Conflicting Info -- CONFUSED

[Nada]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot about hacking and now I'm knowledgeable but confused. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what info is correct.

Upgrading the hard-drive on a S2.
- Upgrade hard-drive to 1TB is fine. (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1110)
- Cannot upgrade hard-drive above 137GB. (http://www.fixya.com/support/t171048-upgrades_safe)

Killinitrd vs. Killhdinitrd (NOTE: spelling)
- Is it true that killhdinitrd does not require a PROM modification? (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/ti...d.php?t=207646)
- Is it true that my model (TCD649080) cannot be hacked without a PROM mod -- even with killhdinitrd? (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...d.php?t=254550)

Telnet/Network Access
- It says that a PROM mod is required to enable telnet/ftp access. (http://www.dvrpedia.com/PROM_Modification)
- Why do I need network access to my Tivo for scheduling/recording/playback when I already have it via Slingbox?

What I am trying to achieve

• Find a TCD649080 image or buy an unused model and get it off of that. -- Burn to CD.
• Using the Hinsdale-how-to instructions to install the image on the old TCD649080 hard drive or on a larger hard drive. (http://www.newreleasesvideo.com/hins...to/index9.html)
• Add killhdinitrd, to prevent a software version upgrade when setting the clock.

[PlainBill]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot about hacking and now I'm knowledgeable but confused. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what info is correct.

Upgrading the hard-drive on a S2.
- Upgrade hard-drive to 1TB is fine. (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1110)
- Cannot upgrade hard-drive above 137GB. (http://www.fixya.com/support/t171048-upgrades_safe)

Accessing a hard drive larger than 137 Gig requires LBA-48 addressing. The kernel in early Series 2 TiVo and DirecTiVo software did not support LBA-48 addressing; the kernels supplied in later versions did. Off the top of my head, the kernels in 6.2 (DirecTiVo) and 7.1? (TiVo) and later software did.

Killinitrd vs. Killhdinitrd (NOTE: spelling)
- Is it true that killhdinitrd does not require a PROM modification? (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/ti...d.php?t=207646)
- Is it true that my model (TCD649080) cannot be hacked without a PROM mod -- even with killhdinitrd? (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...d.php?t=254550)

Both statements are true in context, but apply to different hardware. Series 2 TiVos and non-HD DirecTiVos could be exploited using the monte technique (loading an early exploitable kernel, then transferring control to the latest kernel that had been 'neutered' with killinitrd). The Series 2 HD DirecTiVo firmware blocked that exploit, but contained a flaw that allowed access by modifying the kernel with killhdinitrd. That exploit also worked for earlier TiVos and DirecTiVos, which simplified hacking. With the Series 2.5 TiVos (Nightlight) and DirecTiVos (R10) that firmware flaw was eliminated. The TCD649080 is a Series 3 and as far as I know the only way to hack them is by replacing the prom (firmware). At present Series 4 TiVos cannot be hacked so far as I know.

Telnet/Network Access
- It says that a PROM mod is required to enable telnet/ftp access. (http://www.dvrpedia.com/PROM_Modification)
- Why do I need network access to my Tivo for scheduling/recording/playback when I already have it via Slingbox?

That is above my experience level, but as far as I know, you don't. HOWEVER telnet / ftp is vital for maintaining proper operation of a hacked TiVo. TiVo does a good job of keeping their software up to date, but when you 'enhance' their operating system YOU have to take care of some of that.

What I am trying to achieve

• Find a TCD649080 image or buy an unused model and get it off of that. -- Burn to CD.
• Using the Hinsdale-how-to instructions to install the image on the old TCD649080 hard drive or on a larger hard drive. (http://www.newreleasesvideo.com/hins...to/index9.html)
• Add killhdinitrd, to prevent a software version upgrade when setting the clock.

Whoo!!! That's quite a list, and it raises more questions, and contains more difficulties.

1. Your TCD649080 already contains the software. No need to find an image unless yours is damaged. Burning it to CD is ALWAYS a good idea.

2. I don't recommend Hinsdale / mfs tools for this. Rather, use MFS Live (Google it), it contains additional features.

3. Strictly speaking, I don't believe you need to do anything with the initrd to prevent software upgrades. Adding upgradesw=false to the boot parameters should do this, and I don't believe it is checked by the firmware or the OS.

4. HOWEVER, that opens another can of worms - running a TiVo with a down-level OS is a bad idea. Eventually you will be forced to update to a newer OS just to get guide data.

PlainBill

[Dave20042004]

The TCD649080 is a Series 3 and as far as I know the only way to hack them is by replacing the prom (firmware).

Minor correction... the TCD649080 is actually a Series 2 (dual tuner with a built in ethernet port) and Bill is correct that a prom mod is required to hack.

Dave

[Nada]

Hello,

Thank you very much for helping explain things so concisely.

The TCD649080 is a Series 3 and as far as I know the only way to hack them is by replacing the prom (firmware).

It says Series 2 on the box but it is probably more Series 3 inside since I believe it is one the last models. According to Wikipedia it is one of only two dual-tuner standalone models in that range.

HOWEVER telnet / ftp is vital for maintaining proper operation of a hacked TiVo. TiVo does a good job of keeping their software up to date, but when you 'enhance' their operating system YOU have to take care of some of that.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind and maybe add it to my list.

