InstantCake vs Universal CD?

[Southcross]

I have two TiVos right now, both Series2, and I will likely buy one to two more for other rooms. I want to upgrade them, but the ones I have are two very different models (and likely so will the other units I have yet to buy)... am I stuck having to buy InstantCake for each model, or can I just buy the "Universal Boot Disc" and be done with it?

[Lou Jacob]

I have two TiVos right now, both Series2, and I will likely buy one to two more for other rooms. I want to upgrade them, but the ones I have are two very different models (and likely so will the other units I have yet to buy)... am I stuck having to buy InstantCake for each model, or can I just buy the "Universal Boot Disc" and be done with it?

You can use the Universal Boot CD to upgrade both of your TiVo units but the Universal Boot CD is nothing like InstantCake; it does not contain an automated tool, nor does it contain the software required to make a new disk for your TiVo without you backing up your original drive(s) first. So the two products are really not comparable to one another.

As for being "stuck" purchasing the software for each unit, its a question of perspective. You can save a lot of time using InstantCake as the upgrade tool for each of your units vs other DIY tools and you will certainly save a lot more money than purchasing an upgrade kit for each unit. But yes, since you have two different models, each one would require its own unique version of InstantCake.

[Southcross]

Sorry, I didn't mean it as negative as that.... I understand that every TiVo runs on different "software/drives/etc", was just hoping that the Universal CD was "Universal" as compared to the individual IC releases.

I guess I'm just a little confused about the uses of the Universal CD? I understand it has all kinds of utilities, and when you say "backup" my existing drive... I can only assume the Universal CD must mirror the existing Tivo package to the new drive as a "Backup" and install drivers/resize partitions for the new drive at the same time?? Does it maybe also transfers over the videos also? Calling it a "universal boot cd" just seems an oxymoron.

Whereas the InstantCake makes TiVo drives from scratch... that I get

So, for my existing units, would I want the Universal CD so I can "copy" my existing TiVo to the new hard drive, then InstantCake my "new" (yet to be purchased) used Tivos?

[Southcross]

edit... I think I got it...I guess a little Google "research" does help *oops*

IC for "new" setups.... Boot disc for "upgrading" an existing setup to another drive.

So, if I have a working 40/80GB and wanted to upgrade to 160... Universal Boot Disc it to the new drive.
If I buy a 40/80 with an unknown condition HD, IC a new one

[Lou Jacob]

Well, shouldn't really need to use Google for that... here are some links that might also be useful:

Product Information / Description for the Universal Boot CD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/uberCD.cfm)

Product Information / Description for InstantCake (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/instantcake.cfm)

Sounds like you got the information you needed but hopefully these links are useful to others.

Thanks,
Lou

[Southcross]

Product Information / Description for the Universal Boot CD (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/uberCD.cfm)
I've read the description... well, more I "skimmed" it.
It should have a "synopsis" to begin the description (i.e. 10 words or less) i.e. "Utility CD to transfer your TiVo to a new hard drive (or add a second)... plus more"... well, guess its more like 17 words, but you get the idea LOL

[Southcross]

I'm wondering... If I wanted to do a refresh-reformat (to check for bad sectors, etc)/disc cleanup. Could I theoretically "backup" the TiVo to a PC HD, format the TiVo drive, then restore back using the Universal Disc?

[Southcross]

Also, is it possible to purchase and "older" version (like 7.2) of IC instead of the most current 9.3?