Upgrade question

[4inziksych]

Hi there, I want to buy an upgrade kit but can't figure out to get the model number (or whatever you call that)

I have to choose between these:

TCD130040
TCD140060

TCD540040
TCD54004B
TCD540080
TCD540140

Where do I find this? Thanks for any help?

[jjberger2134]

Please elaborate a bit more, I am not sure what you are looking to do.

You need to look at the first 3 digits of your TiVo Service Number (TSN) to tell what model TiVo you have. Those are the first 3 digits in the models you refer to above. To find the TSN go to TiVo Central --> Messages & Settings---> Settings---> System information.

Second you have to determine how large you current drive is and reference to the last 2 or 3 numbers of the above models.

For example, a TCD540040 is a "540" model with a 40GB drive. Over the years there have been various TiVo Series 2 models, and they all need a different image to be installed on the drive.

You are not limited to replacing with the same size drive as you have now. TiVo can accept any size drive with a PATA connection, assuming you have the right image on the drive.

Based on your question, it sounds like you may be just buying a plug and play replacement drive. You can buy a blank drive and install the image yourself which would be less expensive.

[4inziksych]

I just found it on the back of m tivo. I looked there once before but didn't see it at first. Thank for trying to help anyway. I didn't know we could install the image, thanks for telling me.

[jjberger2134]

Yes, you can buy an instant cake image (do a google search) for $20 and a blank 250 - 300 GB Hard Drive for $80 and have huge recording capacity for about $100. You need to be comfortable opening your PC, disconnecting your primary drive and using the instant cake software to install the image on the new drive.

If you know Linux and are comfortable opening your PC you do not need instant cake and can save the $20 by copying the image from your current drive (and preserving your recordings and season passes as well).

Check the upgrade forum for discussions on this topic.

[4inziksych]

OMG - I know how to install and uninstall hard drives, but that's about my limit. Think I'll just buy one already ready and save myself a headache. You are very kind to give me all this info though. Thanks again.