If I buy this here, how do I subscribe the Tivo? If I buy it here, do I have to contact Tivo to get the subscription - or... what?
881431
Hi Ralph, You can easily activate your TiVo by going to the TiVo website. Copy the link below and paste it in your browser search block. TiVo will walk you through the process and collect your money too! If on-line is not your thing you can call them to set up service at 877-367-8486 https://www3.tivo.com/tivo-mma/activate/activate.do
822830
Can I hook up a regular converter box to this t.v. and get my local channels? I ordered this t.v. and I do not have cable or any paid services.
1037427
You just have to give a call to your cable company and ask them for a "Cable Card", and in some cases a "tuning adapter". The cable card looks like an old PCMCIA card and inserts just one way into the back of your new Tivo. It costs a couple of bucks per month from the cable company, but well worth it to add the additional functionality and interface enhancements that you get with Tivo.
2067423
Ripped off??? I was able to send my DVR back to time warner, stop paying for rental and useage fee that only really let's you record one show if you still want to watch something, and stop paying for a program guide (really? Pay to see whats on TV?). So my trade off is over $22 in fees for something MUCH better and only $15. Not to mention I do not need to buy a not so smart or easy to use smart tv. As now I can get all the programing I need including Pandora, youtube and amazon prime which we use the most.
801915
TIVO has the best user interface of any of them. Now it is even better with One Pass, where it will check netflix, hulu and Amazon, in addition to your TV lineup, and add the shows to your playlist automatically (i.e., it is a trumped up "Season Pass"). I don't like the cable card, I have to have the tuner, and On Demand is a problem with the cable card. But the user interface is so good I choose it over any cable DVR. My friend still uses the cable DVR and I tried it just the other day... it still stinks.
78344
No, you do not need a subscription it uses the free guide provided over the air or through a cable service for the free channel (major networks). However, the free guide is very basic and does not contain complete information like the cable providers guides or TiVo.
1432069
I know...I was looking everywhere for the "Subscribe" button, but there is no option! Frustrating!
57235
Recording from Amazon Prime streaming service is not possible with anything. You can stream. However, you'll need a Tivo monthly subscription in order to do anything with it. Without a subscription you can only watch TV, and even that becomes a nightmare with the constant banners telling you that you need a subscription to Tivo. Recording? You can't do that without a subscription either. I've read that you used to be able to record without a subscription by setting recording blocks by time rather than by show. Streaming? None of the streaming services work without a subscription either, even YouTube. A Tivo without a subscription is a brick. I have two S3 units, one with subscription and one without. The one without a subscription doesn't do anything other than pause live tv. That's it. Again, do not buy a Tivo, used or new, thinking that you'll be able to use without a monthly subscription, unless you buy one used with a Lifetime Subscription already on it. By the way, that "Lifetime Subscription" is for that specific unit and it's not transferable. In other words, once that unit dies, so does the "Lifetime Subscription."
968921
Today is the last day to get free Lifetime Service from TiVo for the Mini, but only if you buy it from TiVo directly or from a third party that offers it for the full price of $149.99. That means that Amazon right now, selling it for $131.75, will not qualify. I talked to TiVo Customer Service directly for this answer.
1602418
@Otis: Yes, you're paying for the right to use the device. Tivo refers to this as "DVR Service". Without DVR Service, you essentially have little more than just a tuner. It won't even function as a dumb VCR without the monthly fee. In part the monthly fee is used to subsidize the low up-front cost of the hardware, but if you own the Tivo for more than a couple years then you'll be paying far in excess of what was reasonably used to subsidize the hardware. In a practical sense, you are paying for program guide data and software updates. Since the box is cryptographically locked down, you don't have any alternate choice for guide data nor can you install alternate software. So, you pay Tivo to use the device, take it or leave it, it is what it is.
1639724
The monthly is $15 which is cheaper than lot of DVR's from the cable company and it has more storage and features. I paid $150 for the TiVo and got a lifetime subscription for $400. It is usually $500 but there is a online promo code for $100 off. Paying $550 up front may be a lot but in 36 months I break even based on the $15 monthly price. It's a matter of choice but ether way you have to pay for service.
1224460
You are welcome. I switched to HD last year. DirecTV did the installation for free after I paid for the service and receiver. One warning though. The DirecTV brand HD receiver is very slow. Spend the extra money and get the Tivo brand HD receiver.
1147030
You must subscribe to the TiVo service. Go to www.tivo.com. It's reasonably priced.
2163372
Hi, I contacted TIVO and asked that question and came to the conclusion that I needed the TIVO device! Works great and have been able to transfer recordings between TIVO's.
2150556
The only way to activate your subscription is to get it installed by an authorized installer. They have a special website not available to the public to get it started.
990722
Get it from your cable co. I have Cox. It costs $1.99 per month. You must have your cable co. Pair it with your tivo and cable card for it to work. It is normally painless, but in my case, it ttok about 4 hours and 4 techs to get it going. I think that was on purpose to discourage me .I'm tough...and determined. Finally got it going and now it is flawless!
968925
does anyone know if free lifetime service is available on devices purchased from 3rd party vendors (i.e., not directly from Tivo)?