XfinityTV and Equipment

[evil_hero]

Is it possible to get a tivo premiere to work with my comcast tv service? It is this model Tivo http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-TCD746320-Premiere-DVR-Black/dp/B0036OR910

would I have to rent a cable card from comcast or something? or how does that work (if all)?

Thanks

[WarEagle57 · Accepted solution]

Yes, it will work with Comcast.  You'll need to get a cablecard from Comcast, and also pay TiVo for a subscription, which provides guide data and is necessary for the TiVo to function.  There is also a trial going on now in the San Francisco Bay Area which allows TiVo Premiere models to access Comcast On Demand programs.

[evil_hero]

I had totally forgot I had posted this question. Thanks for the quick reply. How much does comcast charge for a cable card do you happen to know?

[barbie123]

It's $1.50/mo  for the first cablecard. Pick up a Self install kit at your local office and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to use only the Cablecard support line at 877-405-2298.

[evil_hero]

Thank you!

[evil_hero]

sorry to bring this back, but does tivo charge a monthly fee to use it? I am looking at getting a TCD746320, then getting the cable card mentioned. Basically all I'm trying to accomplish is record live tv shows. Pause , Rewind and all that on live tv would be a big bonus. 

Also what are some other options besides the tivo?

Thanks for your help

[JayInAlg]

Tivo has either a monthly fee or a "lifetime" fee which is the lifetime of the DVR and not the subscriber.  In addition there's the fee from Comcast for the cable card.

There is Windows Media Center PC, which would need the addition of a digital cable card pc tuner, and a Comcast supplied cable card.  Cable card has a monthly fee, but no fees related to the PC tuner and hardware.  Many use a Xbox as a Media Center extender to connect to the TV.

There are no other DVR's left that will record the encrypted digital stream coming down Comcast's coax.

[evil_hero]

So from what I have read is that you can't even record with an unsubbed tivo....

[JayInAlg]

Right, it won't do anything at all but light up and look cool.

If you purchase a new Tivo, you only have limited time before a subscription needs to be activated.  Used Tivo's without a active subscription won't work either.

There are used Tivo's with lifetime subscriptions out there, but be aware to find the reason why the owner is selling it, and that it doesn't have a hardware issue.

[evil_hero]

hmm that doesn't help me then. Why is it so hard to just record TV, without having to pay an extra $15 a month.....? I just don't get it.

Thanks for your help

[BigAirRuiz]

I miss my VCR too