[ExtractStream] Understanding the TivoNet Process

[Joe Fleck]

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on 12/16/01 5:23 PM, MT at fontpro@u... wrote:
Mac,

I have Macs all around here, but I'm using my sole pc to do these
conversions.... Really the main reason I use the pc is to massage the file
from whatever various formats I bring it over in to VCD. And the program
that I work mostly with on the pc is TMPEGenc.

That being said, Ken put together an app for the mac to receive the
extracted stream on.... I've tried using Media Cleaner Pro as well as DVD
studio pro and Final Cut pro to work with these files in their rawest form
on the mac and haven't had much luck. I can dig up his tool for you if you
wish to try extracting to your mac. I'm hoping that some of these tools will
be ported to OSX so we can use the now resurrected command-line on the mac
in the terminal.. However that doesn't help in the .m2v->xVCD conversion.
However, VPC should be able to work with the extracted file just fine (or
Linux as long as the binaries work on your flavor).

> 1) Install TivoNet Hardware in Tivo (I have the Philips 212)
Good. Same as me. 
> 2) Install Linux software on Tivo A drive (I believe that this is done
> when the drive is installed in a computer under Linux only?) Or can this
> be done via Serial FTP, Telnet, etc?
Linux is technically on there. But here's where you'll need the PC (AFAIK).
You have to manually put the bash shell on there so you can telnet into it,
and that's where you'll have to move the files from PC->HD. I recommend
going to a friends house and borrowing theirs for a couple of hours. Just
make sure you bring the right tools (the bootable CD or floppy with the
Linux tools on it).

> I'm guessing this can't be done on a Mac, since there is no floppy any
> more, and the Linux Floppy described on the TivoNet site is used to
> install the software?
The CD based one worked great for me, but go borrow that pc. That's the only
time I've needed to put it in the PC (except when it upgraded to 2.51).

> 3) I'm guessing at this point whether I'm using a PC (Linux or Windows)
> or a Mac, all we will be doing it networking via ethernet. So it
> shouldn't care what OS I'm running?
I believe this is true. See my notes above.

> 4) My main reason to get TivoNet is to burn VCDs. I'm not really sure
> what software Mac users are using on the Mac side. I can always run what
> ever apps in Windows 98.
I would recommend using TMPEGenc in VPC (though it will be slow unless u are
running VPC 5 and DP800)... But technically it will work. Again, see my
notes above. 
> So, If what I'm thinking is correct, I only need Linux for the initial
> Tivonet set-up. Then the rest of the process can be done in Windows.
You technically don't need linux installed. You can use that booter cd
(which has it on it) and get what you need done. Again, this part is on a PC
though.

I have my processes that others have recommended to me (about 7 different
pages of notes) that I can forward to you once you get your tivonet card
installed and functional (that part can take a bit of time......... One
GOTCHA that REALLY messed me up that no one ever told me about was the
serial port you use to configure the tools with when you're setting up the
tivonet card... If you have it activated for use with say a DSS receiver, it
will cease working once the tivo fully boots... Boy was that confusing...
Basically once it gets to the menu screen (on the tv), the serial port gets
taken over... 

Anyway, hope this helps.

Joe