Here’s a scenario. You’ve had your DIRECTV DVR so long that they don’t even want it back when you upgrade it. You know it’s, at heart, a powerful computing device. Can it be used for anything else?
Here’s another, less savory scenario. You’d like to get more DIRECTV programming than you pay for. Maybe you’d like to take some of those recorded programs and store them forever on your own computer. Maybe you’re just up for a hacking challenge.
Save your time and your brain cells
I’m not going to tell you that the DIRECTV equipment is unhackable. That would be stupid of me, since someone would probably prove me wrong in less than a minute. I will tell you that unless you have a very high skill level, you’re not going to get very far and it won’t be worth your time. Take a look at the facts:
Yes it runs Linux but…
All DIRECTV hardware has run on Linux for the last 20 years or so. Linux, for the uninitiated, is a very customizable operating system, part of a family of OS’s that underpin Apple and Google products. But, don’t be thinking that means you’ll be able to simply open up a shell and get in there. First of all, since DIRECTV hardware isn’t just a general purpose PC, the version of Linux it runs is specific to what they call “embedded hardware.” It’s not impossible to get to the heart of the OS, but it’s not easy. DIRECTV’s own engineers use special tools to get in there, just so that it’s harder for other people to do it.
If the video encryption were easy to hack…
DIRECTV’s video encryption is considered the best in the business. Each file is encoded with unique encryption that is keyed not only to the program itself but also to the specific device it was recorded on. That’s why you can’t take a hard drive out of one and put it in another. This sturdy encryption probably is breakable, but like most high-bit encryption, it would take so long to do just one file that it’s not worth it. And keep in mind, most TV programs use multiple files.
If you could repurpose the hardware, you’d be pretty disappointed.
DIRECTV hardware is built for reliability and power savings, not raw speed. Let’s say you were able to take a DIRECTV DVR, load it up, and get it to act like a Linux desktop. I mean, theoretically that is possible. If you did it, you’d have one of the slowest devices out there. Yeah, it has a graphics card with dedicated MPEG-4 decompression and full HD at 60 frames per second. But then, so does a $100 Chromebook. Trust me, it’s not worth it. You’re literally better off going to a secondhand store and buying a donated old computer.
But should you try anyway?
Hey, a lot of people spend a lot of time on needless pursuits. I’m not saying you couldn’t give it a shot. But unless you’re some sort of master hacker, it won’t amount to much. If you can entertain yourself by trying, go ahead. I see nothing wrong with that.
In the meantime, if you are in the mood for a challenge, why not work on improving your skills at making cables or testing signals? You’ll find all the tools and accessories you’ll need when you shop the great selection at Solid Signal! You’ll find tens of thousands of hard-to-find parts that will set you on a much more productive path. If you’re not sure what you need, call us! We’re here for you during East Coast business hours. The number is 888-233-7563 and if it’s after hours just fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
