Newbie Question about Tivo Service

[hotshot2k3]

I just got a TivoHD and it currently does not have any Tivo service and therefore I can't record anything. If I do the PROM modification will I be able to manually record TV shows even though I don't have that functionality as of right now. If it does allow me to I assume I can get these files off the Tivo via ftp, is that correct?

[mbellot]

No.

The only Tivos that support "manual" recording without a subscription are the (really old) standalone S1 units.

[classicsat]

A PROM mod does only one thing, it breaks the "chain of trust" (or is part of the procedure to ""get root") so you can modify system files or add files.

There is no software, files, discussion here to enable functions of the TiVo software to get around the subscription needed to use those software features, apart from saying it is considered theft of service, and this board respects TiVo's right to that service.

[nn2g2bT]

The only Tivos that support "manual" recording without a subscription are the (really old) standalone S1 units.

My TiVoHDs do manual recordings just fine (without any hacks), mbellot --

I bought 3 TiVoHDs to use solely as reduced cost digital cable tuners (replacing $7/month cable boxes with $2/month Cablecards, WITHOUT subscribing to the TiVo Service), and to my surprise...

The manual recording function on my unsubscribed TiVoHDs (which had completely disappeared after the first week or so) REAPPEARED after 30 days of preventing the TiVoHD from contacting the mothership!

• Manual recording means by time and channel only (like an old-fashioned VCR), but unsubscribed TiVoHDs CAN be set to repeat a recording at the same time and channel each day, each weekday, or each week. Each recording is only identified with time and channel info in the Now Playing list, because there isn't any sort of interactive program guide without paying for a TiVo subscription.

TiVo probably could disable this feature with a simple software update at anytime, but I do NOT plan to ever contact the Mothership again (or at least not until my clocks drift too far to ignore--).

• [The following Q+A in the Newbie Mini-FAQ should probably be updated:
  
  
  • Q: I don't feel like paying any fees. How do I get free service / use it as a vcr / make my own listings? (A12)
    
    A: You don't. Find a legal way to save money, like clipping coupons.]