Database Develop

[Q] Rooting Xperia Z - Bravia engine..

I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good now. If you backup your TA partition first before you unlock the BL you can flash the keys back and BE2 will work again. You can read the tutorial here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting isn't the problem, but unlocking the bootloader. luckily there is a way to root your phone without unlocking the BL, but keep in mind: you can't install custom firmware with a locked bootloader (only sony based ROMs or ROM-modifications)

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlock your bootloader then you lose the Bravia Engine, however Track id isn't in the same category as that and will be unaffected.
There are much better replacements to Track ID anyway in the Play Store.

FSN said:
rooting isn't the problem, but unlocking the bootloader. luckily there is a way to root your phone without unlocking the BL, but keep in mind: you can't install custom firmware with a locked bootloader (only sony based ROMs or ROM-modifications)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all of that doesn't matter anymore though. SInce you can get your DRM keys back and your XZ's BL will be locked again once you flash back your own TA image.

So for now i am going only for root without unlocking BL
Sent from my C6602

akss009 said:
So for now i am going only for root without unlocking BL
Sent from my C6602
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do what you want. Unlock the BL or not. If you backup your TA partition first you can do anything. As long as you backup your TA partition first before you unlock the BL. But if you really don't want to unlock the BL that is your call too.

shadowboy23 said:
all of that doesn't matter anymore though. SInce you can get your DRM keys back and your XZ's BL will be locked again once you flash back your own TA image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's true, but maybe he just wants the root

FSN said:
that's true, but maybe he just wants the root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, maybe that's all he wants for now. Just letting the OP know that losing your DRM keys and BE2 not working anymore is yesterdays news. So the OP can do what he wants without the fear of losing the DRM keys and BE2 not working.

Thanks for your suggestion guys, since I am new to Sony so Just want to root for now and play around with stock ui, until i get bored
P.S. - Got my xperia Z last saturday , before that had Galaxy S2, and i have flashed it more than a 100 or 200 times till it went dead, dont remember.

There is a root method without unlocking your BL http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2186368
I've tested this method with my locked BL, that works like a charm.

Xperia Z DRM keys back?

So I never wanted to unlock my bootloader, because of Gracenote especially, idc about BE2 , but I installed a custom ROM the other day, existens i1 Honami, but I got stuck in a bootloop.
I had a nandroid backup but it was done from CWM, and the one was TWRP, so I was kind of screwed. I installed other zips to get cwm, but CWM wouldnt launch, I would get a black screeen, Even dual recoveries, TWRP would work, but not CWM.
Then I was forced to unlock bootloader to use fastboot to flash the boot img, after which I managed to restore my nandroid.
BUT i totally forgot that I will lose all my data, and DRM keys forever :/ *BANGS HEAD*
But apparently its working right now after the backup, is it normal? Bootloader is relocked btw
And is there any easier way to solve the situation right there?

Bump, come on someone answer, I thought this forum was alive

No way to get DRM keys back.

I remember when I was unlocking my bootloader I backed up my DRM keys with the Backup TA tool......Could you use my backup file??!
Sent from my C6606 using xda premium

Please do not use other's TA backup file!!!!
You will brick your phone as this has been confirmed.
You can only use back your own TA backup. If you did not do it before you unlocked, your DRM key is losts no matter whether you relock your bootloader subsequently.

pitbull292006 said:
I remember when I was unlocking my bootloader I backed up my DRM keys with the Backup TA tool......Could you use my backup file??!
Sent from my C6606 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if he doesn't ever want to use his phone again.
Technically there shouldn't be any problem transferring DRM keys between devices, but we must first figure out how they are stored in the TA partition, since copying that entire partition changes some essential data rendering the device unbootable.

newtbie said:
Please do not use other's TA backup file!!!!
You will brick your phone as this has been confirmed.
You can only use back your own TA backup. If you did not do it before you unlocked, your DRM key is losts no matter whether you relock your bootloader subsequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Calm down there weirdo......I simply asked a simple question, which only required a simple answer
Sent from my C6606 using xda premium

pitbull292006 said:
Calm down there weirdo......I simply asked a simple question, which only required a simple answer
Sent from my C6606 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was right to issue a warning. Flashing somebody else's TA partition will cause an unrecoverable hard brick.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

If I didn't have my DRM keys, I wouldn't be able to use Gracenote, is that right?

TrackID? You should still be able to use it without issue. It has become a public application in Google Play now, not limiting to Sony phones.
I'm wild guessing that the retrieval of music info from the WALKMAN app may fail.
You can try out for yourself since you unlocked your bootloader.
---------- Post added at 01:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:21 AM ----------
kingvortex said:
He was right to issue a warning. Flashing somebody else's TA partition will cause an unrecoverable hard brick.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem with some users over here is they gave wrong advice and end up causing someone's misery. Afterall we are helping one another to resolve our issues or to prevent things from going haywire, don't you think so?

