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[DONE] Thermonuclear - DirectTV 35 hour (Series 2) Tivo for $50 @ CC AR

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Can anyone say for certain that they had a $50 CircuitCity rebate print out and were not a NEW DirecTV subscriber? I didn't get one when I picked up my unit from online order. I believe I've read the whole thread (over the last three days) but and haven't seen a complete answer. CC's 800# cannot find any rebates for existing customers.
 
Am I the only one who doesn't have a store with these things in stock within 100 miles??

Nope, nothing around us (Denver, CO) had them either, and last night CC.com didn't have any either, said it was totally soldout, so I gave up. Then today the online store had them instock again, wahoo...so got one coming.

I just hate the phone-line issue though. I don't see why TIVO would be any different than normal DTV programming. You don't have to have it connected to a phoneline for any normal DTV stuff, all the schedule and such it gets from the satellite, even the specific show info it gets without a phoneline. I have two other locations where I'd like to use them but don't have phonelines.

Still a sweet deal though.



 
Originally posted by: Snatchface
Originally posted by: fzj80
you still need the phone line even after activating.

Is this a requirement just for TIVO? I have 3 DTV receivers now, no TIVO ones, none are hooked to a phoneline, none have ever been. DTV is aware that none of them are, they bitched about it, and said we couldn't use PPV and such, which is fine, never use that anyway. So is the TIVO different where is actually HAS to be connected, or just what they want you to?

I already ordered one TIVO unit, but might get another if I don't have to connect it to a phoneline.

Thanks, this forum rocks, I've saved tons!

Yes, I believe that it has to be connected to the phone line because that is how it downloads the programming schedules. I know it calls in periodically to a local access number for this reason. There may be a way to hack it with a network card though, in order to get the updates over the web.
No. The regular TIVO uses the phone line to download the schedule information. A direcTIVO acquires that informantion directly from the satellite signal. You do get warning messages if you leave it unplugged, but it should be fine. IF there is a problem, all you'd have to do is maybe hook up the phone line for it to call in once every month or so. Some people say you don't even have to do that.
 
Originally posted by: lunawire
Can anyone say for certain that they had a $50 CircuitCity rebate print out and were not a NEW DirecTV subscriber? I didn't get one when I picked up my unit from online order. I believe I've read the whole thread (over the last three days) but and haven't seen a complete answer. CC's 800# cannot find any rebates for existing customers.

The rebate submission form for buying it online doesn't mention anything about needing to be a customer or anything. Just that you bought this piece, for home use, etc...nothing specific to being a customer or not. The phone number listed on the rebate form is 1-888-213-9761 for questions about this offer, maybe you could call them.

At the worst case you'd just have to return it, and probably even to a local CC, not even ship it, so not much to lose if the rebate isn't valid and you don't want the unit.

 
Originally posted by: S13SilviaK
Originally posted by: FourDoor
Some key points I wanted to share:

3. Activating any NEW ACCESS CARD/RECEIVER will automatically renew your contract with DTV for 1 yeat.


If you bought the DirecTivo from DirecTV then you do not have to renew your contract.








And for everyone else, while this is a 2nd gen DirecTivo it still is not a Series 2 Tivo...there is a distinction.

Currently the HDVR2 is not recognized as a series 2 tivo.


Incorrect about the renewal. From my personal expereinces and calls with DTV, along with others on tivocommunity, if you purchase the DTivo from DTV, they will renew your contract for 1 year. How did you get them to keep you on the month to month plan?

And the HDVR2 is certainly a series 2 Tivo. It just doesn't have the full on functionality YET of a regular stand alone tivo such as HMO and official broadband support due to the strict DTV regulations placed on it's software. It is simply the OS version on the Dtivo that is holding it back.

Danzilla: Which other DTivo do you have that has compnonet (RGB) outputs? To my undertsanding, there is NO DTivo that has component out except for the upcoming High Def DTivo...



 
Originally posted by: Snatchface
Originally posted by: fzj80
you still need the phone line even after activating.

Is this a requirement just for TIVO? I have 3 DTV receivers now, no TIVO ones, none are hooked to a phoneline, none have ever been. DTV is aware that none of them are, they bitched about it, and said we couldn't use PPV and such, which is fine, never use that anyway. So is the TIVO different where is actually HAS to be connected, or just what they want you to?

I already ordered one TIVO unit, but might get another if I don't have to connect it to a phoneline.

Thanks, this forum rocks, I've saved tons!

