An inexpensive alternative to cable TV with no monthly subscriptions and thousands of TV and radio channels is satellite TV. It is enough to purchase a tuner, a parabolic antenna, tune it to the desired satellite, and you can enjoy high-quality image and sound without radio interference.
Digital satellite broadcasting
Almost all satellites broadcast FTA channels, which do not require conditional access systems to receive. The Hot Bird satellite, for example, broadcasts about 500 open television channels, including 17 high-definition channels and more than 260 radio stations. Paid channels broadcast in Conax, Mediaguard, Irdeto, Viaccess, Betacrypt, Cryptoworks, Nagravision, PowerVu, BISS encodings. To get access to them, you will need to buy a smart card, an expensive satellite receiver and pay a subscription fee.
Sometimes encrypted TV channels can be viewed using a smart card emulator - a program that simulates the operation of cards in different encodings. To decode the signal, the emulator needs keys that can be entered withremote control manually or receive from the network if the satellite receiver has this capability. The firmware of the satellite tuner is also used.
Cardsharing
If the above method does not help, then you can access the official card over the network even in the absence of a conditional access module (CAM-module) and a card reader. This method is called cardsharing and consists in the fact that the satellite receiver accesses the smart card installed in the DVB-board of the server through a network connection to decrypt the signal. At the same time, it is not so much the speed of the connection that is important, but its stability. A large signal delay may affect the reception quality.
Cardsharing can be used to watch satellite TV on multiple TVs at no extra cost. So, for example, the Tricolor TV operator, for the opportunity to watch its TV channels on two TVs at the same time, increases the subscription fee by two-thirds, which is 800 rubles. per year.
Operators in Russia
An example of satellite broadcasting in Russia is the Tricolor TV system. Broadcasting to the European part of the Russian Federation is carried out from the geostationary position 36E, and to Siberia and the Far East - from 56E. The basic package includes 195 TV channels, including 30 high definition, 35 radio stations and 2 ULTRA HD TV channels. Additionally, you can connect 15 children's channels of the "Children's" package, 8 channels of the "Night" package and the Nash Football TV channel. Broadcasting is carried out in Exset and DRE-Crypt encodings.
The first satellite TV operatorbecame NTV-Plus. Broadcasting is from positions 36E and 56E of the geostationary orbit. The basic package includes 167 channels, and additional - 115 more. The Viaccess coding system is used.
Satellite TV operator "Orion Express" is broadcasting from satellites at positions 85E and 140E. Offers satellite TV brands:
- "Content TV" - position 85E, 50 channels + 13 free channels and there are HDTV channels, Irdeto encoding.
- Orient Express - position 140E, 46 channels +11 free, Irdeto encoding.
- "Telecard" - position 85E, more than 170 channels, Conax encoding.
Why and how to change firmware?
Whatever tuner is used - FTA or with a CAM module, with or without an emulator, there is always a need to replace the software (software) of the satellite receiver.
The reasons may be different:
- software troubleshooting or bugs;
- the emergence of such new software features as the addition of a clear interface language, teletext, improved design;
- the ability to tune in to new satellites;
- ordering frequencies and channel names;
- return to the old version of the firmware due to the deterioration of the tuner;
- the ability to watch more channels.
There are several options for updating the tuner software:
- manual replacement using a personal computer;
- replacement with a similar tuner with new firmware;
- from satellite or via CAM modules and maps;
- through connectionto the internet.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
So, the disadvantage of installing from a PC is the need for a computer, an Internet connection or any storage medium with firmware recorded on it, a special cable. The advantages lie in the freedom of choice of software and the ability to download it at any convenient time. The tuner firmware can be easily found on the websites of manufacturers and websites of satellite TV lovers.
When manually downloading from a satellite, satellite data and software update channel settings will be required. But the signal may not be received, and the benefits of the new software are unknown. The positive aspects of this method are quality assurance and unlimited time.
Downloading firmware from a satellite in automatic mode is inconvenient because it can start at any time, and it is undesirable to interrupt it. The benefits of replacing the tuner program are also not clear here. However, the stability of work and the promptness of the update speak in favor of this method.
Using cards and CAMs to download firmware is complicated by the fact that many tuners do not support this method of updating, and of course a CAM and a smart card are needed. The benefits are the same as with manual download from a PC, plus the ability to use a card and a module to watch closed TV channels.
The last option is possible only if the satellite receiver supports a network interface or Wi-Fi and the presence of such a possibility in the device firmware. At the same time, most likely, the update is limited to the alreadyinstalled software.
So, installing the firmware from a PC looks like the most preferable. The possibility of upgrading must be considered when choosing a satellite receiver.
Precautions
Receiver software and programs for writing it are usually supplied without any warranty, so the responsibility for the result of their use, especially if it is test software, lies with the user. Moreover, unsuccessful digital tuner firmware leads to loss of warranty for the satellite receiver, so it is advisable to entrust this procedure to a specialist.
Connection of the tuner and PC should be done with the devices powered off. This uses a null modem cable.
For recording, use only programs that are designed to work with this model's satellite tuner.
Before flashing the tuner with new software, it is advisable to read the reviews of users who have already installed it. It is easier to do this on the forums dedicated to satellite TV. After all, sometimes after installing new software, some features of the previous version disappear that I would like to keep.
Do not turn off your PC or tuner while recording a program.
Null modem cable
To flash the receiver from a similar device or PC, you will need a null modem cable. The transmission and reception lines in it are connected crosswise, which makes it possible to connect two devices via the RS-232 protocol without a modem. Mostly 9-pin female connectors are used. Data is being transferredsequentially in full duplex mode.
