Database Develop

{Q} Doubts regarding unlocking and Flashing

Hi,
I unlocked the bootloader and took a TA backup. I tried to flash the CM kernel, but could not do it as the instructions seemed too vague. Hence I wanted to go back to stock. So this is what i did.
I used the flash tool and flashed the stock ROM again. After that I restored the TA backup again. But I still see that my camera is not working. Hence wanted to know.
1. How to get the camera working after unlocking the bootloader ? Is flashing TA enough?
2. Will restoring the TA backup lock the bootloader again? If not, how to lock the bootloader again?

ravi_buz said:
Hi,
I unlocked the bootloader and took a TA backup. I tried to flash the CM kernel, but could not do it as the instructions seemed too vague. Hence I wanted to go back to stock. So this is what i did.
I used the flash tool and flashed the stock ROM again. After that I restored the TA backup again. But I still see that my camera is not working. Hence wanted to know.
1. How to get the camera working after unlocking the bootloader ? Is flashing TA enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should be, try clearing data or repairing using pccompanion
EDIT
Did you take the TA backup before or after unlocking the bootloader? your post implies you did it after
2. Will restoring the TA backup lock the bootloader again? If not, how to lock the bootloader again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes

gregbradley said:
it should be, try clearing data or repairing using pccompanion
EDIT
Did you take the TA backup before or after unlocking the bootloader? your post implies you did it after
yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also after flashing a custom rom (which needs unlocked bootloader), can i flash the TA partition to get the camera functionality?

No, as I said, restoring the TA relocks the boot loader, which means you can't boot a custom kernel. So any custom rom that needs a custom kernel will result in boot loops.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

As Greg's already said flashing the TA file will restore you back to normal, which means that it's kind of pointless unlocking the bootloader as of yet, unless you can live without your camera, personally i can't.
Just root the device and flash Monx's rom, at least until someone fixes it (unlikely) or Sony release a new version of android and hopefully fix the issue with the camera, keep those TA back up's safe by the way, each one is unique so you couldn't borrow someone else's.

dladz said:
Just root the device and flash Monx's rom,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Rom is good? Can you post the link?

Www.Google.com
Or look in the dev section...
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

gregbradley said:
Www.Google.com
Or look in the dev section...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good one.

eclyptos said:
Good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing as that there are only a handful of rom's on the Z1 it's not hard to find, just hop over to the android development section.

dladz said:
Seeing as that there are only a handful of rom's on the Z1 it's not hard to find, just hop over to the android development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I was just asking from your experience how it was.

eclyptos said:
I know, I was just asking from your experience how it was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry, yea its decent enough, ive got the kitkat launcher on it I find it better and the "Ok Google" is brilliant, strictly speaking you don't need a rom from here, having a stock rom will work as all the mods that you can get will come from xposed anyway.
Give it a whirl and see how you go, thats the best way to know with rom's m8 as some people just don't like what others do.

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?

How to relock bootloader without TA backups.. Android 4.3.. Please help mr

Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Nuwan75n said:
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is possible to lock it without a backup, is your camera not working anymore ?

You can try flashtool, BLU option tries to relock it if it's unlocked, theres a good chance you will brick your device!
Have fun
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

AntiDroid said:
it is possible to lock it without a backup, is your camera not working anymore ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure this is good and/or informative advice? I thought a locked bootloader not finding valid keys in the TA will refuse to ever function usefully again - no boot, no fastboot, no flashmode, nothing, totally bricked, and no way to convert it back to unlocked and get your phone back.
I would like to know if I am wrong about any of that. And... it seems that I was:
** Correction - it is Ok to relock the bootloader without having the pre-unlock data in the TA partition
** Flashing in data from any other TA partition (some other phone) seems certain to brick the phone though.

n0bleINtP said:
Are you sure this is good and/or informative advice? I thought a locked bootloader not finding valid keys in the TA will refuse to ever function usefully again - no boot, no fastboot, no flashmode, nothing, totally bricked, and no way to convert it back to unlocked and get your phone back.
I would like to know if I am wrong about any of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never read about those damages but I read things like the known camera bug.
I unlocked my Z1 on .290 - the Sony release which fixed the problem (4.3). I flashed a Recovery and rooted it with it and my device is working like it was with a "untouched" ROM.
That's all I know.
We could wait for a dev to answer deeper questions.

