can I use Tivo using my cable without their subscription.?

Answer 1

In most cases there is very little that you can do with a TIVO without an active subscription you are very limited in what you can do:

Can't record, use guide, or network the TIVO.

You can watch shows that were previously recorded and use it as a tuner with 30 minute buffer.

There are two exceptions. There are some old series 1 TIVOs that you can use like a manual VCR. The are also some recorders that were sold with "Basic TIVO" service; these do not require a subscription but are limited to a 3 day program guide and are missing some features.

Answer 2

You can use it but you would have to manually put in each recording date and time. It would be like an old fashioned vcr. And resetting the time and date would be almost impossible.