Cross Compiler Toolchain
The TiVo is actually an embedded Power PC based Linux box, and can be readily hacked. To develop software which runs natively on the TiVo you will need a cross-compiling environment. This usually takes the form of an Intel x86 PC (or equivalent) running Linux; programs can then be written and compiled on the desktop machine, before being loaded onto the TiVo using either a serial connection, or network connection if the TiVo has had a network card added (which is highly recommended).
Instructions for building the toolchain are widely available on the web, a google search for "TiVo Cross compiler" is a good starting point. I found www.bileduct.org helpful.
TiVo applications typically use statically linked libraries, which makes them quite fat (and is another good reason why you really, really want a network card for your TiVo) but otherwise development is straight forward.
From a xAP perspective, the usual tools are available on the TiVo, including a pre-compiled hub and a full xAP messaging library. The interface to the library is identical to that for the Windows and x86 Linux environments, so porting and debugging code should be relatively straight forward.
Footnotes
- The TiVo is no longer available through retail outlets in the UK, although TiVo continue to support the programming guide service. They can be found second hand on e-bay.
- TiVo network cards come in two flavours. They are available from 9th Tee who will ship internationally. The 9th Tee website includes detailed instructions and links to related sites such as the TiVo web project, which gives the TiVo a web driven user interface. In the UK, Laser also carry stock.
- The TiVo can be used without a subscription, e.g. for CCTV camera recording, although the process is a bit convoluted.
Download
TiVo Development Tools
xAP C library source
xAPLib source code. Required to build Linux and Windows gcc based applications.
More information on the C library
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