I still have a USDigital STB box for sale. I purchased this from Walmart about a year ago. It was updated with the firmware version 2.7.11 about six months ago. This STB gets the best OTA HD reception of anthting I have tried before or after. I just replaced it with a Dish Network DVR HD receiver with built in OTA. I would like to get $75.00 for it before it goes on Ebay. Send me a private message if interested.

Hey everybody. The keys are now for sale on eBay. See item number 170093897785. They guy is selling some others as well.

Hey everybody. The keys are now for sale on eBay. See item number 170093897785. They guy is selling some others as well.
Wonder if it's for real or a scam. It might even be a police sting I'm willing to take a chance if nothing else it looks like a good price for the usb drive even though it's only a 32mb one. I did a price search and it came back around $53

I did a search on the seller's other items this person has a buttload :eek: of db-2010s fer sale

Wonder if it's for real or a scam. It might even be a police sting I'm willing to take a chance if nothing else it looks like a good price for the usb drive even though it's only a 32mb one. I did a price search and it came back around $53

I did a search on the seller's other items this person has a buttload :eek: of db-2010s fer sale

I have one on the way from that guy. I will post if it works in a few days after I get my hands on it. Fingers crossed.

How much do you wanna bet it's just the regular upgrade for non-subscription boxes.

How much do you wanna bet it's just the regular upgrade for non-subscription boxes.

Oh dear. I didn't even think about that. :(

I will still post when I find out (but now I'm not so excited).

I'm just hoping that someone does the right thing and shares the key data if it works. And don't anyone dare talk about legalities and right and wrong while someone is selling the upgrade on eBay! :p

I have one on the way from that guy. I will post if it works in a few days after I get my hands on it. Fingers crossed.

If it was the USB Flash, how much was it? Did he sell it direct or did you get it through EBay? I don't mind paying $30.00 but I don't want to have to pay more for an auction and bidding war.

Why is this thread so popular? What;s so special about an STB? I have a westinghouse 32w6 with a astc/nstc/qam tuner and use an indoor satellite to receive OTA channels ... what would this STB do and what makes it so special?

One ending even earlier at ebay item 170093933199.

Why is this thread so popular? What;s so special about an STB? I have a westinghouse 32w6 with a astc/nstc/qam tuner and use an indoor satellite to receive OTA channels ... what would this STB do and what makes it so special?

This thread is popular to me for 3 reasons.

1. I have one of these boxes and it would be nice to get a free OTA ASTC tuner with the impending digital change (not all my tvs are 1080p plasmas...or any for that matter)

2. Many of us got screwed by either USDTV or on Ebay and it is a support group to help us out of our screwed situation

3. The Hisense receiver is a nice simple tuner that has component, composite and s-video outputs that has a nice user interface (now), great aspect ratio options, and was relatively cheap even in retail.

Plus linux is sweet

Why is this thread so popular? What would this STB do that's so special?Not much more than the tuner in your set will do. Except for maybe having a built-in program guide.

It's special to the people who have it because they don't have a built-in OTA tuner in their set, like you do.

This thread is popular to me for 3 reasons.

1. I have one of these boxes and it would be nice to get a free OTA ASTC tuner with the impending digital change (not all my tvs are 1080p plasmas...or any for that matter)

2. Many of us got screwed by either USDTV or on Ebay and it is a support group to help us out of our screwed situation

3. The Hisense receiver is a nice simple tuner that has component, composite and s-video outputs that has a nice user interface (now), great aspect ratio options, and was relatively cheap even in retail.

Plus linux is sweet

so this has no value to me if i already have a tuner and get local HD channels?

Why is this thread so popular? What;s so special about an STB? I have a westinghouse 32w6 with a astc/nstc/qam tuner and use an indoor satellite to receive OTA channels ... what would this STB do and what makes it so special?


You dont need the box then.

I use mine with a front projector and also with an HD ready HDTV that doesnt have a built in tuner.

Why is this thread so popular? What;s so special about an STB? I have a westinghouse 32w6 with a astc/nstc/qam tuner and use an indoor satellite to receive OTA channels ... what would this STB do and what makes it so special?

Our TV is Standard Def., however it would be nice to pick up HD broadcasts on it. In many areas, it's easier to pick up a good HD signal than to try to pull in the standard broadcasts. Not to mention the additional channels (PBS here has two or three seperate channels with different content). It won't work magic of course, but it'll look as nice as something can look on Standard Def. which is an improvement :) .

If someone who gets ahold of one of the Ebay keys feels up to making a dd image of it like I specified in an earlier post, I'm sure that you'd be everyone's hero here.

If it was the USB Flash, how much was it? Did he sell it direct or did you get it through EBay? I don't mind paying $30.00 but I don't want to have to pay more for an auction and bidding war.

It was the flash key. It cost $30. I hope it comes in today's mail. He called me and said I can pay with credit card or buy it from him on ebay. I paid via credit card and he said he would mail it to me.

I asked how he got my phone number. He said that he was a local USDTV distributer before they went under. USDTV passed him a list (early this week) of phone numbers that he could call if he wanted to. He said it was a way for him to recoup some of the money he invested by purchasing the Hisense boxes and antennas. He said I was one of the first because I was in red -- meaning I had called Cable Comm many times asking for the upgrade :D

He said he didn't want to drive all over the place to upgrade people because he has his own business to run (but he wanted to help people and recoup money), so he would mail them a key. I thought this was great because now people outside his local area could get a key too -- because technically I live outside their service area but I have a 30ft tower so I could pull the signal and I doubt he would drive 70 miles one way to upgrade me.

I hope it works. I will post if/when I get it. If it does, I will be more than happy with USDTV b/c they let us keep the boxes and I will basically have two HDTV tuners for pretty cheap. The box is perfect for me since I live so far from the signal b/c the analog signal for me has some snow but the digital signal is perfect.

I hope it works. I will post if/when I get it. If it does, I will be more than happy with USDTV b/c they let us keep the boxes and I will basically have two HDTV tuners for pretty cheap. The box is perfect for me since I live so far from the signal b/c the analog signal for me has some snow but the digital signal is perfect.

Did you happen to ask him if it will work on more than one STB? If it does couldn't you potentially resell it and recoup your expenses?

I did get the USB stick today and gave it a try. It worked! :p It took about 5-7 minutes, but it worked.

You unplug the box, put in the stick and plug the box back into the electrical outlet. Up comes a yellow screen that says something like "Installing upgrade. Do not unplug.". Then it has a status bar across the screen and says things like Erasing kernel, Writing kernel and other things I can't remember.

When it was done, it said to unplug the box and remove the stick. Then when you plug it back in you go into the scan for channels. It finds them and then asks about the timezone and sets the time.

Someone earlier mentioned about the serial number going away once upgraded as a way to tell. Mine serial number was there before the upgrade but is gone after. Another thing I notice is that the USDtv symbol (swirl) is not on any of the menu pages.

One tip - my program guide was not working after the upgrade. This was becuase the box defaulted to get the time from the first channel it found. It so happens that it pulls the program guide from the time channel. My first channel is a local program and it doesn't put out the program guide. So I went back into the menu and chose to get the time from NBC and poof, my program guide works!

I am really happy about this. I did try to read the drive in my computer after I upgraded. It said the media was not formatted so I don't know what is on there.

In any case, it worked! So thank you USDTV for the box and thank you to the ebay dude named marsman5d4h for the upgrade.

Just in time for NCAA basketball tonight in HD -- go Tar Heels! Again THANK YOU USDTV for letting us keep these.

It looks like the current version of winimage (at a website of the same name) will backup a USB flash drive. It's not very space friendly... even though the update might only be 10MB, it made a file that was 128MB, the same size as the drive. I was able to zip it, but it only shrunk to 90+ MB. Perhaps starting with a 32MB flash drive would result in a file size that could be e-mailed.

Symantec Ghost 8.0 produced a very nice 7MB file. Perhaps someone with one of these new drives has access to Ghost.

Or... perhaps someone with one of the drives has access to a friend with linux... and then we could get a tar.gz file.

Great to hear that your key from marsman5d4h worked and you are now able to use your DB2010 the way it way meant to be. I also have a key coming from marsman5d4h and a DB2010 new unit. Hope my upgrade works as well as yours, wondering if you had the Menu up before for upgrade which showed the serial number. I lost my menu when I did a "Factory Reset" from USBTV and do not now have access to my serial number, so hoping my key for the upgrade works as well as yours. Really excited to maybe have it working!! When you put the key in your computer, are you using Microsoft or Lennex OS?, to have it show it needed to be formatted. Hope you enjoy the games!!!

Hi everyone.
Well, after owning one of these OTA Wal-mart specials for a while now and even upgrading to the newer firmware 2.7.11 (a crash course in Linux) there's something still not quite right. It has to do with ABC' s HD programming. It will stay on for about a minute and then freezes the whole box up. Can still access menus but can't channel up or down after that. Tells me the Channel "is currently of the air". BS! Only thing that fixes it is a reboot (unplug and replug) or a reset (guide, aspect, exit, etc...) and that's no good either if you go back to the ABC channel when HD programming is on because it screws up again. I have read a few posts about this but no clues as to why. So the qestion I have is this:
Anyone have the same problem and could there be some sort of 'broadcast flag' embedded in ABC HD content that makes the DB-2010 choke when it receives it or could it just be getting more data than the 2010 can resolve at one time and cause it to freeze?
If anyone could venture an idea, an opinion, or even a 'wild a' guess it might help bring some more understanding of this little silver box we all love to hate.
Thanks to all that have helped to keep this 2010 project going.

Well, here's a guess. Since these boxes have problems with audio from time to time, try this. When you get to the ABC station in question, press the audio button on the remote and see if there are are other audio streams available. It may be choking on the audio stream (e.g. 5.1).

If that does not work, try going into the menu and changing the video from 1080i to 720p or vice versa and see if that helps. Also experiment with 480p and 480i and see if you get the same freeze up.

If neither of those work, then I'm stumped. So good luck!

Does anyone know how long it takes to get one of these firmware sticks for the DB2010
and also do you have to live in the area where they had service to get local Channels ?

You just have to live in an area where they are broadcasting digital signals. I doubt that there are many places left that have only analog.
Check antennaweb org
to get an idea of what channels you might get.

wow! don't go on ebay asking a specific question on a db-2010 some of the power sellers will rip you a new one.... :eek: ouch! it still stings

wow! don't go on ebay asking a specific question on a db-2010 some of the power sellers will rip you a new one.... :eek: ouch! it still stings

GOD I AM SO SORRY, I JUST GOT MY FIRST NEGATIVE IN 6 MONTHS 5 MIN BEFORE YOU ASKED ME YOUR QUESTION. SO UNFIAR, I NEEDED 3 DAYS TO SEND BUYER THE RIGHT ITEM, LONG STORY, HAD 2 IDENTICAL EXCEPT FOR A MODEL # DIFFERENCE. ANYWAY, BUYER DID NOT WAIT AND SLAMMED ME, YOU ASKED ME A QUESTION IN THE SAME 15 MIN PERIOD AND I ATTACKED. I AM SO SORRY, I APOLOGIZE IN PUBLIC.. BIG HUGGS, JERRY AKA FRINGE

GOD I AM SO SORRY, I JUST GOT MY FIRST NEGATIVE IN 6 MONTHS 5 MIN BEFORE YOU ASKED ME YOUR QUESTION. SO UNFIAR, I NEEDED 3 DAYS TO SEND BUYER THE RIGHT ITEM, LONG STORY, HAD 2 IDENTICAL EXCEPT FOR A MODEL # DIFFERENCE. ANYWAY, BUYER DID NOT WAIT AND SLAMMED ME, YOU ASKED ME A QUESTION IN THE SAME 15 MIN PERIOD AND I ATTACKED. I AM SO SORRY, I APOLOGIZE IN PUBLIC.. BIG HUGGS, JERRY AKA FRINGE

OK! COOL! :cool: Somedays just suck more than others

ok, quick noob question:

If I use the DB2010 on my HD-Ready TV, but have basic cable plugged in , will I see any HD channels, or do I need to get a new antenna as well?

I'm looking to ditch my Comcast digital cable, and would like basic TV + some HD stuff if possible. I was looking to buy the DB2010 from marsman5d4h.

If I use the DB2010 on my HD-Ready TV, but have basic cable plugged in , will I see any HD channels,

No. This unit does not receive QAM signals (digital cable), or NTSC signals (analog cable or OTA). It receives only ATSC signals (digital OTA).

