Zatz Not Funny received a tip from a reader, Jeffery, about emails TiVo is sending out to users who have Series2 (and presumably Series1) TiVo’s configured to use antenna input. Since these users will be left without signals to record come the digital transition in February 2009, there has been some question as to what options they’d have - short of buying a TiVo HD with digital tuners of course. Well, the good news is that with the coming 9.3.1 update, TiVo will be supporting digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Here’s TiVo’s 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:

1. Visit tivo.com/digital2009
2. Enter your TSN# ########## in the requested field.
3. 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!

Jeffery, who is using antenna, submitted his TSN and received this message:

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

When I put in the TSN for one of my S2 boxes, which is not using antenna, I got this message:

Relax, and continue enjoying your favorite shows!

Because you currently DO NOT receive analog signals using an antenna, you don’t need to life a finger! Your TiVo®HD DVR has digital tuners built-in so you do not need to buy a government-subsidized digital converter box or a digital-ready TV. Just enjoy your favorite shows and the TiVo experience like you always have.

Thanks for being a member of the TiVo family!

Which is really weird, because:
a) I entered the TSN of a Series2 - a Pioneer DVR-810H to be precise, and…
b) I don’t even own a TiVo HD. I do have a TiVo Series3, but not a TiVo HD.

I think they just goofed on the messaging and it should probably say something like since my S2 is not using antenna I don’t have to worry. The website has more info, including a list of compatible (and incompatible) converter boxes, and a FAQ.

It is nice to see TiVo reaching out to customers to help educate them. And while many expected TiVo to support the converter boxes, it is nice to see an official confirmation. There were some with a bent toward conspiracy who expected TiVo to use the transition as a way to force users onto the TiVo HD, this should lay such talk to rest. Though it is a good excuse to upgrade, especially with the $179.99 factory-renewed deal. I doubt that $40 discount applies to those units, that’d be too good to be true - but if anyone finds out otherwise, please report back!

So Series2 users who depend on antenna have two options - pick up one of the compatible converter boxes, or upgraded to the TiVo HD.

TiVo is offering the best deal on the TiVo HD to date, that I can recall. Get a factory-renewed (aka refurbished) TiVo HD for just $179.99. That’s 40% off the $299.99 MSRP of a new TiVo HD, and it is better than the 15%-off $254.05 that Amazon sells new units for. There is little risk as TiVo backs their factory-renewed units with a 30-day money back guarantee as well as their standard product warranty, the same as a new unit. If you’ve been thinking of getting a TiVo HD, this is a good deal.

It would’ve been more surprising if TiVo hadn’t extended their rebates, given the track record for the last several cycles. They last extended them in April, but that rebate expired on 6/28. So starting on 6/29, and running through 8/30, a new rebate takes over. Slightly different terms than the last one - $200 off a TiVo Series3 (TCD648) or $150 off a Series2DT (TCD649), there is no longer any rebate on the old single-tuner Series2. You can get the rebate form in HTML or PDF and pre-qualify via TiVo’s website.

The rebate brings the Series3 down to $392.45 through Amazon (and as low as $381.97 through their 3rd party sellers), and the Series2DT down to $65.99 through Amazon.

Personally I wouldn’t go with either of those, but rather the TiVo HD at $249.40, especially if you’re considering the Series3. Get the TiVo HD and pick up the Glo remote separately and save some money. If you plan to use any of these units with WiFi, remember to pick up a TiVo USB WiFi Adapter.

You can also pick up a factory-renewed TiVo HD for $199.99.

Via TiVo Blog.

The Amazon promotion of a free TiVo HD with the purchase of a Samsung HDTV, originally scheduled to end June 6th, has been extended through June 9th. As previously posted, the deal also includes three months of free TiVo service and free ‘white glove’ delivery.

Reader Rob Brooks-Bilson sent me a tip about a letter he’d received from Cox Communications in Phoenix, AZ, which he posted about in his blog and scanned into PDF. The big news is that Cox will be implementing SDV of July 1,2008. The bigger news is that later this year they will be offering Tuning Adapters to their users - FREE! I believe this is the first time we’ve heard of any firm pricing plans from a cable MSO with regard to the Tuning Adapter.

Notice to TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD owners: Cox, along with others in the cable industry, has worked with TiVo lnc to develop an external device called a Tuning Adapter that will allow TiVo Series 3 and TiVo HD devices using CableCARDs to access channels delivered via SDV. Availability of the Tuning Adapter is expected later this year. At that time additional information will be sent to you. The Tuning Adapter will be provided by Cox at no charge. In the interim, continued access to channels delivered via SDV is available with a Cox digital set top receiver.

I have to say that Cox’s letter is very clear overall and explains the issues around SDV clearly and without unnecessary drama, and other cable MSOs could take a lesson from this. There is no FUD, no attempt to spook customers into jumping onto a Cox STB - quite the opposite really. I think the letter is clear and concise, I wish more companies communicated in this fashion.

So, it sounds like there will be a period of time between July 1, 2008, when Cox begins using SDV, and a point later in the year when they begin offering the Tuning Adapter, where users may lose access to some of their channels, unless they get a Cox STB for the interim. Since the Tuning Adapters are scheduled to be certified by CableLabs at the end of June, hopefully the gap will be a short one. But in any case it is nice to know they’ll be offering the TA for free. Hopefully this will be across all of Cox’s systems and not limited to Phoenix.

The offer of a free TiVo HD with the purchase of eligible Samsung HDTV models that I posted last week is even better than it at first seemed. I received an email from Amazon today promoting the deal, and in addition to getting the TiVo HD free, you’ll also get three months of free TiVo service, and free ‘white glove’ delivery on the TV. The bundle deal is only good through June 6th.