!!!!!PLEASE READ THIS FAQ!!!!!
Since I seem to be answering a lot of similar questions via PM, I figured I'd turn this second post into a FAQ of sorts.
Will a TiVo software update remove my hacked PROM in some way? Will my service be affected?
If TiVo wanted to, they could easily check to see if your PROM has been modified or not. The PROM chips used are SST37VF010 chips which require 12V in order to be erased. It is widely thought that the TiVo does not have the ability to reflash this chip while it's in place, but some speculation has been made that this may be possible. Historically this has never been known to happen and to date no one has ever reported their TiVo service as discontinued as a result of the PROM change. That said, if the unthinkable happens and the PROM is flashed remotely, or if your service is affected in some way, that is out of my hands. The modification is 100% your responsibility to manage, and you take ownership of any consequences.
Will the PROM change my TiVo subscription or my recorded shows?
No. The PROM modification does not affect your TiVo's functionality, subscription, or content IN ANY WAY. It merely removes the hardware barrier that exists to prevent you from making changes to your software. Everything else will be exactly the same.
Will the PROM mod enable FTP and telnet access?
No. The PROM modification will only allow you to make changes to the kernel, which then allows you to make changes to the OS and install any hacks you desire, such as FTP and telnet.
Does the TiVo need to be activated in order for you to work on it?
Absolutely not. Testing the PROM replacement is quite simple. If boots to the TiVo sunrise, it works. If you don't get any video, then it doesn't. The activation state of the TiVo is irrelevant.
Do you need any of the accessories?
Nope! In fact, it makes my life much simpler when you DON'T include them.
Can I purchase a new TiVo and have it shipped to you directly?
No, not at this time.
Will this void my warranty?
It absolutely will void any warranty you have on the unit.
Do you warrant your work? What if my TiVo doesn't work the same way when I get it back?
I warrant my work as it relates to the PROM chip and socket, and no further. If for some reason you have an issue with the unit upon receipt and you believe it to be related to the work that I completed, then I would ask that the unit be returned to me at your expense for inspection. If I make the determination that my work was faulty, then I will repair the issue and return the unit at my own expense plus refund any shipping costs incurred in shipping the unit to me. If the PROM rework was done correctly, then the unit will be returned only at your expense. Any issues that the unit has before being sent to me will remain on the unit upon return. If the system boots the PROM after the socket rework is complete, then that constitutes a successful completion.
I have a [INSERT YOUR MODEL HERE] TiVo. Can you give me some help on how to hack it?
I'm sorry, but I barely have enough time to work on units. I can't help you with the software side of things. My recommendation is that you learn the same way I did: Read the forum for hours a day every day for a few weeks until it clicks.
I don't know a whole lot about this TiVo hacking stuff, and I'm pretty new at this. Can I just pay you to hack it?
I will not do this for several reasons. First and foremost, anyone who offers to hack your TiVo for you for a fee is doing you a disservice. Hacked TiVo's require frequent love and care in order to continue working smoothly, and if you don't learn enough to perform the hack in the first place, you'll never know enough to troubleshoot it down the line. Second, most of the free utilities created by the community and available on this board have license agreements specifically prohibiting their commercial use. That, and I don't have the time!