An inexpensive alternative to cable television without monthly fees and with thousands of television and radio channels is satellite television. 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 airborne interference.
Digital Satellite Broadcasting
Almost all satellites broadcast FTA channels, for the reception of which conditional access systems are not required. 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. To get access to them, you will need to buy a smart card, an expensive satellite receiver and pay a monthly fee.
Sometimes encoded 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 manually from the remote control or received from the network, if the satellite receiver has such an opportunity. The firmware of the satellite tuner is also used.
Card sharing
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 card sharing and consists in the fact that the satellite receiver, for decrypting the signal, accesses the smart card installed in the server’s DVB card through a network connection. In this case, it is not so much the speed of the connection that is important as its stability. A large signal delay can affect reception quality.
Card sharing can be used to watch satellite TV on multiple TVs at no extra charge. For example, the operator “Tricolor TV” for the ability to watch its TV channels on two televisions simultaneously increases the monthly fee by two-thirds, which amounts to 800 rubles. in year.
Operators in Russia
An example of satellite broadcasting in Russia is the Tricolor TV system. Broadcast 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 main package includes 195 television channels, including 30 high-definition, 35 radio stations and 2 ULTRA HD television channels. In addition, you can connect 15 children's channels of the Children's package, 8 channels of the Night package and the Our Football channel. Broadcasting is in Exset and DRE-Crypt encodings.
The first satellite TV operator was NTV-Plus. Broadcasting is from positions 36E and 56E of the geostationary orbit. The basic package includes 167 channels, and additional ones - 115 more. Viaccess coding system is used.
The satellite TV operator Orion Express is broadcasting from satellites at positions 85E and 140E. Offers satellite TV under the brands:
- "Content TV" - position 85E, 50 channels + 13 free 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 the firmware?
Whatever tuner is used - FTA or with a CAM-module, with or without an emulator, it is always necessary to replace the software (software) of the satellite receiver.
The reasons may be different:
- troubleshooting or bugs in software;
- the emergence of new software features, such as the addition of a clear interface language, teletext, improved design;
- the ability to tune in new satellites;
- streamlining frequencies and channel names;
- return to the old firmware version due to 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 cards;
- via internet connection.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
So, the minus 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 are the freedom to choose software and the ability to download it at any convenient time. The firmware of the tuner can be easily found on the websites of manufacturers and websites of satellite TV lovers.
When downloading from a satellite manually, its data and the parameters of the software update channel 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 in that it can start at any time, but it is undesirable to interrupt it. There are also incomprehensible benefits of replacing the tuner program. However, the stability and speed of updating speak in favor of this method.
Using cards and CAM modules to download firmware is complicated by the fact that many tuners do not support this update method, and, of course, you need a CAM module and a smart card. The advantages are the same as when manually booting from a PC, plus the ability to use a card and module to view closed TV channels.
The latter option is possible only with the support of a satellite receiver network interface or Wi-Fi and the presence of such a possibility in the firmware of the device. In this case, most likely, the update is limited by the scope of already installed software.
So, installing the firmware from a PC looks the most preferable. The possibility of updating must be considered when choosing a satellite receiver.
Precautionary measures
Receiver software and programs for recording it are usually delivered without any guarantee, therefore the responsibility for the result of their use, especially if it is test software, lies with the user. Moreover, unsuccessful firmware of a digital tuner leads to a loss of warranty for a satellite receiver, so it is advisable to entrust this procedure to a specialist.
The connection of the tuner and the PC should be done with the devices turned off. In this case, a null modem cable is used.
For recording, use only programs that are designed to work with the satellite tuner of this model.
Before the tuner firmware with new software, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the reviews of users who have already installed it. Make it easier on the satellite TV forums. Indeed, sometimes after installing new software, some features of the previous version that I would like to keep lost.
You cannot turn off the 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 cross-connected, which makes it possible to connect two devices using the RS-232 protocol without a modem. Mostly used 9-pin female connectors. Data is transmitted sequentially in full duplex mode.
If you wish, you can make a null modem cable yourself using two ordinary cables for the COM port. To do this, you need to unsolder the plug connector of one cable and solder the socket connector in its place in accordance with the diagram. It is enough to connect the contacts 2-3, 3-2, 5-5 and the "case-to-case".