I've lost DRM keys and Camera don't working right now. Any way for fix camera?

kartal172 said:
I've lost DRM keys and Camera don't working right now. Any way for fix camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont know. I lost mine to.
but i have been trying last 10 days to extract download_package.bin which is ota update for my phone if it contain cert.rsa for my Hardware Unique Key Then I m quiet sure that creating meta-inf file using that key will get us back DRM keys.
Waiting Any PRO or thread to guide us.

As far as i know it's impossible if you didn't made ta backup before unlocking your bootloader.

O have a ta backup and im on existenz and doomkernel is it possible to restore my ta now? And still have the benifits of a unlocked bootloader?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

demon2112 said:
O have a ta backup and im on existenz and doomkernel is it possible to restore my ta now? And still have the benifits of a unlocked bootloader?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If you restore your TA backup while running a custom kernel, it will relock your bootloader and soft brick your phone.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

kingvortex said:
No. If you restore your TA backup while running a custom kernel, it will relock your bootloader and soft brick your phone.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And.on a stock kernel with custom rom then?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

kingvortex said:
No. If you restore your TA backup while running a custom kernel, it will relock your bootloader and soft brick your phone.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
demon2112 said:
And.on a stock kernel with custom rom then?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would interesst me too

gripfly said:
It would interesst me too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you relock your bootloader by restoring a TA backup while on a stock unmodified kernel then nothing bad should happen.
This limits you to using only stock based roms, however as CM/AOSP/AOKP based roms require a custom kernel and therefore an unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

kingvortex said:
If you relock your bootloader by restoring a TA backup while on a stock unmodified kernel then nothing bad should happen.
This limits you to using only stock based roms, however as CM/AOSP/AOKP based roms require a custom kernel and therefore an unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for the hole ''flash history'' the Kernel is always that important thing we have to give a look on it? The other part of a ROM are more or less not important?
So when I have a unlocked device with stock kernel and stock based custom ROM I can restore the TA without any problems?

Is there a way to check the drm keys, if they are realy there?and a way to check if be2 works? (build prop line) or something
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Reverting from CM

Hi,
I have the latest stable CM installed on my XZ, but I miss the Sony ROM, so I thought I'd revert back, though I'm a little unsure about how to so it. Before unlocking the boot loader and installing CM, I rooted the phone and made a backup. My question is;
Can I revert back by doing this:
1. Booting into flashmode, wiping the cache
2. Choose to reinstall my back-up file
3. Relock boot loader in flashtool (if necessary, it was locked when I backed up)
4. "Repair phone" in Sony update service
And then be back to how it was before?

Seek and you shall find. Or look at the stickies!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2275632

Thank you!
But that doesn't really answer my question(s), and as they were very specific in nature, a simple "yes" would be sufficient, or a "no"m, accompanied by the aforementioned links. ^^
I'm new at this, so that post has a lot of information... That's why I asked in a separate post.

You can just flash stock rom with flashtool. You don't need to relock unless u backed up your ta partition and you want to have bravia engine and updates.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA Premium 4 mobile app.

Thanks, but can I do it the way I wrote above? Because if so, I will.

You can just flash stock rom with flashtool. You don't need to relock unless u backed up your ta partition and you want to have bravia engine and updates.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA Premium 4 mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering if it was possible somehow. I backed up the TA-Partition and I defenitly want Bravia Engine back. How should i do this?

Dreiundachzig said:
You can just flash stock rom with flashtool. You don't need to relock unless u backed up your ta partition and you want to have bravia engine and updates.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA Premium 4 mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's so hard to get a reply regarding my original post, I'll ask it like this;
Can I flash an official sony rom (.ftf) over my CM10.2? If so, can I just relock the bootloader through flashtool as well to get back BE2?

The key to get BE 2 working again and have fully restored DRM keys is to restore the backup of the TA partition that you should have taken before unlocking the bootloader. Flashing stock FTF and just relocking bootloader won't do the job
Neither will a CWM restore.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

I made the backup in cwm before I unlocked the bootloader, is that not usable to get it back? Is there any other way?