No. This unit does not receive QAM signals (digital cable), or NTSC signals (analog cable or OTA). It receives only ATSC signals (digital OTA).
That's fine, as I was already shopping for an antenna. One thing I'm concerned about is the distance from most stations. Looking at antennaweb, it looks like I'm ~41miles away. I also only have the option of an indoor antenna, and have no windows facing towards the stations.

gelgod325,

Would you be willing to plug your USB key into a PC running Linux, and extract and post the files from the key? If so, we should be able to use the instructions from this thread to build our own keys. These files need to be freed, for the good of anyone who owns a DB2010.

gelgod325,

Would you be willing to plug your USB key into a PC running Linux, and extract and post the files from the key? If so, we should be able to use the instructions from this thread to build our own keys. These files need to be freed, for the good of anyone who owns a DB2010.

After looking at it a bit, it looks like Winimage may be able to create the same sort of an image file of a USB drive as using the dd method I posted earlier. As I described earlier, a bit-for-bit image with dd or Winimage would allow for some of us who have the technical knowledge, but not the drive, to verify what is needed to make the drive work: filesystem type, permissions on each file, etc.

The image could likely even be written to another drive directly with dd, or from within Windows using Winimage or the Windows version of dd. This would almost certainly work for 32 meg drives, and perhaps larger.

Looks like all of marsman5d4h's USB keys have been removed from eBay.

Also, Cable Communications now has a web site and is selling box conversion for $30 and USDTV boxes for $75. Whether Cable Communications is now selling USB keys is unknown.

http://www.cablecomsvc.com/

Looks like all of marsman5d4h's USB keys have been removed from eBay.

Also, Cable Communications now has a web site and is selling box conversion for $30 and USDTV boxes for $75. Whether Cable Communications is now selling USB keys is unknown.

http://www.cablecomsvc.com/

The "I wanna be a real business" scam continues.

The cheezy one-page website for "cable communications" was oh so professionally made in Microsoft Word (document author Kelly Knight) on March 8th. Clicking either Buy Now link dumps you directly into PayPal, feeding money to the account knightridercom@gmail.com. No instructions, no explanations, not even a "Click here to see if you're in the area for a local visit," or "If you click this here button I will send you a Cool USB key!!11!"

Again, I'm pretty sure my teenage kids can create a more professional website and a better business facade.

PS. I always trust people who use sophisticated language like "CALL FOR TODAY DETAILS!!!"

Some one must have the usb key? use winimage or dd to make an image for the rest of us. If you need instructions pmsg me and i will post the image.

I e-mailed marsman5d4h, and he said the following about USB keys.

"They are still available through our website, but you have to have been a USDTV subscriber in order to get one. We need proof of that by a copy of an old bill emailed to marsman@prodigy.net"

ProServ's Web Site/Contact Info (http://www.proserv1.com/)

If you click on the "Purchase a Key" link, it says "Due to copyright laws you are only allowed to purchase one of these keys if you have proof of being a current or previous subscriber to USDTV."

The question becomes, who really owns the copyrights? If it's all based on Linux, as stated at http://elinux.org/wiki/HiSense, the Free Software Foundation owns the source code. How can USDTV retain and transfer copyrights to Cable Communications and ProServ for software it really does not own?

I've read nearly all of the posts on this topic and haven't really seen this issue addressed. But if I missed it, just let me know. Anyway I purchase one of the Walmart 2010's a couple of years ago (from Walmart). Oddly enough the unit functioned quite well untill nearly the same day as when USDTV went out of business. Since then all I get are two rapidly blinking LED's on the front panel.

What I don't understand is how my set (presumably) could have affected, since I never subscribed to USDTV. The only thing odd was that beginning several weeks prior I started getting messages while viewing TV shows that software needed to be updated and I was supposed to click cancel - or some such thing. Could it have been that somehow the firmware got updated over the air, such that it stopped functioning just as though it was a subscription-based unit? I live in Pittsburgh after all.

Any ideas?

I had a box that just had the firmware get corrupted all by itself. When you first plug the box in, do you get a USD logo on the screen, and then it goes away, and then back... and endless loop?

Either way, the USD tech guys told me that the USB thumbdrive would usually fix the problem. I assume you need a subscription drive for a subscription box and a FTA drive for a Free to air box.

I was unable to test this, because when they went bankrupt the first time, they stopped sending out drives.

I assume ONE of the updates everyone is talking about here will fix you up. Being that you got the device from Wal-Mart, I assume the files that everyone already has would get you going again.

Actually I do not get a logo when plugging the unit in - just the same flashing LED's. I tried the one update previously provided, but to no avail. Though, I didn't realize there were two different ones floating around. I'll double back on this thread and make sure that I got the correct one. That aside, is there any type of hard reset that I can try?

RobJMan, there aren't two on the list just yet. Just the one you have. We are hoping someone will present the other one soon.

The update you have, have you used it before? Are you sure that it works properly? It needs to be a linux partition on the USB drive, and the files need to be set executable.

so this has no value to me if i already have a tuner and get local HD channels?

My Mitsi has a built in tuner, however with the second tuner I can watch one channel while recording off the built in tuner to my inexpensive OTA DVR from Indigita - can be purchased from online from CinemaVu

$400 to $500 is inexpensive? That's how much a Sony DHG-HDD250 sold for, and it would work standalone. Too bad sony doesn't sell them anymore... and they sell on ebay for almost as much as they sold new.

I have managed to desolder the SPI chip. I'm currently trying to dump it so i can by pass the stupid passworded userland app. We setup a irc chat channel on irc.toc2rta com #usdtv. Will post any updates in there on the OTA stuff too.

RobJMan, there aren't two on the list just yet. Just the one you have. We are hoping someone will present the other one soon.

The update you have, have you used it before? Are you sure that it works properly? It needs to be a linux partition on the USB drive, and the files need to be set executable.

Actually that's a good question. I know a little Unix/Linux (very little) but used SLAX to try to create my own thumbdrive. While I was able to create a Linux partition and I thought that all went well, nothing happened. Then, I had a guy that I work with attempt it as well using his own thumbdrive, but got the same results.

I suppose it's possible that the unit has some unrelated technical problem. I just find the timing to be extremely suspect. Literally two days after the USDTV announcement, I realized that the unit was malfunctioning. Some nights I watch Dish (or nothing). So it's quite possible that it happened on the very day. I immediately did a Google search to see if others had encountered the blinking LED's and the first article I came to was the announcement. Very suspicious if you ask me.

On one hand I'm a little peeved, especially if a signal was sent that disabled my unit. But I don't even know who to be upset with. For example, Walmart most likely shares no blame. But what a goofy thing to have happen. Imagine buying a TV or stereo, only to have it rendered useless a few years later because "someone" sent an OTA signal that shut it down. I guess it's not all that different from how a PC can be compromised by a virus, or an operating system manufacturer who believes you are using an illegal copy - not that I'd know anything about that ;-)

I'm probably going to open the case on the unit and see if anything is fried on a board, etc. I'd really like to get this thing functional again, especially after hearing that the new interface is a bit nicer and that we could possibly enhance it further given the partial open source situation. I'll also have to consider purchasing a new unit, though I likely just broke even on the ROI on this one, considering I could have paid Dish their $5 or $10 per month for the past couple years to have their limited HD. There's just something to be said for receiving such high quality OTA signal for free.

Thanks to all for your continued feedback.

Did you do a chmod on the files on the drive? If not, the receiver will not be able to execute the files. On linux, any file can be thought of as executable, it is just an attribute that has to be turned on.

Yes, I checked the execute permissions several times to ensure they were correct. All of the folders and files were RWE. I must admit that one of the thumbdrives had some security stuff embedded in it (i.e. Security Drive), which made it suspect to work with. My co-worker encountered problems trying to work with it and that's when he decided to use his own drive. I'd definitely like to try again, it's just that with no positive feedback from the unit on the first attempts, I have little hope for subsequent ones.

Crap! :( I thought I would have my key by now. It looked like I had gotton one before the big ebay usb key lockup but no such luck was sent usps I guess that explains the delay.

I thought there was a handful that had gotten the fta key but I noticed there has been no word from one of them (post#521) must have gotten bushwacked :eek: ...by the feds

Hope we can find enough info (someday) to create our own programming for the db-2010

I had hoped for mine as well by now. I E-mailed Marsman5d4h today, here is his reply:
"we sold so many items so fast we got back logged on outgoing shipments. We brought in extra help and caught up today. There have been three groups of the flash keys that went out since saturday. Yours was probably in one of those groups so you should see it any day."

So hopefully it well be here soon.

Yes, I checked the execute permissions several times to ensure they were correct. All of the folders and files were RWE. I must admit that one of the thumbdrives had some security stuff embedded in it (i.e. Security Drive), which made it suspect to work with. My co-worker encountered problems trying to work with it and that's when he decided to use his own drive. I'd definitely like to try again, it's just that with no positive feedback from the unit on the first attempts, I have little hope for subsequent ones.


Remove all the extra stuff on the drive. Just have 000_signatures and diagnostics directories on the drive. Also make sure that the USB drive's primary partition is bootable. You can use cfdisk /dev/sda (or whatever) check.

I have 4 receivers.
#1 is not activated. - I'm waiting on the USB key.
#2 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2010
#3 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020
#4 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020
None of them have had the new USB FLASH done to them.
All 4 say DB-2010 on back and USDTV on the front.

Why does #2 have a different Hardware # then #3 and #4?
Will the USB FLASH change either the software or hardware version?
Will it remove the USDTV 99-x channels in the guide?

I have 4 receivers.
#1 is not activated. - I'm waiting on the USB key.
#2 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2010
#3 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020
#4 has software 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020
None of them have had the new USB FLASH done to them.
All 4 say DB-2010 on back and USDTV on the front.

Why does 3 have a different Hardware # then #3 and 4?
Will the USB FLASH change either the software or hardware version?
Will it remove the USDTV 99-x channels in the guide?

The hardware does not mean anything in this case. USDTV pushed a new firmware over the air to me months ago. It changed my hardware from db2010 to db2020.

The flash key will upgrade either. Your 99-x channels will be gone. All USDtv logo's will be gone from the menu and the serial number will be gone.

BTW - Cable Comm in NOT USDtv. It is a company started in order to upsell to DirectTV and make money. So, if you think you are talking to USD personnel, you are not. If you call them, just ask them if they are USDTV (that's what I did and they straight out told me they are not). I also asked if I get the key they are selling on their website, after I upgrade my boxes can I then resell it? They acted like they never thought of that before. They said that it was copyright of USDTV and that you can not resell it. I then said "You just told me you weren't USDTV. Then what makes it ok for you to sell it?' The answer was "just don't sell it because there are laws and stuff".

At the root of all of this is greed.

At the root of all of this is greed.
And a mountain of lies.

They said that it was copyright of USDTV and that you can not resell it. I then said "You just told me you weren't USDTV. Then what makes it ok for you to sell it?' The answer was "just don't sell it because there are laws and stuff".

At the root of all of this is greed.

Oh, they don't have to worry. Most of us here aren't interested in reselling it. We're just going to spread it across the web like a friggin cancer until every single shmoe who ever signed up with USDTV has free access to it, as they should.

But sell it? Nah... then we'd be like them. :D

Codeman and I managed to decrypt the update image. The serial password is "xyzzy" but its actually useless unless there is a file /opt/mediaworks/etc/allowshell on the flash. We are still working on an OTA mod.

I had hoped for mine as well by now. I E-mailed Marsman5d4h today, here is his reply:
"we sold so many items so fast we got back logged on outgoing shipments. We brought in extra help and caught up today. There have been three groups of the flash keys that went out since saturday. Yours was probably in one of those groups so you should see it any day."

So hopefully it well be here soon.

At least he didn't slam you with the usdtv copyright that's on the ebay site now and said you can't have it without proof maybe now we'll get'um in a couple of more days (fingers crossed) :o

At least he didn't slam you with the usdtv copyright that's on the ebay site now and said you can't have it without proof maybe now we'll get'um in a couple of more days (fingers crossed) :o

Since I called Cable Comm, I decided to call marsman and see what I could find out. He put that disclaimer because Cable Comm threatened him. Which is odd to me since they aren't USDTV.

Take a picture of your unit or get a picture from the web an send it to him as proof. Wouldn't possesion of a unit mean you were a subscriber ;)

I set up a ubuntu linux machine yesterday, and created a usbstick per the instructions in this thread. I have made sure the stick is 777 throughout.

I have a couple of DB2020 receivers that I am trying to set to remembering the last channel viewed instead of always going to 99-1 upon power up.

When the system boots from plugging in power, I can see the stick getting accessed, but not a lot.

I did not specify a particular partition flavor when doing the mkfs. perhaps there's a dependency on which format needs to be used? hints?

