which OS version?

[DrChad]

:D BACKGROUND:
I have two SAT-T60's that I have not used in a while...they are identical: both have the 40 GB hard drive configuration, and have serial numbers reasonably close together (8055110 and 8025245). But, I stopped using one of them about 2 years ago, and stopped using the other about 1 year ago. Since recently discovering all the hacking and upgrades that could be done to them, I decided to use one of them again.

So, I read Jeff Keegan's book and then ordered a 2x160 GB w/ TurboNET upgrade kit from www.ptvupgrade.com. They will install TivoWeb, ftp and telnet onto the drives before they ship them, therefore they need to know which version of OS is on the T60 I wish to upgrade. I plugged them both in for a few seconds and checked. The T-60 with serial # 8055110 is running OS version 2.5.2-01-1-011. The T-60 with serial # 8025245 is running OS version 3.1.0-01-1-011.

I doubt the version of OS they are running has anything to do with the hardware, since the OS version is inversely proportional to the serial number. It is most likely a matter of when I stopped using them, i.e. disconnected them so they were not able to obtain subsequent updates to the OS.


:confused: QUESTIONS:
1) Could anyone confirm my theory as to why they are running different versions of the OS? Is it just because of when I stopped using them?

2) Since I have the option of using 2.5.2 or 3.1.0, which unit should I use? Is there an advantage of either OS over the other? I remember something about 3.1.0 being better at
recording two shows at the same time. Is that true? That is an important feature for me.

3) If I install the new 160 GB hard drives, then hook up the T-60 and call DirecTV to activate it, do I need to worry about the OS being updated from 3.1.0 to 3.1.0b2 (the latest for DirecTivo's)? If an update happened, would that erase the software that PtvUpgrade installed on the 160 GB drives before shipping?

4) Is there any way to be sure that the units have upgraded to their latest OS before I put in the new hard drives? Can I force them to upgrade? If not, how long do I need to leave them
hooked up before I know for sure they have upgraded to whatever version DirecTV or Tivo thinks should be on my T-60? Can I just leave the phone line plugged into for a few days? Or, do I need to have the DSS cable hooked up, phone line, and P4 card inserted to make sure it updates?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Many Thanks,

Chad :)

[mrblack51]

1) yes, it is most likely due to the fact that they haven't been used in a while. all s1 dtivos are elligible for the 3.1.0 upgrade

2) doesn't matter which unit you use. if its a 2x160 upgrade kit, then its probably an A and B pair. therefore, it doesnt matter what was running on what tivo, as the unit will run whatever version is on the new drives

3) ptvupgrade should have prevented updates. if they didn't, check to see what their policy says, and yell at them if it is vague. in general, if your unit dials in, it will take upgrades and therefore lose hacks, unless you do somehting to prevent it.

4) no. the OS is stored on the hard drive, not in the other hardware. thats why we can use tools like mfstools or 25xtreme to take any s1 dtivo and put whatever version of the software we want onto it.

btw, please dont cross post the same question in multiple areas. thanks

[PTVupgrade]

Originally posted by mrblack51


3) ptvupgrade should have prevented updates. if they didn't, check to see what their policy says, and yell at them if it is vague. in general, if your unit dials in, it will take upgrades and therefore lose hacks, unless you do somehting to prevent it.



We do not think preventing updates is the right thing to do; disrupting the relationship between TiVo and its customers can cause more problems that it solves.

We have always been VERY clear about our policy regarding updates, especially when it comes to our networked products.

If an update occurs during the warranty period, there is NO CHARGE to reinstall/reconfigure. If its outside the warranty period, we may charge a fee for labor; and I can tell you right now, that we've been updating folks from 3.1.0 to 3.1.0b2 at no charge other than shipping. Why? Because we are known for taking care of our customers...

Cheers,
Lou

[mrblack51]

Originally posted by pweed
We do not think preventing updates is the right thing to do; disrupting the relationship between TiVo and its customers can cause more problems that it solves.

We have always been VERY clear about our policy regarding updates, especially when it comes to our networked products.

If an update occurs during the warranty period, there is NO CHARGE to reinstall/reconfigure. If its outside the warranty period, we may charge a fee for labor; and I can tell you right now, that we've been updating folks from 3.1.0 to 3.1.0b2 at no charge other than shipping. Why? Because we are known for taking care of our customers...

Cheers,
Lou

so noted. thanks for clearing that up.