The TiVo and ReplayTV Service Plan

If you're thinking of purchasing a TiVo or ReplayTV, then you have a big decision to make: purchase the lifetime service plan or pay a monthly fee. The Service Plan for TiVo or ReplayTV is what allows you to receive everything to make the TiVo or ReplayTV work, downloaded nightly to your TiVo or ReplayTV box. The monthly plan costs $12.95 each month, or for $299, you get lifetime service for as long as the TiVo or ReplayTV is operating. So which to choose? Some people are turned off by the large one-time fee, and go with the monthly plan. However, if you pay the $299 up front, it's like paying for the Service Plan for about 2 years. Eventually you're going to pay more by using the monthly Service Plan. Unless you really want a TiVo or ReplayTV for a low initial cost, my recommendation would be to add in the cost of the lifetime Service Plan when buying a TiVo or ReplayTV. This will get you a nice Digital Video Recorder for $400-$500 and you won't have to worry about the monthly fee.