Just wanting to verify my next step(s)

[slaeyer]

OK, so I've been reading and reading and reading and reading for several weeks now about what I need to do to hack a new DTivo.

First off, here's my list of things that are needed:

Must be able to dump the dialup modem from day one and instead use a 10/100 network adapter. Get my local channels on channels 5 - 30 (required a second dish, new receivers and signing a new contract, etc).

Here's what I want:

I'd like to have HMO available and possible ability to backup my shows to my PC so I can archive to my new Dual Layer DVD+RW drive! Also, my wife is really interested in the recent news that Netflix is going to be partnering with TiVo to allow dowloadable movies to be viewed on a networked TiVo.... this is more of a wish than a requirement tho.


I've already ran all new satellite lines around the house which included 2 new satellite lines to the home theater area, purchased and installed a 4 way multiswitch, ran 10/100 network lines around my house, and generally prepared for the switchout which is about to come. Now.... I've been researching about upgrading from v 3.1.x software to v 4.x and have noticed that there is now a way to upgrade RID units.

That being said, is it easier (or better) to buy a non-RID unit seeing as how I haven't yet purchased a DTiVo?

Also, what's the deal with v 5.x or 6.x software? Should I wait to buy a DTiVo until this comes out? Is it a worthwhile upgrade that I should consider for the future? Is it something that DTiVo units can even run?

Anywhoo, I appreciate you all listening to the ramblings of a Newbie, and should I need any redirection, please feel free to correct me! If there are any guides or faqs I should be reading first, again, please let me know!

Thanks a bunch,
SlaeYer

[PlainBill]

A new DSR7000 or HDVR2 would be better if you can find one. If you buy used, you take a chance with whatever is available. Otherwise, go with a DSR704 (or 08), SD-DVR40 (or 80), SIR-S4040R (or 80R) and use the 4.X on RID package.

Avoid the R10, for your purposes it's non-hackable at this time (not that you wouldn't have a lot of fun trying). Likewise, forget 5.x and 6.x software. SOMETIME you will be able to use them, but I'm not sure your wife will want to wait that long.

Don't worry about the phone line - DirecTiVos get the guide information from the satellite.

PlainBill

[slaeyer]

Kewl....

I'm gonna try to find a new HDVR2 or one of the others you mentioned if I can't find something else.

Thanks for the quick response, I'll post again when I get my DTiVo!

[slaeyer]

Don't worry about the phone line - DirecTiVos get the guide information from the satellite.

So am I to take it from your post that even an unhacked DTiVo will still function w/o a phone line connected? Only reason I ask is that I'd like to see how a plain unhacked DTiVo is supposed to work before I go hacking away!

[PlainBill]

So am I to take it from your post that even an unhacked DTiVo will still function w/o a phone line connected? Only reason I ask is that I'd like to see how a plain unhacked DTiVo is supposed to work before I go hacking away!

I believe an unhacked TiVo will insist on making an initial call (to get local phone numbers). If a daily call is not made within 28 days you will get a nag screen.

The nag screen can be cleared by the fixsub hack. Also, IIRC, the initial call can be bypassed the same way. Note that the TiVo does not have to be hooked up to the satellite dish while these calls are made.

PlainBill

[slaeyer]

I believe an unhacked TiVo will insist on making an initial call (to get local phone numbers). If a daily call is not made within 28 days you will get a nag screen.

The nag screen can be cleared by the fixsub hack. Also, IIRC, the initial call can be bypassed the same way. Note that the TiVo does not have to be hooked up to the satellite dish while these calls are made.

PlainBill


Thanks for the info!

I think I'm going to order a DTiVo in the next few days, although I've not been able to find any new DTiVos that are not RID units anywhere for purchase and while eBay has some, they're all previously used units.

Are there any places that still carry older model series 2 non-RID DTiVos for sale?

What model might I expect if I ordered from DirecTV? They seem to have a pretty good deal going on until the end of the year for DTiVo units!

[slaeyer]

Managed to find a good looking used HDVR2 on eBay so I picked it up..... Just finished walking it through the front door! I'm off to setup and activate it, make sure it all works!

Happy Hacking,
SlaeYer

[slaeyer]

My new DirecTiVo is working GREAT! Just got off the phone with DirecTV and am enjoying the TiVo lifestyle!

[slaeyer]

I believe an unhacked TiVo will insist on making an initial call (to get local phone numbers). If a daily call is not made within 28 days you will get a nag screen.

The nag screen can be cleared by the fixsub hack. Also, IIRC, the initial call can be bypassed the same way. Note that the TiVo does not have to be hooked up to the satellite dish while these calls are made.

PlainBill

You are correct - an unhacked TiVo does indeed insist on making a local telephone call to do *something*. Until I make said call, I cannot schedule recordings! I'm thinking of taking the box to my mothers house to use her landline for a few mins (I was told that it does not need to be connected to a sat during this initial call - is this correct?)

Aside from that, my new HDVR2 seems to be running well. Thus far I'm able to watch Live TV on all channels, including my locals which use the 72.5 sat and the TV buffer thingy works well!

Now I just need to get started hacking so I can dump the dialup modem completely!

One question tho.... since I get my locals on 72.5, am I going to be able to upgrade to 4.x software?

[JohnSorTivo]

One question though[sic].... since I get my locals on 72.5, am I going to be able to upgrade to 4.x software?Unfortunatley, no.

[slaeyer]

Unfortunatley, no.

DARN IT ALL!!

I was really looking forward to the HMO features!

In other news, I see that TiVo released TiVo Desktop v2.0 software today with TiVo2Go! Intruiging!