Newbie mini-FAQ

[alldeadhomiez]

General:

Q: What should I do/know before I ask a question here, to maximize the likelihood that somebody will be able to answer my question? (A1)

A:

Read:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

All the sticky threads in all applicable forums

Search:

http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/search.php?

keeping in mind: hints on getting better search results

Use http://www.google.com/ for: general info / general Linux info, or append "site:dealdatabase.com" to your query to use it to search DDB. Also try: http://www.google.com/linux for Linux specific queries, especially hardware (e.g. USB network adapter) compatibility information.

If you still don't know the answer, post:

Model, series, details of what you did to the machine.

Logs: kernel logs, tvlog, tverr, anything unusual. Look in /var/log on the TiVo.

Anything interesting you see on the serial console. If you don't have a "bash cable," make one. Troubleshooting blindfolded sucks.

What you tried and what you found when you read and searched. And the search terms you used.

It is critical that you make your thread title as descriptive and accurate as possible.

As a general rule, you should use an existing support thread if your question is on-topic, rather than starting a new thread.

Q: I posted my question in the {development forums,sticky reference threads,files section} three times!! Why does it keep getting deleted? (A2)

A: Support requests are not permitted in the development forums, sticky reference threads, or files section. Post them in the Newbie forum.

Q: Where can I find a guide that will make everything easy for me? (A3)

A: Nowhere. Guides suck. You will have to learn a lot to get started. If you don't have time for it, you've picked the wrong hobby.

You can find a list of guides in a sticky in the Newbie forum. Treat them as a potentially out of date reference, not as gospel.

Q: If I break something, my wife/family/parents will yell at me. Should I try to hack the box anyway? (A4)

A: No. Buy a separate test machine. Do you drop your car's transmission an hour before you need to commute to work?

Misc:

Q: Is there a software hack for the TCD5400xx nightlight boxes? How about the Humax boxes or the DirecTV R10? (A5)

A: No. Read this thread for more information.

Q: Can I hack <insert model here> (A6)

A: Most likely. Do a search to figure out what board it uses. There are only a few different board versions, so many "different" models are identical internally.

Q: I want folders or HMO. Is there a way to run the SA 4.x software on a Uma6/"RID" DTiVo? (A7)

A: http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=39354
http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=39356

Q: What's the deal with software version 6.1? What about 7.1? (A8)

A: http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=39321
http://www.dealdatabase.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=40409

Q: Are the BASH_ENV hack and the Sleeper ISO obsolete? (Series2 only) (A9)

A: Yes, they have been superceded by killhdinitrd, a much easier and more reliable method of breaking the unit's security. New threads regarding either topic may be closed without notice; post your questions in the Sleeper thread.

Q: How do I set up my unit so I can extract video to MPEG or VOB (DVD)? (A10)

A: First, compromise the box, get a shell, and enable network access. Then, read all of the sticky threads in the extraction forum. Expect to spend 1-2+ weeks reading and experimenting. Basic steps: disable tystream encryption (scrambling), install software on the TiVo to facilitate networked extraction (mfs_ftp, tserver, or something else), and install software on the PC to mux the streams (tystudio, tytool, or hdemux).

Q: I just want to add a bigger drive. Who can walk me through this process? (A11)

A: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...php?forumid=25

Q: I don't feel like paying any fees. How do I get free service / use it as a vcr / make my own listings? (A12)

A: You don't. Find a legal way to save money, like clipping coupons. 1 2

Q: Should I make a backup of my original drive before I start making changes? (A13)

A: What do you think?!

Q: Do you support the Fortec, Pansat, or other pirate DVB receivers? (A14)

A: No - this is not a "testing" site. Do what you want with your equipment, but don't expect us to help you steal.