Series1 non-DirecTV TiVos can still work without subscriptions.

In addition, the Toshiba and Pioneer DVD TiVos include a free, stripped-down level of service called TiVo Basic. If you can find one of those on eBay or somewhere, that would do the trick.

You can't use a Series 2 without service like a VCR? I just transferred service from my S2 to my S3 and was planning on using the S2 as a fancy VCR after the one year subscription was up. Is that not possible?

Correct. Your non-DVD Series 2 TiVo must be used with a subscription to work on any level. Additionally, be aware that your Series 2, from which your Lifetime Service was transferred, will automatically roll over to monthly service once the "free" year is up, unless you tell TiVo to cancel service on it. In order to cancel that monthly roll-over, you need to wait 60 days from the date of your Lifetime Service transfer before contacting TiVo. (a petty nuisance? we agree.)

If I replace my 10 year-old Sony with a new DVR, will my lifetime subscription still work? and which brand(s) might you recommend?

No...the Lifetime Service will stay with the original box unless TiVo agrees to transfer it. (unlikely)

Humax DRT model TiVos with built-in DVD burners are still eligible for Lifetime Service ($299) and for a short while longer, you can still pay $199 to have your exisiting Lifetime Service transfered over to a Series 3 model.

TIVO in Canada

Question No1 : do we have to have any subscription/service in Canada?
#2 are any of the TIVO models compatable with the Satelite used in BC such as Starchoice?

#3 I understand that tivo in the US is used in conjunction with TV guide for on air programming,search,recording etc ,we are not aware that Canada uses TV Guide so is there anything similar?

1 - Yes, same as in the states.

2 - Yes, they will work with Starchoice receivers.

3 - Yes, TiVo fully supports the same guide in Canada.

Tivo Series 3

Hi there,

1) I own a HDTV now and am seriously considering getting either a Tivo 2 or Tivo 3. Thing is I live in Canda, and a Canadian Tivo site (http://www.thepvrsource.com/) said that at present Tivo Series 3 which is a HD model of Series 2, DOES NOT work in Canada because of something to do with Cablecard technology which Canada does not have. so may I please have your advice?

2) Can I still use SEries 2 on a HDTV? And will my recordings be in digital or HD? If in digital, can I assume that I will have the max 80hrs time? Or must I adjust the resolution to have a better quality picture?

3) I live in Canada, so can the Tivo be sent directly to me here in Canada, while the rebate check to a friend in the U.S.?

4) Is this Tivo purchase just a one time fee, or is there a monthly subscription. I'm confused.

Thanks much for your help!