DVR Chatter

shj wrote:

I just got an email from Tivo offering to transfer the lifetime service I have on my old Tivo series 1 to a new Tivo HD (the $300 box) for $199.  My plan was to not consider a new Tivo box until after I saw Tivo software running on my Comcast DVR, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's ever going to happen.

I'm seriously tempted by this new Tivo offer, which expires Nov. 8.

After three months with my Series3, I can't recommend this latest batch of HD-style TiVos highly enough.  I barely even use all the functionality (Wishlists, Suggestions, etc), but it is so far above both the Comcast 6412 and my Verizon 6416 in both hardware and software (not to mention the reliability of guide data) that it is shocking.  Plus MRV, TivotoGo and TivotoComeBack are coming in November.  And that's a TiVo "coming in November," which as we all know is not related to a Comcast "coming in November."

I'd jump in.  Even if they ever get the whole 6412 with TiVo thing up and running, it's not going to be as smooth on that crap hardware Motorola puts out.

By the way, TiVo HDs can be had for about 15% less than $300.  They're $249 at Amazon with free shipping right now, but I bet you could find it even cheaper.

Georgia Guy wrote:

PS. Frank, regarding the November feature upgrade, have you heard whether it will be possible to transfer to PC and bring back a show in HD? I've been wanting to put in a bigger hardrive in my S3, but its pretty much impossible right now with so many shows being recording during the new fall season.

Based on what I've read (and this is message board stuff - I haven't seen anything official that may be out there), you will be able to transfer HD back and forth between TiVo --> PC --> TiVo  **but only** non-encrypted, non-copy protected content will transfer AT ALL.  In other words, mainly your local affiliate content (SD and HD for me on Verizon) that is Copy Freely and broadcast in the clear.

EDIT MANY HOURS LATER TO ADD: Forgot to mention that, obviously, non-digital content you record OTA is also transferable.

jganyard wrote:

Uhmmm.. you already paid for lifetime service once.  Don't they have a little bit of nerve to call it lifetime service if A) They generally don't allow transfers to a different model without a special offer and B) Make you pay another for another "lifetime service"?

I think it's pretty common knowledge that lifetime service is "useful lifetime of the device" and not anybody's human lifetime.  These special offers are, therefore, not a bad deal.