The files came from the rapidshare link as a zipped directory. I have only the 2 directories on the stick. I deleted the lost+found dir that was on the stick after mkfs. that didn't seem to make any difference.

what's an easy way to verify the usbstick is bootable? my unix/linux is VERY rusty.

If you have a 99, then you don't have the Free to Air box, you have a subscription box. No one has posted that firmware yet. And I've tried to buy it for myself, and no one will return my calls. I think $30 is a little steep...

I set up a ubuntu linux machine yesterday, and created a usbstick per the instructions in this thread. I have made sure the stick is 777 throughout.

I have a couple of DB2020 receivers that I am trying to set to remembering the last channel viewed instead of always going to 99-1 upon power up.

When the system boots from plugging in power, I can see the stick getting accessed, but not a lot.

I did not specify a particular partition flavor when doing the mkfs. perhaps there's a dependency on which format needs to be used? hints?

The files came from the rapidshare link as a zipped directory. I have only the 2 directories on the stick. I deleted the lost+found dir that was on the stick after mkfs. that didn't seem to make any difference.

what's an easy way to verify the usbstick is bootable? my unix/linux is VERY rusty.

I tried the same thing. That flashware (unless there is new out there) is for non-subscription boxes. Since you always go to channel 99-1, you have a subscription box.

You need a new key or to wait until the software gets posted.

To verify the stick is bootable, use cfdisk /dev/sda. It will tell you if it is bootable by saying "Bootable" next to the partition in the table on the screen. If it is not, use the right arrow to go to Bootable option and hit enter. Then Write the partition. You can also use fdisk and hit 'a'. But there is no menu on fdisk.

hmm. I guess I need to reread this whole thread. What is the purpose of the upgrade that I just created? That does something to the walmart boxes only?

On another note, I assume that the only boxes getting "zapped" are ones in the defunct USDTV subscription areas, and if you move to another state, where USDTV never operated, then there is no issue with being disabled.

hmm. I guess I need to reread this whole thread. What is the purpose of the upgrade that I just created? That does something to the walmart boxes only?

On another note, I assume that the only boxes getting "zapped" are ones in the defunct USDTV subscription areas, and if you move to another state, where USDTV never operated, then there is no issue with being disabled.

What does "zapped" mean? If you have a subscription box (shows the 99-1) and you get a power outage or unplug your box, when it comes back up you should be stuck on the "call USDTV to activate" screen.

hmm. I guess I need to reread this whole thread. What is the purpose of the upgrade that I just created? That does something to the walmart boxes only?

On another note, I assume that the only boxes getting "zapped" are ones in the defunct USDTV subscription areas, and if you move to another state, where USDTV never operated, then there is no issue with being disabled.

Nope, I live in Albuquerque and I have no problems so far. Only that I'm missing the signal to the 99-1 cable program guide and all of the cable chanels. Ill post again later if I see any changes. ;)

PS. My father got billed earler this month from USD, does any one have an idea why did this happened?

I sent marsman the following message:

On your site, you state that "Due to copyright laws you are only allowed to purchase one of these keys if you have proof of being a current or previous subscriber to USDTV."

In reality, the USDTV files are based on Linux, which is covered by the GPL. That means USDTV was supposed to release these files in binary and source code form, as referenced at http://elinux.org/wiki/HiSense. However, that never happened, and the files continue to be held back from customers who just want to make their own USB keys.

and marsman replied:

That is good info to know. If you have one of the boxes and need a key let me know and I can sell you one after the heat is gone.

Nope, I live in Albuquerque and I have no problems so far. Only that I'm missing the signal to the 99-1 cable program guide and all of the cable chanels. Ill post again later if I see any changes. ;)

PS. My father got billed earler this month from USD, does any one have an idea why did this happened?

Just don't reboot or lose power. If you father has signed up after Sept 12, then you can request a refund. See http://www.usdtv.com/customer_service/refund.html

If USDTV is gone, how can they provide a refund? Does that mean they are still around? If so, maybe we can still get the source code. I would love to have the source and see if we could hook up an external hard drive to the USB port and create a DVR out of this flood of boxes.

I dunno I reset mine abunch of times to see if I could get the time back. But no luck. I do know now that USD is no longer sending the the guide time thats why it would not work. I did not try a hard reset I just held the power button until the logo showed. My father did send a letter regarding the bill, but no response yet.

BTW: He was billed on march 1st. Almost 1 week after usd crapped out. ( I think. )

I dunno I reset mine abunch of times to see if I could get the time back. But no luck. I do know now that USD is no longer sending the the guide time thats why it would not work. I did not try a hard reset I just held the power button until the logo showed. My father did send a letter regarding the bill, but no response yet.

You have to update the box. The udated box will let you set the time by choosing a local channel to pull the time from. It pulls the TV guide from the channel that you get the time from.

So, until you get a flash key, you won't be able to get the program guide.

You have to update the box. The udated box will let you set the time by choosing a local channel to pull the time from. It pulls the TV guide from the channel that you get the time from.

So, until you get a flash key, you won't be able to get the program guide.

I can see the program guide but the time is waaaaay off.
We also were "early adopters" in albuquerque we got the boxes in 2004.

This thread is now linked at /.

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/03/27/2122222

Take a look at what showed up at http://www.linux-hacker.net/usdtv/

A 23MB file called GPL compliance that is dated March 28, 2007. I just downloaded it, but it is going to take some time as all the files in it are also compressed. The readme says:

This package includes linux kernal source version 2.4.18 as modified by ATI,
and patches made by Roku to the GPL software we used in the release of the Roku
HD1000 up to version 1.5.18. There are two directories in this package:

ati --- these are the sources and patches which Roku received as a
component of our chip vendor's Board Support Package.

roku --- these are the patches to GPL software that were written at Roku.

Our intent with this package is to include all sources that are not available
elsewhere. Below is a list of the sources that went into building the HD1000.
If you are unable to find one of these packages on the Internet, please email
support@rokulabs.com and we will make them available to you.


Then there is a long list of files that you have to pull from sites all over the net. Roku HD1000 is a high def media player. We know that the the ATI chip is used in the db20x0, but was roku involved in these Hisense boxes?

It's going to take someone more technical to figure out what that file is. I wasn't encourged by looking at it.

I received my modded db-2010 from Marsman today. Works as advertised. Woot!

Ok so some more interesting stuff. It appears that the usdtv has a built in IRC client used for testing. It joins a server and enters the channel #servers and then spews information based on a file in /opt/mediaworks/test/. Its actually pretty clever, they can even use it to change the channel... Kinda scary they left this in the production machines... even if its not activated!

I have lowered the price on the upgrade flash drives for the Hisense DB 2010 if you are interested.
Thanks
marsman

I have lowered the price on the upgrade flash drives for the Hisense DB 2010 if you are interested.
Thanks
marsman

:mad:Grrrrrrrrrr!

I have lowered the price on the upgrade flash drives for the Hisense DB 2010 if you are interested.
Thanks
marsman

At 20 bucks I am VERY tempted to just buy it so I can post it on here. I wonder if this guy would get angry and try to threaten me. Seems like quite a cash cow they have going.

And another GRRRRR!!!!!!!!

I haven't even got my $30.00 one in the mail yet, It's been 8 Days since I ordered it.
I think he deserves his $20.00, by the time marsman buys the USB drive, copies the files. Packages it, and sends it off he's not making much. Plus he's the first one to offer it to the masses, I'm just grateful for that. I really didn't want to pay cable comm to come to my house and do it for me.
I wanted the key so that I can pick up other boxes locally when former USDTV customers start dumping them, and have the ability to flash them on my own and not have to call and pay another $30 to cable comm to flash a receiver that someone dumped for which I only paid around $20.00.
I say let marsman get a little something for his efforts.

I think he deserves his $20.00, by the time marsman buys the USB drive, copies the files. Packages it, and sends it off he's not making much. Plus he's the first one to offer it to the masses, I'm just grateful for that. I really didn't want to pay cable comm to come to my house and do it for me.

Maybe lowering the price will drive people away from cable comm. Then again, why did marsman lower the price? Did sales slow or is he trying to under cut Cable Comm? We'll never know unless someone on the inside spills the beans.

Wow, this thread it turning into a rather interesting lesson in Capitalism 101. Marsman, I salute you!

Just had a Thought...Ouch! :eek:

Wonder if when we get the sub upgrade it can be placed on the same key as the fta upgrade. You know in order to get the fta upgrade to work all the files had to be executable you figure maybe it's the same deal with the sub upgrade. Using linux maybe you could choose which upgrade to let the key run on at that time per unit. Then we could all find db2010s for dirt cheap too and sale them to family and friends at a profit... nyah! ha! ha!

But your right it was a dumb thought :D

Other choices Proserv1

I Salute Marsman for coming to the rescue of a lot of us!! This thread has been running a long time now with almost everyone trying to get their USDTV receivers to work now that USDTV has gone under!! I was able to purchase a key from Marsman and make my otherwise useless USDTV receiver to work just the way it is suppose to. I also purchased a full DB2010 Receiver from Marsman which also works great and was already programmed before I got it!! I am happy with Marsman and even though a lot of us didn't want to part with our money to get what we originally paid for, I feel better with what I got from Marsman than waiting for Cable Communications to show up, not sure I wanted them in my home anyway, ha! For all those wondering, the key Marsman is marketing, really works!! Thanks Marsman!!!

Just received my key today unit works great now its a normal fta box

I have 4 boxes now

1. Original wallyworld fta unit that had been upgraded with usb key from usdtv when they were still friendly system info = 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) db-2010

2. fta unit I had bought from cliftonhobbyshop on ebay system info = 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) db-2020

3. fta unit I had bought from buyeverythingguy on ebay that had the new flashed software system info = 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) db-2020

4. subscription unit that my son had mistakenly bought on ebay thinking it was an fta unit flashed it myself with the new usb key system info = 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) db-2010

I can see the files on the key using my slax cd but cannot copy it to my harddrive yet don't know why......got any ideas

updated info(04/05/2007) - Boxes #2 and # 3 have locked up twice already( Had to do a full reset to unlock them) It's funny I just realized that the channel they locked up on is channel 54 out of huntsville that's the analog channel and the digital channel is 41.

I remember that on my original wallyworld box before it's upgrade the channel scan used to ocassionally stop scanning on channel 41 It must a problem particular to the tuner board or the motherboard who knows it may just be a bug in the newest firmware we have....

Haven't used the #4 unit yet to see what kind of things it will do or not do

What does it say when you try to copy it?

I can see the files on the key using my slax cd but cannot copy it to my harddrive yet don't know why......got any ideas

You may not have your hard drive mounted anywhere for you to copy to.

It may be a lot easier for you to make a copy of the drive from within Windows using Winimage (first hit on google for Winimage is the site). A bit for bit copy using that tool should be the equivalent of doing a "dd" in Linux. That'll give the techies a chance to get a look at the exact filesystem, layout, permissions, etc.

You may not have your hard drive mounted anywhere for you to copy to.

Yes your probably right relearning linux isn't too easy....

It was tricky when I made the normal fta upgrade key with the files from the forum it took a little while to format the key correctly but copying the files from my windows hard drive to the key was easy using either mc or startx on the slax cd.

I found out very quickly that you need to use the copy2ram statement in order to to work between drives without a problem.

One of the times I started slax with the newest key in the slot it acted like it was trying to boot from it (scared me there for a minute but if windows xp had gotten written over it might have been a good thing).

It may be that I need to figure out when to insert and mount the key and not have it try to boot.

The only way I could see the files was to use startx and open in another window. Normally with a mounted drive you can see it in the home directory on slax.

I'll try again later

It's later still no luck I can mount the drive in mc but it won't let me copy the file to anywhere neither will startx. I tried it with winimage it only lets half of the files be placed in an image don't know why probably a setting is off.....

Wow, this thread it turning into a rather interesting lesson in Capitalism 101. Marsman, I salute you!

More lessons in capitalism abounding. Check out marsman's keys on ebay now - starting at $1.00. I guess none of us has much of an excuse now and it paid for me to wait. I ordered one just to see an original key and have one after all of this. I figure the USB device is worth that price plus shipping.

I'll also have to tip my hat to marsman. Thanks for helping us out.

Get em while they are hot!hot!hot! going going gone @ Flash Keys at proserv1 starting at one dollar. Hope this helps!!!

Has anyone done a hard reset (press Guide, Aspect, Exit, Prog Info, 0) after flashing the STB to the latest OTA firmware to confirm that a hard reset does not send the unit back to the previous USDTV software? I would think that the flashed firmware would remain but would like to confirm this so that I know whether I need to purchase one of the flash drives on eBay. Thanks.

