Newbie needs help with TDC649080 S2DT

[taz47]

I purchased a Tivo TCD649080 Series 2 dual tuner model. It has downloaded and upgraded to software version 8.2. I’ve been searching and reading about the hacks. I just got a boot CD working using the Weaknees download to do a backup.

I was ready to backup and try doing the killhdinitrd thing when I ran across this post:
Unfortunately the CD doesnt work for those of us with the TDC649080 version (Series2 DT). Using any of the Kernels on the $5 CD ends up giving you a grey screen. Would be nice if there was a util to patch your own Kernel... yes yes I am lazy :)

and this answer:
If you have a S2DT, you shouldn't be using killhdinitrd at all. After you've replaced the PROM on your unit, you want to use replace_initrd to patch your kernel. Just searching for "replace_initrd" should yield some useful results.


Is there no software hack for this model without replacing the prom?

[fixn278]

No software only hack. You must change the prom.

[taz47]

Thanks for the quick response. I was afraid you were going to say that.:(

I’m probably too old with too poor eyesight to try this. I was fine when I did some DIP package sockets with pins on 1/10” centers years ago. Maybe I could get a computer shop or someone here to remove the prom and solder the socket in.

Before I do though, my primary objective with this thing is to use it as a playback device. I have an ATI video capture card in my computer. I capture a lot of kids programs for my 3-year-old granddaughter. She stays with me every other weekend.

I burn the programs to DVDs for her to watch but television now thinks it’s the internet with the on screen pop-ups (some with noise to get your attention). I recapture the bad episode and have to burn a new disc. I was hoping to be able to send the video to the Tivo over my LAN and be able to preview them before burning to disc.

Is this even doable (without Tivo service)? I can pay for a lot of DVD discs for the price of the service.

Is there a hack to make the Tivo do a multi-play or will each segment have to be started individually?
(Alternately, I could just join a bunch of videos into one long file.)

Is there a hack for the USB ports to support harddrives and/or pocket drives?

[stevel]

Nope, nope and nope. (Well, I'll qualify the last one. It is possible to make USB-connected drives visible to Linux. But the TiVo software won't see them.)

[taz47]

Well, well, well, nothing but bad news.

On the brighter side, I only gave $54 for it at Big Lots ($69.95 less 20% for a Buzz Club coupon). Worst case is I gave $54 for an 80gig harddrive, a case and some parts.

Nonetheless, I think I’ll throw some more money at it and get the prom and socket.

Sorry about transposing the C & D in TCD649080, I copied a typo. Now that I’m searching with the right number, I’m getting a lot more search hits.

[Soapm]

My thumbs up...

http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53722

[taz47]

Yeah, that thread is the second entry in my Tivo bookmarks folder (this board is the first entry). I expect to buy the chip and socket from him, just don’t know if I’ll have him install them. The $60 sounds reasonable but I didn’t find a location for him in his profile. The shipping could get expensive.

I think he’s gone until Monday and since he’s been gone since mid September, I’ll give his PM box a little time to clear out before I try to contact him.

Did he do one for you?

[Soapm]

If I remember right, he was in Iowa.