Help with noppv and DTivo

[Bunkie11]

I own a DTivo that I bought off of a guy, who set up the Tivo hack before I received the unit. Xtreme2.5 is installed. I prefer not to use activation (which orders movies and records fine) I would like to use the alternative methods for receiving Dave and be able to use the Tivo recording features.

I downloaded Kraven's update and read through it, but I am worried about loading it because I am a novice at Linux and also because it talks about TivoNet, and I am not connecting to the internet, I have a lifetime subscription and my Tivo menus come from the stream. I'm afraid installing the update will run some stuff that is not required, or will cause Tivo to fail.

Can someone step me through how to get noppv to run with Kraven or how to install it on its own. I'd appreciate a step by step starting from logging onto the box, thanks.

I have downloaded Teraterm Pro and made up a serial cable. I assume I would have to FTP the software to the box, then install it maybe some instructions on how to do that would help too. Thanks.

[captain_video]

Just upload a copy of noppv.tcl to a directory (the /tvbin is the default directory for noppv.tcl) on your DTivo and make it executable (chmod +x noppv.tcl). You can run it manually from a bash prompt. The first time your run it you will want to do a dump of all of the ppv channels:

cd /tvbin
./noppv.tcl dump

When it's finished (i.e. the bash prompt reappears), run noppv.tcl manually to remove all of the ppv flags:

./noppv.tcl

[zabs]

Helpful reminder:
From then on it will kick off with the daily call (once every 24 hours) so if you ever run into an instance where you are trying to record something and you get nagged, just force a daily call and you will be set.

[Bunkie11]

Thanks, what do you mean by "daily call", do you mean it goes to get a menu update from the stream...I don't use a phone line, I'm in Canada, thx.

[zabs]

The daily call is the call that the tivo would normally make over the phone line. Even with Xtreme (and no phone connection) it still technically runs every day...you can force it by going under one of the tivo's menus.

[JRoss]

I seem to always find myself having to run noppv manually even though it's supposed to be running after every daily call with my Kraven Updated 25xtreme.

I noticed that the line that executes it in TClient-lib.itcl is phrased like this:

exec /tvbin/noppv.tcl -x >> /dev/null

I checked and noppv.tcl is definitely in the tvbin directory and it works fine manually.

In instructions I've found to MANUALLY install noppv without Kraven's Upgrade I've noticed that it's phrased like this:

exec /tvbin/noppv.tcl -x > /dev/null

The difference I see is 1 ">" instead of 2 ">>"

Is this an error? Or are both right? I've looked in a few Linux sites to see what the >switch does but can't find it.

Can anyone explain?

[JRoss]

BTW: yes I have the timezone offset number instead of the "x" so that's not the problem ;)

Daily Calls are always successful

[DarkWing]

> means to create and add stuff to a file, deleting any previous content.
>> means to append stuff to a file, and create it if necessary, preserving previous content.

Since it's the /dev/null file, it doesn't matter in this case, either work the same.

[JRoss]

Thanks Darkwing

BTW: Your DTiVo Basics and Beyond has been my Bible the last 2 days since I just got my bash going for the first time.

Thanks so much for documenting everything so nicely! I've installed a shitload of stuff from your instructions.

I bow to your greatness........ ;)

[hades]

Hey guys, I have a quick question. What would happen if you tried to use this script with a legit sub?

I have never tried using it since it says in its instructions to only use it with certain setups (cant say what of course).

Thanks.

[DarkWing]

If you used noppv on a legit system, you'd be able to record a whole lot of blackness.

Actually it just won't record anything even though you tell it to.


On the otherhand, you can now order ppv via dtv website...so I guess in that scenario (or phone order), it would work quite well.

You just couldn't order via your remote.

<backpeddle, backpeddle, backpeddle> :)

[Bunkie11]

Ok, I just want to clarify a few things before I do this:

1. I can install noppv using a serial connection and Teraterm Pro.
2. I must FTP the noppv software to the Tivo Linux OS. I haven't logged onto the box yet (the guy who set it up for me said there is no password set on it), not sure what the Box ID is called. I assume I set up an FTP session then use the "send" command to send the file via FTP over to the OS, then move the file to the correct directory, per previous instructions. Can someone give me an example of what the box ID might be from Xtreme2.5 and the command sequences?
3. From the comments above, noppv makes daily calls to the phone line, but if the phone line is not connected (as in my case) Tivo still gets faked into scheduling recording sessions on PPV channels.

Item 2 above is critical to me, as mentioned, I am not too experienced with Linux.

Thanks all.

[DarkWing]

1. yes
2. you could do it this way, but lets keep it simple for the moment, just transfer with teraterm (connected via serial).
3. noppv does not dial, noppv.tcl is run when a daily call is made (either a real call, or a "faked" call).

[Bunkie11]

Hi DarkWing:

Does noppv include the instructions to "fake the call" or do I need something else, I do not have Kraven's update installed, just Xtreme2.5?

I got your PM, I had that site and the file, unfortunately there are no instructions in the file as to how it should be installed from scratch.

I found some instructions in another post for serialing the noppv file, in case any other newbies need it, I have posted it below:

·Use a serial cable and connect to Tivo with TeraTerm Pro and get a bash prompt
·change to directory on Tivo that you want to deposit file
·type rz
·Tivo will say it is waiting for file.
·Go to drop down menu - file - transfer - zmodem – send
·Window will open navigate to and select file on PC you want to send


Thanks.

[DarkWing]

That info is in my helpfile, you have to click on the hyperlinks to get more info (for example the word "transfer").

Anyway, that proceedure is not ftp, ftp is via ethernet cable which requires a turbonet or tivonet installed in your dtivo.

What you have outlined, is what I suggested, transferring the file via serial connection.

No, noppv only makes the ppv channels record like other, non-ppv channels.

Extreme2.5 and the 'touch' instruction are what make the dtivo fake out the daily call.

[Bunkie11]

Ah, dude...silly me...of course that is not ftp..sorry about that.

Ok, I will see what I can find about the touch instruction and how to set it up so that it dials out at a precise time every day now.

I did some more reading would the Xplusz script do the daily calls I need? It includes the noppv setup and some other nice stuff...could I just install this?

http://dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18394

[zabs]

Xplusz would allow you to kick off the noppv script as needed from a menu right on your tv (that is if I understand it right.) I think it still tries to run every day along with the daily call.

I haven't installed it yet so I guess I cannot offer up the best advice at this point. Perhaps SuperZap will make his presence known and clarify if he gets a chance.

[Bunkie11]

I'm attempting to install Xplusz and I am following the instructions in the ReadMe file:

I got the bash prompt, and I was able to access my Tivo. There was a var directory, but no hack directory, so I made a hack directory. I went into the hack directory and I sent the xplus tar and setup file there. I verified they are indeed in the directory.

However, when I try to type ./setup from that directory, I get a message saying "Permission Denied".

Do I have to log onto it somehow...it appears I was already in if I could transfer the files?

Thanks!

[Bunkie11]

I figured it out, I had to do the "chmod +x setup" command to change the permissions for the "setup" file.

[Bunkie11]

Well I got Xplusz running...it works awesome.

I am now able to schedule recording of my ppvs using alternatives to activation.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Bunkie11