Quote:
Originally Posted by wileetundra
I originally tried the firmware downgrade first before I invented the SPG. It was a real pain to make a modified disc because you have to get the perfect combination of hardware, software, and DVD media in order for it to work. After I burned about 20 coasters (at $1 each for the media) I did finally succeed in making a hybrid disc that would work in my truck, however I tried it for a few weeks and did not like it for the following reasons: - The 5.1 firmware requires a multiple-step process to activate the bypass and this isn't something you can do quickly or easily while driving. It also has to be reset every time you turn off the truck so be prepared to do the special dance a lot.
- You lose a lot of functionality when you downgrade from 7.1 to 5.1, the most important of which is the removal of the "I agree" button at startup, but there are also other features related to the audio functions and maps. This was very annoying.
- The hybrid disc may read ok in your vehicle for a while and then just quit working out of the blue. Sometimes this happens when you venture into a new area where the map data is stored on a different part of the disc that did not burn so well, and other times it just happens seemingly at random. Also, the disc that worked in my vehicle did not work in a similar vehicle. These problems are due to the lower quality media and burning process - it is pretty hard to duplicate a very full commercial DVD perfectly. I am sure this is why the seller of the modified firmware has a disclaimer that it may not work.
- Toyota is certain to come out with yet another new version after 7.1, so the downgrade prevents you from taking advantage of future firmware upgrades which hopefully will add even more functionality.
So out of frustration I spent dozens of hours hacking the truck wiring and testing various circuits until I found the right design for the SPG. In my opinion it is the best option out there, and also the cheapest because I don't believe in charging a lot for my device since I am mainly doing it to help people out. So far we have over 100 installs and not a single failure that I am aware of. I just wish Toyota would remove the dang restrictions or at least make the lockouts an option which you could turn off. Until then I will keep making SPGs and selling them to forum members. I am working on a another batch right now so just PM me if you need one. |
+1
All good points and another thing is, it cost half of what the
ebay guys selling you a hybird DVD and no garantees it work. Last is that the SPG should work for any future updated DVD toyota releases too since this is a hardware bypass.
Just my .02