Comments on: Get a refurbished TiVo HD and three months of service for $179.99

Woot.com has refurbished TiVo HDs on sale for $179.99, including the first three months of service. Shipping is just $5.

[jcvesq]

I don't understand the "greatness" of Windows Media Center. Doesn't it require you to boot the computer anytime you want to watch TV. Also, don't they need to have a cable card installed in them? Wouldn't that make it more expensive than the cable company's box and/or TiVo? Please illuminate me.

[rickbroida]

Actually, media centers aren't great for HD programming, unless you're satisfied with over-the-air (OTA) HD -- which I am. Vista does support CableCard, but I believe various tech glitches have kept PC CableCard tuners off the market. FWIW, the TiVo HD also requires CableCards unless you connect an antenna for OTA HD.

[megazone]

Note that TiVo's monthly fee is currently $12.95/month. And you can also pre-pay $129 for one year, $249 for two years, or $299 for three years - which comes out to only $8.31/month. (And current TiVo subscribers can activate new boxes with lifetime for $399.) So, for less than $500 you could get the TiVo HD with three years of service - with no more payments. That's FAR less than a dual-CableCARD MCPC.

[rickbroida]

You're correct! Didn't realize they'd lowered the monthly rates. Soon as they abolish them altogether, I'm on board!