Whoo!!! That's quite a list, and it raises more questions, and contains more difficulties.

Oh, I called myself 'just doing a little bit'

I MFS Live (Google it), it contains additional features.

I found it and will use it.

Thanks again!

[PlainBill]

Minor correction... the TCD649080 is actually a Series 2 (dual tuner with a built in ethernet port) and Bill is correct that a prom mod is required to hack.

Dave

I guess that would make it a Series 2.5 - similar to the 'Night Light' model.

PlainBill

[unitron]

I guess that would make it a Series 2.5 - similar to the 'Night Light' model.

PlainBill

Wasn't that whole 2.5 thing more of a DirecTiVo deal?

[unitron]

Hello,

I've been reading a lot about hacking and now I'm knowledgeable but confused. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what info is correct.

Upgrading the hard-drive on a S2.
- Upgrade hard-drive to 1TB is fine. (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1110)
- Cannot upgrade hard-drive above 137GB. (http://www.fixya.com/support/t171048-upgrades_safe)

Killinitrd vs. Killhdinitrd (NOTE: spelling)
- Is it true that killhdinitrd does not require a PROM modification? (http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/ti...d.php?t=207646)
- Is it true that my model (TCD649080) cannot be hacked without a PROM mod -- even with killhdinitrd? (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...d.php?t=254550)

Telnet/Network Access
- It says that a PROM mod is required to enable telnet/ftp access. (http://www.dvrpedia.com/PROM_Modification)
- Why do I need network access to my Tivo for scheduling/recording/playback when I already have it via Slingbox?

What I am trying to achieve

• Find a TCD649080 image or buy an unused model and get it off of that. -- Burn to CD.
• Using the Hinsdale-how-to instructions to install the image on the old TCD649080 hard drive or on a larger hard drive. (http://www.newreleasesvideo.com/hins...to/index9.html)
• Add killhdinitrd, to prevent a software version upgrade when setting the clock.

Don't just tell us what you are trying to achieve, tell us why you're trying to.

There may be a better way to get to where you want to go.

[PlainBill]

Wasn't that whole 2.5 thing more of a DirecTiVo deal?

Not really. Read the threads from about 7 years ago when the HR10-250 became available, as well as from the time of the release of the 'Night Light' TiVo.

The original Series 2 TiVos (TCD240040, TCD240080, etc) were susceptible to the Monte exploit, as were the Series 2 DirecTiVos (DSR704, HDVR2, etc). The HR10-250 was the first DirecTiVo that was not susceptible to the Monte exploit. Initially the only public way to hack it was by replacing the prom. (The killhdinitrd exploit was initially kept private.) When the R10 and TCD540040 were released it was discovered they were immune to the killhdinitrd exploit, and it was publicly released. (No, I had NOTHING to do with the development of any of those).

PlainBill

[Nada]

I guess that would make it a Series 2.5 - similar to the 'Night Light' model.

It looks like the "Night Light" model but the light part is tinted black. Here it is

Don't just tell us what you are trying to achieve, tell us why you're trying to.

There may be a better way to get to where you want to go.

An update caused my system to start requiring frequent connects in order to function and I was bombarded with connection messages. I'm trying to get my box to function like it did before the upgrade when I only had to connect to set the time (spring forward, fall back, and after blackouts).

I used the kickstart codes and it seems to have resolved the problem (fingers crossed). However, the only way I will not get caught off guard if the kickstart hasn't worked is to have a backup hard drive loaded with a software version/minor updates pre-fall 2010. If the problem is unresolvable on my current hard drive, I can swap it out for the new one without losing a lot of time. So.... I might as well get one with more GBs and add a fix to prevent software updates but allow the time/date to stay correct.

[unitron]

So you're trying to use it with neither a lifetime nor currently paid up subscription?

[Nada]

So you're trying to use it with neither a lifetime nor currently paid up subscription?

I have a paid subscription. I loathe programming guides. Also they are useless on an analog tuner.

[unitron]

A TiVo is either going to have a program guide or an out-of-date program guide.

How is the TiVo currently calling the mothership?

Telephone?

Wired Ethernet connection?

Wireless?

Is there a problem with leaving it hooked up to be able to contact the TiVo servers every day or so?

[Nada]

A TiVo is either going to have a program guide or an out-of-date program guide.

How is the TiVo currently calling the mothership?

Telephone?

Wired Ethernet connection?

Wireless?

Is there a problem with leaving it hooked up to be able to contact the TiVo servers every day or so?

No. After the programming cache runs out there is nothing but the channel and time on the 'Now Playing'--no incorrect program name, 'No Information Available' on the 'Info" overlay, and just a message that the programming has run out and it needs to connect when the 'Search by Title' etc is selected.

Telephone.

The programming not to mention the coupon/ads. It is a distance from a phone jack but I could run a cord.

[unitron]

So what you need is a truncated backup of a previous version of the 649 software.

Only problem there is it'll have come from a different machine, which means a TSN mismatch, which means the TiVo will, as I recall, insist on doing a clear and delete and that'll dump you at guided setup, from which you'll never escape unless you let it connect to the TiVo servers, at which point it'll download the newest version of the 649 software.

You could ask over at tivocommunity.com, but I don't remember ever seeing anyone over there saying they had a backup of an old version.