Quote:
According to the ATA standards, the official maximum length is 18 inches, but if you suspect problems with your hard disk you may find that a shorter cable will eliminate them. Sometimes moving where the disks are physically installed in the system case will let you use a shorter cable.
Warning: There are companies that sell 24" and even 36" IDE cables. They are not recommended because they can lead to data corruption and other problems. Many people use these with success, but many people do a lot of things they shouldn't and get away with it. :^)
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from here:
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/if/ide/confCable-c.html
I can't imagine what you're trying to do that 36" cables aren't long enough, but I think you may have a problem here. From reading the above you should gather that even 36" cables are pushing it.
I would suggest using SATA drives, because that standard allows for a "to standard" length of one meter. I imagine people will streach that for all it's worth. But, alas, you have a TIVO, and I don't think it's going to have SATA. Bummer.
Not sure what you're up to buddy, but I think you'd better find some way to restack them drives.
Good luck!