Has anyone done a hard reset (press Guide, Aspect, Exit, Prog Info, 0) after flashing the STB to the latest OTA firmware to confirm that a hard reset does not send the unit back to the previous USDTV software? I would think that the flashed firmware would remain but would like to confirm this so that I know whether I need to purchase one of the flash drives on eBay. Thanks.

The hard reset does NOT set the unit back to the old subscription firmware. From what I had seen, you can unplug or hard reset as much as you want. It just comes up with the last channel you were watching (unless you unplug it for hours --- then it does a channel scan). Once you have been flashed, all the USDTV symbols are gone from the boot and menus (and the serial number is gone).

Now, if you have a subscription box that has not been flashed/upgraded and you unplug or hard reset it, you will be stuck at the call USDTV to activate screen.

The hard reset does NOT set the unit back to the old subscription firmware. From what I had seen, you can unplug or hard reset as much as you want. It just comes up with the last channel you were watching (unless you unplug it for hours --- then it does a channel scan). Once you have been flashed, all the USDTV symbols are gone from the boot and menus (and the serial number is gone).

Now, if you have a subscription box that has not been flashed/upgraded and you unplug or hard reset it, you will be stuck at the call USDTV to activate screen.

Thanks. That's what I thought it would/should do but wasn't sure. I just purchased a STB on eBay (has not yet arrived) which was advertised by seller as brand new and having been flashed with the new FTA firmware. I'm hoping I won't ever need to do a hard reset, but at least now I know that if I do, I can do it without concern. Once the unit arrives I'll confirm that the USDTV logos, Channel 99, and the unit's serial # are all gone from the menus so that I know it has been flashed with the proper FTA firmware.

We finally dumped cable back in December and I've been suffering the past 4 months watching OTA analog on our HD-ready widescreen. It will almost seem like we got a new HDTV once again when our new ATSC tuner box arrives!

I may likely be the last person to pay around 20 bucks for the flash upgrade. :( Proserv1 is now at 6.95 buy it now with a 5.99 ship, using a 128 flash key.
It was disheartining to see all the buy it nows advertised with my invoice for double the amount (as small as it is). A smart capitalist knows when their product value is about to run out, and proceeds to dump at a high rate. Just wait until STBs are truely obsoleted from built in ATSC tuners.

Marsman, surprise me please.

Beachhouse

I have a question.. I have the DB2010 model and I want to hookup the surround sound. the DB2010 has digital (Optical ) port and my surround sound has RCA digital port what do i need to make it work... is there some kind of converter that you can buy ?? I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Lots of listings with "toslink converter"as a search term on ebay.

I finally received my USB drive today. It worked as expected.

Beachhouse at least you didn't pay $30 plus shipping.

A simple google turns up thousands. Here's one of the less expensive ones.
http://www.tonsofcables.com/TOCPROD-43826.html

Current pricing for the conversion USB flash drive makes the hassle of finding the code (when someone eventually posts it) and loading it on a key not worth my time.

The key can be purchased on e*bay for less than $10 now if your timing is right.

jb

Current pricing for the conversion USB flash drive makes the hassle of finding the code (when someone eventually posts it) and loading it on a key not worth my time.

The key can be purchased on e*bay for less than $10 now if your timing is right.

jb

I decided I should have my own key around and got mine today for $7.99, including shipping! Can't beat that, and it saves trying to make my 2GB thumb drive work.

Hello everybody! I stumbled across this thread while looking for information on a USDTV receiver I had just bought on ebay. I had a Samsung SIR-T150 that died on me last week and I needed a new tuner. So, money clenched tightly in fist, I looked for a cheap HDTV tuner on ebay for my aging 47in HDTV. I looked into the box a little before I bought it so I knew somewhat what the seller was talking about when he said "flashed", but I was curious as to the quality and history of my new receiver. After 20 pages of posts spanning 3 years I feel I know everything I could need to about it! It came in the mail yesterday and as I set it up and turned it on I felt like I knew exactly what to expect, as if I had been using it for years. It worked perfectly, SOOOO much better than my SIR-T150! I haven't had any oddities yet, although several channels in my guide are off by an hour one way or the other, but I'm sure that's the broadcaster's fault. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for many hours of educational reading. Now I'm off to look into a multi-directional UHF antenna, I'm sick of rotating mine!

I just hooked up our new DB-2010 last night and this thing is fabulous. I can't believe how quickly the channels change. Also, our remote has excellent range (at least 30 feet) which is contrary to earlier posts in this thread that said the remote didn't work from very far away. I can only guess that battery strength or a defective remote was the issue.

Questions -- I turned the STB off last night when we went to bed and then turned it on this morning and apparently it does not download/update programming info when the unit is turned off with the remote. This wouldn't be a problem except for it takes a LONG time for our STB to download all the programming material for the full-screen guide. Some of it pops up immediately, but some channels took more than 40 minutes to complete. before the current channel would finally be displayed in the lower right corner of the full-screen guide.

(1) I've asked whether the length of time it takes to download programming info is a local issue in our local forum, but am also wondering if it is an issue with this box -- has anyone experienced long delays in getting all the programming info downloaded?

(2) If so, do you all just leave the STB on all the time? I don't think these boxes draw more than about 15w, but I'm wondering if there is some reason, other than energy savings, to always turn the box off.

Thanks.

Mine only stays up to date if I leave it off. When it is on and I am watching TV, if I stay on the same channel for an hour or so, it will want to download some info again. I think this is probably because there is only one tuner. A somewhat limited work around if you want to see the current channel and browse the others, is to hit the info button and then use the arrow keys to change the info from channel to channel. You can only see one at a time though. I usually just wait for a commercial, and let the guide download then. It won't forget what it has already downloaded if you stop halfway through and go back to watching tv.

(1) I've asked whether the length of time it takes to download programming info is a local issue in our local forum, but am also wondering if it is an issue with this box -- has anyone experienced long delays in getting all the programming info downloaded?

(2) If so, do you all just leave the STB on all the time? I don't think these boxes draw more than about 15w, but I'm wondering if there is some reason, other than energy savings, to always turn the box off.

Thanks.

1. No, it doesn't store the info, and yes, it does take a while to get the updated guide info every time you turn it on, depends on how many channels you have.

2. I don't leave it on all the time, as it does tend to get heated up a little bit where it's located in my setup, and I did have a power supply fail on me once while my original 2010 was in warranty (the whole box was replaced promptly at the time).

Other than that, it's probably OK to leave it on if it's in a very well-ventilated location, but also I found that when I was leaving it on overnight it would occasionally lock up for no apparent reason and force me to do a complete power down (meaning unplugged from the wall for a few minutes) and restart. But, that was with an earlier version of the firmware, so it may not happen for you.

Another recent oddity that I have noticed about the DB-2010 is that it seems that the DST date/time zone info is hard-coded in the box vs. getting the DST data from the transmitting station, as the 2010 is still off by exactly one hour while both of my Accurian boxes are displaying the correct time. All of the boxes in my house get the time data from the same local PBS station. Unfortunately, there is no way I can find to toggle the DST setting, so I guess I just have to wait a couple more weeks for the old DST date so the time will be correct.

If I lived in one time zone further West I could just switch time zones to an earlier one, but the earliest time zone setting for the DB-2010 is Eastern, so I am out of luck on that one. If anybody knows about that particular issue, and/or has a fix, I'd love to hear about it!

1. No, it doesn't store the info, and yes, it does take a while to get the updated guide info every time you turn it on, depends on how many channels you have.

Thanks for the info. Currently, we're pulling in 20 channels (including subs) in our area so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that it takes as long as it does.

I did notice that certain channels display more program info than others (ie - a couple channels only show programming info for the current day, others provide program info for the next several days.

Does anyone know, as far as the DB-2010, whether it draws the programming info from each channel's PSIP info, or whether the box draws the programming info for ALL channels from whatever channel you set for the STB to draw the current time from? I've heard suggestions that it is the latter and that if you change the channel setting related to where the box gets the local time that it may change what programming info you receive. However, I have not yet been able to test this. Anyone know the answer?

Does anyone know, as far as the DB-2010, whether it draws the programming info from each channel's PSIP info, or whether the box draws the programming info for ALL channels from whatever channel you set for the STB to draw the current time from? I've heard suggestions that it is the latter and that if you change the channel setting related to where the box gets the local time that it may change what programming info you receive. However, I have not yet been able to test this. Anyone know the answer?

I think I know what you mean. On mine, I just go to a channel (say, CBS) and watch it for a minute or two. Then if I go to the guide, ABC and all ABC's subchannels are updated and have information in the guide. To get info on the other channels, I repeat the process. Weaker signals sometimes need longer, but most updates for me in about a minute or less. Some broadcasters have little to any program info transmitted, but the major networks seem to populate the next several hours at least. Also, different broadcasters (for some wacky reason) sometimes have their timestamps out of whack, so fetching the local time from one station may not be correct. Just choose a different station, and likely it will be fixed. I'm 99.9% sure you can't get any CW programming info from FOX, so the only thing the DB2010 will fetch from the local time channel you select is the time. However, if you have a time channel selected which is wrong, it will likely skew all the listings off by an hour or whatever the difference is. Clear? :D

It would be kind of neat if it could automatically go to each station when not being used and update the program guide, but it's not a huge deal to me. A lot of receivers don't even HAVE a program guide. I turn the unit off if I remember to, and usually don't have a problem. Once or twice it has frozen and need to have the power recycled, but that's twice in a few years at least, so again doesn't bug me much. The remote thing seems to be a matter of angle rather than distance. If I'm at a bad angle (above the unit on the floor or something) I can be 5 feet away and not have it work. On the same level, though, distance has never been a problem for me.

These are great little units and with the latest non-USD firmware, now, they should be still selling these IMHO.

Question -- Will the DB2010 output audio from both the optical-out AND the RCA-outs at the SAME TIME? I'd like to be able to hook it up so the optical-out goes to my receiver while the RCA-outs go straight to the TV for use when I don't want to mess with turning on the receiver and other audio equipment. TIA!

Question -- Will the DB2010 output audio from both the optical-out AND the RCA-outs at the SAME TIME? I'd like to be able to hook it up so the optical-out goes to my receiver while the RCA-outs go straight to the TV for use when I don't want to mess with turning on the receiver and other audio equipment. TIA!
yes :D

yes :D

Awesome! Thanks for the great news!

Awesome! Thanks for the great news!

Make sure you have the volume up on db-2010/ the volume up and down on remote controls rca audio output to tv or whatever it is hooked up to. Optical is not affected by remote volume control

Note: when the tv audio output is on and your audio receiver (5.1 optical output) is on the audios may be out of sync with each other slightly (will sound like echo) I have been able to compensate sometimes by turning off db-2010 and turning it back on. A better solution is to lower the tv audio and let the optical output do its thing.

Make sure you have the volume up on db-2010/ the volume up and down on remote controls rca audio output to tv or whatever it is hooked up to. Optical is not affected by remote volume control

Thanks, that's good to know. We have the STB volume maxed out and I noticed that even then our TV volume has to be set noticably higher when watching digital programming than it does when viewing analog channels OTA. I also noticed last night that the volume output to the RCA-out varies channel to channel.

Thanks, that's good to know. We have the STB volume maxed out and I noticed that even then our TV volume has to be set noticably higher when watching digital programming than it does when viewing analog channels OTA. I also noticed last night that the volume output to the RCA-out varies channel to channel.
You'll probably notice the same when listening to the optical output. HD programming audio in most cases is all over the place as far as network audio volumes versus the local station volumes(at least in my viewing area). CBS has the loudest programming audio in our area followed by NBC then ABC the rest varies. Most of the time you have the volume up to a good listening level then it goes to a commercial and blows you away or worst when you change channels you have to jockey the volume on your receiver. It's good to know some things do not change :)

Kinda off-topic, but excellent for the chuckle-of-the-day - have you guys seen this? I'm in hysterics...

http://www.dtv.gov/dtvquiz.html

I want a BADGE (I know, I know, "we don' need no stinkin' badges...")!

Kinda off-topic, but excellent for the chuckle-of-the-day - have you guys seen this? I'm in hysterics...

http://www.dtv.gov/dtvquiz.html

I want a BADGE (I know, I know, "we don' need no stinkin' badges...")!

Great News! :D I passed the test got my certificate I am now an official DTV deputy it is very funny....

Do you carry your bullet in your shirt pocket?

