How do I make my VCR/DVD work with my TiVo?

What TiVo subscription should I get?

• I am strongly considering getting TiVo (particularly an HD-DVR), and I cannot decide which subscription to purchase, so I was hoping that maybe someone with experience or knowledge on the situation could help me weigh my options... I have almost removed the monthly plan from my options (unless someone makes a good argument for it), as it forfeits any opportunity for a discount basically just for not choosing to pay a lump sum (i.e. I could pay a monthly bill for a year, or I could pay a full 10 months subscription up front and get two months free) So that leaves the year (12 months for the price of 10), three year (3 years for the price of 2), and lifetime subscriptions (the lifetime of the hardware bought with the subscription)...and what the question really boils down to is: "How long will my TiVo realistically last?" I believe the Lifetime Subscription becomes advantageous once the product is used for longer than four years...but is that a feasible lifecycle for this product? I do not want to make that type of commitment if: 1.) There is a new trend expected to pick up that will make TiVo obsolete 2.) TiVo hardware is similar to computer hardware in the sense that within 2 years it will be weak, pathetic, and a pain to deal with, and undoubtedly require a new, replacement box ...or anything of that sort. Another secondary set of questions I have... I have Comcast super-basic cable (doesnt even require a cable box), but if I were to upgrade to Comcast Digital Cable or Verizon FiOS in the future, would I have two television boxes (TiVo + cable box)? or is it possible to integrate the two (without having to forfeit my lifetime subscription and get a whole new box)? Does the TiVo box have the ability to do that work for the cable company? I obviously don't know how that works And How easy is it to install the box? is it as simple as plugging my cable into the TiVo box and then plugging the TiVo box into my TV via HDMI?

• Answer:

  Go for Product Lifetime. The most common TiVo failures are the HDD and power supply, which are pretty reasonable user repairs. Otherwise, TiVo is mostly good for replacing boxes on PL service and moving it over. Get the monthly/yearly/3 year options if you anticipate getting the next TiVo in the next couple years. As for the second question, the TiVo HD models cannot use a cable box; instead they have digital cable tuners built in, and use Cablecards to access cable channels. Your PL subscription will not be affected no matter what programming services changes you make. TiVo is pretty well as simple as connecting cable from the wall, your network or phone, and HDMI or other to your TV, run through Guided Setup, get a few updates, then call for a Cablecard install (if you want digital cable).