AntiDroid said:
I unlocked my Z1 on .290 - the Sony release which fixed the problem (4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this absolutely fine and is what I did with my Z1, ie do not unlock until after the 290 update is applied - you will see that advice on the Sony unlock website. However if you want a TA backup you need to do that before unlocking as the unlock process will wipe the keys, and you also need root in order to make that copy. (let me know if I am wrong about that)
My process was to root on earlier firmware, copy the TA, update to .290, then unlock. After unlocking full root on .290 is easy with a custom kernel and everything is good: unlocked, rooted *and* working camera.
But you *will* need a copy of the pre-unlock TA partition to regain any of the functions that use the DRM keys if you decide to relock the bootloader later.

It is impossible to get the DRM keys back, and there is no gain from relocking without them, all you're doing is locking down the bootloader without enabling BIONZ, etc, but you can certainly run a stock system if you want.

n0bleINtP said:
Yes this absolutely fine and is what I did with my Z1, ie do not unlock until after the 290 update is applied - you will see that advice on the Sony unlock website. However if you want a TA backup you need to do that before unlocking as the unlock process will wipe the keys, and you also need root in order to make that copy. (let me know if I am wrong about that)
My process was to root on earlier firmware, copy the TA, update to .290, then unlock. After unlocking full root on .290 is easy with a custom kernel and everything is good: unlocked, rooted *and* working camera.
But you *will* need a copy of the pre-unlock TA partition to regain any of the functions that use the DRM keys if you decide to relock the bootloader later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, yesterday I downgraded to rooteable 4.2.2 rom in order to backup TA partition. Once I had backup, I updated to 4.3 (290) and unlocked bootloader, then flashed recovery. With recovery was easy to flash superSu. Now I have "stock" rom with root and unlocked bootloader, but I realized that x-reality wasn't warking anymore (because of the DRM keys loss).
I tried to recover TA partition, but I caused a soft-brick, wich I only could solve flashing a 290 ftf through flashtool, but I lost root. My question is: It is possible to have root and DRM keys (TA partition restored)??
Thank you very much.

yanbee said:
Hello, yesterday I downgraded to rooteable 4.2.2 rom in order to backup TA partition. Once I had backup, I updated to 4.3 (290) and unlocked bootloader, then flashed recovery. With recovery was easy to flash superSu. Now I have "stock" rom with root and unlocked bootloader, but I realized that x-reality wasn't warking anymore (because of the DRM keys loss).
I tried to recover TA partition, but I caused a soft-brick, wich I only could solve flashing a 290 ftf through flashtool, but I lost root. My question is: It is possible to have root and DRM keys (TA partition restored)??
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, never.

Just2Cause said:
No, never.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, apart from losing x-reality and some Sony apps functionalities (which I dont care). Do you lose something else? I heard about losing bionz processor, but camera still works, then I dont know how far this is true.
The incompatibility problem of root and restored TA partition, is because flashing recovery (which modifies kernel) or supersu.apk it self?
Thank you VERY much!

You loose bionz, but not x-reality. I unlocked my bootloader and I have x-relity enabled.
Some ROMs won't have working camera, for example: android 4.4 KitKat ported from xperia z ultra GPe, and some other ROMs.

Just2Cause said:
You loose bionz, but not x-reality. I unlocked my bootloader and I have x-relity enabled.
Some ROMs won't have working camera, for example: android 4.4 KitKat ported from xperia z ultra GPe, and some other ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that the x-reality option is still on menu, and you can enable/disable it, but it doesn't work. Before, I could see in the first second of picture showing how x-reality improves the image (its an effect that can be seen with the naked eye), this is not happening now. By the way, its for sure that bionz stop working? How could I take pictures without it?
Thank you

yanbee said:
I can see that the x-reality option is still on menu, and you can enable/disable it, but it doesn't work. Before, I could see in the first second of picture showing how x-reality improves the image (its an effect that can be seen with the naked eye), this is not happening now. By the way, its for sure that bionz stop working? How could I take pictures without it?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about bionz, but I guessed it as I had the x-relity option enabled. I can't tell if it works or not as I don't have camera (I'm using ported 4.4)
It would be nice of someone confirmed it.