If desired, you can make a null modem cable yourself using two ordinary cables for the COM port. To do this, unsolder the plug connector of one cable and solder the female connector in its place in accordance with the diagram. It is enough to connect pins 2-3, 3-2, 5-5 and body-to-body.
Firmware for Strong SRT 6006 tuners
To transfer software from one tuner to another you need:
- Disconnect both receivers and connect the RS-232 serial ports with a null modem cable.
- Turn on the receiver that will transmit software, and leave the second in the off state. On the transmitting device, go to the main menu item "System Setup - System Update - Receiver-Receiver".
If the tuner status has changed to “Receiver detection”, then you need to turn on the second receiver. Data will be written to the memory of the receiving device.
You must not turn off the power of satellite receivers during a data transfer session and their saving. This will lead to damage and the need to repair the tuner.
After updating the software, turn off both receivers and disconnect the cable.
Via satellite
Updates available from Astra 19E and Hotbird 13E satellites.
Select "System Setup - System Update - Via Satellite". Then select Astra 19E and Hotbird 13E, go to OK and press OK on the remote control.
The receiver will determine if a new software version is available and start downloading. If athe latest firmware version is already installed, a message about this will appear on the screen. Do not turn off the power during recording.
Update via satellite is not possible in some areas due to satellite coverage.
Firmware satellite tuner using a computer:
- Disconnect the receiver from the network and connect its RS-232 port to the PC COM port with a null modem cable.
- Selecting the menu item "Start - Programs - Accessories - Communications - Hyperterminal", launch Hyper Terminal on the computer.
- Select the number of the connection COM port (COM1 or COM2) and configure the port parameters:
- baud rate: 115200;
- parity: none;
- data bits: 8;
- flow control: no;
- stop bits: 1.
In the "Hyperterminal" select the menu "Transfer" and "Send file".
Then you should select the file with the UPD extension, the data transfer protocol "1K Xmodem" and click on OK.
A data transfer window should appear on the screen.
To download the software, you must turn on the tuner. The process takes up to 2.5 minutes.
Updating software for digital satellite receiver General Satellite GS B210
Auto update from satellite
At its discretion, the satellite TV operator will initiate a software update of the receiver from the satellite. The update service will display a message about the availability of new software and ask you to confirm the update.
Requestconfirmed by selecting OK on the screen and pressing the OK button on the remote control. After that, the update will begin, accompanied by messages about its progress and an indication of the degree of completion. It is important not to turn off the receiver while recording a program as it may be damaged.
If the update is successful, the tuner will automatically reboot.
User settings, including antenna configuration and TV channel list, will not be saved after the update.
Firmware tuner using USB flash drive
The new software, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website gs.ru, must be written to the root folder of a FAT32-formatted USB drive. The flash drive can be formatted on a PC or on the tuner itself using the Media application.
Connect the drive to the receiver. A dialog box will pop up asking you to update the software.
Confirm the prompt by selecting OK on the screen and pressing OK on the remote control. The update procedure will begin.
The firmware of the TV tuner will end with a message about the completion of the download, if the update is successful, the receiver will reboot. Remove the USB stick from the device.
When installing alternative software, this procedure will have to be repeated twice. The b210.upd file is flashed for the first time, and then b210_lcs1_app.upd.
Eurosky 4050C/4100C tuner firmware
This device and its analogues are interesting because they are used by the Tricolor TV operator.
In the instructions for the tuner, only the method of updating using the "Master Receiver" method is mentioned. However, with differentWith modifications to the master and receiver bootloaders, the attempt to transfer data will fail. You can change them with ALI Tools 3329 B.
Instruction for flashing the tuner with the simultaneous replacement of the bootloader:
- Connect the receiver to the PC serial port.
- Start the Upgrade Tool program and select Upgrade in the Mode Setting window.
- Select COM port.
- By clicking the Browse button, specify the directory where the tuner firmware is located.
- Select binary file type.
- Enter the firmware file into the "File name" window and click "Open".
- In the "Upgrade Type" window, select allcode + bootloader.
- Turn on the receiver and set it to standby.
- Press the Next button. The loader will go into standby mode for the satellite receiver to be ready.
- Turn on the receiver. During operation, messages will appear about checking the COM port, about collecting information about the device, and about starting the download. The degree of readiness is displayed on the PC screen.
- After the download is completed, the recording process will begin, the degree of completion of which is also displayed on the screen. Replacing the bootloader and updating the firmware is accompanied by the message Finished.
- Turn off the tuner and unplug the cable.
As a result, the bootloader and firmware of the TV tuner for the satellite dish will be updated. But that's not all. The new firmware of the Tricolor TV tuner already contains keys that will allow you to open some of the encrypted channels, but there is no channel list, since the previous one wasdestroyed by firmware replacement.
For normal operation of the receiver, you should scan channels, or rewrite from another device with the same bootloader, or flash it using a computer if there is a ready list of channels. In addition, the new stuffing will need actual keys. The key loader program will help with this.
The Eurosky tuner firmware described here is also suitable for OpenFox 4100, GLOBO 4000C/4050C/4100C/9100a, Opticum 4100C, Orton 4050C, Tiger Star 8100, Star track SR-55X, WinQuest 4050C/4100C receivers.
Update OPENBOX SX4 Base HD via support server
Firmware for OPENBOX SX4 Base HD satellite TV tuner exceeds 70 MB in size. To update the firmware over the network, you need a reliable high-speed connection. Otherwise, a long wait cannot be avoided, and the end result will be unpredictable.
First you need to connect a USB drive with FAT32 and go to the "Download - Software" menu. The satellite receiver itself will connect to the server and display a list of available software. The choice should be confirmed by pressing the red button on the remote control, after which the tuner firmware will begin. The receiver will report the completion of the process with a message and reboot.