Do you carry your bullet in your shirt pocket?Yes! Right next to my remote.... :cool:

If USDTV is gone, how can they provide a refund? Does that mean they are still around? If so, maybe we can still get the source code. I would love to have the source and see if we could hook up an external hard drive to the USB port and create a DVR out of this flood of boxes.



I was looking to buy a HDTV tuner and bought one today from marsman off of ebay. What a great coincidence to find this thread a few hours later! Now I don't feel so alone :)

By the way, I would LOVE it we could create a DVR out of this thing. Please do find a way!

I was looking to buy a HDTV tuner and bought one today from marsman off of ebay. What a great coincidence to find this thread a few hours later! Now I don't feel so alone :)

By the way, I would LOVE it we could create a DVR out of this thing. Please do find a way!

Erm... well, that might be a far cry, but someone very talented could perhaps do it. The problem wouldn't be the "software;" it runs linux, and someone with the right knowledge could adapt that well enough. The issue would be in finding a hardware method of adding an internal hard drive (to be a "true" DVR). Unless, perhaps, you mean using the USB port for an external drive; that could be doable, but writing speed vs playback/encoding speed might be a hurdle. I concur completely, though, that it would be really interesting to see what a insanely clever linux guru could do with this nice piece of hardware... :cool:

Does anyone else have the programming info in the full-screen guide just disappear completely some times when you change channels?

I'm trying to figure out exactly when the DB-2010 does this. It appears that it pulls the programming info from each individual channel, because as I pause for 30-60 seconds on each channel it will go from no information to the show titles and eventually include the show descriptions. However, when I change to the local PBS station and then goto the full-screen programming guide the program info for ALL of the channels is wiped out and I have to start all over. Anyone have any ideas on how to prevent this? Anyone else experiencing this?

Does anyone else have the programming info in the full-screen guide just disappear completely some times when you change channels?

I'm trying to figure out exactly when the DB-2010 does this. It appears that it pulls the programming info from each individual channel, because as I pause for 30-60 seconds on each channel it will go from no information to the show titles and eventually include the show descriptions. However, when I change to the local PBS station and then goto the full-screen programming guide the program info for ALL of the channels is wiped out and I have to start all over. Anyone have any ideas on how to prevent this? Anyone else experiencing this?

Forgive me if I missed this, but which firmware version is this- the latest non-USDtv one, or a previous one? I've never had this issue in the past few years, but maybe this is a new glitch in the latest firmware (if so, boy are we screwed!)

EDIT: Ok, on the previous page you state your unit is a newly flashed model; sorry I missed that! I now wonder if other people are encountering this issue. I'm also curious: is PBS your time channel? If so, if you set your time channel to, say, FOX, does the program guide still reset if you go to PBS? Or now does it reset on Fox?

Forgive me if I missed this, but which firmware version is this- the latest non-USDtv one, or a previous one? I've never had this issue in the past few years, but maybe this is a new glitch in the latest firmware (if so, boy are we screwed!)

EDIT: Ok, on the previous page you state your unit is a newly flashed model; sorry I missed that! I now wonder if other people are encountering this issue. I'm also curious: is PBS your time channel? If so, if you set your time channel to, say, FOX, does the program guide still reset if you go to PBS? Or now does it reset on Fox?

Just for the record -- I have firmware 2.7.15 (2.4.18-15) Model # shows up as db2020 under the System Info Menu.

I have switched the time channel from PBS to ABC and still have the same problem when I tune to PBS. I've posted this issue both here and in our local KC thread because I was wondering if possibly our local PBS station sends out something in its signal which resets/trumps other channel's programming info.

Does anyone know if this STB (or any STB for that matter) can receive data from any channel other than the channel you are currently tuned to. For example, if I am tuned to PBS can the box receive info from the Fox signal?

I am assuming it cannot, and that our PBS channel is broadcasting programming info for all of our 20 local stations. For example, if I have the box turned off and have it pre-tuned so that it will be on PBS when I turn it on, and then turn it on and open the programming guide the tuner will immediately start to fill in the programming info for ALL the channels. It takes about 5-7 minutes to pull in all the data but if I leave it on the full screen guide it will pull it all in. However, if I exit the guide before it completes downloading the programming info (I'm talking about just hitting the guide button again, to watch the PBS channel, not changing the channel) and then hit the guide button again to go BACK to the full screen program guide the tuner has lost ALL of the programming info and says (no information) for each channel. At this point, the tuner will not re-try to load the programming info from PBS and if I stay on that channel then there is no programming info. However, as I change channels it will then pull programming info from each channel as I tune to it and refill the full-screen program guide on a channel by channel basis.

Hopefully, this makes sense. This is VERY frustrating and at this point I have no idea if it is unique to the DB2010 box or to our local signals here in KC or a combination of both where only DB2010's in the KC metro are out of luck, or if it's something messed up with my box only. Would be very interested to know if anyone else with a Hisense box has experienced this or similar problems related to the programming guide.

It has been my experience that the unit reads the program guide for only the channel you are watching. i receive channel 20 cw from near Iowa City Iowa and it has never had program guide and if i use it receive the time and date it shows 1968 as the year

Tip: if you press the previous channel button (pre-ch) while viewing the channel guide page it will stop scanning and let you view the pip (mini tv) ... lets you to continue watching tv while checking what is on other channels :)


I live in central time zone so i just use eastern time until the old time change comes around

OK, I've done some testing and here is what I think. I think the DB2010 can only read the PSIP data from the channel you are viewing. In our area, every channel (PBS excluded) broadcasts a PSIP signal that provides ONLY that channel's programming info. Thus, as I move from channel to channel the STB displays the show titles and, if I stay on that channel long enough, show descriptions. If I start off with no info in the guide and move from channel to channel the STB will only fill in the info for the channel I am currently viewing. I can then gradually go from channel to channel to regain the programming info and it will stay as long as I don't tune to any of the PBS channels.

However, it appears that, unlike all the other channels, PBS broadcasts a PSIP signal that includes programming info for ALL the local channels. Thus, when I goto the PBS channel (or one of its 2 subchannels) it wipes out the PSIP data from the other channels and thus I am back to "no information" for each listing. If the STB hasn't completed downloading the PBS channel's PSIP data, it will then attempt to do so and gradually fill in the info for PBS and all other channels. Here's the rub though. If the STB has already once completed downloading the PSIP data from PBS then it won't attempt to do so again and the next time you visit one of the PBS channels, the STB will wipe out all of the programming data as described above. As a result, there is then no way to get programming info for PBS (b/c the box thinks it already has that information despite the fact that it wiped it (and the other channel's info) out). You can get the other channel's program info back as you visit each channel, but you're out of luck when it comes to PBS.

This occurs regardless of whether I remove the PBS channels from the channel list. Removing them just prevents me from accidentally going to those channels as I hit ch. up, ch. down, or use the program guide.

I think the problem is that many STB ATSC tuners pull ALL of the programming data from one channel (usually the PBS channel) so there is no way I can get our local PBS affiliate to only send a PSIP signal with their own programming info. Anyone else figured out how to address this problem, or am I the only one experiencing this. I have to think other PBS stations are broadcasting PSIP data for multiple local channels. I'm very interested to hear others experience with this situation.

I think it is usually only the TV guide style tuners that receive all of their info from one channel. But the TV guide stuff uses analog to broadcast the info.

I think it is usually only the TV guide style tuners that receive all of their info from one channel. But the TV guide stuff uses analog to broadcast the info.

Interesting. How does the programming guide work on your DB2010? Do you have similar problems?

If our local PBS isn't sending all the channels' program info via it's digital signal, then the DB2010 must be able to scan channels for PSIP data even though you are not tuned to them because I can go from a reset and never change the channel from PBS and the STB will download info for all the channels. My guess is that our local PBS affiliate is sending PSIP data for all the channels. I've emailed them to find out what insight they can provide.

I'd like to find out other DB2010 owner's experiences with its programming guide so I can isolate whether or not it is an issue with my particular box.

Hi, I managed to make a copy of the usb stick, it's 9 megs and includes a tool.

here is kinda the url...

/files/24691258/USDIMAGE_TOOL.rar

I hosted on rapidshare

Hi, I managed to make a copy of the usb stick, it's 9 megs and includes a tool.

here is kinda the url...

/files/24691258/USDIMAGE_TOOL.rar

I hosted on rapidshare

Awesome! Thanks. So can this be saved to a usb drive through windows or do you have to use Linux to do the transfer?

Awesome! Thanks. So can this be saved to a usb drive through windows or do you have to use Linux to do the transfer?

I put a tool in the rar that should be able to transfer bite by bite to the stick. It is an img file and I used windows to make the transfer. Have fun :cool:

ps..you may need to get a ext2fs driver google it up and get one.

If our local PBS isn't sending all the channels' program info via it's digital signal, then the DB2010 must be able to scan channels for PSIP data even though you are not tuned to them because I can go from a reset and never change the channel from PBS and the STB will download info for all the channels.

I think when the unit is in standby mode, it scans through the channels regularly. Occasionally when I turned mine on after leaving it in standby overnight, I found a distant station added to the channel list, with some data in the program guide, as a result of a spell of freakish reception conditions. Some of these stations were 150 miles away! :eek:

When I let them accumulate for a few months, I ended up with an impressive list of channels, from Atlanta all the way up to Raleigh/Durham. :cool:

If you already have a free to air box with the firmware that had been discussed here over the last couple months, would this image work on that box...and would there be any advantage(s) to using it?

Hi, I managed to make a copy of the usb stick, it's 9 megs and includes a tool.
here is kinda the url...
/files/24691258/USDIMAGE_TOOL.rar
I hosted on rapidshare


Thank you. It worked very nicely.

OK, I've done some testing and here is what I think. I think the DB2010 can only read the PSIP data from the channel you are viewing. In our area, every channel (PBS excluded) broadcasts a PSIP signal that provides ONLY that channel's programming info. Thus, as I move from channel to channel the STB displays the show titles and, if I stay on that channel long enough, show descriptions. If I start off with no info in the guide and move from channel to channel the STB will only fill in the info for the channel I am currently viewing. I can then gradually go from channel to channel to regain the programming info and it will stay as long as I don't tune to any of the PBS channels.

However, it appears that, unlike all the other channels, PBS broadcasts a PSIP signal that includes programming info for ALL the local channels. Thus, when I goto the PBS channel (or one of its 2 subchannels) it wipes out the PSIP data from the other channels and thus I am back to "no information" for each listing. If the STB hasn't completed downloading the PBS channel's PSIP data, it will then attempt to do so and gradually fill in the info for PBS and all other channels. Here's the rub though. If the STB has already once completed downloading the PSIP data from PBS then it won't attempt to do so again and the next time you visit one of the PBS channels, the STB will wipe out all of the programming data as described above. As a result, there is then no way to get programming info for PBS (b/c the box thinks it already has that information despite the fact that it wiped it (and the other channel's info) out). You can get the other channel's program info back as you visit each channel, but you're out of luck when it comes to PBS.

This occurs regardless of whether I remove the PBS channels from the channel list. Removing them just prevents me from accidentally going to those channels as I hit ch. up, ch. down, or use the program guide.

I think the problem is that many STB ATSC tuners pull ALL of the programming data from one channel (usually the PBS channel) so there is no way I can get our local PBS affiliate to only send a PSIP signal with their own programming info. Anyone else figured out how to address this problem, or am I the only one experiencing this. I have to think other PBS stations are broadcasting PSIP data for multiple local channels. I'm very interested to hear others experience with this situation.

Interesting - kind of the opposite situation with your PSIP implementation compared to our EIT implementation in the UK. Over here all 6 digital TV multiplexes all carry 7 days of programming information for all channels on the platform, so whatever channel you are watching, the data is available for programming on all other channels both within the mux (i.e. RF channel) you are watching and on other muxes. This allows OTA PVRs etc. to function, TVs with digital tuners to set reminders for shows etc.

There is an industry-wide organisation to manage the collation and distribution of this data to all digital TV transmitters, independently of the broadcasters, and it works really quite well.

The posted firmware works perfectly! It wouldn't install on my 2GB Thumb Drive, but it went just fine on an older 256MB one. The upgrade worked, and to my surprise the unit scanned all the channels for program guide info the first time I hit "Channel Guide!" It shows an antenna in the PIP view and goes to each station, grabbing the information from each. This is exactly what I described as being awesome if it would do; and the functionality is already built-in. I'm impressed and happy with the new firmware, and best of all don't have to wait till next week for my $7.99 upgrade key to arrive ;)

Well, I just found out recently that the firmware I posted will accept a HARD reset but I also found a sequence that will roll-back to the previsoly installed firmware ( the one with the 99-1 channels ) the sequence is:

red guide, program info, aspect, program info, 1

I thought that was realy interesting because after that I was able to reflash it. This would be great for hacking and testing every feature in the firmware...if anyone is interested that is. Anyway, Thanks for your feedback. :D

Ok I just did a quick read of these messages.. is somebody selling a USB thumb drive of the image of the last update for these receivers.. I have had a Wal-Mart unlocked receiver for about two years and do not know which version of the software that I have in it.
--David

Ok I just did a quick read of these messages.. is somebody selling a USB thumb drive of the image of the last update for these receivers.. I have had a Wal-Mart unlocked receiver for about two years and do not know which version of the software that I have in it.
--David

To find the version you are currently on......
Press menu, press setup, then go to system information.

