Having decided to upgrade my Tivo with a network connection I wanted a neat solution for connecting to my network. I looked at various panel mount sockets but did not like any that I found as they all required a rectangular hole to mount the socket which I think are a pain to do and very rarely look good when done. However I have found a socket that requires a circular hole with two smaller mounting holes and can be done fairly easily by anyone that is competent with a handle a drill. All that is required is a Drill and a 24mm metal punch.

I now have the socket/cable assy available for sale at £12.50 each.

The following are the instructions explaining what I did..

1. First thing is to remove the Lid from your Tivo which I am assuming you already know how to as you would have needed to do if you have upgraded your Tivo previously.

2. Next thing is to mark on the rear of the Tivo where you are going to mount the socket. I chose above the AUX scart socket as when it is finished it looks as though it is mean to be. Mark the panel as shown in the photo and you should use a Centre punch to mark the hole as this helps guide the drill when starting off and stops it slipping.

3. IMPORTANT Now turn your Tivo Upside down before you start to drill this way when drilling any swarf (bits of metal) should fall away from your Tivo not into it. With the Tivo UPSIDE DOWN you can now start to drill, I started with a 3mm then went 5mm, 7mm, 9mm then 10mm Drill.

Before turning you Tivo back over check for any bits of metal that may be stuck on the lip inside the rear of the panel.

TIP: Start the drill slowly until the drill bit beds itself into the metal and take your time when drilling don't rush it.

CHECK THOROUGHLY FOR FRAGMENTS OF METAL AFTER DRILLING AS TIVO WONT LIKE THEM

4. Once you have the 10mm hole you can now proceed to punch it to 24mm with the sheet metal punch. Unscrew the punch and pass through the rear panel, screw the two halve together and tighten with the Allen key until the punch pops through the panel.

TIP: Fit the punch so that the Bolt head is on the inside of the Tivo as this will give a nicer hole on the outside

5. To mark the socket mounting holes just use the socket as a guide. Fit the Metal front to the front of the panel and pass the rear plastic from the rear through the panel and mate with the front. Then just mark the two mounting holes required.

TIP: DO NOT just fit the socket from the front to mark as the mounting holes will be on the wrong side!!!

7. Check for any loose metal fragments inside the Tivo, fit the socket and plug the cable into your Turbonet/Cachecard and refit the lid

6. Use a centre punch to mark the holes then Turn the Tivo UPSIDE DOWN again and drill the two mounting holes to 3mm.