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Thursday, November 11, 2004

Hackers Attack TiVo!!
I can't believe it! Somebody got it right! Hackers are attacking TiVo and adding functionality to it! Everything from a PC interface to larger hard drives to DVD burning (without the upscale price). And the media called them "Hackers."

"We don't really do anything--we don't condone it and don't encourage it," said Bob Poinatowski, product manager for TiVo's service business. "We don't really participate in any way, though we know they're there."

Why should they care? They can sell boxes, drop warranty commitments, and everybody is still happy. It's the best of all worlds. And, of course, if they happen to pick up a few clues along the way about what a next generation TiVo should do and be, all the better. Vive les Hackers! And thank you, media types, for finally applying the word correctly.

(Oh the ignomy... See what I'm reduced to with Alice gone...?)
# Permalink Posted at 6:44 AM 2 comments Email this Link

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Hey Bill,

Welcome to the future: I've had a "hacked" Tivo for over 3 years. I did one of the more tame hacks: Adding a second hard disk, upgrading my refurbished $150, 30 hour TiVo to a 110 hour unit, for only $80. This was when a new 60-hour unit cost over $500.

In the beginning, it was dicey: no one was sure what worked for sure, and there was a good chance you would turn the TiVo into a door-stop. Making really cool changes required "mad linux skillz."

Other early hacks included adding a custom-modified ethernet adapter (allowed internet updates, not phone-line) and installing a web-server daemon to create a web accessible interface (allowed scheduling, starting and stopping playback, everything, from a remote location or from the laptop on your lap)

And it was (and still is) wonderful that the TiVo people themselves did nothing, just let the TiVo hacker people add value; sell third-party add-on hardware; sell re-built, enhanced, refurbished units (like a 500 hour TiVo). And, of course, it all meant more sales of the TiVo service itself. Win-Win-Win.

James Steiner, at thomson point com.

# posted by Anonymous 1:44 PM

Yes, the "Hackers" have added some wonderful functionality to TiVo, but the company is busy reducing functionality.

Soon, nobody using " Official" software will be able to skip commercials or save shows permanently.

"Progress"

# posted by Anonymous 2:36 PM

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