Yes, I believe that it has to be connected to the phone line because that is how it downloads the programming schedules. I know it calls in periodically to a local access number for this reason. There may be a way to hack it with a network card though, in order to get the updates over the web.


INCORRECT. DirecTivos S2's get their programming data/guide over the satelite not via the phone! The only reason the DTivo calls out is to report your viewing habits and PPV buys. And as someone said, you can order your PPVs over the phone or DTV's website completely eliminating the need for a phone line.

 
I'm SURE my DirecTIVO has component output. I just happen to be wrong too. 😛 Damn. Hate when I do that.
 
Originally posted by: fzj80
Am I the only one who doesn't have a store with these things in stock within 100 miles??

Nope, nothing around us (Denver, CO) had them either, and last night CC.com didn't have any either, said it was totally soldout, so I gave up. Then today the online store had them instock again, wahoo...so got one coming.

I just hate the phone-line issue though. I don't see why TIVO would be any different than normal DTV programming. You don't have to have it connected to a phoneline for any normal DTV stuff, all the schedule and such it gets from the satellite, even the specific show info it gets without a phoneline. I have two other locations where I'd like to use them but don't have phonelines.

Still a sweet deal though.

You do NOT have to keep the DirecTiVos hooked up to a telephone line. Period! They are just like other DTV receivers. If you do a lot of PPV you'll eventually fill your card and it will refuse to authorize any more PPVs until the unit can call out.

For those that don't believe me, a person who has two DirecTiVos and has a 3rd on the way, and keep demanding that phone lines are required, go to The TiVo Community and read up.

 
Originally posted by: whatnow
Just got off the phone with CC rebate center, CSR said this rebate is good thru 10/4/03. I would pick this up instore for the print out of the rebate to be sure. Looks like is good to go! 🙂


I just went to C.C. and they shot me down on the rebate......
:frown:
 
Incorrect about the renewal. From my personal expereinces and calls with DTV, along with others on tivocommunity, if you purchase the DTivo from DTV, they will renew your contract for 1 year. How did you get them to keep you on the month to month plan?

Then you guys should read the TOS/checkout screen better because all 4 times (yes four times since my computer "literate" friends still have trouble with internet shopping :rofl: ) it clearly stated that activation of the directivo unit does not mean that the contract will be renewed.

And the HDVR2 is certainly a series 2 Tivo. It just doesn't have the full on functionality YET of a regular stand alone tivo such as HMO and official broadband support due to the strict DTV regulations placed on it's software. It is simply the OS version on the Dtivo that is holding it back.

Well the HDVR2 isn't a series 2 until Tivo says it is, although the components may be there it isn't yet a series 2...but you're right I should have put yet even though I implied it 😉


 
If anyone is looking for a relatively cheap switch I found one for $36 here. I don't know what shipping is I picked it up. I saw one last night for $29 but I can't remember where it was at. I figured I would pay the extra to pick it up locally.
 
Ye sit is a series 2 unit.. If you go to any of the tivo sites it is a tivo2, but the DirecTv ones do not have the USB turned on..🙁 There are hacks to do it...

Also I'm a subscriber already and have 11 months left on my contract, but it was not extended when I swapped to the HDVR2.
 
Originally posted by: SemperFi
If anyone is looking for a relatively cheap switch I found one for $36 here. I don't know what shipping is I picked it up. I saw one last night for $29 but I can't remember where it was at. I figured I would pay the extra to pick it up locally.

I would stay away from this thing. I would stick with solid state switches. I had one of these RCA units and the thing was constantly clicking and buzzing. The unit worked, but the noises were not comforting.

Ebay has some very good prices on multiswitches. Check HERE. Spaun and ChannelMasters are the best. There is one ebayer out of Carson City, Nevada whose name escapes me now, but he is inexpensive and very relialble.

EDIT: Make sure that you purchase the correct amout of inputs. If you have a plus dish and want HDTV, Para Todos, you need a switch with FOUR (Five if you want to include terr). TWO inputs (Three for terr) if you just have a single dish and do not tune to 119 or 110.
 
Originally posted by: CrazyDe1
Originally posted by: Danzilla
Originally posted by: CrazyDe1
You can't checkout without giving them a CC, their system won't let you. So what I did was had american express private payments generate me a temp CC# and I gave them that and paid with cash. So then I went home and canceled the temp #.

That's all well and good, but you still agreed to pay them the $150 if you don't activate it. Just because you've made it difficult for them to charge you doesn't mean they won't be contacting AE/sending you a bill if you don't follow the agreement.