Mine reads 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15)

:cool: Wow what a trip I knew there was probably a remote keying combo that would do someting like that. I thought there might be some other combos like those on most tvs where you can get into a service menu.


I just tried that on one of my other db-2010s it is now reset to the original 2.5.57(2.4.18-17) firmware I thought I was goofing :D around with the subscription unit but it turned out to be the one of the fta units I had bought on ebay oops!. I need to dig up the fta upgrade stick again

It's great now that they can be reset to the previous firmware

-----"LET THE EXPERIMENTS BEGIN"-----

Yeah, I wonder if you could go all the way back to the yellow gui. :p

BTW: I'm sorry that your ebay-box firmware got rolled back.

To find the version you are currently on......


Mine is currently:
2.5.61 (2.4.18-7)

And reading that there is a 2.7.xx out there tells me that mine is a number of software updated behind..

But I emailed to cablecom and they told me I did not need any software updates??

The only bug that I have with my unit is.. if I leave it on the same channel for more than 24 hours.. I have to do a hard reset to get the remote to work again.

Since you can purchase 512mb usb thumb drives for less than $10 I was hoping that maybe some body here was selling a pre-programed thumb drive for about $20 or less shipped.

--David

OK I used my old 128MB USB key and the tool supplied in the RAR. The key seemed to build OK, and using a ext2fs driver, it mounts under winXP and I can see files. however my 3 year old Wal-Mart DB2010 (free-OTA) refuses to acknowlege it's existence when I plug it in on the back of the unit.

I've tried unplugging it, pressing the power button on the remote. Is there some secret? Do I need to do a hard reset? Is it possible I didn't make the key right?

Tomorrow, I'm going to burn a Knoppix LiveCD and see if I can mount the USB key under Linux and take a look around, but I thought maybe someone who had success making their own key could tell me if I missed something.

Thanks

Phlotsam:
If you made the upgrade key correctly, then it's as simple as doing the following:

1. Unplug your receiver.
2. Insert the USB key.
3. Plug in your receiver.

It will then auto-detect the USB drive and begin the upgrade process. If it doesn't, the key was likely not make right. I found it pretty easy, though. Also, if you've successfully installed an Ext2 filesystem patch, you should be able to browse around the drive in XP, without needing to boot Linux. Hope this helps!

Yeah, I wonder if you could go all the way back to the yellow gui. :p

BTW: I'm sorry that your ebay-box firmware got rolled back.

It's ok I have 3 other boxes that work.

It even restored the id number of the unit

I have been wondering :rolleyes: if anyone out there has the original key that took the walmart fta boxes to the last version of firmware that didn't change the hardware into a db2020.

The walmart box I have has the latest firmmare at 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15) hardware db2010. The reason I wonder is that this firmware seems to be very stable compared to my other units that the hardware version is db2020.....Wonder if any hackers can download any of the firmware updates from the units flashed since it can be rolled back?

I found the upgrade, I have to try and set this unit back to where it was. I will try to reflash it tonight.

It's hard to keep from fiddling with these units... I just like the speed of the channel changes you can make on it compared to the samsung units I've tried

Well I just reflashed the unit with the update key It's working ok.... :o again

Phlotsam:
If you made the upgrade key correctly, then it's as simple as doing the following:
1. Unplug your receiver.
2. Insert the USB key.
3. Plug in your receiver.
It will then auto-detect the USB drive and begin the upgrade process.

Worth noting: It takes a long time for the unit to do anything after step three.

70 seconds or so in my experience.

Erm... well, that might be a far cry, but someone very talented could perhaps do it. The problem wouldn't be the "software;" it runs linux, and someone with the right knowledge could adapt that well enough. The issue would be in finding a hardware method of adding an internal hard drive (to be a "true" DVR). Unless, perhaps, you mean using the USB port for an external drive; that could be doable, but writing speed vs playback/encoding speed might be a hurdle. I concur completely, though, that it would be really interesting to see what a insanely clever linux guru could do with this nice piece of hardware... :cool:

Interestingly, I have personally spoken with the engineers for this product. The current units were originally intended to be modifiable so that a hard drive could be added internally. In fact, if you open one up, you will see that all of the traces are there to do it. You just need to add a connector and hard drive. So, actually, the hard part is the software. The software has already been developed, just not released by USDTV. May Marsman knows how to get it for us.

Mine is currently:
2.5.61 (2.4.18-7)

And reading that there is a 2.7.xx out there tells me that mine is a number of software updated behind..

But I emailed to cablecom and they told me I did not need any software updates??

The only bug that I have with my unit is.. if I leave it on the same channel for more than 24 hours.. I have to do a hard reset to get the remote to work again.

Since you can purchase 512mb usb thumb drives for less than $10 I was hoping that maybe some body here was selling a pre-programed thumb drive for about $20 or less shipped.

--David

You can probalby get one on ebay for $3.00. Just go to ebay and type "usdtv". But, if you want to pay $20. I will sell you mine for $20.00 :) .

I have a USDigital / HiSense DB-2010 (probably Wal-Mart) Tuner with firmware Rev 2.5.6.1 (2.4.18-7). This tuner has been in use for OTA reception in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul, MN area for about 7 months. It is my hope that a firmware upgrade would fix occasional Aspect, Time Zone and Audio problems.

I purchased ProServ1/MarsMan's 32 Meg SanDisk USB Thumb drive. I followed the instructions:
Unplug power, Connect USB Drive, Reconnect power. The green USB light comes on steady.

This simply results in a normal boot of this USDigital Tuner. The blue USDigital Splash screen appears. After about 40 - 60 seconds a sleep Mode message is briefly flashed, then the screen goes blank. The front panel lights indicate the Tuner is in standby mode. Leaving it this way for 45+ minutes makes no difference.

Upon checking the System information, the firmware is exactly the same as before. There is no change to the Tuner configuration.

A Hard Reset ( press Guide, Aspect, Exit, Program Info, 0) causes the tumer to restart. It then runs the initial USDigital splash screen and prompts for a Channel scan. Upon finishing this setup, the firmware remains the same as before.

The Roll-Back key sequence (Red Guide, Program Info, Aspect, Program Info, 1) typically overlays a small blue rectangle with a "1" on the upper right of the currently tuned channel. At other times the Tuner is restarted, with a blue welcome screen describing USDTV Serice and listing the URL. There is no change to system configuration.

I can find no menu options to force a USB read.

I tried downloading the firmware, as described in a recent post. I loaded it to a Microcenter 1 GB USB thumb drive. This USB drive gives no appearance of ever being recognized by the tuner.

Is there some special trick needed to get a USB drive to run an update?
Or is the DB-2010 2.5.6.1 (2.4.18-7) firmware simply not upgradeable?

I have a USDigital / HiSense DB-2010 (probably Wal-Mart) Tuner with firmware Rev 2.5.6.1 (2.4.18-7). This tuner has been in use for OTA reception in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul, MN area for about 7 months. It is my hope that a firmware upgrade would fix occasional Aspect, Time Zone and Audio problems.

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion about the firmware updates. If you have a box that was working as an OTA receiver and you want to update the firmware, you need to look around post 400 (403 for the files) on how to update those boxes.

IF you have an old USDTV subscription box that you need to convert into an OTA box then you need to use the firmware files that were released last week.

It seems like the orig. OTA boxes do not accept the USDTV update and vice versa.

I used the reset to old version and it showed my old channel list in the tv guide from before I updated (fta box)

Is the subscription box update a higher version number than the fta ?

And is there a newer version of the fta that has not been released?

I'm still fairly new here, with only a few posts, but find this thread very interesting with a lot of people with the same problem. I posted back on 3-20-07 #498, and then made mention of the fact that using the remote sequence changes a lot of things of the DB2010 unit, and still believe there is a sequence that would correct all these problems without a key. I, for one, did purchase a key from Marsman which made my unit now usable. I also purchased a couple of used units from Marsman which are correctly flashed. Now here is another question that I have, the original unit I bought new from Walmart, that was never activated under USDTV, always keeps the green light showing signal On, even when the power is Off, whereas the units that were flashed, originally from USDTV never show the green light when powered Off, just double red lights, anyone know why?? Also maybe if someone keeps trying various key sequences, they will find a sequence that corrects all these problems without a key. Problem with this is that certain sequences from USDTV were very destructive and did not bring the unit back to true factory settings as their manual said, but there own settings which messed up the unit by no longer being able to bring up menu, just stuck in loop of not finding their (USDTV)signals!!

If you update the wal-mart box to 2.7.11, from the 2.5.whatever it has on it, the LEDs will act differently. I noticed this even when I was receiving the USDTV service, which was only beta tested in my area. Sometimes I would get a firmware update over the airwaves, and the menus would change, and at one time the LEDs changed.

Thanks Jafir, but I don't plan to do anything with my well working Wal-mart model, it is the only one that seems to work best. But I have pictures that I took when my prior flashed units were all messed up after doing USDTV's factory reset. I have pictures showing that the power button was Off (Red) but was showing a channel scan lineup on the TV, which means the unit was technically on and sending info to the TV. Strange, I know!!! Thats why I took the pictures, the unit was really messed up!!!

So it looks like even though the two flavors of this box are essentially identical, they are different with respect to the software they will run, for whatever reason. If I understand what you just described, it looks the "final" versions of the Hisense box are:

U.S. Digital (Wallyworld) FTA STB = 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) hardware db2010
USDTV/Hisense Subscription STB = 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020

This lines up exactly with the two units I have, one that I bought from WW at the original price that had 3 upgrades from the company while they were in business, and the one that I just got from marsman.

However, this does contradict a message that I got from marsman who stated that the USB key he was selling would upgrade the WW boxes, which is apparently not the case. So, although I purchased a key, I ain't tryin' it on my WW box!

I am wondering if we can collectively put together a post on this box to assemble all of the known facts and quirks about it, and make it a "sticky" for the benefit of one and all. Not sure exactly how this is done, but I think it would be worthwhile.

- Rocky1034 - It might help you to think of the box as a computer it is, (running linux) with the software update it installed a newer operating system (like going from win98 to XP) so there were a lot of changes, with the old software you had to unplug the box to reboot now you can reboot by holding the power button in for 4 seconds.

I have an OTA Walmart box that still just rapidly flashes both LED's. Can anyone advise if they're experiencing the same behavior? According to the USDTV manual, if the power LED flashes it's due to "System Update In Progress". However, it doesn't state what happens when the signal and power LED's flash simultaneously - in unison.

I've tried all of the software updates and remote resets as prescribed herein. But none have helped. So, I'm left to wonder if the unit is permanently fried, or does it just need a firmware update that for whatever reason I'm incapable of applying.

I can't get to any menus, etc. The screen is blank and the unit just flashes. Can anyone fathom whether or not this is a related firmware issue? Or, has my unit just happened to fry about the same day that USDTV went belly up?

So it looks like even though the two flavors of this box are essentially identical, they are different with respect to the software they will run, for whatever reason. If I understand what you just described, it looks the "final" versions of the Hisense box are:

U.S. Digital (Wallyworld) FTA STB = 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) hardware db2010
USDTV/Hisense Subscription STB = 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) hardware db2020


There are indeed two boxes and PhiloT's information above is accurate. There are Walmart boxes (sometimes called US Digital boxes) and USDtv Subscription boxes.

You can not use the subscription flash on a Walmart box. You also can not use a Walmart flash on a subscription box. There is really no physical way to tell the difference. The only difference is the version found on the System Information screen. However, if you have the USDtv logo on the menus or you have the channel 99-1, then you have a subscription box. Or of course, if you reboot and it says to call USDTV to activate, then you have a subscription box.

As far as the Walmart (aka US Digital) boxes go, here is the info that I have seen:

Prior to Walmart upgrade:

- Contained a System ID on the System Information page (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx)
- The software version was: 2.5.61 (2.4.18-7)
- The hardware version was db2010 on the System Information page
- The System Information page had an U S Digital logo on the lower right hand side of the page.
- There was no PIP on the channel guide page
- There was no Adjust Antenna menu option

The Walmart flash took a long time (like 7-10 mins). Much longer than the subscription flash & boxes (subscription upgrade was like 4-5 mins). The Walmart flash menu was not quite as nice as the subscription flash menu during the flash process.

