Making my gutted TiVo work.

[tamtrible]

So. I bought an old TiVo on ebay. Philips, series 1, other details probably available upon request. It has no hard drive in it. I have a (blank) hard drive from another source. The seller, being an idiot, didn't send the cd with the software/OS/disc image thingie I need. I intend to use it, basically, as a glorified VCR, I'm far too broke to buy service.

But right now it's just a high tech plastic brick.

Once I locate someone sufficiently tech savvy, with a funny screwdriver, I need to know:

1. Where can I get the software I need to put *on* the hard drive, for cheap or free?
2. I don't have a phone line, do I need to do anything hinky to get it set up (like take it over to the house of a friend with a phone), or can it live with what I'll be putting on the HD and no further input? (other than, ya know, saying "record channel 5 for an hour at this time" and so forth)
3. Do I need to do anything odd to make it OK with not having service, like get an older version of the OS or set it up differently or something?

[gastrof]

I've got two Series 1s, neither subscribed.

You still have to have it connect to TiVo's servers to get info regarding your local channels. (Not programming schedules, but channel lineups.)

It'll also have to connect with TiVo once in a while to correct "clock drift". (Otherwise it'll eventually be off on start and stop times.)

Yes, you'll need to have it call in from a friend's or relative's house, not just once, but once in a while. (The underground forum may have info on how to get it working with an internet connection in place of a phone line, but I haven't taken mine that far, so can't help you there.)

As for getting an "image" that'll be right for your machine's new hard drive, I'd say it'd be better to just plain ASK for an image in a post title. There are people who'd respond to that post but wouldn't respond to this one.

You can also buy a disc image, but you said you're trying to keep costs down.

One bit of fair warning-
Not all the Series 1s can work without service. A few were made that do have to be subscribed to work. If the seller says his will do it without being subbed, I wouldn't worry, tho'. Just get a disc image that's right for your machine (for purchase, google "Instant Cake"), and you should be fine. (Provided you're computer saavy and know how to put the image on the new drive, that is.)

PS

If being used for over the air TV (with an antenna), your Series 1's tuner will be useless come spring next year, when all the analog channels go off the air. Cable companies seem to also be discontinuing analog service. Eventually, your Series 1 will only work with a cable or satellite box. TiVo has mentioned something about Series 1 owners and digital OverTheAir, but they haven't yet come up with WHAT the solution would be for such owners.

Series 2 owners? Seems they're going to be getting an upgrade so their machines will work with OverTheAir digital-to-analog converter boxes. :(

[gastrof]

By the way-

You can actually BUY a hard drive with the TiVo image on it, but it's a bit pricey. (Check out the TiVo community store here, or go to www.weaknees.com.)

[stevel]

Or you can buy a bootable CD-ROM that will load the software onto a hard drive of your choice from www.dvrupgrade.com - they call it "InstantCake".

[LifeIsABeach]

The OP has a Philips Series 1. I believe all of those work without a subscription. Only some Sony's do not.

I know you are trying to keep down costs, but if you are interested there is a card you can install in your TiVo which will allow you to do guided setup and daily calls through your internet connection. You would still probably need a phone line to do some inital setup.

[classicsat]

If you can use IRC and FTP, see the Need an image? Don't PM me. :) (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=388695) thread.

To set up, you can use Serial PPP.

[gastrof]

Or you can buy a bootable CD-ROM that will load the software onto a hard drive of your choice from www.dvrupgrade.com - they call it "InstantCake".


Which is why I suggested he google "Instant Cake". :D

[gastrof]

The OP has a Philips Series 1. I believe all of those work without a subscription. Only some Sony's do not...


The telling points seems to be how late they were sold, and the type of software they shipped with.

Still seem to recall hearing that some Philips series 1s were "left out in the cold".