Not exactly an answer to your question, but if your lifetime sub is at risk why not consider a repair?

TiVo Repair Service

We also offer a repair service for the Thomson TiVo (at the moment, only the UK TiVo). With a complete SMT rework facility, we can do component level repairs to the power supply or main board.

Repair prices are from £35 to £150 depending on the nature of the fault. Send your TiVo to us for a quote.

DO:
..include as much information about the fault as possible.
..wrap your TiVo well and insure the carriage.

DON'T:
..include any accessories (cables, handset etc.) unless they are a part of the problem.
..forget to include your Name, Address, Email, Tel no. etc.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.