Refurb TiVo Mini @ $70

Those looking to stream live and recorded TiVo Bolt, Roamio, or 4-tuner Premiere video to other televisions around the house have a nice deal to contemplate today… As Woot’s offering up the first gen TiVo Mini is on sale for a low $70. Sure it’s a refurb that only ships with an IR remote (versus RF on the latest model), but this minimal expenditure adds a whole lot of value to existing TiVo households – as it also includes Lifetime Service.

tivo-mini-sale

In fact, I’m tempted to add another as we set up our guest bedroom. While we’re not wired for Ethernet at that location, our networking needs would be covered by the Mini’s integrated MoCA capabilities using the existing coaxial outlet. However, integrated WiFi would make Mini infinitely more flexible and I keep holding out for a Verizon FiOS Roku app. Looks like I have about 8 hours to decide…

(Thanks Elias!)

13 thoughts on “Refurb TiVo Mini @ $70”

  1. I have one Mini on WiFi and it is very hit and miss. Too many times it drops back to the main screen because it has lost connection. Other times it just freezes for a second or two. This is using two different AC routers (TP-Link Archer C8 & Google OnHub) at 5ghz and a TP-Link AC750 range extender being used as a bridge.)

    I have 8 Minis, 5 or 6 of which I paid $250 each for. Drives me nuts to see the price down to $70.

  2. I am very knowledgeable when it comes to TiVo Devices, but do not want to give myself away, just in case TiVo does not like me posting this. Anyways, I have confirmed that the TiVo Wireless N Adapter does work with the TiVo Mini’s. However, you would want to make sure the wireless signal strength is above about 85% for that connection strength. It is impossible to check the signal strength on the DVR for that adapter, but it you have all 3 bars lit up blue, then it should stream fine from the DVR. We even have a Mini connected wirelessly here where I work due to not having a long enough Ethernet cable. Once you get the adapter set up, you just need to “Connect Using Ethernet” for the connection type.

    The TiVo Wireless G Adapter will NOT work with it.
    Hope this helps!!

  3. Ok, I figured you would know that. Just thought I would throw it out there. And for the others out there interested in doing this, you are on your own, as TiVo does not support Wireless Connections for the main DVR or Mini to when it comes to using a TiVo Mini. So if you try it, and it does not work, then you are on your own as TiVo Technical Support will say…. “you will need to switch over to a hard-wired connection to your router.”

    Those who still want to try it, good luck and hope it works for you without the buffering issues that it could cause.

  4. “I’d originally considered having Verizon wire me up with another FiOS TV jack but, after their recent rate increases, that’s off the table.”

    @dave Why not run a simple coax line to the TV? I’m missing what the recent rate increases for CableCard have to do with the FIOS TV jack?

    We have no TV jacks in the house but off a 6-way coax splitter in the basement coax runs to three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and the basement with one Roamio Plus with Verizon CableCard and 5 minis connected over MoCa. Add a 4 port MoCa/Ethernet adapter and the PS3, Roku and Apple TV now are wired.

    No more streaming/router issues.

  5. Whether I use Ethernet, MoCA, or a wireless Bridge, My four Minis have always been rock solid streaming broadcast content which is a low bitrate. Or streaming from an app like Netflix, Amazon, or Vudu, which is an even lower bitrate.

  6. Bryan10024, that rate increase I referred to two years ago also bumped the installation of a new coax outlet from something like $50 to $150, at which point I didn’t care so much. This particular location would be tedious for me to fish the coax from the basement homerun to the kitchen — I’d have to punch through more than a dozen (exposed) beams/rafters, if I did it right/clean, and don’t have complete confidence I could come through the wall/floor at the right spot without damaging my kitchen floor. So I’d prefer to outsource, but not at these rates. Looks like the current charge is $70 per outlet and $100 for the technician visit. *wanders down to basement to take another look*

  7. I’d personally rather deal with the extra clutter of a powerline adaptor (I don’t see much of difference between this and a usb-powered wifi bridge). The TP-LINK nano series is quite small and surprisingly good looking (well, it’s unobtrusive, at least). If you only have one available outlet, they make a pass-through version too. Seems like a small price to pay for reliability, and it means you wouldn’t have to drill holes in your house.

    I use powerline adaptors to get my network out to our detached garage. I am always shocked at how reliable the connection is, especially considering the “quality” of the wiring that runs from our main panel out to the garage.

    I picked up one of the refurb minis to use out in the garage. Can’t wait. Thanks for the heads up.

  8. Yeah, Powerline is superior for this sort of application. But I don’t want an extra wall wart and cord in my kitchen. :)

  9. I picked one up to replace the soon to be extinct Tivo HD in my guest room. I do have coax for the MOCA but how i was connecting wireless could be used for a mini if I didnt have coax. I currently run a wireless access point. A box that connects to my AC wifi and provides 4 ethernet ports. Its like a wireless router that connects to my main router for signal. I run the Tivo HD and a slingbox pro off it. Mini would just see it as a hard wired Ethernet connection. Works like a charm. May be a bit of an investment but way better option than running a coax if you dont have the means.

  10. Dave – I know this isn’t thead related, but figured easiest way to get your attention.

    Will you be doing any kind of Black Friday deals thread? I’m specifically looking for a nest 3rd gen thermostat (actually need 2 of them). I remember last year there were a few places that cut the price down $50 on them.

  11. Normally I would… but I’ve got two writing projects for another site taking up my time and a baby coming in the next month. So I don’t want to promise anything. A week ago Target had 3rd gen Nest 15% off – I imagine we’ll see more like that. Looks like Best Buy will sell it full price Black Friday but give you a $50 gift card:

    http://www.bfads.net/Black-Friday/Best-Buy/Ad?page=15

    I’m looking for a similar sort of deal. Having recently installed an ecobee3 upstairs, thinking of replacing my 2nd Gen Nest downstairs with an ecobee as well.

  12. Interesting. I would think that I could use the first gift card and apply it on the 2nd nest. And then maybe I use the 2nd gift card and use it to buy an Amazon gift card (BB sells them, or atleast they did as of a year ago) and then apply that towards something I was going to buy anyway. That way in essence both Nests cost me $199 each.

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