Ok, first woot purchase of this item. I didn't read ALL the way down and realized I have to have a subscription, DUH! (no biggie I guess). It says it doesn't *replace* your cable box, but *plugs into your cable*. Someone school me here please, I'm kinda tech dumb. Thank you....

We have a Cox DVR that is too small w/ its memory. I might just put this TiVo in the master bedroom...

goldfndr wrote:So, what kind of wireless setup are you using to get your HBO HD to the Premiere? Because you obviously aren't using a coax cable to get it there, just like you can't get an Ethernet cable there. (/sarcasm)

Folks, Ethernet cables can have a very long range, you don't need the device to be "right next to your router" to use one.

Elites use MoCA too. I have one Premiere wired and the other is using a wireless N.

I'm not debating on the length of the cable. If you're on floor one and run ethernet up to floor two, that works of course.

mavsman78 wrote:I've been antenna only for almost 3 years and didn't know about this. This woot is especially timely because I seriously am 8 days from my subscription running out on my Tivo HD and had been debating what to do. Thank you for making my decision easy woot.

They only started it after the Premiere came out with the higher $20/month charge and some people freaked.

sogj wrote:45 HOURS?! That's not enough to get me through a weekend! What do you expect me to do, Woot? Go outside? Like a hobo?!

If you need more hours, it's very easy to buy a larger hard drive and swap it out. Or you can even easier and buy one already formatted and just swap it out.

Oh also one other thing.

The iphone/ipad TiVo app is fantastic. No streaming (boo) but you can use the app as a tivo remote if you're on the same network as the tivo.

If you're at work you can still use the app to set remote recordings, but you can't play tricks and change the channel live.

App is free.

badapple702 wrote:Ok, first woot purchase of this item. I'm an rebel scum 'cuz I didn't read ALL the way down and realized I have to have a subscription (no biggie I guess). It says it doesn't *replace* your cable box, but *plugs into your cable*. Someone school me here please, I'm kinda tech dumb. Thank you....

We have a Cox DVR that is too small w/ its memory. I might just put this TiVo in the master bedroom...

You cannot use a cable box with this TiVo. The coax cable plugs into box, and there's a slot in the back of the box for a cable card, which your cable company will provide to you for digital channels. I also have some other box that Charter provided me to make TiVo and my cable work together. Not sure what it is, but they said I need it, and it wouldn't cost me. My cable card rental is $2/mo, and my other box is a free rental.

Wireless is not necessary. My modem/router/TiVo/TV are all in the same TV stand, which not-so-coincidentally is right in front of the cable jack. I have wireless for my laptop, but I'm not bringing the TiVo box into the other room too often. Or, ever.

Agreed with the previous comment that you need to watch your first bill. (Though that's true with any new monthly fee.) I bought Premiere because my old S2 box was restarting every ten minutes. I'd attempted to cancel my previous TiVo service when I activated the new box, but the first EFT pull was for 2 boxes. I complained enough that they refunded me one month, comped me another, and lowered my monthly bill to $12.95, which is what I was paying for my S2 box. (I think the last was a mistake, but I didn't say nothin'.)

geognerd wrote:The $45 is a great price, but the monthly fee kills the deal for me. I would have no problem dropping $300 on a DVR, but I can't stand this $15/month. Comcast wants $18/month where I live for a DVR.

Guess I'll stick with my VCR. It isn't as convenient as a DVR, but you can't beat the price. Just a few cents or a buck a month for electricity.

You don't have to pay monthly. You can buy the box and buy a lifetime subscription and never pay anything again. Buying a lifetime subscription also increases the resalability of the box.

IcedCorn wrote:Most cable companies give you the first two cable cards free.

If you are getting an HDDVR for less than $14.99 a month, let us know what cable company you have.

My cable company charges $16.95 for an HDDVR box...I get the first two cable cards free and since I bought lifetime I'm good.

I don't know about "most", No one in MA seems to, but that said TiVo + cable card fee is comparable to hd DVD from the company yet the TiVo is FAR superior... My jaw dropped when I saw this deal.

Must have!!!

