Toshiba DVD and TIVO + Free basic Service

[Rogue]

Best Buy has a Toshiba DVD/Tivo Combo (model SD-H400) on sale this week for $199.99, it includes free basic service (a watered down version of the pay service). They did not advertise that there is also an additional $50.00 mail-in rebate involved. That is cheaper than a regular series 2 Tivo and includes free service and a progressive scan DVD player all in one box. For a $150.00, I don't think you can beat this deal. Got mine this morning and I am doing the setup right now.

[firstadopter]

Wow, great find Rogue. If I didn't already have a Tivo and a progressive scan DVD player, I would be all over this deal.

Much recommended for those out there that don't have Tivo or a progressive scan DVD player. You can't beat it!

[Rogue]

Even if you already have a Tivo, it is a great buy. I refuse to list how many I have, but let's just say that this is not my first one. I can now do away completely with the VCR in my office.

Tivo is completly awesome. It really does change how you watch TV!

[Rogue]

I should have read the fine print. the $50.00 rebate is only available if you sign up for the Tivo Plus service (it has to be active for at least 30 days and active when the rebate is processed). I guess you could sign up long enough to get the rebate and then go back to Tivo basic if you so desired.

Oh, and the 30 skip hack doesn't work on this thing.

Maybe it will be going back. Now I gotta think about it. I hate having to do that..... I new it was too good to be true.....

[TheAngryIntern]

I'm waiting for the Pioneer Tivo + DVD-recorder to come down in price. Currently it is running about $799.99 at best buy. I think if i can find it for around $500 I'll buy it. I think that is the best one to get....you get the convenience of Tivo, plus the ability to back up your fav shows once the HDD starts to get full.

[firstadopter]

yup, dvd recording is cool esp. if you travel a lot. I actually have a Tivo Series 1 that is like 5 years old (man I should of bought the unlimited service back then for $199, I've paid 9.99 to 12.99 a month for FIVE YEARS) with a 120gig HD in it.

I never run out of space, it's almost like video on demand. :)

[arogan]

Could you list what the differences are between the free version vs paid version of the tivo service?

Found out:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-1000591.html

timeshift
3 days of programming data.
NO SEASON PASS.
no search.

Ummm yeah that's pretty freakin basic.

[firstadopter]

http://customersupport.tivo.com/tivoknowbase/root/public/tv1199.htm

Another good comparison of free vs. pay tivo service.

[TheAngryIntern]

i think the major difference is the 14 days of programming guide vs 3 days, which lets you plan ahead, and the Season Pass, which everyone i know with Tivo swears by. You just pick, say Seinfeld, for example. The tivo will search out and record every time Seinfeld comes on tv, no matter which channel it's playing on. I'm sure it's really useful to sports fans as well. I would imagine that you can set it to record every Cubs game that comes on TV. I would also recommend that if you plan to keep the Tivo for a long time, paying the one time fee rather than going month to month. It's good for the lifetime of the Tivo (which should be several years), so at $12.95 a month, after 24 months you've paid $310, but the lifetime fee is $299, so in the long run you'll save yourself some money, if you keep using the tivo for more than 2 years.