Networking to share video (MRV)

[mohoelx]

Ok, taking this one step at a time since there are so many options out there. Current status is I have two Series 2 DTivos (Phillips DSR708 and Hughes HDVR2), both running 6.3e. The Hughes was "enlarged" from the original 40 gig to 120 gig a few years back, but I do not recall what method I used. I do know, however that after the upgrade, it would 'hang' if I tried to read messages, up until the recent 6.3e upgarde. The Phillips is still "virgin".

What I ultimately desire is to have them working in a MRV scenario where I can watch programs recorded on either Tivo from either Tivo. Right now, capacity is not a problem, so tell me if my plan is 'sound':

Step 1) Purchase PTVNet and install on both DTivos, along with the USB adapters, and be happy as a clam with (after following the instructions,) my newly enabled MRV environment, without having any recorded matter lost.

--- side question --- is there a need to purchase two copies of PTVNet for these two models or is it the same .ISO for both?

Step 2) Down the road, upgrade to a larger disk in the Phillips by using one of the many tools that enable expansion without losing recordings (MFSLive being current most likely). With PTVNet already installed, use of one of those tools should move me to a larger disk without losing the hacks, right?

When would I (assuming I can with these models) add the "slicer"? I would like to be able to allow future upgrades from DirecTV without losing my networking, and that seems to be the role of the slicer, no?

Thanks -

MoHoelX

[Lou Jacob]

If you want to use MRV, you won't be able to do it with 6.3 on an SD unit. Your best bet is to drop back to 6.2a, and then follow the instructions in this article (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9) which will guide you through enabling HMO/MRV; you will need to have a DirecTV SD unit which is accessible via telnet and ftp and running version 6.2 of the operating system.

If you are starting from scratch and are not sure how to meet the prerequisites for the aforementioned article, you can start from scratch by using a PTVnet kit which is already configured with telnet and ftp and runs 6.2. Or can can use the DIY software tools, PTVnet and InstantCake which are also discussed in great detail in the articles section (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12) of the site.

The Slicer is documented in more detail in this article (http://www.dvrupgrade.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6), but its probably not something you want since once you've got your unit configured with 6.2 and HMO/MRV, you won't want to "slice" your way to 6.3 or you'll lose the MRV functionality.

[mohoelx]

Lou - thanks for the input. However, I'd like to be sure I am understanding. I know that if I use InstantCake, I lose all my recordings, which I am trying to avoid. Is the issue a lack of a superpatch for 6.3e at this point or is there other deeper, darker reasons I would need to go to 6.2a?

I'm preparing to head out for nearly two weeks of vacation (will not get this done before then, and will have a pile of stuff recorded when I get back), so if it is just a matter of waiting for a 6.3e superpatch, that may well be within my horizon of opportunity anyway.

Thanks -

[Lou Jacob]

The code for MRV is not part of 6.3, so superpatch, or the functional equivalent will do you no good - there is nothing to activate.

So unfortunately, the only way to get MRV going, as far as I know, is to drop back to 6.2, and there is no way to do that without losing your existing content...

Sorry.

[mohoelx]

Ah - understood. Thanks. Guess it becomes a matter of how much we want the MRV then....

Thx.