WD launched again another mediaplayer (wdtv live hub)

[GDH]

Just a heads-up for anyone tempted to try flashing the Hub with a modified firmware; from the GPL code (README_LAUNCHER file):

Code: Select all

/*************************************************************************************************************************
*     LEGAL DISCLAIMER
*
*     (WDTV LAUNCHER FIRMWARE)
*
*     THIS LAUNCHER FIRMWARE IS USED TO UPGRADE UNOFFICIAL FIRMWARE
*     WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU THAT ONLY USE OFFICIAL FIRMWARE PROVIDE BY WESTERN DIGITAL (WD)
*     IF YOU ANYWAY WANT TO UPGRADE UNOFFICIAL FIRMWARE, IT MAY CAUSE MALFUNCTION
*     AND WILL VOID YOUR PRODUCT WARRANTY. ONCE YOU INSTALL THIS FIRMWARE (THIRD PARTY / USER MODIFIED FIRMWARE),
*     EVEN IF THE PRODUCT IS ROLLED BACK TO THE ORIGINAL FIRMWARE FROM WD, ACCESS TO CERTAIN FEATURES WILL BE DISABLED
*     
*************************************************************************************************************************/

[b-rad.cc]

yup, appears like you'll lose access forever to at least netflix/blockbuster and possibly youtube, live365, pandora...mediafly likely not affected.

[b-rad.cc]

oh and the hub fw has a new 2048 byte signature, so pretty much zero chance to fudge it.

[piecutter]

Would that still be effected by a USB boot?

[b-rad.cc]

would you like to fill me in on how you intend to 'boot from usb' without flashing an unsigned firmware?

Yes, this is lame. Yes, its a smack in the face. If it cannot be worked around then I guess its time to start diversifying wdlxtv to run on other players. If WD doesn't want the attention then they certainly don't have to have it.

[piecutter]

Sorry, but I'm just uneducated on the finer workings of this. Just recalled how Zorander's ext3.boot always retained the factory firmware unaffected.

[b-rad.cc]

so then how do you sign the skeleton firmware that is used to 'pivot' into ext3-boot's root.bin ?

[piecutter]

First you must seek the oracle, his answer will be a question, but you must not question his answer!

[BigBreaker]

There is always a way around these protections but there may not be the will to find it. If the checks are all buried in the chip, it will be very, very difficult.

[martenm]

Hi there,

I'm new here (apart that I've used for some time the first generation modell with the lovely b-rad modifications) and I would be interested if the modifications of the LIVE / LIVE PLUS would be "installable" on this device?

Thanks for a "point me to the right post/discussion (cause I haven't found it)" or an asnwer!

marten