I'm tempted to buy 3 just for the parts (which obviously doesn't need activation). The media-optimized hard drive alone (Western Digital 320 GB WD3200AVVS) is a whopping $189 on Amazon!!! It's more reasonably priced around $79 on most other sites, like NewEgg. But that's still $30 more than this complete TiVo recorder. With the recorder, you not only get the drive but all kinds of standard ports, buses, wires, mounts and screws that you can use for other things. Furthermore, you can easily sell the remote on eBay for $15-$20.

Heck, temptation won ... I'm gonna Woot for 3 of them right after posting this message.

Use boxee theres no subscription

goldfndr wrote:So, what kind of wireless setup are you using to get your HBO HD to the Premiere? Because you obviously aren't using a coax cable to get it there, just like you can't get an Ethernet cable there. (/sarcasm)

Folks, Ethernet cables can have a very long range, you don't need the device to be "right next to your router" to use one.

I'm not sure there was a need for all that snark.

Is a wireless adapter required? No.
Is internet access? Yes.
Do most people want to drag network cable all through their house? Probably not.

Spiky wrote:Of note, if you intend to be antenna-only, tell that to Tivo when you sign up. They should have a special $9.99 access charge for people that do NOT use cable.

I am dropping Direct TV at the end of this month. I'm currently busy burning off all my movies on their DVR since they will take it back when I drop them. I have Netflix, Hulu Plus, and a computer hooked up to my television for those few pesky channels that only let you watch "online" - I can still view them on my television screen.

I'd love to get an antenna to pick up my local stations, but my "local" stations are sixty miles away. Can anybody recommend an antenna that will carry that far? I didn't think one would, but I'm kind of tech-impaired myself. (And, no, I didn't set up all the television stuff and yes, sometimes I figure out how to work it!)

Own It.

Love It.

Already getting a ROI having purchased the lifetime subscription at a greater discount during a special offer a year and a half ago.

I opted for the wireless adapter, but you can also run Ethernet cable from your router to your TiVo box.

The number of hours is based on HD recordings... SD takes up much less room and so you get much more time... but if it's still not enough, you can expand the TiVo's storage capacity with specific types of readily available External Hard Drives.

Been a TiVo user for just about a decade now. Witnessing friends stumble around with their other-brand DVRs when I visit them always makes me sad. There's no comparison.

So I've been a TiVo customer since '08. I want to go HD but I'm only paying $10/mo. on a month-to-month contract. Here is how I see my options:

(1) Edited: Purchase this box ($50); upgrade hard drive ($100); purchase Lifetime Subscription ($400). Total cost: $550

(2) Purchase a used HD model w/ Lifetime Subscription on eBay (~$300); either give up my $10 month-to-month contract or continue to use it on my current box; miss out on new apps (which will be for Premiere only). Total cost: $300.

(3) Deleted.

(4) Purchase a used TiVo Premiere w/ Lifetime Subscription and upgraded hard drive. Total cost: ~$550.

Any thoughts on what I should do? Does anyone have experience haggling with their CSRs? I've already spent over $500 and my wife would never let me get rid of the TiVo. I enjoy it, but if I had to choose I'd keep my Netflix subscription first.

For anyone looking to buy this for use with an antenna, I can tell you from personal experience that the Premiere does not deal with dynamic multipath signal reflections as well as the older Series 3/TivoHD boxes did. If you live where there are a lot of trees, wind and/or air traffic, you won't be happy with the signal reception of the Premiere.

jrs1980 wrote:You cannot use a cable box with this TiVo. The coax cable plugs into the back of the box, and there's a slot in the back of the box for a cable card, which your cable company will provide to you for digital channels. I also have some other box that Charter provided me to make TiVo and my cable work together. Not sure what it is, but they said I need it, and it wouldn't cost me. My cable card rental is $2/mo, and my other box is a free rental.

Wireless is not necessary. My modem/router/TiVo/TV are all in the same TV stand. I have wireless for my laptop, but I'm not bringing the TiVo box into the other room too often. Or, ever.

Agreed with the previous comment that you need to watch your first bill. (Though that's true with any new monthly fee.) I bought Premiere because my old S2 box was restarting every ten minutes. I'd attempted to cancel my previous TiVo service when I activated the new box, but the first EFT pull was for 2 boxes. I complained enough that they refunded me one month, comped me another, and lowered my monthly bill to $12.95, which is what I was paying for my S2 box. (I think the last was a mistake, but I didn't say nothin'.)

