New Life for Tivo S3

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1081 posts

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#1885278 17-Oct-2017 20:41

I've done the software mod and it was quite easy. It involves following simple instructions to create a bootable USB stick, then using that to modify the TiVo HDD automatically (with it plugged into your PC of course).

Tool wise you need T10 Torx driver, PC, or laptop with USB-SATA adaptor, USB stick.

The hard part was realising that I needed to press F8 to choose to boot from USB (not in BIOS settings!).

TiVo works just the same as before, but with an extra 'backdoors' menu enabled. When the NZ guide data is loaded onto the community server it will just be a matter of going into that menu and changing the 'dial code' from 000 to 140 using your TiVo remote. Note that by default it is set to 140 so to use the official server for the next two weeks you need to set it to 000.

Also I have bought a whole lot more PROM chips and have plenty of sockets too, for those that wish to do the hardware mod themselves.

Cheers,

John

Spong

1016 posts

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+1 received by user: 341

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#1885293 17-Oct-2017 21:14

Skolink:

I've done the software mod and it was quite easy. It involves following simple instructions to create a bootable USB stick, then using that to modify the TiVo HDD automatically (with it plugged into your PC of course).

Tool wise you need T10 Torx driver, PC, or laptop with USB-SATA adaptor, USB stick.

The hard part was realising that I needed to press F8 to choose to boot from USB (not in BIOS settings!).

TiVo works just the same as before, but with an extra 'backdoors' menu enabled. When the NZ guide data is loaded onto the community server it will just be a matter of going into that menu and changing the 'dial code' from 000 to 140 using your TiVo remote. Note that by default it is set to 140 so to use the official server for the next two weeks you need to set it to 000.

Also I have bought a whole lot more PROM chips and have plenty of sockets too, for those that wish to do the hardware mod themselves.

Cheers,

John

Yes, I've done the same here John. One of the developers suggested that vers 0.5 test release maybe final, but I think it would be dangerous to make that assumption. If it isn't, it's not just a matter of installing a new version over an older one at this stage, as patching will only work with an unmodified Tivo app. Best to make an image of your HDD with winmfs first so that you can roll back. Once there's a release version, future updates should be pushed down automatically. For current Tivo owners, I'd recommend forcing a connect to the current mothership from the Network menu, on or about 28th to 30th October so that you get a full 2x weeks of EPG data, to hopefully tide things over until final release.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

FlanManNZ

38 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#1885317 17-Oct-2017 22:19

So how do you programme these chips, I can’t find any instructions or tools required, or, does anyone have 2 and a socket they can post to me in Wellington?

Would still be nice to know exactly how it’s done though.

Spong

1016 posts

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#1885340 17-Oct-2017 23:07

FlanManNZ: So how do you programme these chips, I can’t find any instructions or tools required, or, does anyone have 2 and a socket they can post to me in Wellington?

Would still be nice to know exactly how it’s done though.

The new PROM chip is required simply to enabled modified software to be installed. Why not head over to Dr Tivo's site and read up on it. http://kingey1971.wixsite.com/tivorepairs

I can supply the new pre-programmed PROM chips and sockets. PM me if interested. It seems hardly worth buying a PROM programmer to do this, although the image is available to anyone. You'll also need your Tivo HDD patched when the software is ready. This should allow you to keep your existing recordings.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

Mattmannz

471 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 88

#1885430 18-Oct-2017 08:23

Is there anyone in Wellington area able to do the mod? Happy to remunerate.

Cheers

Matt

allan

2073 posts

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#1885448 18-Oct-2017 09:09

Mattmannz:

Is there anyone in Wellington area able to do the mod? Happy to remunerate.

Cheers

Matt

Also in Wellington interested if anyone is able to. Likewise happy to remunerate :)

Dyson

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Scotdownunder

225 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 108

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#1885507 18-Oct-2017 10:01

I'm also a Wellingtonian who would pay for the prom replacement. Built a few things in my time but my eyes are not up to it anymore.

Happy to wait till the software is ready but any time if doing a batch lot is preferable.

FlanManNZ

38 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#1885926 18-Oct-2017 19:45

Once I get the prom, I’m planning on doing the tivo chip replacement myself on my tivo first, so if I am successful, I can do any wellington based ones.

For the hdd part I will also do myself as have what I need hardware wise, just haven’t tried it out yet. So if that works I can then do wellington based ones too.

So first I need to get hold of the modded prom chip as can’t do that myself as too expensive to buy a prom programmer.

ARK

30 posts

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+1 received by user: 7

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#1885953 18-Oct-2017 20:49

Skolink:
I'm in Christchurch, you can send them to me if you need to.

Thanks very much for replacing the PROMs in my Tivo’s John. Super efficient and friendly service.

Andrew.

rphenix

990 posts

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#1885970 18-Oct-2017 21:28

I'm in Auckland if anyone is sourcing the modified IC from someone like @Spong I'm happy to do the work for them provided they drop off the unit and pick up. I did my own two Tivo's from the chips Spong provided to me so happy to extend the favour to others at the cost of consumables.

I may be able to supply IC's once the blank ones I've ordered arrive after mid november provided I have no issues uploading the binary

Spong

1016 posts

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#1885972 18-Oct-2017 21:40

rphenix:

I'm in Auckland if anyone is sourcing the modified IC from someone like @Spong I'm happy to do the work for them provided they drop off the unit and pick up. I did my own two Tivo's from the chips Spong provided to me so happy to extend the favour to others at the cost of consumables.

I may be able to supply IC's once the blank ones I've ordered arrive after mid november provided I have no issues uploading the binary

You can download the PROM binary direct from a link within Darren's "How to Replace the PROM" doc at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5lxlJLWDNmWWVFmbzhoYTItYk0/view

I'm happy that you've put your hand up as someone able to help replace these. I have better stocks of the PROMs now with even more on the way.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

Quic Broadband

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Jaxson

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#1886031 19-Oct-2017 07:42

Progress sounds really good guys.

Expect networking could be enabled eventually via software mod too.

Re SMD PROM swap out, what are the cheapest options?
Low temp melt solder and flux paste?
Anyone tried via a hot air rework station?

FPR

176 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 25

#1886486 19-Oct-2017 22:14

Hi, Is anyone able to do this in Dunedin?

rphenix

990 posts

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#1886639 20-Oct-2017 08:21

Jaxson: Progress sounds really good guys.

Expect networking could be enabled eventually via software mod too.

Re SMD PROM swap out, what are the cheapest options?
Low temp melt solder and flux paste?
Anyone tried via a hot air rework station?

I think you could hot air rework - some tinfoil as a shield there is quite a bit of space around the prom once the hard drive tray is removed. Though the cost for low temp solder isn't too bad if your just doing one or two :)

cafeg

697 posts

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+1 received by user: 33

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#1887151 20-Oct-2017 22:08

I just got my Tivo back from having the mod chip put in it. Thanks David..

I put a WD purple 1tb drive in it today, Installed a new image and it all works fine.

Just waiting for the software update now and I'm right again.

Just using it now after the others I tried, The FF and rewind in pause is so smooth and fast.

Its good to have it back :)

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