ShowStopper drive upgrade - image restore vs. copy

[splinke]

I recently purchased a big-screen TV (Sony KDF-55WF655). I would like to record everything in "high quality" on my three-year old Panasonic ShowStopper PV-HS2000 to minimize MPEG compression artifacts on the larger screen. To provide more recording capacity, I plan to replace the original 30-GB hard drive with a Maxtor 5400 RPM 120-GB drive that is currently in my computer.

After reading the upgrade instructions associated with the RTVPatch program, I am wondering whether it is possible to just use the v3.02 ShowStopper drive image available online rather than copying from the existing drive. If this IS possible, is there any disadvantage versus copying the software from my original drive? It seems to me that it would be much simpler to use the image -- much less drive swapping and less chance of corruption of the original drive.

I couldn't find the answer to my question in any FAQ, and I couldn't find any mention of the use of images on the main RTVPatch site. Did I miss something?

[l8er]

-Copy from original drive
All settings are retained for your particular ReplayTV, including any recordings that are set up.

-Restore from image
Everything must be set up for your configuration from scratch.

If your original drive is exhibiting any problems at all (skipping, odd noises, etc.) then your best bet would be to restore from a downloaded image.

[splinke]

Thanks for your response and your web site, l8er!

The "drive image" method does not seem to be mentioned as an alternative to the "copy" method on the RTVPatch site itself, even though it is supported -- or am I missing something? I would think that, for most people, writing down their settings and recurring list of recorded shows, followed by re-programming of their upgraded unit would be simpler and safer than fooling around with the original drive -- particularly since it is not recommended that recorded shows be copied. Is there a reason it is not mentioned, or is that unmentionable? :)

[l8er]

RTVPatch was initially developed as an upgrade tool, copying from the original drive to a larger drive. Early versions were also less than perfect when copying the mpeg partition, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

When RTVPatch is used as a repair tool, like when the original drive is failing, then it's usually necessary to use a downloaded image to get a box up and running again.

[BaysideBas]

As to copying the mpeg partition, try it. If it works (and it probably will) great! If it doesn't, you haven't lost anything except some time since the procedure doesn't in any way alter the original.

[corwyn]

I'm trying to gather all the necessary information before I try and fix my mom's Showstopper 2000. I've read as much as I can find on the downloadable images, but I can only seem to find one for the 30xx, and the included instructions say that the images for the 2000, 3000, and 4000 are not interchangeable.

Where can I get an image that will work on the 2000?

Thanks!

[l8er]

Originally posted by corwyn
I'm trying to gather all the necessary information before I try and fix my mom's Showstopper 2000. From www.replaytvupgrade.com "ReplayTV 30XX and ShowStoppers: Showstopper&replay30xximage3.02.zip"

ShowStoppers (all models) are functionally equivalent to the 30XX series ReplayTVs.

[corwyn]

Oh, I understand now...I didn't realize that the Replay 2000 and Showstopper 2000 aren't the same thing.

Thanks!

[alexaaa]

I used the RTVPatch a couple nights ago to upgrade the 30g harddrive with a handmedown Samsung 80g. After reading way more posts than necessary here, I gave it a shot. For the longest time I couldn't figure out how to get both the old and new drive connected to my PC (Compac 2.0gHz running XP Home) Then I read that all you have to do is remove a cdrom drive from the controller cable and there's that missing extra slot! The Samsung drive still had the old windows and data still on it but RTVPatch copied over everything including the mpeg partition. I just used the guide that I8er wrote and it was much easier than I had thought it would be. After plugging it back in to the Showstopper I had all my shows and recording preferences! Sweeet!