Without service a Series 2 TIVO can basically rewind, pause etc.
From the TIVO web site:
http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1218.htm?
[quote] A TiVo Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is intended for use only with a paid subscription to the TiVo service. Without the TiVo service:
A TiVo DVR has extremely limited functionality, e.g., pause, fast-forward, rewind, and slow-mo live TV.
No smart, automatic-recording service functionality is represented or should be expected.
Series DVRs manufactured before October of 2001 are able to make manual time-based recordings without TiVo service if they shipped with software version 1.3 or earlier.
Receipt of TiVo service is subject to the terms of the TiVo Service Agreement. TiVo service is accessed through a standard telephone line or broadband connection and is available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, local and long-distance toll charges may apply.
For more information about the availability of TiVo service outside the United States, go to In Which Countries Is the TiVo Service Available?[/quote]
Considering Tivo but am reluctant to fork over $ for Tivo service...I've heard it's possible to forgo monthly/one time service costs and use Tivo with basic functionality. Any truth to this? Anyone with experience doing this?

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