Tivo_SApper

Installation Instructions Download Printable Instructions

Important Information Before You Begin

Note 1: Because standalone Tivos get frequent software updates, they require periodic maintenance and tinkering to keep the SApper modifications in tact. Without this maintenance, your modifications will not only be overwritten, but you may also stop receiveing guide data or even have your service turned off. A DVRupgrade tool called "The Slicer" makes most periodic software maintenance relatively easy. If you lack basic computer/technical skills, or are unwilling to pull your drive once in awhile, do not proceed.

Note 2: In addition to using the SApper, you may also need to physically replace the prom on your motherboard if you have a newer standalone Tivo. If the first digit of your service number (on the back of your Tivo) is a 5 or 6, then you'll need to have your prom replaced before running The SApper. Replacing your prom is not a do-it-yourself project, so it is recommended that you send your Tivo somewhere like here to have it done.

Note 3: If you have problems during the installation, post your questions on the TCF support thread here. DO NOT mention, link to, or discuss The SApper at dealdatabase.com.

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Step 1 - Create the SApper CD

The SApper CD consists of three components. The first is a zip file containing the SApper scripts, and can be downloaded here. Copy this zip file anywhere on your PC and unzip it.

The second component includes and LBA48 Boot CD iso and The Slicer software upgrade tool. Copy both to the subdirectory called "sapper_tools", that was created on your PC when you unzipped the sapper scripts.

The third component is a Tivo software image. It is suggested that you keep your original hard drive as a backup and start with a brand new drive. Use a virgin software image that's included on DVRupgrade's Instantcake CD. Click here to download an image for your standalone Tivo.

Your sapper_tools directory and parent directory should now look like this:

Now return to the parent directory and double-click on the file named sapper_isomaker.bat. This will create a new iso file called sapper_universal_CD.iso. Burn this file to a CD using the "iso mode" of whatever CD burning utility you choose. Note that if you use an image other than Instantcake, you may exceed the 300MB limit of the isomaker utility.

Step 3 - Run the SApper on Your PC

A. Connect your hard drive to any IDE position on your PC (hda, hdb, hdc, or hdd).

B. Boot from the SApper CD that you just burned. Hit enter through the prompts.

C. Mount the CD by typing: mount /dev/hdX /cdrom (where X is the location of your CD drive, most likely c or d).

D. Run the main script by typing cdrom/sapper and hit return

E. The SApper will start by asking you for the first 3 digits of your service number, which can be found on the back of your tivo. Then it will ask where your Tivo HD is located. Enter hda, hdb, etc.

F. If you copied a software image to your SApper CD, the script will detect it and prompt you to install it.

G. As the SApper runs, it will prompt you to enter an IP address for your Tivo (e.g. 192.168.1.106) and the IP address of your router. If you plan to use a wireless USB adapter, it will also prompt you to enter the SSID of your router.

H. If the script reports success, shut down the PC, pull the drive, and install it back in your Tivo.

Step 4 - Run the Enhancement Script on Your Tivo

A. Connect your Tivo to your network through your router, using a USB-Ethernet adapter. Purchase a compatible adapter, like the TRENDnet TU2-ET100, or if you want to use a wireless connection, couple the USB adapter with a wireless Ethernet bridge, like this one.

B. Boot up your Tivo. Before it finishes booting, your tivo will reboot automatically in order to set your network parameters. This is normal, and only happens when you boot for the first time after running the SApper. If you see a message on your Tivo that says “Network Adapter Detected”, select the “ignore for now” option.

C. Back on your PC, open a Windows command prompt and type:

telnet tivoipaddress

...where tivoipaddress is the IP address you entered in Step G. This should give you a bash prompt that looks like this: bash-2.02#

D. Run the Enhancement Script with:

cd /hacks

sh tweak.sh

Read what the Enhancement Script does here, and be prepared to answer "y" or "n" when the script asks you which hacks you want to install. Don't install anything you don't understand.