Thanks, jrs1980 for the reply.

I understood everything you said for the most part, just need some more clarification (*Thank You* for your patience...)

1. When the TiVo box gets here, I just plug the coax "cable" cable into it, and I have to have a special card from Cox? And they'll just give it to me?

2. Since I'm new to this TiVo game, when I call them to sign up, is there anything I need to know? Or can I sign up online?


3. I have a wireless router in my office which is two rooms away from my family room where this TiVo is gonna go. Does it need to be closer?

4. Is this TiVo box I'm getting HD? ('Cuz we were gonna exchange our cable box at Cox for an HD one.)

5. What do we do w/ that old cable box?

Thanks again for your tech saavy. I appreciate it...

I don't know why anyone is hating on this deal. I have 2 Tivo HD units. They're amazing. They revolutionize the TV experience. Not only that, they save money.

I was paying $15 a month to rent an HD DVR from my provider. Here, you pay $450 one time and you get to keep the unit. Right now my Tivo HD with lifetime sells on ebay for $300-$400. So not only am I saving $15 a month, I'm also building equity within my Tivo that I can eventually resell.

My DVR is worth nothing the second I give it back to my cable company. Even assuming I can't resell it, this thing pays for itself in 30 months (assuming you save $15 a month). My parent's DVR costs them $20 a month (so 22.5 months for them).

I'm debating whether it's worth it to sell my Tivo HD and pick up one of these guys. Still thinking about it.

I actually hooked up my old TIVO today to record my old VCR home movies (There was one that has a burner). I kept thinking, I forgot how great the interface was on this. It's much better than verizon or cable or DTV. I don't know if it's changed, but the old one is so clear and user easy.

Can you recommend an esata external HD that is compatible with this? I tried a G-Technology G-DRIVE Q 2TB External HD, and got an error message that is was not compatible.

This is my second Tivo, I'm excited to finally be able to stream to my room! I love my first and have been anxiously waiting to find one on sale.

Does anyone know what constitutes "a TiVo customer already"? I have a free Tivo account, but have never been a paying customer. My free lifetime Basic account came with the Pioneer 810HS, a hybrid Tivo-based DVR and DVD recorder. Would I qualify for the Tivo discount?

This is my second TiVo premier. I love the first and hate the Samsung DVR that TWC provided. The recent software upgrade has improved the interface and added features.

lou090985 wrote:So I've been a TiVo customer since '08. I want to go HD but I'm only paying $10/mo. on a month-to-month contract. Here is how I see my options:

(1) Purchase this box ($50); upgrade the hard drive ($100); continue my month-to-month contract ($10*x). Total cost: $150+$10/mo.

(2) Purchase a used HD model w/ Lifetime Subscription on eBay (~$300); either give up my $10 month-to-month contract or continue to use it on my current box; miss out on new apps (which will be for Premiere only). Total cost: $300.

(3) Purchase a TiVo Premiere direct from TiVo (Factory Renwed: $80); upgrade the hard drive ($100); purchase Lifetime Subscription ($500). Total cost: $680.

(4) Purchase a TiVo Premiere w/ Lifetime Subscription and upgraded hard drive. Total cost: $500-$550.

Any thoughts on what I should do? Does anyone have experience haggling with their CSRs? I've already spent over $500 and my wife would never let me get rid of the TiVo. I enjoy it, but if I had to choose I'd keep my Netflix subscription first.

I can tell you option #1 is not an option. They will not let you keep your same subscription for a new box. If you keep the old box and sign up the new box, you'll get a multi-service discount for the second box ($12.95/month for a year), but you can't replace one with the other.

An option you didn't consider: look on eBay. I recently found a Premiere XL for $100.

My advice? Buy this box, upgrade the hard drive if you want, and buy lifetime if you want it (it'll also be at a multiservice discount of $399).

Gowan wrote:If you need more hours, it's very easy to buy a larger hard drive and swap it out. Or you can even easier and buy one already formatted and just swap it out.

With the premier you can just add one using USB. Most cavemen can even do that.

Soapie0 wrote:I'd love to get an antenna to pick up my local stations, but my "local" stations are sixty miles away. Can anybody recommend an antenna that will carry that far? I didn't think one would, but I'm kind of tech-impaired myself. (And, no, I didn't set up all the television stuff and yes, sometimes I figure out how to work it!)