Firmware Tuner Strong SRT 6006
To transfer software from one tuner to another, you must:
- Disconnect both receivers and connect serial RS-232 ports with a null modem cable.
- Turn on the receiver, which will transmit the software, and leave the second one in the disconnected 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. Writing data to the memory of the receiving device will begin.
You cannot turn off the power of satellite receivers during a data transfer session and save it. 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 are available from the 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 version of the software is available and begin downloading. If the latest firmware version is already installed, a message about this will appear on the screen. You cannot turn off the power while recording.
Updating via satellite in some territories is not possible, as it depends on the satellite coverage area.
Firmware for 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", run Hyper Terminal on the computer.
- Select the connection COM port number (COM1 or COM2) and configure the port parameters:
- transmission speed: 115200;
- parity: no;
- data bits: 8;
- flow control: no;
- stop bits: 1.
In the "Hyperterminal" select the menu "Transfer" and "Send file".
Then select the file with the UPD extension, the data transfer protocol “1K Xmodem” and click 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.
General Satellite GS B210 Digital Satellite Receiver Software Update
- Automatic update from satellite.
At its discretion, the satellite television operator initiates 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.
The request is confirmed 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 malfunction.
If the update completes successfully, the tuner will automatically reboot.
The user settings, including the configuration of the antennas and the list of TV channels, will not be saved after the update.
- Tuner firmware using a 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 USB drive formatted in the FAT32 system. A flash drive can be formatted on a PC or in the tuner itself using the Multimedia application.
Connect the drive to the receiver. A dialog box pops up asking you to update the program.
Confirm the request by selecting OK on the screen and pressing OK on the control panel. The update procedure will begin.
The firmware of the TV tuner will end with a message about the end of the download, if the update is successful, the receiver will reboot. Remove the USB media from the device.
When installing alternative software, this procedure will have to be repeated twice. The first time the b210.upd file is flashed, and then the b210_lcs1_app.upd is flashed.
Tuner firmware Eurosky 4050C / 4100C
This device and its analogs are interesting in that they are used by the Tricolor TV operator.
The instructions to the tuner mention only the update method according to the "Master Receiver" method. However, with various modifications to the master and receiver loaders, an attempt to transfer data will fail. You can change them using the ALI Tools 3329 B recording tool.
Tuner firmware instruction with simultaneous bootloader replacement:
- Connect the receiver to the PC serial port.
- Run the Upgrade Tool program and select Upgrade in the Mode Setting window.
- Select a COM port.
- By clicking the Browse button, specify the directory in which the tuner firmware is located.
- Select binary file type.
- Enter the firmware file in the “File Name” window and click “Open”.
- In the "Update Type" window, select allcode + bootloader.
- Turn on the receiver and put it in standby state.
- Click Next. The bootloader will go into standby mode for the satellite receiver.
- Turn on the receiver. In the process of work, messages about checking the COM port, about collecting information about the device and about the start of the download will appear. The degree of readiness is displayed on the PC screen.
- When the download is complete, the recording process will begin, the degree of readiness of which is also displayed on the screen. Replacing the bootloader and updating the firmware is accompanied by a Finished message.
- Turn off the tuner and disconnect the cable.
As a result, the bootloader and firmware of the TV tuner for the satellite dish will be updated. But that is not all. The new firmware of the Tricolor TV tuner already contains keys that will allow you to open part of the encoded channels, but there is no list of channels, as the former was destroyed by replacing the firmware.
For normal operation of the receiver, you should scan the channels, or rewrite them from another device with the same bootloader, or flash them using a computer if there is a ready-made list of channels. In addition, the new filling will need actual keys. The key downloader program will help.
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.
OPENBOX SX4 Base HD update via technical support server
The firmware of the satellite TV tuner OPENBOX SX4 Base HD in occupied space exceeds 70 MB. To update the firmware over the network, you need a reliable high-speed connection. Otherwise, long wait cannot be avoided, and the final result will be unpredictable.
First you need to connect the USB-stick with FAT32 and go to the menu “Download - Software”. The satellite receiver itself will connect to the server and display a list of available software. The selection 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.