"Lifetime" service is a better value for some

[Marc]

Barry's DVD-burning TiVo has been locking up recently. It's probably a hard drive problem, so I'm trying to copy the drive to a new one. Fortunately, I found a spare drive of the same capacity, so it shouldn't be a big deal to copy. I did make a truncated backup, so if the copy doesn't succeed, I'll just restore the backup onto the replacement drive.

In the process, it got me to thinking. This TiVo has lifetime service. If I weren't a capable individual who knew about the various tools out there (all hail WinMFS!) and knew some basics about TiVo troubleshooting including expecting that the most likely reason for a failure in a TiVo is its hard drive, then the lifetime service for this TiVo would be over. I'd have to purchase a new TiVo and yet another service plan.

So, for those individuals who have access to the utilities and know how to handle a Torx screwdriver, the investment in "lifetime" service has more value.

[JustAllie]

Replacement drives are available from Weaknees or DVRUpgrade for those who aren't technically inclined. And you can pay money to have the TiVo repaired by TiVo or Humax or whoever.

Of course a lot of people don't know that, so in a sense you're right.

But anyone who googles the problem can find TCF and get advice about repairing a TiVo or replacing the drive.

[Redux]

Originally Posted by Marc

If I weren't a capable individual who ... knew some basics about TiVo troubleshooting ... the lifetime service for this TiVo would be over

Not at all. You'd simply sell it to someone who _was_ capable, at a fair price. Lifetime has been a good deal from day one, and remains so.

Your analysis is correct in that some have pissed lifetime away, but that's a deep philosophical concept on more than just the Tivo level.

[Otto]

While this line of argument is true, there's also the consideration that the Tivo could fail in some way that is essentially unrepairable.

Although my own series 1 still running after 7 years does sit over there on my DVD cabinet, mocking my own argument.

I went with the monthly deal on my new TivoHD because I honestly don't expect to continue to have the thing within 3 years. I'll sell it and switch to something newer. The lifetime does give it more value, but at the same time I'll probably just give the box to a family member instead, as a lot of my dead tech seems to roll down to the less techno-savvy people in my family. So therefore it's not a value making proposition for my particular case, as that value will not be recouped. I don't generally like taking money from family, but have no problem giving them gear that will require a monthly fee. If they want it, they'll pay it, if not, they won't. Simple.

[Redux]

Originally Posted by Otto

While this line of argument is true, there's also the consideration that the Tivo could fail in some way that is essentially unrepairable.

This does not necessarily affect the lifetime value, because there are transfer opportunities now and then. I am an honest man. Actually I'm not at all, but on the curve I'm fairly high, and I say this does not necessarily affect the lifetime value.

Originally Posted by Otto

Although my own series 1 still running after 7 years does sit over there on my DVD cabinet, mocking my own argument.

Only seven years? Piker. And again, transfer opportunities have to be factored in.

Originally Posted by Otto

lifetime does give it more value, but at the same time I'll probably just give the box to a family member instead

I am a font of Tivo lifetimes to family and friends, as gifts. Their fellowship in sharing the experience has value to me.

[aindik]

I decided recently it wasn't worth $200 to keep lifetime on a 5 year old Series 2.

I had the option of a) spending $199 to transfer lifetime from a 5 year old Series 2 (140 series) to a new TiVoHD, or b) spending $399 for new lifetime for the TiVoHD and keeping lifetime on the Series 2. Didn't seem worth the $200 to keep lifetime on the Series 2. But, it definitely seemed worth it to get lifetime on the new TiVoHD.

[Marc]

The ultimate comparison there would be the difference in resale value on that Series 2 box. It'd be interesting to find out whether that alone would be worth that $200.

[aindik]

Originally Posted by Marc

The ultimate comparison there would be the difference in resale value on that Series 2 box. It'd be interesting to find out whether that alone would be worth that $200.

I thought about that, but then realized that I never resell anything.

[Marc]

I've got a bunch of TiVos to throw on eBay shortly. Most of them are DirecTiVos (one broken), but one is a regular "night light" Series 2 (540-...) with an expanded hard drive and lifetime service. I'm figuring that I should get at least $200 for that, not that the $199 transfer was an option for me in any case.

[aindik]

Originally Posted by Marc

I've got a bunch of TiVos to throw on eBay shortly. Most of them are DirecTiVos (one broken), but one is a regular "night light" Series 2 (540-...) with an expanded hard drive and lifetime service. I'm figuring that I should get at least $200 for that, not that the $199 transfer was an option for me in any case.

This TiVo is older than yours. It's a 140 series, purchased circa 2002. It was the first Series 2 they put out. Before I upgraded the hard drive, it was a 60 GB drive.

[smak]

Originally Posted by Marc

I've got a bunch of TiVos to throw on eBay shortly. Most of them are DirecTiVos (one broken), but one is a regular "night light" Series 2 (540-...) with an expanded hard drive and lifetime service. I'm figuring that I should get at least $200 for that, not that the $199 transfer was an option for me in any case.

I think you should get more for the series 2 with expanded drive and lifetime.

Maybe closer to $300.

-smak-