After the flash using the Walmart box:

- The System ID was no longer on the System Information page
- The software version was: 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15)
- The hardware version was db2020 on the System Information page
- The US Digital logo was gone from the System Information page
- We now have a PIP on the channel guide
- We now have the Adjust Antenna menu option.

After the flash, the software functionality on the Walmart box seemed to be the same as the flashed subscription box except for the version number. However, the number in ()'s are the same after the upgrade. Both the Walmart and subscription have 2.4.18-15 in the ()'s after the flash. All the other functions seemed to be the same.

There was talk about a USDtv tech telling someone about being built to have a hard disk. I opened up my box and there is definitely no header for a disk drive to connect to. It would be nice if a former USDtv engineer would get on here and straighten all of this out. But, that may not happen due to lack of motivation or legal regard.

I recommend the Walmart upgrade if you are still on the 2.5.61 version. The 2.7.11 is much better (but that is just my opinion). Also, I see that marsman now has the Walmart flash (item 170100949662) for sale. I suppose this is for those who do not want to or have the ability to create a stick themselves. So, if you buy one of these, make sure you know which one you need. I don't see that it is really made clear on the ebay listings.

Does anyone have the ability to create a simple wiki or website for this these little boxes that we seemed to be obsessed with? This thread is awesome, but newbie's will have to really read and dig to get the info out of it.

I live outside of the USDTV service area (when it was still in business) and received a USB firmware upgrade that converted a subscription box to a free OTA box. Before I shipped the key back, I made a copy of the drive contents, both the files and a DD image of the disk. I can send it to someone who's willing to post it on a site. I could also create a Bit Torrent and share it that way.

I got this firmware (v2.5.63) over a year ago, so people here may already have a newer version. I've been trying to glean information from this thread. It's a long read! Please forgive me if I'm restating something someone else already posted.

Lastly, I would like to ask for some help reviving my box. It had been working perfectly for a year or so. One day I powered it on and it would not get past the blue splash screen. I've left it on for hours and it just sits there. I've read of a "hard reset" for these boxes. What is that procedure, and would it help revive my box? I've tried one of the reset codes using the remote to no avail.

Added.......Now I hear there is no such animal as a db2020 so where did they come from a glitch in the upgrade software?


From a chat with someone at the old USDTV: The DB2020 was a box from a different (not Hisense) manufacturer. Many or all of them were recalled because of heat problems.

I was able to look into some of the files for the sub to fta software it had a statement in it to check if the unit was a proton unit. Do you think it was a proton unit that had the heat problems as referred to by the usdtv person? I have heard of these units but I have never seen one.

Later

Any response from me would be a guess. I don't know.

Is there a way to start from scratch with a USDtv box? I have a box that has some kind of test program on it. It has the USD logo then asks you to press the On button, click ok, is the left light red, is the right light green, are both red, are both green, etc....

It is some kind of test program. I got a USB subscription key and the Walmart key, neither do anything. Just go through the menu and then get a screen that says all the hardward passed.

I'm wondering how to get an initial load of software on this box? Anyone have any ideas or have made progress decompiling the images that are floating around now?

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. Too bad USD did not open up their source. :confused:

I have a Wal-mart DB-2010 I would like to know where I can down load the update files for the OTA non-subscription box.

the blinking leds are now fixed with a 33 volt zener replacement and taking it completely apart and putting it back together.

Yes it does output HD on the component ports and yes it will output composite at the same time. I would need a little more info to help you on the antenna. Distance from broadcast stations, elevation, single or two story house, attic on outdoor install?
Good Luck

You will actually need the upgrade software that is for the Walmart Box. On Ebay at consumer electronics, antennas, HDTV tuners.

If anyone has bought this box on ebay, can you please tell me which seller, so I know I will get a good one, or if you can find one for me and send me the link....any help would be great...I just don't want to get ripped off....right now I have the samsung H260F, but if I can find a cheap one that does basically the same thing I will return the sammy...I just want the free OTA HD broadcasts...
Thanks!!

If anyone has bought this box on ebay, can you please tell me which seller, so I know I will get a good one, or if you can find one for me and send me the link....any help would be great...I just don't want to get ripped off....right now I have the samsung H260F, but if I can find a cheap one that does basically the same thing I will return the sammy...I just want the free OTA HD broadcasts...
Thanks!!

I bought one from ebay seller "distandwind" and the item arrived as described - new in box with updated firmware. Shipping was fast too. No complaints at all.

Ok, thanks...I actually just won this one....http://cm.*********/cm/ck/1065-29392-2357-0?uid=70800015&site=0&ver=EOIBSA080805&lk=ItemDescriptionANDimage&Item=120107979443

Link does not work. How much did you pay?

sorry...its item # 120107979443
it was $51 plus $15 s/h...

Sweet deal! Mine was $199 new at Wal Mart, but I think it was worth it, and I have no regrets.

yeah, i hope its a sweet deal....hopefully it works well....

jonathan4hd, which board had the bad diode on it?

I have a Wal-mart DB-2010 I would like to know where I can down load the update files for the OTA non-subscription box.


Well, now that I know there is a difference between the OTA/WalMart and the subscription boxes, I can report that the firmware found in the link in post #403 (Page 14) successfully upgraded my 3-year old WalMart Free/OTA box to the latest firmware.

I had to dink around with the USB key a couple of times, but if did work. I'd recommend using the knoppix bootable CD if you're not too familiar with linux to properly format the USB key and transfer the files over.

The instructions found in post#389 (page 13) and the advice about setting "start" to be executable in the following post more-or-less cover what I had to do to make a bootable USB key that worked.

If using KNOPPIX, you may have to set a root password and use the ROOT shell to get authority to fdisk and to chmod the files on the key.

It does take a disturbingly long time to update the firmware, and it will erase the key when it's done.

Ok...how should I set this up?
Right now I have my TV going to the DVD Recorder via Component Cables. My TV only one one set of components though, but 2 HDMI, and this new STB doesn't have HDMI? What is the best way to set this up. I have the TV, DVD Recorder(no HDMI), this STB, and an A/V Receiver...
Any advice would be great....

It does take a disturbingly long time to update the firmware, and it will erase the key when it's done.

:eek: Erases the key? How? The two different keys I have are still usable????

For those that already have this....will I need an antenna? I just had the Samsung H260F Tuner without an antenna and got all OTA HD local channels....will this do the same thing or will i have to get an antenna...if so, i'll take some recommendations on an indoor antenna, i live in an apartment with wooded areas....
thanks.

No antenna for the H260F? I find that hard to believe. Yes you will need an antenna, but with that kind of reception, start cheap and save your receipts.

I was pretty surprised too...but no antenna and I got cbs, fox, abc, nbc, the tube, yes, nesn, maybe a few others....i have a zenith silver...something that i'll try out first....i just got this box because it was about $120 cheaper than the sammy....

The box to the H260F says that an antenna is needed for it to work, but I never hooked one up...I think there is some sort of qam built into the samsung tuner....i'm hoping the hisense will work ok just to get me the local HD broadcasts....

:eek: Erases the key? How? The two different keys I have are still usable????

Okay.. maybe it didn't... It looked like it did, but I was on a windows PC without any kind of ext2 driver, and it didn't even show the partition.

I didn't really care because my upgrade worked, so I was done with it anyway.

Sorry if I confused anyone.

The box to the H260F says that an antenna is needed for it to work, but I never hooked one up...I think there is some sort of qam built into the samsung tuner....i'm hoping the hisense will work ok just to get me the local HD broadcasts....


There's no QAM tuner in the DB 2010, so you are going to need an antenna. I did not realize you were getting your local stations over a cable system, or I would have warned you.

Hey guys I posted this in the Local HD reception area but also am posting the same thing here since it is regarding my 3 USDTV boxes.


Problem with WTAE Reception

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been having a problem with WTAE for a few weeks since they added their weather sub channel.

The problem is with their HD programming on ABC. Now whenever a show is in HD my 3 STB all lose the picture and sound at around 15 second intervals constantly when they are broadcasting HD content. My boxes say "Channel 4 is off the air". It looses the picture and the sound, and then the picture returns for another 10- 15 seconds and the the signal is dropped. Their SD programming does not do this for me.

I did the following.... Tighted up my antennas direction. It is at 90% steady, Rescanned, updated all my channels. All to no cure at all. As I said this is since they add the extra weather channel.

My STB are all Walmart Hisense USDTV Tuners, they all are now doing this with WTAE and my antenna is a CM 4228 and a CM Preamp. All my other channels/ reception is fine.

Any similiar situations or ideas?

I am getting frustrated and hate watching Lost via the internet.....

Thanks

I did the following.... Tighted up my antennas direction. It is at 90% steady, Rescanned, updated all my channels. All to no cure at all. As I said this is since they add the extra weather channel.


Have you tried to remove the splitter and only have 1 box hooked up to the antenna? I would concentrate on getting the 90% signal strength to be higher and then report back.

I do have one station that is 87-91% that does get pixelation. That is why I suggest seeing if you can get the signal strength up (and one way to do that is by not splitting the signal). Just because it is digital does not prevent it from loosing dB's when you split.

I am not experiencing the same problem. I used to frequently have auido dropout on the 99-x channels. However, I have not had problems since I upgraded to FTA.

Hi everyone!

I bought a used USDTV receiver off of ebay last year and ended up with a subscription box. Thankfully the seller had disconnected the box before they canceled their subscription so all I had to do was to scan for channels and edit the channel list to use in my area. (A non-USDTV market).

The model number is HT-7012. It has yellow menu screens. The software version is 2.5.63 (2.4.18-15). Would any of the software upgrades work with this unit? It looks a lot like other units. It has two USB ports on the back.

It does a good job of receiving, but the time is always way off so the program guide doesn't work and if I ever do a factory reset the receiver will be useless. If I unplug the unit the clock resets to 2 a.m., but not always the right date when it powers back up.

The updates are now available on the elinux site mentioned previously.

I would give the URL but the system won't let me post a url until after 5 posts and I wanted to get this information out. The site was updated on April 18 to include the tgz images of the updates

Steve

I sent marsman the following message:

On your site, you state that "Due to copyright laws you are only allowed to purchase one of these keys if you have proof of being a current or previous subscriber to USDTV."

In reality, the USDTV files are based on Linux, which is covered by the GPL. That means USDTV was supposed to release these files in binary and source code form, as referenced at http://elinux.org/wiki/HiSense. However, that never happened, and the files continue to be held back from customers who just want to make their own USB keys.

and marsman replied:

That is good info to know. If you have one of the boxes and need a key let me know and I can sell you one after the heat is gone.

here is the post so you don't have to search for it :cool:

"Have you tried to remove the splitter and only have 1 box hooked up to the antenna? I would concentrate on getting the 90% signal strength to be higher and then report back."


Well I got the signal almost to 100% strength. Still the picture and sound goes out on only this one station when in HD. If I display "info" on the STB, I get all the signal bars and they stay full even when the picture goes out. Now I happened to watch this station on Sunday with NBA game in HD and I had NO problem. Maybe its just that these tuners are a little wacky.

I did send an email comment to the station explaining my dilemma, not suprisingly I did not get any reply.

Angelo,

I notice that you're in Uniontown, and I'm close by in McClellandtown. I'm having all sorts of problems with KDKA's HD transmission, especially when the stream changes from HD to SD then back. I have three ATSC tuners (USDTV STB, Samsung 2641 LCD, and a PCI Air2PC tuner) and they all have loss of picture/sound when the station changes resolution 'gears.' WTAE-DT seems to be ok, but I have some multipath issues that'll cause me to replace the antenna one of these days. :(

I don't believe the issue is with the tuners, it's the source.

larrybpsu quoted:

"I'm having all sorts of problems with KDKA's HD transmission, especially when the stream changes from HD to SD then back. "


KDKA does exactly with my USDTV box exactly as you describe. Its like they cant get a smooth transition between SD to HD.

I got a DB 20 10 off ebay for 43 bucks with the newest firmware. What indoor antenna should I get?

Use antennaweb.org to make sure that you are close enough to the transmitter to use an indoor antenna. Item number 330112666374 on ebay is for use with ATSC tuner cards (look at the sellers other items to find one that you can put in your computer).

Hi, I managed to make a copy of the usb stick, it's 9 megs and includes a tool.

here is kinda the url...

