plan.

 

[krkaufman]

it'll only work if it has lifetime service

Interesting possible caveat, if accurate, via a reddit thread:

The OP may be in a gray area. Since Tivo never EOL the Series 2, they should honor the lifetime service until they do. But once a box falls to call home within a 180-day period (might even the 90), the box is considered inactive. Since Tivo can't activate a Series 2 or 3 anymore, they can't restart it. And the box can't be sold because they can't activate it for a new owner.​

 

[Dan203]

Ummm...

Series 4 Premiere DVRs can no longer be activated

Roamio's and newer are the only boxes now eligible for subscription service or purchase of a Lifetime/All-In plan.

I missed that.

 

[krkaufman]

I missed that.

There wasn't any announcement that I'm aware of, just a change in policy quietly posted ... and with a few people bumping up against it posting to TCF.

I'm not sure if TiVo will still transfer these older units between accounts or not.

Published policy says they would:

You may transfer ownership of ANY model TiVo device with Product Lifetime Service or the All-in Plan. This includes legacy boxes (Series 1 -Series 3), Premiere Series, Roamio Series, BOLT Series and EDGE Series​