Link below to the google product search on the antenna I use. I just took the DircecTV dish off and put this antenna in its place right in the stand and it works like a charm. There are some sites that will help you point your antenna in the most optimal direction based on your address. Just search on that and you'll probably find the site. You might also buy a signal booster and plug your coax into it. That would probably get you most of your channels if you use the outdoor antenna, too.

This is the antenna I use.

badapple702 wrote:Thanks, jrs1980 for the reply.

I understood everything you said for the most part, just need some more clarification (*Thank You* for your patience...)

1. When the TiVo box gets here, I just plug the coax "cable" cable into it, and I have to have a special card from Cox? And they'll just give it to me?

Just like in days of yore, when you would connect the cable jack to the back of your TV. The screw-in, second from the left. You then connect TiVo to your TV with HDMI or A/V cables. There's a quick-start guide in the box, you should be fine. You'll want to call Cox, let them know you have bought a TiVo and that you need a CableCARD. The slot for that is on the left side, next to the fan. They'll be well-used to that order, though they will probably insist on having someone come out to "install" it and try to charge you for a service call. I was able to fast talk Charter into waiving that for me, though. (And then call in to complain when it was on my next bill anyway.)

2. Since I'm new to this TiVo game, when I call them to sign up, is there anything I need to know? Or can I sign up online?

When your TiVo comes, you can to go to tivo.com, and register for the service. (Probably can do it over the phone, but I've never done it that way.) Your billing cycle will be based on the day you sign up so keep that in mind for billing purposes.

3. I have a wireless router in my office which is two rooms away from my family room where this TiVo is gonna go. Does it need to be closer?

It'll depend on your set-up. TiVo does offer an admittedly pricy wireless network adapter, which I still totally want.

4. Is this TiVo box I'm getting HD? ('Cuz we were gonna exchange our cable box at Cox for an HD one.)

Yes, it supports both SD and HD. There's a menu option for each. (HD is SNAZZY AS HELL. I used SD until I bought an HD TV because I'd heard SD was so slow, but I'm assuming that was fixed with an update. I love it.)

5. What do we do w/ that old cable box?

Are you renting it or purchasing it? If you're renting it, Cox should take it back.

Thanks again for your tech saavy. I appreciate it...

You're welcome. I'm passionate about entertainment stuff I love, and TiVo is right up there with The Daily Show and all things Joss Whedon.

Spiky wrote:They only started it after the Premiere came out with the higher $20/month charge and some people freaked.

Do you have to call in to get it? I don't see it as an option in my account settings.

Gowan wrote:I can tell you option #1 is not an option. They will not let you keep your same subscription for a new box. If you keep the old box and sign up the new box, you'll get a multi-service discount for the second box ($12.95/month for a year), but you can't replace one with the other.

An option you didn't consider: look on eBay. I recently found a Premiere XL for $100.

My advice? Buy this box, upgrade the hard drive if you want, and buy lifetime if you want it (it'll also be at a multiservice discount of $399).

Good to know in re (1). eBay was (2) and (4) but I used the price of a box with a Lifetime Subscription already included. I think I'm going to talk to a CSR before pulling the trigger on this deal.

badapple702 wrote:Thanks, jrs1980 for the reply.

I understood everything you said for the most part, just need some more clarification (*Thank You* for your patience...)

1. When the TiVo box gets here, I just plug the coax "cable" cable into it, and I have to have a special card from Cox? And they'll just give it to me?

2. Since I'm new to this TiVo game, when I call them to sign up, is there anything I need to know? Or can I sign up online?


3. I have a wireless router in my office which is two rooms away from my family room where this TiVo is gonna go. Does it need to be closer?

4. Is this TiVo box I'm getting HD? ('Cuz we were gonna exchange our cable box at Cox for an HD one.)

5. What do we do w/ that old cable box?

Thanks again for your tech saavy. I appreciate it...

When your TiVo arrives, unbox it, follow the setup poster and go. If you've already picked up a CableCard, you can plug it and the coax cable in the back and then call your cable company to activate it. Some companies require a technician to come out.

You can absolutely activate your TiVo service brand-new online without talking to a person. You'll make an account on their website and activate the Tivo and put in your billing information.