Except I paid with cash and gave them a PO Box for the address where it would be setup...and by that time this unit will be sold.

Nice job buddy, too bad you just broke a contract, and direcTV WILL go after whoever you sell it to, CC gives them the serial # and cam #. Better hope that person doesn't come after you. Your most the reason for all the contract stuff, because you rip off and scam directv.
 
Originally posted by: Dulanic
Originally posted by: CrazyDe1
Originally posted by: Danzilla
Originally posted by: CrazyDe1 You can't checkout without giving them a CC, their system won't let you. So what I did was had american express private payments generate me a temp CC# and I gave them that and paid with cash. So then I went home and canceled the temp #.
That's all well and good, but you still agreed to pay them the $150 if you don't activate it. Just because you've made it difficult for them to charge you doesn't mean they won't be contacting AE/sending you a bill if you don't follow the agreement.
Except I paid with cash and gave them a PO Box for the address where it would be setup...and by that time this unit will be sold.
Nice job buddy, too bad you just broke a contract, and direcTV WILL go after whoever you sell it to, CC gives them the serial # and cam #. Better hope that person doesn't come after you. Your most the reason for all the contract stuff, because you rip off and scam directv.

Not to mention that he will not see his rebate.
 
Thanks for the info sat4fun.

But it is too late I already own it. Anyhow I am putting this thing in the attic so the noise won't be a problem. As long as it works I am in. I have one of the original round dishes so the 2 inputs are all I need.
 
Originally posted by: S13SilviaK<brAnd component outputs/inputs have no association with price or quality, as you try so hard to imply. Apex DVD players almost all have component output and not one of their DVD players is high end.

Name one low quality cheap tv set that has component inputs, like I said? I didn't mention component outputs.
 
Originally posted by: Murphyrulez
Originally posted by: S13SilviaK<brAnd component outputs/inputs have no association with price or quality, as you try so hard to imply. Apex DVD players almost all have component output and not one of their DVD players is high end.

Name one low quality cheap tv set that has component inputs, like I said? I didn't mention component outputs.

Toshiba/RCA/Zenith take your pick.

And what makes a low end tv different then a high end? Unless it is an EDTV/HDTV, component inputs will still give zero benefit over S-video.
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Here is a mirror of the $50 rebate form with 10/4 expiration.

I have roughly 40GB of bandwidth sitting around unused so I am not too concerned about AT and FW leeching my bw 🙂

THANKS Rossman!

The rebate no longer printed at the store today, and I don't think so yesterday, but my dad and I each got one and plan to use your .pdf file - thanks!!
 
Woah dude,

I went to the CC in orange,ca on thursday (10/2) and they were out of HDVR2's so from that store, i ordered one from the tustin store.

I got there and took the box home and found out it was an SD-DVR120 instead of an HDVR2!!!!

thats 100hours of tivo goodness 🙂

Thanks Snatchface for posting this dea!

Although i don't think the rebate will work now because of the different UPC
 
Originally posted by: MasterD
Woah dude,

I went to the CC in orange,ca on thursday (10/2) and they were out of HDVR2's so from that store, i ordered one from the tustin store.

I got there and took the box home and found out it was an SD-DVR120 instead of an HDVR2!!!!

thats 100hours of tivo goodness 🙂

Thanks Snatchface for posting this dea!

Although i don't think the rebate will work now because of the different UPC
And what did they charge you for it??? Just $99? 😛 Pretty lucky. I think the $50 rebate was good on the 100 Hr Hughes model too. So you don't lose out on that either.

PS. If you read this, MasterD, enable PMs. That way people can get messages to you easier. (ie. YES, the rebate is valid for both models.)

D.
 
Originally posted by: MasterD
Woah dude,

I went to the CC in orange,ca on thursday (10/2) and they were out of HDVR2's so from that store, i ordered one from the tustin store.

I got there and took the box home and found out it was an SD-DVR120 instead of an HDVR2!!!!

thats 100hours of tivo goodness 🙂

Thanks Snatchface for posting this dea!

Although i don't think the rebate will work now because of the different UPC

Still worth it 😉 Well it's been 2 weeks for me now and still no unit. The fvcking installers have had me come home from work twice now and then cancelled on me at the last minute....bastards. Their latest excuse is that there is still no units. I called DTV and requested that they send me the unit directly and bypass these fvcktard installers but they couldn't.
 
don't forget to get your credits for the missed installs from DirecTV. $30 each time they missed, if I remember correctly.
 
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