Correct me if i am wrong.
Bionz is a service which improves the pictures after a shot, isn't it ?
Bionz and X-Reality are things u can't detect that easy like "oh that effect is from X-Reality" or something else.
I thought the main reason for not working cameras on other roms was that the dev's didn't apply those 4.3 changes :S

AntiDroid said:
Correct me if i am wrong.
Bionz is a service which improves the pictures after a shot, isn't it ?
Bionz and X-Reality are things u can't detect that easy like "oh that effect is from X-Reality" or something else.
I thought the main reason for not working cameras on other roms was that the dev's didn't apply those 4.3 changes :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bionz it's a image processor that includes xperia Z1, it process the pictures taken instead the cpu. I dont know if it's easy to detect if it's working or not. But in the case of x-reallity it's very simple, when you open a picture in Sony gallery app, you can see how the picture "improves" quality in the first second. It is no so evident in all pictures, but can be detected by a naked eye, as I do.
My only doubt is about bionz processor, I already know that I loss x-reality. But I want to be SURE if bionz processing is also lost. I want to have full root (with unlocked bootloader), and have bionz enabled. I dont care x-reality or Sony apps.
Thank you very much

Just2Cause said:
No, never.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.

Rekoil said:
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? :fingers-crossed:

Just2Cause said:
Are you sure about that? :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that and it worked
Sent from my iPad Air using Tapatalk

Rekoil said:
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jjpro45 said:
I did that and it worked
Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you VERY much!!! Could someone tell me how to reflash boot partition only?? The TA partition which I must restore, could be restored in 290 if backups comes from 534?

[Q] How to backup TA, MAC and IMEI with unlocked BL?

Greetings to everyone
I have already unlocked BL & rooted my 4.3 xperia Z1 with CWM recovery installed... the camera and everything works fine
So, how to backup TA, MAC and IMEI with unlocked BL? I want to avoid any furthur losing possibility of them
Sorry If this a repeated question but I have searched a lot before posting this
thank you

You can't Backup your TA if you Unlocked your Bootloader. You lost your DRM keys permanently. You will not be able to re-lock you bootloader and you are not covered by your warranty. Sorry but you should read carefully before do anything.

Yeah, too late, you should have done this before the unlock....

eclyptos said:
You can't Backup your TA if you Unlocked your Bootloader. You lost your DRM keys permanently. You will not be able to re-lock you bootloader and you are not covered by your warranty. Sorry but you should read carefully before do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh.. I hope everything will still fine .. but I saw option in flashtool to relock BL.. it won't relock my phone ?? ... and what is the safe way to update my device firmware when 4.4 kitkat arrives to xperia z1 ??? and what are the risks now ?? what I must avoid and never do ?? any advices for me ???... sure it's better to stay one 4.3 without root rather than breaking my phone
thank you

ghostman2 said:
Yeah, too late, you should have done this before the unlock....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I realize that .. I was on HTC before and I didn't know that the unlock BL is like that in SONY .. it's all my fault

Hani88 said:
oh.. I hope everything will still fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be all fine but the safest way was backup TA first because if one day happen something on your phone you can't go via warranty.
Hani88 said:
.. but I saw option in flashtool to relock BL.. it won't relock my phone ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You still losing your DRM keys so even if he does it's compromise, no x-reality, bionz engine and bravia.
Hani88 said:
... and what is the safe way to update my device firmware when 4.4 kitkat arrives to xperia z1 ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not a problem, the FTFs will be upload here on XDA like for .290 and Custom Roms as well.
Hani88 said:
and what are the risks now ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what we said already, the risk is if you brick the phone and the warranty will not cover that.
Hani88 said:
what I must avoid and never do ?? any advices for me ???... sure it's better to stay one 4.3 without root rather than breaking my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to avoid anything just read carefully everything when you try to do something. My advice is now to wait for the confirmed and safe way to root or update. In your position you already lost the safest way so I will root, update or flash custom roms to enjoy the phone but remember, it's your own risk and responsability.

Ive done the same, came from HTC.....so I will still have all tge features unless I flash say cm11 and try to go back to a Sony based rom?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Locking, Unlocking, DRM, what do you lose?

Hi,
Just ordered my z3c, looking to put CM12 on it. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 but I've used Samsung devices where there was just about no reason to keep the stock rom, but never heard of DRM apps and functionality in those... I've read a bit about the locking/rooting/DRM situation with these phones, but I haven't found a good, detailed answer on what it is that you actually lose by flashing a custom ROM like CM12 and/or unlocking the bootloader. So my question:
-What apps/functionality is lost when unlocking the bootloader?
-Does losing the DRM keys even apply to CM12, since I'm guessing they can't be used by anything in CM12?
-Do I need to unlock my bootloader to flash CM12? No TWRP from what I've gathered, but you can flash the CM recovery?
Thanks for the help.