Unfortunately, CWM doesn't backup Trim Area (TA).In your case it seems Sony DRM keys are lost forever :thumbdown:
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

I see. Oh well. BTW, I unlocked the boot loader once before, but then I relocked it without making any changes. Did I lose BE then, or not before I installed CM? And what other than BE will I have lost? :/

roanmy said:
I see. Oh well. BTW, I unlocked the boot loader once before, but then I relocked it without making any changes. Did I lose BE then, or not before I installed CM? And what other than BE will I have lost? :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you loosed it. If you unlock you booloader you loose the keys. That is the reason why you have to make a TA backup before unlocking.
Your warranty you loose also but I think you should know that

Features lost after unlock BL

What features are lost after unlocking bootloader?
Thanks in advance.

diego9016 said:
What features are lost after unlocking bootloader?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we are talking about 4.3 version, then none.
But - maybe if someone could confirm that X-Reality will stay after unlocking and using stock/stock based ROM.
Sent from my Z1

funky0308 said:
If we are talking about 4.3 version, then none.
But - maybe if someone could confirm that X-Reality will stay after unlocking and using stock/stock based ROM.
Sent from my Z1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. I've already unlocked bootloader (Have a TA backup just in case), but I don't see any difference in the pictures. I have no idea if I still have X-Reality.
The BIONZ thing is lost after unlocking BL? Is there a way to check it?

diego9016 said:
Thanks for your response. I've already unlocked bootloader (Have a TA backup just in case), but I don't see any difference in the pictures. I have no idea if I still have X-Reality.
The BIONZ thing is lost after unlocking BL? Is there a way to check it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BIONZ thing?
I'm sure if you are on stock ROM - you still have X-Reality engine on.
Sent from my Z1

funky0308 said:
BIONZ thing?
I'm sure if you are on stock ROM - you still have X-Reality engine on.
Sent from my Z1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BIONZ image processor... I read somewhere that maybe that feature is lost after unlocking BL.

diego9016 said:
BIONZ image processor... I read somewhere that maybe that feature is lost after unlocking BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure but I know that Bravia Engine was lost when we unlocked bootloader on older Xperia devices...
So it could be...
Sent from my Z1

Yes, X-Reality doesn't work after unlocking BL.

MohammadAG said:
Yes, X-Reality doesn't work after unlocking BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never saw any difference keeping x reality on and off, so it dosnt matter to me.
Hey, if you unlock and dont see any thing strange, be happy. Dont go search for missing things

Many users saying about issues when unlock BL even on 4.3. When we will unlock BL and do not missing anything?
I think we have to wait new year when custom roms will find the way.

eclyptos said:
Many users saying about issues when unlock BL even on 4.3. When we will unlock BL and do not missing anything?
I think we have to wait new year when custom roms will find the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things like X-Reality aren't easily replicated, otherwise they won't need to wipe the related keys. However, at certain times, I found the over-sharpening of X-Reality bothersome, and I switched it off.
Anyway, I don't see any issues with keeping my bootloader unlocked. I really don't miss anything, and I doubt most people would notice something's missing till they're told about it.

MohammadAG said:
Things like X-Reality aren't easily replicated, otherwise they won't need to wipe the related keys. However, at certain times, I found the over-sharpening of X-Reality bothersome, and I switched it off.
Anyway, I don't see any issues with keeping my bootloader unlocked. I really don't miss anything, and I doubt most people would notice something's missing till they're told about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I think is not a big deal X-Reality Engine so it's true when we Unlock Bootloader on 4.3 we lose BIONZ Processing and X-Reality Engine?
If yes, what consequences we can have on device?

eclyptos said:
Yep, I think is not a big deal X-Reality Engine so it's true when we Unlock Bootloader on 4.3 we lose BIONZ Processing and X-Reality Engine?
If yes, what consequences we can have on device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, my best advice is to backup TA and unlock, see for yourself, if you're not bothered by anything then you haven't lost anything you'd miss.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z1 using Taptalk

MohammadAG said:
Honestly, my best advice is to backup TA and unlock, see for yourself, if you're not bothered by anything then you haven't lost anything you'd miss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will unlock now, but I already updated to 4.3 and I can't root my phone with locked BL to backup TA. I don't care about warranty, I brought the phone with intention to come on XDA an flash, so I was aware about losing warranty.
Even if I backup TA I will lose BIONZ and X-Reality anyway so backup TA to me don't make sense.
I am just worry do not lost something what I will need further time and I referring about the functionality of the device.

eclyptos said:
I will unlock now, but I already updated to 4.3 and I can't root my phone with locked BL to backup TA. I don't care about warranty, I brought the phone with intention to come on XDA an flash, so I was aware about losing warranty.
Even if I backup TA I will lose BIONZ and X-Reality anyway so backup TA to me don't make sense.
I am just worry do not lost something what I will need further time and I referring about the functionality of the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downgrade to 534 and backup TA, then upgrade again. Just backup TA in any way possible.
Restoring TA relocks the bootloader and restores X-Reality and the likes.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z1 using Taptalk

