Tivo Upgrades

jtm1631 · 12-09-2004

Anybody perform an upgrade on their Tivo unit?

I just got a 40GB Tivo unit from DirecTv for next to nothing and I think I want to upgrade it. Seem to be some decent kits out there from a couple companies that will allow me to add 120GB or 160GB drive to the Tivo unit rather effortlessly.

Any body have any experience with this process and / or any of the upgrade companies?

TIA.

mckinzie · 12-09-2004

Jt,
read about the different ways you can upgrade your tivo here.

jtm1631 · 12-09-2004

Thanks Kinz, I've been a infrequent reader of those forums. I was hoping someone had some actually experience doing one of the upgrades here. Those tivo and hdtv forum geeks say it's easy, but they are usually into building there own computers too.

mckinzie · 12-09-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtm1631

Thanks Kinz, I've been a infrequent reader of those forums. I was hoping someone had some actually experience doing one of the upgrades here. Those tivo and hdtv forum geeks say it's easy, but they are usually into building there own computers too.

Those guys are technical on there.
What kind of high def tv do you have?

jtm1631 · 12-09-2004

I've got a Mitsubishi 55" RPTV diamond series. Right now I have a Samsung 360 DirecTv box that I hate. I would like to upgrade my receiver to one of the new Yamaha's and swap out the Samsung for an HD Tivo but I can't justify the expense and the thought of having to rewire everything is reason enough not to upgrade.

We just finished our basement in February and I'm thinking about putting and HD projector down there and using my old OTA HD box for that with the standard DirecTV receiver I have. We also have our game systems in the basement and I think everyone would enjoy having the games 100" across.

What was the question again?

How do you like your HD Dish set-up?

mckinzie · 12-09-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtm1631

I've got a Mitsubishi 55" RPTV diamond series. Right now I have a Samsung 360 DirecTv box that I hate. I would like to upgrade my receiver to one of the new Yamaha's and swap out the Samsung for an HD Tivo but I can't justify the expense and the thought of having to rewire everything is reason enough not to upgrade.

We just finished our basement in February and I'm thinking about putting and HD projector down there and using my old OTA HD box for that with the standard DirecTV receiver I have. We also have our game systems in the basement and I think everyone would enjoy having the games 100" across.

What was the question again?

How do you like your HD Dish set-up?

IF i'm not mistaken
you do have an hd reciever built in you Mistu right

jtm1631 · 12-09-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by mckinzie

IF i'm not mistaken
you do have an hd reciever built in you Mistu right

No, my Mits was HD ready (had it about four years), and I figured it wasn't worth the extra bucks for a built in HD box since I was with DirecTv and knew I would be upgrading HD boxes every few years anyway.

mckinzie · 12-09-2004

I have that 65" diamond series
it's about two years old.
It's upgradeable so I shouldn't have any problems from that stand point.
That hd tivo will be neat to have

Rixx · 12-10-2004

Mitsubishi 55" with Sammy 360 Satt. reciever.

The Samsung seems to be alright, I do have a little out of sync (Video-Audio)during commercials on ESPN HD (73) every now and then. Other than that...only problem is the remote has to be aimed RIGHT AT the rec.

They are still asking 899.00 (Best price) for the HD Tivo. And if you have been a good customer....they will offer you 200.00 off the reciever. SO, 699.00 for the HD Tivo. STILL too much $$$$. Looks like I'll wait awhile longer...

Rixx

jtm1631 · 12-10-2004

I'm with you Rixx. HD Tivo is just not worth the dollars yet. I have the same problem with the audio synch on the Sammy 360. Somenights are worse than others. The good news is I get CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN / WB, PBS and Fox OTA and they all come in flawlessly.

Rixx · 12-10-2004

Looked thru that site.....jtm

I'm with you...they SAY it's easy. Don't really sound that easy to me. Hooking up to your computer.........changing files....sounds deep to me!!

http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/step1.php

I originally had a C Band Satt sys. for years (back in the FREE NFL days) as you know they were a handful to keep programmed with coordinates, and satt. positions. BUT, it was FREE TV in those days. Up till the Video Cypher descrambler came out. Then it was punchin' in new numbers once a month....then once a week...before you knew it...hourly.

Then jumped on the small dish...Direct TV. Then they finally figured out how to make the 'smart' access cards. It was GREAT for a couple years!! Then...same ol'.. same ol'. Fighting the cards all over again.

I'm sure the Tivo people will wisen up too, and seal the box. Do you really need all that time to start with? I have never owned a Tivo but am thinking about it. Especially after reading the info in the Tivo Forum. Looks like DTV is offering a 40 hr for 49.00 installed thru December. This is probably a good time to pick one up.

I think I'd opt to send mine somewhere for the hd replacement. Looks like quite a few members of the Tivo forum are in the buisness. Knowing me...I'd screw it up..somehow. If you decide to try to replace it yourself, keep us advised of how it went....please.

