As most of you know, come February 2009 (or sooner) the analog NTSC airwaves go dark. TiVo’s begun reaching out to OTA Series2 (Series1, too?) subscribers via email:
Our records show that you currently receive some or all of your television signals for your TiVo? DVR through good old-fashioned “rabbit ears” or rooftop antenna. That means you WILL be affected by the “Digital Transition” on February 17, 2009?the date television stations are federally mandated to switch from old-style analog to all-digital broadcast signals. To learn how you are affected and what you need to do, follow these simple instructions:
- Visit tivo.com/digital2009
- Enter your TSN# ########## in the requested field.
- We’ll then fill you in on everything you need to know to continue enjoying the world’s best way to watch TV with TiVo!
Jeffrey, who submitted this tip (thanks!), received the following info upon providing his TiVo Service Number:
You’re Impacted. Here’s your Solution… What you need to know…
Starting February 17, 2009, any shows* you receive through your antenna will no longer appear on your TV, leaving your TiVo? Series2 DVR nothing to record. To keep the TiVo service compatible with your current setup, you have two options:
- Once you receive the automatic TiVo Service Update (9.3.1), purchase and install a government-subsidized digital converter box. This setup will also require infrared wires (details in FAQs).
- Treat yourself to a gorgeous TiVo HD DVR.
For a limited-time, save $40 on a TiVo HD DVR! Expires September 01, 2008
So, those impacted can pick up an ATSC-tuning TiVo HD for $40 off of purchase a compatible converter box (pictured above) and wait for the properly labeled IR codes and channel mappings in a software update. TiVo’s done the right thing in communicating the situation clearly with this nice microsite, however for those looking to upgrade: Amazon’s still cheaper for a new TiVo HD and $180 for a refurb unit with free shipping is better yet.
(No mention of the DISH Network DTVPal converter… I assume this has less to do with the $100+ million settlement owed TiVo and more to do with the box having just hit the market.)
