[simplyDusty]

Sorry if this has been covered, I searched around and couldn't find the answer...


I can get a used Tivo HD for $100. Could I get that and have Comcast put in a cable card and just use that as my cable box still being able to view my HD channels (locals, ESPN, HGTV, etc.) instead of paying $9/month for my cable box. I don't want to buy a tivo service plan or use it as a DVR. This way, it would pay for itself in 11 months or so and I would still have the option of adding the Tivo service if I wanted to later. If this can be done, would the guide work? Thanks.

 

[bfdtv]

No, the guide wouldn't work. TiVo sells their current boxes below cost, so they require a subscription. Without a subscription, the boxes won't make the daily connections to download guide data.


Without a subscription, the most you could do would be to navigate and watch your channels, with pause up to 30 minutes.


See the FAQ in my signature for more information.

 

[simplyDusty]

Thanks for the quick reply. As long as I can still watch all my channels I currently can in HD, I think I'll just pay $100 once then pay Comcast 9/month. The guide isn't that important to me. Thanks again

 

[walford]

You still have to subscribe to all of the non local stations you want such as ESPN from Comcast or the cable card you lease from them will not decrypt their content. The cable card lease from Comcast is about $2 a month so at least you will be saving some money, however, you will not be protected against STB failure or possiobly be able to get upgrades to better STBs in the future at no cost to you.

If I understood bfdtv's above post correctly without a guide you will only be able to time shift programs, you will not be able to record any.

 

[andydumi]

I also have a very similar question.


Sorry for the bump, but I think its better than a new thread.


We are getting a free Tivo Premiere due to a series of fortunate events to replace our aging Series 2. We already have Tivo service.


We currently subscribe to Comcast Preferred with an HDDVR which is $17/mo extra. Would I be able to get rid of the HDDVR fee and return the box entirely in exchange for a M-card from the local office to power our new Tivo?


Would we still get the same lineup of cable digital and HD channels without an issue?


I would like to know before I call Comcast so I know what changes I want to make to our service ahead of time. Its risky asking Comcast if they think we need something.

 

[bfdtv]



Quote:
Originally Posted by andydumi /forum/post/18554239


We currently subscribe to Comcast Preferred with an HDDVR which is $17/mo extra. Would I be able to get rid of the HDDVR fee and return the box entirely

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by andydumi /forum/post/18554239


in exchange for a M-card from the local office to power our new Tivo?

Some local offices allow customers to pickup CableCards, but many do not. Many require a truck roll for CableCard installs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by andydumi /forum/post/18554239


Would we still get the same lineup of cable digital and HD channels without an issue?

Yes, provided the CableCard is activated correctly.


If you schedule an installation visit, be sure to check all of your premium channels before they leave. Local channels will tune even if the CableCard is not activated (paired) correctly, but premium channels like HBO will not. If premium channels tune correctly, then you know the installer did the job right. If you don't subscribe to any premium channels, then check HD cable channels such as ESPN-HD and TNT-HD.