Rixx

jtm1631 · 12-10-2004

Rixx -

I jumped on the $50 Tivo deal.

As far as the upgrades, there are two options. You can, as you indicate, buy a hard drive at your local retailer and then buy the necessary brackets and software downloads from these companies. This does involve hooking up the new drive on your computer as a slave drive, booting of some boot CD you create and then formating the new drive as a Tivo unit (sounds like a job for James).

The second option is to buy a already formatted drive with the brackets and necessary cables from one of the companies. This is the option I am looking at. The instructions for this seem much easier as all you are doing is hooking up a second drive to the Tivo unit and sealing it back up. I used to build computers from parts and hope that I still have the brain capacity left to do this.

As far as the need for the extra storage, probably not necessary, but seems like a cool inexpensive upgrade to a new toy. Now if we start talking about the HD Tivo, than you absolutely need a massive 300GB plus hard drive because all fo the additional space HD content takes up.

Rixx · 12-10-2004

I see you can send your unit into Weakknees and they will do the upgrades for you ,too. Which probably would be the option I'd select!

49.00 to open it up and change hd, ...physically only. Not too good

79.00 for the full job....BUT you have to purchase the 'upgrades' from them too. So 370.00 for the dual 160's, thru them. EXPENSIVE.....

Looks like I'll jump on the 50.00 Tivo bandwagon too. It will hold me till the price drops on the HD Tivos. Please keep me updated if you decide to tackle it yourself! If you have built computers before..go for it!

Did you get the 'deal' on the Sammy HD thru DTV? Do you know about the DTV .....'Customer Retention Office'? If not, it's worth knowing about!

DTV gave me.....

Samsung HD Reciever
New Dish
Free Installation
6 months FREE Showtime
200.00 CREDIT on my bill

Price for the HD setup was 349.00
CREDIT..........................-200.00
____________

149.00
6 Months Showtime -50.00
_____________

99.00 TOTAL

Not too bad of a deal! Of course you have to commit to another 12 month subscription. But that's OK. It was worth it!!

Rixx

jtm1631 · 12-10-2004

Rixx -

Got the same deal except with HBO.

Like you say, $99 for the HD receiver, new dish, install and 6 months of HBO could not be passed up.

I get most my info on these deals and other HD related topics at the AVS forum. If you don't know about it check out the HD forums HERE. I read the programming forum to see if there are any special events coming up in HD that are worth checking out.

Rixx · 12-10-2004

I also go there, it's a good forum! It's also where I found out about the 99.00 HD Deal. Looks like DTV has some new satellites going up this spring, should be a lot more programming. Looking forward to it!!

My problem is I located behind a mountain...can't get any of the locals over the air. Don't think they would grant me the waiver to get the Network feeds either. I'm stuck with 71 to 79, for now. That sucks!! Looks like a lot of HD content on the networks. Not to mention the football games!!

Looks like I'll be moving before the summer, hopefully I'll get the networks then.

Rixx

12-09-2004	#1 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	Tivo Upgrades Anybody perform an upgrade on their Tivo unit? I just got a 40GB Tivo unit from DirecTv for next to nothing and I think I want to upgrade it. Seem to be some decent kits out there from a couple companies that will allow me to add 120GB or 160GB drive to the Tivo unit rather effortlessly. Any body have any experience with this process and / or any of the upgrade companies? TIA.

12-10-2004	#9 (permalink)
Rixx reposado Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,230	Same here Mitsubishi 55" with Sammy 360 Satt. reciever. The Samsung seems to be alright, I do have a little out of sync (Video-Audio)during commercials on ESPN HD (73) every now and then. Other than that...only problem is the remote has to be aimed RIGHT AT the rec. They are still asking 899.00 (Best price) for the HD Tivo. And if you have been a good customer....they will offer you 200.00 off the reciever. SO, 699.00 for the HD Tivo. STILL too much $$$$. Looks like I'll wait awhile longer... Rixx

12-10-2004	#11 (permalink)
Rixx reposado Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,230	Tivo Looked thru that site.....jtm I'm with you...they SAY it's easy. Don't really sound that easy to me. Hooking up to your computer.........changing files....sounds deep to me!! http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/step1.php I originally had a C Band Satt sys. for years (back in the FREE NFL days) as you know they were a handful to keep programmed with coordinates, and satt. positions. BUT, it was FREE TV in those days. Up till the Video Cypher descrambler came out. Then it was punchin' in new numbers once a month....then once a week...before you knew it...hourly. Then jumped on the small dish...Direct TV. Then they finally figured out how to make the 'smart' access cards. It was GREAT for a couple years!! Then...same ol'.. same ol'. Fighting the cards all over again. I'm sure the Tivo people will wisen up too, and seal the box. Do you really need all that time to start with? I have never owned a Tivo but am thinking about it. Especially after reading the info in the Tivo Forum. Looks like DTV is offering a 40 hr for 49.00 installed thru December. This is probably a good time to pick one up. I think I'd opt to send mine somewhere for the hd replacement. Looks like quite a few members of the Tivo forum are in the buisness. Knowing me...I'd screw it up..somehow. If you decide to try to replace it yourself, keep us advised of how it went....please. Rixx