MohammadAG said:
Downgrade to 534 and backup TA, then upgrade again. Just backup TA in any way possible.
Restoring TA relocks the bootloader and restores X-Reality and the likes.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z1 using Taptalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why i need to downgrde to 534 and backup TA?, Can i upgrade to the 4.3 and backup?. difference between two methods

MohammadAG said:
Downgrade to 534 and backup TA, then upgrade again. Just backup TA in any way possible.
Restoring TA relocks the bootloader and restores X-Reality and the likes.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z1 using Taptalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Somply using the TA. Backup program to restore relock the bootloader? No need to use flashtool or adb first?
Btw in older phones BE 2 stopped working for pictures but kept working for videos on unlocked bootloaders
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

shteren said:
Really? Somply using the TA. Backup program to restore relock the bootloader? No need to use flashtool or adb first?
Btw in older phones BE 2 stopped working for pictures but kept working for videos on unlocked bootloaders
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of any programs, I simply use dd to backup and restore, but I'm guessing any program that does that is simply a script that uses dd.
I never saw the advantages of X-Reality in photos, only saw it in videos, and I can't see it anymore.
Restoring the TA doesn't need flashtool, adb is just to make terminal access easier and transfer the backup, technically you could just use a terminal emulator on the Play Store and upload the backup to Google Drive without using a PC. You just need to be rooted.

MohammadAG said:
Restoring TA relocks the bootloader and restores X-Reality and the likes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring TA that mean restoring the phone to factory state, that mean I can't do that if I am on Custom Rom with Custom Kernel.
Factory state I will need just for warranty or I have to choose what I want, Custom Rom with Custom Kernels without X-Reality and BIONZ or Custom Rom with Stock Kernel with X-Reality and BIONZ?
What you people will do?

eclyptos said:
Even if I backup TA I will lose BIONZ and X-Reality anyway so backup TA to me don't make sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this you go on about BIONZ?
What, your camera now takes raw photos or what?
How does your camera work if your image processor supposedly doesn't?
If you manage to flash your way to a custom kernel and rom, how hard is it to go back to stock and then shove your DRM keys back in there?

benziii said:
What is this you go on about BIONZ?
What, your camera now takes raw photos or what?
How does your camera work if your image processor supposedly doesn't?
If you manage to flash your way to a custom kernel and rom, how hard is it to go back to stock and then shove your DRM keys back in there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BIONZ processing and X-Reality maybe do not influence much the functionality. I am just careful do not lose some pieces which I will need in the future but the only thing what people are saying is that I need the DRM for restore to stock.
Like I said, why I should go back to stock? Just for warranty, who cares! In this DRM keys is something what I have to keep?

Warranty Back

I have unlocked Bootloader but i dont have TA backup and No DRM Keys backup.. I have unlocked my Bootloader by giving SONY my IMEI NO. and putting the code in fastboot.. So i think SONY knows my warranty is void.. Is there anyway i can get my phone back to Original state with locked Bootloader and everything intact..
And most important Restoring of Warranty..
Sent from my 6902 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Unlocked Bootloader with iHacker ROM, CWM Recovery and Volume Boost XZ1

I do not think you can.

Hummmm thanks for the reply
Sent from my 6902 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Unlocked Bootloader with iHacker ROM, CWM Recovery and Volume Boost XZ1

Does restoring my TA also return my drm keys
Sent from my C6902 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

abbychauhan said:
I have unlocked Bootloader but i dont have TA backup and No DRM Keys backup.. I have unlocked my Bootloader by giving SONY my IMEI NO. and putting the code in fastboot.. So i think SONY knows my warranty is void.. Is there anyway i can get my phone back to Original state with locked Bootloader and everything intact..
And most important Restoring of Warranty..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main problem in your case is that you don't have your TA and DRM keys to restore to original state. The IMEI given to Sony is irrelevant and not a issue because you can give the IMAI but never unlocked the bootloader, like I did, or some one give your IMEI to Sony, so thay can't void you warranty just because of the IMEI. Your problem is related to TA and DRM keys only.
RISHI RAJ said:
Does restoring my TA also return my drm keys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when you did a Backup of your TA the DRM keys was backed up as well so when you will restore TA they will be back too.

Whatsoever.. My ph is already 4 months old so left with 8 months.. I ll make sure nothing happens to my Mobile.. Because after 12 months warranty is of no use
Sent from my 6902 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Unlocked Bootloader with iHacker ROM, CWM Recovery and Volume Boost XZ1