Filed under: Multimedia, Video, Hacks
TiVoToGo DRM cracked, and that's not necessarily a good thing
Mac-using TiVo lovers rejoice - but proceed with caution. It seems the TiVoToGo DRM encryption has finally been cracked, effectively giving non-Windows users a way to enjoy TiVoToGo for a change. The TiVo File Decoder is a Portable C program that converts a .TiVo file from TiVoToGo to a normal MPEG file with the Media Access Key for the TiVo which generated the file. The decoder is an open source BSD license, and it's just a command-line solution right now, although a GUI wrapper can't be far behind.
As Dave Zatz points out, this development may have been inevitable, as all DRM just begs to be cracked, and TiVo hasn't helped matters by dragging their feet for so long when it came to making TTG accessible to anyone but Windows users. But by circumventing TiVo on this, it may only make things worse for us in the end. Dave rightly suggests that this "could dissuade potential content providers from partnering and/or dissuade CableLabs from supporting multi-room viewing and TiVoToGo features on the Series3, despite protected media (TiVoCast, Macrovision flagged stuff) not being available for TTG transfers."
There are already reports from Mac users who have successfully compiled gotten it working this morning. Anonymous says "I am successfully watching downloaded content on my Mac, without using any sort of Windows solution at all. Downloaded from the TiVo via the web interface (though I'll probably start using Galleon), decrypted it via tivodecode, and I'm able to watch it in VLC. QT doesn't like the files though. I was able to use iSquint to convert it to an MPEG4, and now my iPod is playing Robot Chicken :-)"
My initial reaction to this was "WOO HOO!!!", but now I'm not convinced that it's worth it. Let's face it, TiVo will probably change the DRM to defeat this crack and the more time they spend on that, the less time they will spend on bringing Multi-room viewing (MRV) and TTG to the HD Series 3 and TTG to Mac users in general.
For more details, you can follow developments on the TiVoToGo wiki. Although I'm conflicted, I'll still be keeping a close eye on things. Let's hope TiVo rises to the challenge by making it irrelevant and shows a little more love to non-Windows using TiVo lovers.
[via Zatz Not Funny]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tony said 6:33PM on 12-04-2006
This violates the user agreement you agree to when you use your Tivo.
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Mike N said 8:51PM on 12-04-2006
I love my Tivo, but have lost my patience with them. Their non-support for the Mac as gone on too long. The future for my household is Elgato and iTV
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Jack Straw said 5:18PM on 12-04-2006
I doubt that Tivo is ever going to release TivoToGo for any other platform, it came out two years ago and isn't included in Series3 boxes at all. I think TTG is dead in the water.
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regan said 6:34PM on 12-04-2006
The idea that TTG will ever find it's way to Mac is just down-right laughable.
Mac users were brushed off long ago...
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Samuel McConnell said 7:51PM on 12-04-2006
My question is, where can I get a Mac binary for Tivodecode?
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Travis L. said 10:49PM on 12-04-2006
Here's a binary for you. I compiled it on my iMac and it works fine there and on my MacBook Pro.
http://exiva.net/tivodecode.zip
Enjoy.
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Rob said 11:43PM on 12-04-2006
And now there's a detailed walkthrough of getting it from the TiVo to the Mac to the iPod and Front Row. That was fast...
http://www.macgeekery.com/hacks/software/video/how_to_view_tivo_recordings_on_your_mac_or_ipod
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James Hare said 8:57AM on 12-05-2006
All DRM needs to be cracked, so that content providers will get the message that it's stupid and counterproductive. A device you own should not produce content that other devices you own can't access. Any argument about home copying, piracy or any other nonsense from the RIAA, MPAA, et al is self-serving nonsense they've pushed before. Every new technology was to be the death knell of their business yet even now they make more than ever.
DRM is a violation of the spirit of all our copyright laws, meant to extend copyright not only to the day it is granted but in perpetuity. DRM is wrong, and anti-American. DRM helps fund terrorism and hates puppies.
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Grover said 9:47AM on 12-05-2006
the more time they spend on that, the less time they will spend on bringing Multi-room viewing (MRV) and TTG to the HD Series 3 and TTG to Mac users in general.
I wasn't aware there was an amount of time less than zero. Seriously. It's never going to happen. There is no reasonable explanation for it taking this long. If it hasn't been enough of a priority to do it by now, it never will be.
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Joe said 9:57AM on 12-05-2006
Oddly enough, I was going to cancel Tivo soon, but now that I can get access to the items I've been recording, I may actually continue my subscription a little longer.
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russdogg said 12:20PM on 12-05-2006
A quick reminder, although Zatz is an awesome Tivo supporter, he isn't right about everything. Tivo never had any solid plans to support macs and never will.
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GadgetGav said 12:08PM on 12-05-2006
There will never be TTG for Mac and there will never be TTG from a Series 3. CableLabs only exists to champion the cause of cable operators (go look at their web site). There is no way they will be willing to let TiVo implement TTG for HD cable content. Look at the lack of features that Vista is going to have now that they went the CableLabs certified route.
Make the best of what you can with your TiVos, I think what we have now will be the last we ever have from them.
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The Jeremy said 4:49PM on 12-05-2006
I still say Apple (in conjunction with Google) should buy out TiVo. Swap the hardware in the Series3 for a Mac with CableCard support, and then "bundle" the current subscription for program guides with the .Mac service and/or offer it free if part of the aggregate viewer reporting data which would be sent to Google.
That's the way to keep the platform relevant and fiercely competitive without pissing off us users.
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