D6616 Root... can we use custom ROM's with full camera functionality?

[Dark_Xperian]

Hey everyone,

For those wanting to root their D6616 without losing anything (especially our precious DRM keys for full camera functionality), here is the XDA post with detailed instructions:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60507399&postcount=171

So, now that we can backup the TA partition with the DRM keys, can we use custom ROM's with full camera functionality after restoreing the keys? Has anyone done this yet?

Thanks y'all,

Johnathan

[komilAD]

But you can't install custom roms on locked bootloader.

[Dark_Xperian]

Thanks komilAD, I figured that if there was a tutorial on a rooted Z3 with a backed up DRM partition, etc. then it would include unlocking the bootloader, etc. or at least a link to how to do this without losing the keys.

[komilAD]

Check in your device's service menu whether your phone's bootloader can be unlocked or not. If it says no then AFAIK you can't install custom roms.

[Dark_Xperian]

Thanks again for the info.

According to this site with instructions on checking this, my bootloader is locked:

http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/

I would assume that there is a way to unlock this, either from Sony support or via XDA?

[komilAD]

Ok. Did you checked your rooting status in service menu? (service menu - service info - configuration - rooting status) In rooting status if it says bootloader unlock allowed: YES then you can unlock your device's bootloader, but if the rooting status says NO then it is hard locked to your carrier (may be then you need to ask your carrier about this).

There are two ways to unlock your bootloader.
1) Fastboot method, 2) Flashtool method. But both method requires unlock keys which you will find in the link you provided, you need to follow the steps.

But I can advice you to ask in xda forums so you get better guidelines.

[komilAD]

If you unlock your bootloader and want to keep it unlocked then you will indefinitely lose drm keys.
But if you take back up of TA partition then you can recover drm keys when you relock your bootloader.

[Dark_Xperian]

Ah, I get what you're saying. In order for the DRM keys to be used, an approved ROM has to be used which will relock the device and use the keys provided. Thus, what you're saying is that custom ROM's can't use the DRM keys, correct?

[komilAD]

You cant restore TA partition on custom roms. You need stock sony rom to do that. BTW Relocking the bootloader can be done with Flashtool, after that you can restore.

[Dark_Xperian]

Understood, thanks for the clarification.

I wonder how bad the camera is after unlocking the bootloader. Is it really that bad or just something annoying but is tolerable?

Looking just now, I did find this XDA thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/camera-picture-samples-unlock-t2898606