TiVo DVR User Manual

TIVO DVR UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS (#49)

(c) 2001-2005, weaKnees. All rights reserved.

Instructions for TwinBreeze® Gen2 / DIRECTV R10 and similar architectures

Instructions are available online (in COLOR) at http://www.weaknees.com

A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION:

Upgrading a TiVo DVR presents a few physical hazards. As with most consumer electronics devices, components in the TiVo may still
carry a lethal charge, even after disconnecting from your power supply. Be aware of this while working inside your TiVo. Allow
sufficient time for discharging of components and avoid contact as much as possible with potential hazards. While we have done
everything we can to provide accurate, easy-to-follow instructions, we cannot be responsible for any damage done to your TiVo or to
yourself as a result of your upgrade. By opening your TiVo, you agree that neither weaKnees nor any of its members or affiliates is
responsible in any way for any harm done. Please be VERY careful when upgrading. NEVER open the TiVo while the unit is plugged in
and NEVER operate the TiVo if the lid is not securely fastened.

IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

If you have purchased an upgrade kit that included one or two pre-configured hard drives: We are more than happy to answer any

questions that you might have regarding your installation. We answer email very frequently, and can often be reached that way at night or even
on weekends. We encourage you to try email first, but you are also free to call us any time if you have questions about your installation or these
instructions.

If you have purchased a TwinBreeze Bracket package (without a pre-configured drive): These kits are designed for people who already
know how to prepare a drive (or drives) for use in a TiVo. We unfortunately do not have the resources to teach our bracket customers how to
upgrade their TiVos.

Required Tool (not included): Phillips-head screwdriver.
Kit includes all items shown below.

PLEASE NOTE: Opening the TiVo voids the warranty.

Figure 1

Not shown:
(1) Set of printed instructions
(1) Upgrade hard drive(s) (if applicable)

1. OVERVIEW

Upgrading your TiVo entails just five basic steps:

(a) Open the TiVo (Section 2)
(b) Remove the factory drive (Sections 3 through 5)
(c) Install drives on the mounting bracket (Sections 6 through 9)
(d) Install bracket and cables (Sections 10 and 11)
(e) Close the TiVo (Section 12)

1 of 6

2. OPENING THE TIVO

Unplug the power cord from your electrical outlet and wait five minutes for the
TiVo to discharge. Do not plug the TiVo back in until you are completely
finished. Be very careful of static electricity, which can destroy your TiVo’s
internal parts. You should not perform this upgrade on carpet. You may want to
label the wires that you remove from your TiVo so that you can easily locate
where they belong.

Using the Torx T-10 (smaller of the two) L-key included with your kit, unscrew
the five Torx screws on the back of your TiVo. The five screws are surrounded by
gray from the top of the TiVo’s case. See Figure 2.

Set aside (to be used again): Five TiVo lid screws.

Once the five screws are removed, remove the lid. Place your palms on the top
side edges of the TiVo, toward the back and push toward the back of the TiVo
(this occasionally requires a bit of patience). The cover should slide back and then
up. Remove the cover from the TiVo. See Figure 3.

Set aside (to be used again): TiVo lid.

3. DISCONNECTING THE EXISTING DRIVE BAY

With the cover off, you will be able to see (a) one hard drive, (b) a gray IDE
ribbon cable that runs from the greenish motherboard to the hard drive, (c) a
multi-colored (red/black/yellow) power cable that runs from the power supply to
the hard drive, and (d) two bracket screws that connect the hard drive and its
bracket to the TiVo. See Figure 4. Note: Your TiVo’s green motherboard might
be slightly different than the one pictured; specifically, it may be larger and the
IDE cable connector may be closer to the front of the unit.

Using your Torx T-10 screwdriver, unscrew and remove the two bracket screws
that connect the hard drive bracket to the lower bracket (part of the bottom of
the unit). These screws are located at the front-right of the TiVo. As you look
down into the TiVo, you will see the two screw heads. See Figure 4.

Set aside (not reused): Two bracket screws.

Figure 2 (above) Back view

Figure 3 (above) Top view

Figure 4. Front/top view

4. REMOVING THE POWER CABLE AND IDE RIBBON CABLE

Remove the IDE cable from the hard drive by pulling on the plastic connector.
Then remove the drive power cable by pulling on the plastic connector. As you

pull the connectors out, be careful not to dislodge (even partially) the white
ribbon cable shown in Figure 5. If this cable is dislodged even slightly and you
power on your TiVo, you can cause permanent damage. See Figure 5.

Next, remove the other end of the IDE cable from the TiVo by pulling it toward
the front of the TiVo.

With both cables removed from the factory drive, slide the drive and bracket back
slightly toward the back of the TiVo and then lift it out of the TiVo.

Set aside (not reused): One IDE cable.

Figure 5 Front/top view

2 of 6