TiVo HDs with lifetime still work OTA and with cable cards. Updates are very rare, perhaps years apart, but they aren't really needed. Of course there are no new features being added. You should know last year TiVo offered transfers on lifetime Series 3s and 4s to new Bolts. Many of the old units were not deactivated. It's unlikely they will be at this point, but it's a possibility. These units may be among the ones you see advertised. Check ebay recent selling prices for current values.