FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Will a hard drive upgrade void my TiVo warranty?
Will a hard drive upgrade invalidate my subscription?
Do you use used drives for your upgrades?
Is installing an expanded drive difficult?
Why on earth would anyone need 141 hours or more?
Should I get an "A" drive, or a "B" drive?
Why can't I replace only one drive in my dual drive TiVo?
Can I de-upgrade my system later?
Can I use a Philips drive in my Sony TiVo?


Will a hard drive upgrade void my TiVo warranty?

Installation of our upgrade kits requires the removal of the TiVo case cover, and will void your TiVo warranty. If you are uncomfortable with the risks of installation, please see our professional upgrade service.


Will a hard drive upgrade invalidate my subscription?

No! Your subscription data is stored on a chip on the motherboard of your TiVo. Changes to your hard drive(s) will only affect the recorded data on them. Existing programs, To Do Lists, and Wish Lists may be removed in this process. For a more thorough discussion see "A" drive vs. "B" drive upgrades.


Do you use used drives for your upgrades?

Absolutely not. The hard drive is arguably the most crucial part of the system. Using inferior parts here will only lead to frustrating problems down the road. All of our hard drives are new and unused backed by manufacturer's warranty.


Is installing an expanded drive difficult?

If you are comfortable with removing the case of your TiVo, the rest of the process is simple and straightforward. Our detailed illustrated instructions will guide you to a seamless installation of your expanded TiVo drive.


Why on earth would anyone need 141 hours or more?

If you're looking at this website, you're probably aware that TiVos are hardly equipped well enough to meet the demands of the standard user. While a 90-hour upgrade sounds like more than you could ever use, remember that this refers to 90 hours at basic quality. This translates to roughly 40 hours of best quality. This is probably enough if you are a casual user, but if you are thinking about storing programs for any length of time, you will soon find that your capacity is exhausted. Have a family with broad interests? Better make sure there's enough room for everyone's favorite show!


Should I get an "A" drive, or a "B" drive?

Users of dual-drive units must use an "A" drive upgrade. If you have a single drive unit, you have the choice of an "A" drive replacement, or a "B" drive add on. The benefit of the "B" drive addition upgrade is that all existing data on the TiVo will be preserved. The downside of the "B" Drive upgrade is that future upgrades are more difficult and that additional hardware for mounting and powering your TiVo unit may be necessary. The "A" drive replacement upgrade does not preserve your existing recordings, Wish Lists, or To Do Lists, but is a more straight-forward installation, requires no additional hardware, allows for easy additional upgrade in the future, and provides an "emergency backup" drive for your TiVo should your A drive fail due to mechanical error.


Why can't I replace one drive in my dual drive TiVo?

Dual drive TiVo units recognize both hard drives as a single functioning unit. Removal of one or the other drives will cause your unit to go haywire. Replacing both drives with a new expanded drive, however, will work.


Can I de-upgrade my system later?

"A" drive replacement upgrades can be easily removed and replaced with the original drive. "B" drive expansion upgrades, however, cannot be removed without significant reformatting of the original drive.


Can I use a Philips drive in my Sony TiVo?

Sony and Philips units are slightly different and will not work properly with the installation of an inappropriate expanded drive. Please contact us if you are not sure of your TiVo model prior to purchase.



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