This is the second part of the follow-up to my article from 2013 and explains in detail how to back up and restore NVRAM data with CD-interlink. The other option, CD-i Link, and how to connect a Philips CD-i player to a modern Windows PC is covered in the first part. Make sure to follow the guide to set up the connection and the terminal program Tera Term.

CD-interlink (alternate spelling: CD-i’nterlink, CD-Interlink and CD-InterLink) is a program developed by Novaré International (and human interaction inc.) in 1994. It is dubbed The Complete CD-i File Manager and has some useful functions to view and manipulate single/multiple files in the NVRAM. Some functions require the connection to a terminal. At first sight, it seems to be easier to use for beginners because it has a graphical user interface that can be operated with a CD-i controller. Don’t get fooled by this though, because file transfers are actually more complicated to set up than with cdilink.

Continue reading Back Up and Restore NVRAM Data With CD-interlink →

This article is a follow-up to my article from 2013 and explains how connect a Philips CD-i player to a modern Windows PC and how to back up and restore NVRAM data with CD-i Link. The other option CD-interlink is covered in this article.

Back then, I built a null-modem cable which I still use today. Over the years I’ve used it to connect all my CD-i players to PCs and portable devices for data transfer and debugging purposes. However, some models required additional adapters and/or different connectors.

Cables and setup

For most Philips CD-i players you will need to make a null-modem cable with Mini-DIN-8 and DE-9F connectors according to the CD-i Nullmodem Cable Specification found on this page. The Mini-DIN-8 connector goes into the back port of the player (usually labelled INPUT 2, RS-232 or SERIAL I/O).

Continue reading Back Up and Restore NVRAM Data With CD-i Link →