Can you connect to the wireless with your laptop in the room where the TiVo will be? If so, it should be fine. Note you'll have to buy a wireless adapter for the TiVo if you want wireless. They come with a wired network plug only.

Yes, the TiVo Premiere handles both HD and SD signals. It'll replace your cable box. You can return it to the cable company. Note that you will not have access to OnDemand services from your cable company for the near future (unless you live in SF or Boston (which is the next roll out) AND use XFinity).

nightdesigns wrote:Tivo is offering the same DVR for free with a 2-year commitment at $19.95/month. Much better deal: http://www3.tivo.com/promo/renewedpremiere_0.html

Explain to me again, how is that a better deal???

Same warranty here. The cheaper subscription rate here pays for the $50 tivo in 10 months, vs getting stuck in a 24month higher priced committment. So in the end, you are paying $70 more in that 2yr period you are locked into. And if you lock into that 2yr period, guess what happens,if the tivo dies anytime because of a powersurge or anytime after the 1yr warranty period, you are STUCK paying on the full contract for a doorstop.

I did buy this years ago when woot first offered this item, and I still never regretted getting it. I went through at least 10 Time Warner boxes in 2.5 years. My original HDPremeir is still running strong!


Yes, a Squaretrade warranty on this item might not be a bad idea.

jrs1980 wrote:You cannot use a cable box with this TiVo. The coax cable plugs into box, and there's a slot in the back of the box for a cable card, which your cable company will provide to you for digital channels. I also have some other box that Charter provided me to make TiVo and my cable work together. Not sure what it is, but they said I need it, and it wouldn't cost me. My cable card rental is $2/mo, and my other box is a free rental.

While a cablecard is often cheaper than a cable box, keep in mind that you'll lose some functionality. Time Warner, for example, has OnDemand services and StartOver (which allows you to rewind a program that has already started). You will lose these features because they rely on memory that is in the digital cable box. Essentially, video is downloaded into your cable box. A CableCard has no memory.

And no, a TiVo does not provide the same functionality. For example, if a CBS show you wanted to watch started at 8pm but you didn't change the channel until 8:15pm, your Tivo cannot get the missing first 15 mins. With StartOver, you can restart any show that is currently airing, no matter when you tuned in (although not every show has that feature).

Nor can Tivo do OnDemand. For example, Time Warner currently allows you to access the last 5 episodes of Two and a Half Men at any time. You can have similar functionality with Netflix and Hulu+ but they cost extra money. With OnDemand, it's free.

There are other features too, which requires the cable box's remote control. For example, you can often vote on an issue or order things via the 4 color buttons (A,B,C,D). This is unavailable via cablecard and Tivo. As TV gets more interactive, expect more features along these lines.

So if you decide to replace your digital cable box with a cablecard, make sure you're willing to give up those features.

dpbaker57 wrote:With the premier you can just add one using USB. Most cavemen can even do that.

I don't know about cavemen, but I know you have to have an eSATA drive and not a USB drive if you want to add external storage.

I've always done internal upgrades, so I'm not entirely sure of all the details, but I believe only certain eSATA drives work.

pweiss wrote:How does the premier differ from the series 3?

Thanks

I have the Series 3 and it works with two cable cards in order to watch and record at same time. TiVo "improved" the Premier with a single multi-stream cable card (no single stream) so I assume this means another trip out for the cable guy or a visit to the service center. Kind of a pain but probably worth it since I've had issues with two cable cards working properly.

dpbaker57 wrote:With the premier you can just add one using USB. Most cavemen can even do that.

Use eSATA, it's much faster than USB 2.0.

sdc100 wrote:While a cablecard is often cheaper than a cable box, keep in mind that you'll lose some functionality. Time Warner, for example, has OnDemand services and StartOver (which allows you to rewind a program that has already started). You will lose these features because they rely on memory that is in the digital cable box. Essentially, video is downloaded into your cable box. A CableCard has no memory.

[snip]

That's fine, but my point was that you cannot use an external cable box with Premiere. From the quick start guide:

The TiVo Premiere or Premiere XL does not work with external cable boxes. Instead, it uses a multi-stream CableCARD to receive HD and digital cable channels. The CableCARD plugs into the CableCARD slot on the back of the Premiere.

