[MarkNH]

Does Tivo still reactivate old Roamios?

I have an old one that I'm considering giving to my SIL.

If they allow it, is the monthly sub the same as the one they are offering on the edge ($15)?

It would be on Xfinity, so assume that they are still good for providing cable cards.
Can I install and validate a cable card before the device is activated ?

 

[ThAbtO]

Yes they do. It would be cheaper with lifetime (all-in) ($550) than the monthly $15. It would be all you would pay, instead of the $15 and before long, it really adds up past the $550.

 

[MarkNH]

Yes they do. It would be cheaper with lifetime (all-in) ($550) than the monthly $15. It would be all you would pay, instead of the $15 and before long, it really adds up past the $550.

Right, I have lifetime on both my Bolts and usually I'd recommend that, though

1. I'm not sure she is going to need it for that long,
2. It's an old box, so chances of it crashing before we get to the ROI are high
3. I'm not sure how much cable she will be watching in a few years,

 

[ThAbtO]

Try calling Tivo and see if you can get a discounted lifetime. Online never gives discounts. Lifetime sticks with the box so if Its not used long or whatever, or even sold.

 

[krkaufman]

Right, I have lifetime on both my Bolts and usually I'd recommend that, though

1. I'm not sure she is going to need it for that long,
2. It's an old box, so chances of it crashing before we get to the ROI are high
3. I'm not sure how much cable she will be watching in a few years,

You're entirely on top of it, it seems. The only other suggestion might be to consider a used Roamio Plus or Pro w/ Lifetime service off eBay. (Or, yeah, a base Roamio.)

That said, see the following for service plan details: Tivo Customer Support Community

'gist: Yes, the $15/mo plan would apply to your old Roamio. (They *have* cut-off new service plans for Premiere models, but Roamios are still OK.)

 

[krkaufman]

Can I install and validate a cable card before the device is activated ?

Probably not, since you'd need the guide data to verify tuning.

But you could research whether the $15/mo service plan would be eligible for a refund (see terms linked in prev post). Perhaps transfer the box to a new account before service (re)activation?

TiVo Service Commitment
For purchases from tivo.com and all newly-activated TiVo service subscriptions, TiVo provides a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee. Full refunds (minus shipping costs) will be provided for any devices (excluding accessories) purchased from tivo.com that are returned within 30 days of shipment date, or if a newly-activated TiVo service subscription is canceled within 30 days. If TiVo does not receive the device within 15 days of the return request, you will incur a charge (to your credit card on file) equal to the difference between (1) Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (plus tax) and (2) the purchase price you paid. After 30 days from service activation, an Early Termination Fee will apply for monthly plans canceled before the end of the commitment period. Prepaid plan cancelations will not be charged an Early Termination Fee and no refunds will be issued any prepaid fees.

 

[cjgadd3]

You're entirely on top of it, it seems. The only other suggestion might be to consider a used Roamio Plus or Pro w/ Lifetime service off eBay. (Or, yeah, a base Roamio.)

That said, see the following for service plan details: Tivo Customer Support Community

'gist: Yes, the $15/mo plan would apply to your old Roamio. (They *have* cut-off new service plans for Premiere models, but Roamios are still OK.)

Is this a fact that you can no longer activate Premieres? I have 3 in my closet that just became parts donors.

 

[krkaufman]

Is this a fact that you can no longer activate Premieres? I have 3 in my closet that just became parts donors.

Check the link referenced, first sentence.

See also: bought used premiere 4 can't use it!

 

[MarkNH]

Probably not, since you'd need the guide data to verify tuning.

But you could research whether the $15/mo service plan would be eligible for a refund (see terms linked in prev post). Perhaps transfer the box to a new account before service (re)activation?

​

Just got around to this. I can confirm that I can activate a cable card on a unactivated Tivo.
I can move up and down channels.
It still has the channels that I had before it deactivated, which don't exactly match, but good enough to see the picture.

Otherwise its boat anchor mode, no guide data and constant messages saying it's not activated

Need to work on activating now.

 

[mattyro7878]

I am only paying 9.95 a month for my Roamio but activated it a few years ago

 

[ThAbtO]

I am only paying 9.95 a month for my Roamio but activated it a few years ago

You are still paying too much.

 

[mattyro7878]

I wonder if I went to disable the Roamio if I would get a $99 lifetime offer. It happened with my Premeire4 a few months ago

 

[JoeKustra]

I wonder if I went to disable the Roamio if I would get a $99 lifetime offer. It happened with my Premeire4 a few months ago

Unlikely. It's almost standard for the Premiere and $99, but no such deal on a Roamio. But that was back when they still sold them.

 

[tommage1]

Just got around to this. I can confirm that I can activate a cable card on a unactivated Tivo.
I can move up and down channels.
It still has the channels that I had before it deactivated, which don't exactly match, but good enough to see the picture.

Otherwise its boat anchor mode, no guide data and constant messages saying it's not activated

Need to work on activating now.

Hmm, have not read all responses. However there is no way I would pay $15 a month for a Roamio (or even $10). And no way I would add lifetime for $550. I'd buy a used one with lifetime for the now going rate of $200-250. If you have recordings on the one without lifetime maybe activate for a month and transfer to the "new" used Roamio. Then cancel the subscription and use for parts. Used Roamios without subscription not even worth selling, worth maybe $10-20 (maybe a bit more if has a large drive) but in most cases not even worth what it would cost to ship. Remote, perhaps drive and perhaps power supply worth saving.

 

[mattyro7878]

Im pretty happy paying $9.99/mnth for my Roamio Plus.

 

[ThAbtO]

Im pretty happy paying $9.99/mnth for my Roamio Plus.

$10 x 12 months x 7 yrs = 840

Well past the $550.