Correct me if I'm wrong...
zander21510 said:
Hi,
-What apps/functionality is lost when unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read that it's stuff like TrackID, Bravia engine, PS4 Remote Play?
-Does losing the DRM keys even apply to CM12, since I'm guessing they can't be used by anything in CM12?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, because in order to flash CM12, you need to flash a custom kernel. Locked bootloader will not accept custom kernel. So bootloader must be unlocked.
-Do I need to unlock my bootloader to flash CM12? No TWRP from what I've gathered, but you can flash the CM recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See above. For this phone, custom recovery is possible with a locked bootloader, as long as Root has been achieved. This doesn't mean you can go ahead and flash CM12 though! But you can flash custom roms that are based on the stock Sony kernel. (Make sure to check the post - some custom roms may be based on a certain build of the stock kernel, so you'd have to make sure your phone's stock rom/kernel is aligned with that)
Another thing to note is that it should be possible to backup your DRM keys (your TA?) if you have root on your device. This would allow you to restore the DRM stuff when/if you decide to re-lock the bootloader. Backing up the DRM stuff can only be done BEFORE the first unlock of the bootloader. Once it's unlocked, DRM is gone.

LaZiODROID said:
Correct me if I'm wrong...
I have read that it's stuff like TrackID, Bravia engine, PS4 Remote Play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the low-light improvement camera function as well - there is a patch over at the cross device section, but you should be aware of it nevertheless
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------
LaZiODROID said:
Another thing to note is that it should be possible to backup your DRM keys (your TA?) if you have root on your device. This would allow you to restore the DRM stuff when/if you decide to re-lock the bootloader. Backing up the DRM stuff can only be done BEFORE the first unlock of the bootloader. Once it's unlocked, DRM is gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, very important - once you root make sure to backup the DRM keys even if you're not going to unlock the bl and save a copy on several locations.

So from more research, the low-light improvement (probably the most significant loss), wouldn't matter if I used CM12, with the Google Camera, as it is a function of the Sony proprietary camera rather than a function of the underlying phone/camera firmware, correct? Would this be true of the noise cancellation and other functions, baked into the ROM/apps and not a function of the firmware?
I'll still backup the DRM keys in case I need them in the future...no harm in doing so anyway.

There's a thread comparing how photos look before & after losing DRM. This may help you. The low-light one is where you see a pretty big difference.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/camera-picture-samples-unlock-t2898606

What about miracast and chromecast features? Any influence on this?
Gesendet von meinem SGP611 mit Tapatalk

So my question is if you unlock the bootloader . You can restore the DRM so that funtion is back whilst keeping the bootloader unlocked?? Correct??

eezdva said:
So my question is if you unlock the bootloader . You can restore the DRM so that funtion is back whilst keeping the bootloader unlocked?? Correct??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , restoring DRMs will automatically relock bootloader and you will only be able to run them with rooted/unrooted stock firmware.
Though it is possible to restore DRM functions on custom roms but your keys are still gone. (until you restore them but then the rom wont run anymore since you willl softbrick your phone)
See here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672

Thanks for your answer .
I checked the thread but for that fix you do need a locked bootloader? So CM won't work?
The fix it more that you can restore the functionality you lost when you lost your DRM and need to restore functionality?
Anyways I am obviously going to back them up but still would wanna understand it correctly.
Am a little confused here. ??.
---------- Post added at 04:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------
And with custom Roms you mean based on Sony stock I presume

eezdva said:
Thanks for your answer .
I checked the thread but for that fix you do need a locked bootloader? So CM won't work?
The fix it more that you can restore the functionality you lost when you lost your DRM and need to restore functionality?
Anyways I am obviously going to back them up but still would wanna understand it correctly.
Am a little confused here. .
---------- Post added at 04:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------
And with custom Roms you mean based on Sony stock I presume
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No you need an unlocked bootloader, there would be no point to restore DRMs on locked ones since you still have them . CM cannot work with intact DRM since they require a locked bootloader. CM 12 will only run with an unlocked one.--> DRM keys gone. But as CM 12 is not based on Sony stock it actually makes no use of the technology driven by the DRM keys. So there is no fix to "imitate" DRM keys like with stock based custom roms. This would only be possible if somebody manages to port the stock sony software to CM 12 (after lollipop release ) and make the device think its running stock with intact DRMs. And i dont even know if that is possible.