Not sure if this belongs here, but since it is sortof computer related i will go ahead and post it here. Im considering getting a TiVo unit, i want to use it with my directv so im considering getting one of the all-in-1 units, i just dont know how much i like the $13 monthly charge to record something...
My question is this...i read in another forum that you can make the unit record for free and upgrade the unit to a larger hardrive... Does anyone know of any sites that have any info on this?

I'm not sure if you can do it for free or not but I think you are able to purchase a lifetime subscription for $200?? I was looking into getting a Tivo a long time ago and I think that was the rate. I know your able to reprogram the direct tv cards and get free satellite tv but not sure about the Tivo. I do know you can upgrade the hard drive though.

I dont think the DirecTiVos can be hacked, but SA(Stand Alones) can be. I wouldnt hack the service though, either pay the lifetime or pay the monthly. Since TiVo is a service I love and they dont expect to make a profit for quite some time, Im glad to pay the monthly. Also, if you get a DirecTiVo, the monthly fee is only like $5/month, not $13, but if you have more then one DTV receiver, you will have to pay the mirroring fee also, but thats a DTV issue.

IMO, get the DirecTiVo since you will have dual tuners.

Check out www.tivocommunity.com (http://www.tivocommunity.com) for some EXCELLENT forums http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

GixxerTib said:
I'm not sure if you can do it for free or not but I think you are able to purchase a lifetime subscription for $200?? I was looking into getting a Tivo a long time ago and I think that was the rate. I know your able to reprogram the direct tv cards and get free satellite tv but not sure about the Tivo. I do know you can upgrade the hard drive though.



Lifetime is now $300.

But trust me, dont hack them for free service. The SAs are easily hacked for larger drives, web interface, etc....but dont push your luck with the service part, thats on a seperate chip and VERY hard to get around.

Get the all in one fee is only $5 a month and you can have as many as you want. upgrading the hard drive is pretty easy if you have a little computer know how. check the tvio community forums there is some great info out there.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Went out and picked up the tivo unit, seems pretty cool...but one question, does the tivo really have to dial through? i figured it would be able to pull the programming data through the satilite streem? it also is a little slow at displaying guides and what not...otherwise its pretty cool

the phone line is for the direcTV, shouldnt need it. but on the stand alone dvrs, you need it.

The series 2 only need a phone line for the initial setup. After that you can hook it into your home network through a USB ethernet device or usb wireless device

no, you can still bypass it. There is a code of like ,#301 or something of the sort. You use that as the prefix and it uses the NIC....at least it is like that in the SAs

i need to get a wireless USB device...anyone know for sure how to make it use the USB instead of the phone?

Found it

Set Dial Prefix to ",#401" (comma - pound - four - zero - one).

Although I just reread what you said and you said wireless....I dont think wireless is supported out of the box, you may have to do 1 phone line connection to get the updates. Otherwise, the above method should work with a wired usb nic.

guess i may have to make a long ass patch cable then lol...my tivo is in the opposite room from my router...although...i could always go buy a cheap WAP and set it up behind the tv...