Order one Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-CARD) from your cable company and disconnect your digital cable box (if you have one). The M-CARD will replace your digital cable box.

jrs1980 wrote:You're welcome. I'm passionate about entertainment stuff I love, and TiVo is right up there with The Daily Show and all things Joss Whedon.

Wow, you're pretty in the know! Thanks so much! No way I'll let Cox charge me for a service call!

A few more ?'s:

1. Does the TiVo only work for one tv? I thought I saw someone talking about 'streaming' or something, into another room. Or wait, did you already cover that? (Sorry...)

2. The cable box in question is newer than the one in our bedroom. I can just switch this one out for the older one & give Cox back the older one, right. No, wait, then I'd have to pay for DVR service still, that I might not need if my TiVo works for both rooms, right? (I have an 'old school' rear projection big screen that I'm gonna roll into our master bedroom, and was thinking about putting the newer cable box on it...)

3. Do you *need* a TiVo for each room? I'm guessing if you had more than one, you would be charged multi-service fees, right?

I really look forward to getting my TiVo and referring back to these instructions. I'm sure it'll all go as smooth as glass, so don't be surprised if you hear me call on you again for more advice/tech help. (Hmm, that sounds like a "days of yore" kinda thing, huh? LOL). Thanks again!

badapple702 wrote:Thanks, jrs1980 for the reply.

I understood everything you said for the most part, just need some more clarification (*Thank You* for your patience...)

1. When the TiVo box gets here, I just plug the coax "cable" cable into it, and I have to have a special card from Cox? And they'll just give it to me?

2. Since I'm new to this TiVo game, when I call them to sign up, is there anything I need to know? Or can I sign up online?


3. I have a wireless router in my office which is two rooms away from my family room where this TiVo is gonna go. Does it need to be closer?

4. Is this TiVo box I'm getting HD? ('Cuz we were gonna exchange our cable box at Cox for an HD one.)

5. What do we do w/ that old cable box?

Thanks again for your tech saavy. I appreciate it...

Basically, this Tivo replaces your digital cable box and adds a DVR. You'll need to return your cable box (and remote) and ask them for a cable card (and a special adapter, if necessary. They'll know). The card goes into the Tivo. Any coxial wire that normally went into your cable box would now go into the Tivo. Then activate your Tivo account, set up your wireless connection (a bunch of menus will guide you) and you're good to go. And yes, you will get HD programming.

While you may lose some functions (such as Time Warner's Start Over and OnDeman services), the cablecard will often save you about $5 a month over the box.

lou090985 wrote:Good to know in re (1). eBay was (2) and (4) but I used the price of a box with a Lifetime Subscription already included. I think I'm going to talk to a CSR before pulling the trigger on this deal.

Sometimes I don't read so good.

The problem with any of the eBay options is availability and the lack of control on pricing.

Obviously by buying this unit and monthly/lifetime, you know exactly what you're going to be paying.

This *is* a refurb unit, of course, so that SquareTrade warranty might not be a bad idea. I've never had a TiVo go bad on me (I've owned six since my original Series 1), but others have.

IcedCorn wrote:Most cable companies give you the first two cable cards free.

If you are getting an HDDVR for less than $14.99 a month, let us know what cable company you have.

My cable company charges $16.95 for an HDDVR box...I get the first two cable cards free and since I bought lifetime I'm good.

Ummm. I've worked for Charter and my parents have had Comcast and Astound and every company charged $3/month per cable card.

Also a note on the "lifetime" subscription service. It's the life of the Tivo Box not the customer's lifetime. If the box craps out or if you decide to upgrade in the future you need to re-purchase your "lifetime" subscription.

Yay! Fine print!

jrs1980 wrote:That's fine, but my point was that you cannot use an external cable box with Premiere. From the quick start guide:

The TiVo Premiere or Premiere XL does not work with external cable boxes. Instead, it uses a multi-stream CableCARD to receive HD and digital cable channels. The CableCARD plugs into the CableCARD slot on the back of the Premiere.

Order one Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-CARD) from your cable company and disconnect your digital cable box (if you have one). The M-CARD will replace your digital cable box.

Uh oh, Cox has OnDemand. We kinda like that. So we'll lose that w/ TiVo?