[PricePerformer]

We have a Series 2 / 140 Hour Single Tuner (ST).
We just bought a closeout Series 2 / 80 Hour Dual Tuner (DT).


We have replaced the subscription on the ST with the DT and it is working fine.
What can we do with the ST without adding another subscription?


I did not see any posts on removing the 140 Drive from the ST (it has lots of stuff on it which I know we can continue watching) and using it as a second drive in the DT. Does this make sense? Would the recorded stuff still be viewable?

The ST is still running as it has not run out of schedule yet.

Also they are both in the same room and are both responding to the remote... not a critical problem (so far) but?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MikeMar]

After about 30 days it will become a semi-door stop

you can still watch recorded programs, and pause life tv (with 30 min buffer) but you can't record anything with season passes or manual.

Look in the manual for how to have 2 tivo's controlled on 1 remote (with that 1/2 switch)

 

[ZikZak]

If you want, you can install the old drive into the new box, but it's more complicated than dropping it in. You need to reinstall and resize the operating system on it. See the Upgrade forum for more details.

Although there are sporadic reports of being able to record things manually on an unsubbed S2, I wouldn't count on this. An S2 without a subscription is basically a paperweight. Once you're done watching whatever is recorded on it, it's useless.

 

[jlb]

People, people, people......let's not forget that certain TiVo boxes have been found to perform manual recording just fine without a subscription. My AT&T branded box does just that.

It could also be the order in which the cancel occurs......I disconnected the phone and network, and then did the cancel.

 

[ZikZak]

People, people, people......let's not forget that certain TiVo boxes have been found to perform manual recording just fine without a subscription. My AT&T branded box does just that.

Your box is an example of the "sporadic reports" to which I refer, and is not the advertised, or generally observed, behavior of an unsubbed S2.

 

[PricePerformer]

I went into my ST TiVo and tried to setup a timed recording beyond the limits of my "To Do List". It would not let me ... so I guess I am not as fortunate as "jlb".


Like "JLB" I pulled the Network adapter out of the ST TiVo before switching to the DT TiVo so the unit does not know that it is an orphan.


However, as a friend advised me, between the CBS shows on ComCast "On Demand" and the NBC shows repeated on USA, SciFi and Bravo... the DT will do the job as long as the 80 hours is sufficient.

That said, the 140 Hour ST has all 24 episodes of Day 4 from A&E. That should make for a nice summer adventure. I will not try that with only 80 hours.


Many Thanks for the ideas. If y'all have more, keep them coming.

 

[gastrof]

Put a larger drive in the new machine.

 

[PricePerformer]

I would consider putting a larger HD in the Series 2 DT.
That is why I asked about moving the 140 from the ST unit.

I bought this DT from Big Lots for $69 as part of the Closeout.
I view it as a cheap way to solve a problem until I need a Series 3 or maybe a Series 4??


If it lasts until:
- Series 3 Units come down
- HD becomes more available/common/accepted especially on cable
- The HD Cable cards become more common.

I will consider it an inexpensive stop-gap measure. In the meantime anything I can do to improve things short of buying a HD that costs more than the unit itself, seems reasonable.

Thanks for all your input.

FYI, I am retired, I would never have bought a Tivo for myself. Seemed unnecessary, (we still have 3 operating VCRs... yes go ahead and laugh) and and I detest Monthly fees. I am a Buyer not a Renter.

However, at Christmas last year, I was given the TiVo ST (after he upgraded) with a paid-up 1 year subscription by a loved one. I love it. It is certainly something I would not have bought for myself. It is one of the best gifts I have received.

Thanks for your ideas.