Time for me to Begin

[MaDDNeSS]

Ok, I have read the FAQ, few tutorials and I think I may be ready to give it a try. Wanted to go over a few things to see if I am still going on the right path.

First off, a series 1 or 2 Tivo will work. DirectTivo will not because I do not have direct Tv so I understand that. I am sure everyone suggest getting a Series 2 Tivo, if not please let me know your opinions. First Step i would need to do is get a bash prompt. That would require me to have a Linux Boot CD, running Windows Fat16 or Fat32. If it is a series2 stand alone Tivo I would probaly have the best luck running the program made by Slepper or perhaps you suggest killhdinirt on a stand alone series 2 Tivo. Is this the point where I would back up my Tivo Harddrive while it is in my PC? Having my Fat16/32 HD was primary, and the Tivo Drive as slave?

Once the program is complete, I would then place the drive into my Tivo and continue with connecting to it. Executing the bash prompt from Telnet and then transfer files that way. I have read a few places that some people need to add .tcl files for remote codes, I am pretty sure the bash prompt is where you would do this. Also installing other tools such as the web browser is done from the bash prompt.

Few questions arise out of all this if you do not mind helping a newbie out. I can use the origional Tivo drive that came with it, just strongly suggested I back it up correct? There is no need for hardware hack anymore, such as reflashing the eeprom ect. if I have understood correctly? Once I have my Bash prompt, I do not need to run from Linux anymore, I can simply use Windows Telnet and be safe from there?

I am going to be looking at getting a series 2 stand alone Tivo with a lifetime subscription. I also was wondering if anyone had suggestions on a model that has best suited thier needs. Should I get one with the already installed Ethernet adapter as well? I appreciate your guys help as I try to cram all of this information in. Thanks alot.

[Narf54321]

First off, a series 1 or 2 Tivo will work. DirectTivo will not because I do not have direct Tv so I understand that. I am sure everyone suggest getting a Series 2 Tivo, if not please let me know your opinions.

Series-2 units have more horsepower for running extra tools and hacks on your box. For standalone units, I prefer TCD240xxx series-2 units. I personally think they are built a bit better than the current machines, and are software hackable. TCD540 and newer machines require difficult hardware PROM replacements.


First Step i would need to do is get a bash prompt. That would require me to have a Linux Boot CD, running Windows Fat16 or Fat32.

FAT partitions are necessary for saving your backup image from your original TiVo hard drive. You need an extra HDD with a FAT partitions so save the image.



If it is a series2 stand alone Tivo I would probaly have the best luck running the program made by Slepper or perhaps you suggest killhdinirt on a stand alone series 2 Tivo.

Gah, don't use Sleeper's disc. It is unsupported.completely out of date, creates a wierd two partition monte setup, and most of all you don't learn anything from it (especially if/when something goes wrong).

Is this the point where I would back up my Tivo Harddrive while it is in my PC? Having my Fat16/32 HD was primary, and the Tivo Drive as slave?

Yes, you backup your tivo drive in the PC. This is the tricky part, because you've got four IDE interfaces, and need at least three for an initial backup: One for tivo drive, one for a FAT drive for image backup, and one for bootable CD-ROM. You'll need to be extremely careful where you connect everything because linux simply refers to them as /dev/hda /dev/hdb /dev/hdc and /dev/hdd

Once you have a backup image, at this point you'll want to turn off the PC, remove the TiVo original drive and store it away safely. Use a new blank drive for your tivo hacking.


I can use the origional Tivo drive that came with it, just strongly suggested I back it up correct?

Just be simple: Don't try to use your one and only tivo drive for hacking. It will save you worlds of hurt. Blank drives are pretty cheap these days.


There is no need for hardware hack anymore, such as reflashing the eeprom ect. if I have understood correctly?

WRONG. Most TiVos require a hardware PROM replacement to "hack". Be very careful what you buy. As I said before pre-owned TCD240 units are probably your best bet. Make sure you get one with the remote and all the cables (preferably the manuals, too).

Once I have my Bash prompt, I do not need to run from Linux anymore, I can simply use Windows Telnet and be safe from there?

Correct. The idea is to gain telnet to the TiVo unit, at which point you can do pretty much anything else. I recommend TeraTerm Pro (free download) but it doesn't seem to like some of the newer, fastest CPUs for some reason. Windows telnet will work with some caveats.


I am going to be looking at getting a series 2 stand alone Tivo with a lifetime subscription. I also was wondering if anyone had suggestions on a model that has best suited thier needs. Should I get one with the already installed Ethernet adapter as well? I appreciate your guys help as I try to cram all of this information in. Thanks alot.

Don't buy a subscription until AFTER you get a working hacked machine, especially if you end up needing to PROM mod. None of the TiVos come with a network adapter. Series-1 have an internal connector for which people have built TurboNet cards. Series-2 units (like the TCD240) have USB ports, you need something like the Netgear FA120 to connect to your home network.

[MaDDNeSS]

excellent thanks. I think I may stick with a series 1. Seems alot easier for a newbie.