does this product need a subscription, like Tivo?
1304152
There is no subscription needed. all you do is plug it in attach an antenna or cable or even satellite scan for channels and record whatever you want.
1304153
No subscription required, you set it for programming just like you would a VCR.
1304154
No, it does not require a subscription. I use it with a digital antenna because I live in an area with a lot of digital TV station signals and it works great. It will also work with either cable service or satellite service (sorry for the spelling). I record shows that come on late at night on a couple of oldies TV stations like Perry Mason, The Untouchables, Mission Impossible, Peter Gunn, etc. and watch them during the day. You can program it in one sitting to record 8 future shows and then when you watch one you can then delete it to free up the space if you like. It is a great product. Glad I bought it. No, it does not require a subscription. I use it with a digital antenna because I live in an area with a lot of digital TV station signals and it works great. It will also work with either cable service or satellite service (sorry for the spelling). I record shows that come on late at night on a couple of oldies TV stations like Perry Mason, The Untouchables, Mission Impossible, Peter Gunn, etc. and watch them during the day. You can program it in one sitting to record 8 future shows and then when you watch one you can then delete it to free up the space if you like. It is a great product.... » Read More No, it does not require a subscription. I use it with a digital antenna because I live in an area with a lot of digital TV station signals and it works great. It will also work with either cable service or satellite service (sorry for the spelling). I record shows that come on late at night on a couple of oldies TV stations like Perry Mason, The Untouchables, Mission Impossible, Peter Gunn, etc. and watch them during the day. You can program it in one sitting to record 8 future shows and then when you watch one you can then delete it to free up the space if you like. It is a great product. Glad I bought it. « Show Less
1147027
No, TiVo service cost anywhere from $6.95 to $12.95 per month depending on if they are running a special that month. They also offer a lifetime service for a one time fee of either $299.00 or $399.00 but I found that not to be a good value due to I usually replace my Tivo every 2 to 3 years and the lifetime service is only good for that 1 tivo.
1759328
Should work for you! Not associated with tivo account just ompatible with certain tivo devices
300758
Yes, but don't hold your breath. About four months after buying my second TiVo (so my wife and I would both have our own for our own TVs) I got a casual email from TiVo offering lifetime service for $99, which I promptly snapped up. Also, they usually offer some hardware discounts on new TiVos after Thanksgiving, for the Christmas season, and these may also offer a discount on lifetime service. This last season the discount was $100, I believe - not nearly as generous as the one I mentioned above.
1552800
no, it does not. actually, I have had it over a year and it has never been used-apparently when the FCC mandated a completely digital signal after Jan. 31, 2009 it created a situation where the tuner does not "see" channels so they can be loaded. I also have a Toshiba machine with the same problem. This is a pet gripe of mine-none of the Tivos or cable co. dvrs contain a computer drive like these did; you used to be able to record to the hard drive, and then edit and save to a blank disc if it was something you wanted to archive. The fact that I PAY for cable and can't even do what I want with it makes me nuts!
78346
No, it's used for recording HD TV channels Over The Air (OTA), not cable or satellite subscription services, so no subscription required. A guide channel is normally provided by a subscription service so I don't think it will work with it unless it's OTA. Went back and checked source function and there are other modes other than OTA so it probably will record video from subscription set top boxes as well.
812647
As I recall, you have to subscribe to have any access to the machine. I bought a Roku 3 and use it the way you describe.
1919931
Yes. The Tivo monthly fee is for the TiVo Guide updates which allow you to use all the TiVo programming and recording functions. However, keep in mind that your cable provider will probably charge a higher monthly fee than TiVo for you to rent one of THEIR DVR's... and you won't own it. With the TiVo you still will need to use a cable card, obtained from the local office of your cable provider (I have Comcast). The cable card simple inserts into the TiVo box replaces a cable box, seamlessly integrating into the TiVo functions. In my area there is no charge from the cable company for the cable card because it's replacing Comcast's standard cable box. Yes. The Tivo monthly fee is for the TiVo Guide updates which allow you to use all the TiVo programming and recording functions. However, keep in mind that your cable provider will probably charge a higher monthly fee than TiVo for you to rent one of THEIR DVR's... and you won't own it. With the TiVo you still will need to use a cable card, obtained from the local office of your cable provider (I have Comcast). The cable card simple inserts into the TiVo box replaces a cable box, seamlessly integrating into the TiVo functions. In my area there is no charge from the cable company for the... » Read More Yes. The Tivo monthly fee is for the TiVo Guide updates which allow you to use all the TiVo programming and recording functions. However, keep in mind that your cable provider will probably charge a higher monthly fee than TiVo for you to rent one of THEIR DVR's... and you won't own it. With the TiVo you still will need to use a cable card, obtained from the local office of your cable provider (I have Comcast). The cable card simple inserts into the TiVo box replaces a cable box, seamlessly integrating into the TiVo functions. In my area there is no charge from the cable company for the cable card because it's replacing Comcast's standard cable box. « Show Less
2104762
I can only say for Time Warner but its probably all the same. You don't pay for Comcast's set top box, "DVR service", or a remote control. You will pay the monthly subscription to TiVo.
968924
TIVO Mini you do have to pay a monthly or charge, or you can pay a one time charge which is called a LIFETIME!! Not sure, but I don't think there is a charge for the Roamio.
1855003
I have a Roku too, and you won't need it as the TiVo has the same features. I use my Roku on a different tv since I have it.
1602413
$20 a month .. no thanks even if the box was free! wow TIVO is still in business?
968927
Tivo just updated their website to include product lifetime service through May 4, 2015. I also purchased my mini at BestBuy and they matched the Amazon price
65189
No you can't use your Tivo without service. It won't get TV listings, won't download any programs, or anything else.
1147031
Probably not, Kelly, you will still need a cable card from TWC. The cable card should be far less expensive than the TWC DVR, though. Also, I found the TiVo to be much more responsive in channel selection than the Bright House DVR which it replaced. Waiting multiple seconds for channels to change was the frustration that prompted the investment in the TiVo.
1340379
You can Not use a Tivo box WITHOUT a Tivo subscription. also, the Series 2 is not HD compatible... just an FYI. Tivo customer service are very helpful with any Q & A as well. I own four and have been a customer for 8 years. just upgraded to HD TiVo boxes and did away with my Series 2 ones.
968925
does anyone know if free lifetime service is available on devices purchased from 3rd party vendors (i.e., not directly from Tivo)?