12-10-2004	#13 (permalink)
Rixx reposado Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,230	Don't forget the 3rd option.. I see you can send your unit into Weakknees and they will do the upgrades for you ,too. Which probably would be the option I'd select! 49.00 to open it up and change hd, ...physically only. Not too good 79.00 for the full job....BUT you have to purchase the 'upgrades' from them too. So 370.00 for the dual 160's, thru them. EXPENSIVE..... Looks like I'll jump on the 50.00 Tivo bandwagon too. It will hold me till the price drops on the HD Tivos. Please keep me updated if you decide to tackle it yourself! If you have built computers before..go for it! Did you get the 'deal' on the Sammy HD thru DTV? Do you know about the DTV .....'Customer Retention Office'? If not, it's worth knowing about! DTV gave me..... Samsung HD Reciever New Dish Free Installation 6 months FREE Showtime 200.00 CREDIT on my bill Price for the HD setup was 349.00 CREDIT..........................-200.00 ____________ 149.00 6 Months Showtime -50.00 _____________ 99.00 TOTAL Not too bad of a deal! Of course you have to commit to another 12 month subscription. But that's OK. It was worth it!! Rixx Last edited by Rixx : 12-10-2004 at 11:53 AM.

12-10-2004	#15 (permalink)
Rixx reposado Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,230	Been there I also go there, it's a good forum! It's also where I found out about the 99.00 HD Deal. Looks like DTV has some new satellites going up this spring, should be a lot more programming. Looking forward to it!! My problem is I located behind a mountain...can't get any of the locals over the air. Don't think they would grant me the waiver to get the Network feeds either. I'm stuck with 71 to 79, for now. That sucks!! Looks like a lot of HD content on the networks. Not to mention the football games!! Looks like I'll be moving before the summer, hopefully I'll get the networks then. Rixx

12-09-2004	#2 (permalink)
mckinzie lightweight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Highland Village,Tx (Kinz Standard Time) Posts: 13,551	Jt, read about the different ways you can upgrade your tivo here.

12-09-2004	#3 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	Thanks Kinz, I've been a infrequent reader of those forums. I was hoping someone had some actually experience doing one of the upgrades here. Those tivo and hdtv forum geeks say it's easy, but they are usually into building there own computers too.

12-09-2004	#5 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	I've got a Mitsubishi 55" RPTV diamond series. Right now I have a Samsung 360 DirecTv box that I hate. I would like to upgrade my receiver to one of the new Yamaha's and swap out the Samsung for an HD Tivo but I can't justify the expense and the thought of having to rewire everything is reason enough not to upgrade. We just finished our basement in February and I'm thinking about putting and HD projector down there and using my old OTA HD box for that with the standard DirecTV receiver I have. We also have our game systems in the basement and I think everyone would enjoy having the games 100" across. What was the question again? How do you like your HD Dish set-up?

12-09-2004	#8 (permalink)
mckinzie lightweight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Highland Village,Tx (Kinz Standard Time) Posts: 13,551	I have that 65" diamond series it's about two years old. It's upgradeable so I shouldn't have any problems from that stand point. That hd tivo will be neat to have

12-10-2004	#10 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	I'm with you Rixx. HD Tivo is just not worth the dollars yet. I have the same problem with the audio synch on the Sammy 360. Somenights are worse than others. The good news is I get CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN / WB, PBS and Fox OTA and they all come in flawlessly.

12-10-2004	#12 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	Rixx - I jumped on the $50 Tivo deal. As far as the upgrades, there are two options. You can, as you indicate, buy a hard drive at your local retailer and then buy the necessary brackets and software downloads from these companies. This does involve hooking up the new drive on your computer as a slave drive, booting of some boot CD you create and then formating the new drive as a Tivo unit (sounds like a job for James). The second option is to buy a already formatted drive with the brackets and necessary cables from one of the companies. This is the option I am looking at. The instructions for this seem much easier as all you are doing is hooking up a second drive to the Tivo unit and sealing it back up. I used to build computers from parts and hope that I still have the brain capacity left to do this. As far as the need for the extra storage, probably not necessary, but seems like a cool inexpensive upgrade to a new toy. Now if we start talking about the HD Tivo, than you absolutely need a massive 300GB plus hard drive because all fo the additional space HD content takes up.

12-10-2004	#14 (permalink)
jtm1631 añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,370	Rixx - Got the same deal except with HBO. Like you say, $99 for the HD receiver, new dish, install and 6 months of HBO could not be passed up. I get most my info on these deals and other HD related topics at the AVS forum. If you don't know about it check out the HD forums HERE. I read the programming forum to see if there are any special events coming up in HD that are worth checking out.

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