[autotech4]

I wasn't smart enough to buy the lifetime service plan 5 years ago when I bought a 1tb Bolt and mini. So I've now paid about $800.

I've been haggling with TiVO support and they dropped my annual $150 to $100. They also offered me lifetime for $200. That's $300, minus the $100 I just paid because it's within 30 days and they can still refund me.

Is it worth it? Or should I just put that $300 towards a Fire TV recast with no fees?

 

[tommiet]

It's a toss up as it looks like TiVo's days are numbered. But for 200 bucks you would break even in 2 years IF your Bolt holds up that long. My thinking is TiVo is going to stop making hardware and at some point, with no replacement hardware.
Having a lifetime sub, does not mean TiVo has to supply lifetime hardware.

Note... I picked up a lifetime Roamio for $143.00 2 months ago. Just need a year to break even. Most TiVo users can feel the end coming and the prices are dropping on lifetime boxes. If you like TiVo, you may want to look at buying a box with lifetime.

My guess is that TiVo will announce that they are getting out of the hardware business in the next couple of years, but will keep the guide data going for "X" amount of time. But NO replacement hardware or support. When it dies, its done. ZERO chance of any new DRV's.

I also have a Recast. Used it when I traveled as TiVo remote access suxs at best. My Traveling days are done, so my Recast handles all OTA recordings. If I only needed OTA, I would dump my TiVo and just use my Recast and Fire TV. The Recast is not as robust as a TiVo, but does what I need.

Good luck....