/files/24691258/USDIMAGE_TOOL.rar

I hosted on rapidshare

I put a tool in the rar that should be able to transfer bite by bite to the stick. It is an img file and I used windows to make the transfer. Have fun :cool:

ps..you may need to get a ext2fs driver google it up and get one.


I am having trouble following how to make the usb key with the rar file. Some steps would help.

Thanks.

Just looked at db-2010s on ebay someone has a buy it now price of $125 plus shipping from 26.95 to 66.95. The shipping is from texas.

:D Wow! I'm sitting on a goldmine!

on the list of hisense receivers on ebay, look down a little further and there is a buy it now for 80$

on the list of hisense receivers on ebay, look down a little further and there is a buy it now for 80$
there are also some at $40 missing a remote----also saw a lot of 8 up for bid

Just like to check ebay to see where the db2010s are going. I have 4 myself. The best one I have is the original wallyworld unit I received for Christmas, payed the full cost, it was a bargain at the time (a lot less then the samsungs at that same time, got it to see if I could receive hdtv in my area) and works very well....

The other 3 are from ebay ranging in price of $72 to 46$. They work so so even with upgrades

I received my DB-2010 last Friday; I bought it off eBay, not from marsman, but from another established seller, Joost van Berkel (5van). Since I hooked it up to my Samsung (analog) TV, it has been working like a charm; I have even been able to receive stations in Tallahassee, FL (about 65 miles from where I live) during morning and prime time hours (as I am typing this, I am watching CSI on WCTV-DT).

This box is definitely nice for someone looking to get into DTV/HDTV for minimal expense. :)

Almost every night, my DB 2010 has been shutting down to check for software updates. It's getting really annoying, since it's pretty obvious that there aren't going to be any updates due to USDTV going bankrupt. Anyone know of a way to stop the unit from checking for updates?

My unit is a regular non-subscription model. Software version is 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15) Hardware Version: db2020.

Is there a generic version of the software / firmware that will work with my unit that has the software update checker turned off?

Since I hooked it up to my Samsung (analog) TV, it has been working like a charm; I have even been able to receive stations in Tallahassee, FL (about 65 miles from where I live) during morning and prime time hours (as I am typing this, I am watching CSI on WCTV-DT).

Should have been trying to sign up to play a corpse on CSI (and watching it) rather than posting here. Get your priorities straight! :D

Should have been trying to sign up to play a corpse on CSI (and watching it) rather than posting here. Get your priorities straight! :D
Thanks, maybe I will consider it for the future. ;) But I still love my DB2010, and look forward to years of happy viewing with it.

I bought my US Digital box off ebay August 2006-model 2010 I never had a subscription service for it, but it does have a slot in the front of the box for some sort of card-never used it though.

Has been working fine for free OTA HDTV since I bought it until now-I turn it on (by plugging it in-I have always left it unplugged because it gets really hot for some reason) and it is stuck in the standby mode (left light is orange-"signal" light, right light is green). The blue "splash"screen shows up on my tv and says "US Digital", but thats it. Main power button doesn't work, the remote buttons dont work (since in standby mode?) Or is it not registering any signal? I ran the cable from my other HDTV box (that I know works and is getting a signal) into the US digital box to see if faulty coax cable line-Nothing different happened.

Then I thought I might have to make one of those usb flash drives to update it as pointed out in post 388-400-I did that, and believe I made it correctly-but nothing happens when I put it in usb slot in back of box. I made all the files executable in the diagnostics folder as pointed out by going into the properties section of each file and "check marking" the executable option for each. I'm not sure where to type this CHMOD 777 or if I even have to do it since there already executable from the change I made through the properties window. But if I did enter in CHMOD 777, do I just type it in front of each folders file name (rename it, CHMOD 777 start) for example.?

Anyway, maybe none of this is working because, like I said-I can't get past the blue splash screen/doesn't fullly power on.

Any ideas of how can get this to reset or work?

(I don't know what firmware version it is-never looked)

Some of the original USDTV boxes had heating issues. I believe that they were a smaller form factor. Most likely, you have burned it up. One poster mentioned being able to fix the box by replacing a zener diode inside the box. He had different symptoms than you though.

Because yours comes up with the USDTV splash screen, I don't think the update in post 388-400 will work. I think you need the one from ebay that converts the box from a subscription box to a free ota box. search ebay for usdtv software to find the key.

The slot on the front of the box is not connected to anything. I opened mine up, so I am sure of this. By the way, the reason I opened mine up is because some of the USDTV engineers told me that a hard drive can be connected to it to create a DVR. Now if I only had the firmware to do it.

HELP ME!!! I just bought one off ebay and the remote doesnt work, is there anythings I can do to fix it or is there any universal remotes that willl work?

HELP ME!!! I just bought one off ebay and the remote doesnt work, is there anythings I can do to fix it or is there any universal remotes that willl work?

Not to state the obvious but when I first got mine the supplied batteries took a little playing with to get the positive posts to make a good connection. At first I thought the remote was bad...YMMV

Question about the upgrade from "marsman5d4h".

It seemed that I had the orignal 'Wal-Mart' OTA firmware and now have the newest firmware.

The orignal firmware would allow 'color' 480i Composite/S-video out even on the component output.

But since upgrading the component output is is black and white if the 480I Composite/S-video is chosen.

And if I choose the 480i component out I get no picture on the Composite/S-Video outputs...

While the update fixed all the other troubles that I was having about system lock-up...

Just anybody know how to fix this little bug so that if 480i is chosen all video outputs are working full color??

--David

So then from my post 694 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10478447&&#post10478447) , of which I did get a response with some ideas of why unit not working;

Before I go and buy this usb drive with software update that converts to free OTA box, Are the symptoms that I'm experiencing with this db 2010 sound familar to others that have gone thru this and updated and then worked ok?

Symptom = plug unit in, powers up, on/off button does nothing, showing right green light and left orange light, and blue splash screen on tv saying "us digital". Nothing else works though-can't get past this screen.


(this is assumming my box didn't overheat-others have stated my box version 2010 has had heating issues in the past).

Just saw this STB at Wal-Mart on clearance. Is it worth it?

Just saw this STB at Wal-Mart on clearance. Is it worth it?

It might be worth it. What was the price of it (as compared to the prices on ebay)

It might be worth it. What was the price of it (as compared to the prices on ebay)

$100

I paid about three-fourths that amount (including shipping) for the one I bought on eBay. But no matter how much you pay, it may be worth it, because it is a wonderful STB for receiving OTA digital signals. All you need is a decent antenna...

I think I paid about $60 including shipping on EBAY.

Jon

I've been seeing them sold (sometimes new) on eBay for around $60. Cheaper ones seem to sell in the middle of the week. I personally wouldn't spend $100 at Wal-Mart for one, as that's almost double the price. A little patience during the 3-4 day shipping is definitely worth $40 in my book ;)
SowegaBowler- very much agree. I keep a few around now; I actually just set up one of my spares at my sister-in-law's new place. She can't afford cable, is a few floors up and 20ish miles away from the broadcast towers... the perfect setup. I tossed an old set of rabbit ears on top of her TV, and she has over a dozen digital channels with EPG for $0 per month! Her roommates kept asking, "Is this legit? It's really free?"

If your box is "locked" will it show a blue splash screen or a yellow one? Or hasn't that been determined?

If your box is "locked" will it show a blue splash screen or a yellow one? Or hasn't that been determined?

Short answer: Either.

Originally the subscription models has a horrid yellow interface. Eventually, though, most of them got upgraded (over the air, automatically) to the blue interface. The true way to tell is to check in the settings for a serial number and a USDtv logo on the bottom right. If you've got them, it's a subscription box. After the firmware upgrade, a receiver shows neither. Of course, the guaranteed way to check for sure is to try a reset.. ;)

HELP ME!!! I just bought one off ebay and the remote doesnt work, is there anythings I can do to fix it or is there any universal remotes that willl work?

I thought my remote was shot too. Turned out that during shipping a connection inside the box came loose. Took two seconds to open the box and hook it back up. (It was the connection to the front panel - all the lights were dark, remote didn't work, and power button didn't work).

Good luck.

I have a subscription box so I got the file to create a usb stick and when the linux guy created the partition it had a directory called /lost+found on it. I believe he must be using the ext3 file system. Can I still use this usb stick or will I have to redo it using the ext2 file system?

I got a DB 20 10 off ebay for 43 bucks with the newest firmware. What indoor antenna should I get?

I just talked to a guy here at work that says he is just using a set of rabbit ears and gets a signal just fine.

The Sony RM-VL600 Universal Remote has a code for this receiver.
The code is 3401 and should work on either the SAT or CBL button.

I have a freshly flashed unit (blue menus and all) and I am experimenting with the neat linux side.

I have managed to interface through the serial port, but I cannot get past the password. I read in this thread that it was xyzzy, but I needed to put the file '/opt/mediaworks/etc/allowshell' on the flash. I suspect what you mean is that I need to put this file on a USB key and have that plugged in, such that I can login? Is the file empty? Does the file system matter?

Thanks!

I have a freshly flashed unit (blue menus and all) and I am experimenting with the neat linux side.

I have managed to interface through the serial port, but I cannot get past the password. I read in this thread that it was xyzzy, but I needed to put the file '/opt/mediaworks/etc/allowshell' on the flash. I suspect what you mean is that I need to put this file on a USB key and have that plugged in, such that I can login? Is the file empty? Does the file system matter?

Thanks!
i have read this thread but i havent really made sense of parts ok so is the new software improve the box mine works ok the guide is off by an hour im interested in anything that can bedone to it pvr?

i have read this thread but i havent really made sense of parts ok so is the new software improve the box mine works ok the guide is off by an hour im interested in anything that can bedone to it pvr?
WTH?!! Dude, let me introduce you to the period (.) Why don't you try using it if you want people to understand you.

I understood him perfectly.

You learn to do that after you've been around here long enough ;).

i have read this thread but i havent really made sense of parts ok so is the new software improve the box mine works ok the guide is off by an hour im interested in anything that can bedone to it pvr?
I have a wallyworld unit that has the upgrade and I also have 3 subscription with the upgrades (upgrade plus fta usable). I have no major problems with the guides. Have you tried setting the system clock by setting it to a pbs station? The clock seems to operate better from a pbs signal then most others. Also you need to set the time zone correctly...... :)

But on another note the sub to fta boxes all have to have a major reset done every few weeks. They seem to not to like channel 14. A lot of times they just lockup no audio no video you have to do the hold the power button til it resets

The walmart unit has only had one major reset in the 2 years I've had it. :o

The clock on mine (wally world, upgraded software to latest version) always needs to be reset every couple of weeks. I think it loses time.

I'm not positive but this may be a linux thing, because various computers I have running linux often do the same thing.

Hello to one and all.

Recently, I purchased what might have been a WalMart box on eBay. The item then turned out to be a subscription box in retail packaging.

Having read this entire thread, I downloaded the upgrade image for subscription boxes located in post 623, page 21. In less than an hour, I had a USB key & a working USDTV receiver, blue screen and all. Anyone can do this upgrade.

Before preceeding, I installed the Ext2 File System software by Stephan Schreiber as recommended. OS used was XP Home Edition, and for the USB key, a Lexar 256mb FireFly.

Running an RF modulator between the box and my old analog TV, I learned that the "Aspect" feature of this product fits the picture to the screen nicely.

Many thanks to usduser4000 for the work done to provide this upgrade image.

Why, o'why, don't these OTA set-top-boxes have something like DirectTV scheduler, so that automated channel changes can be programmed to follow the recording schedule of a recorder?

So it doesn't have the scheduler. Although I have a built in tuner in my Olevia which works very good.. with OTA/cable.. I still ordered one of the from the *bay purely for recording purpose to my Sammy DVD-R135. Mine arrived today.. haven't checked out the unit yet (whether retail unit/subscription unit). But am little disappointed that the scheduler is not there.. it'd be nice.. if someone can hack the linux and add the scheduler.. In fact US digital should add the scheduler so that they can capture the still nascent OTA recording market for people with VCR's/analog DVD Recorder.

In fact US digital should add the scheduler

Too late for them to do it... they're out of business (went bankrupt last year)! :eek:

I doubt that there are any set-top-boxes with a scheduler. And yet, nearly all of the VCR's could do this on cable. :(

Just a thought ... But perhaps there is a universal learning remote with the ability to make automated channel changes?

having the channel change through the universal remote would be too much of automation :-) (Think over it, you have to keep the remote powerd on and get it pointed towards the STB... I guess it'd have been better if I had bought the current crop of recorders with ATSC tuners).
I guess I would just keep the STB switched on (which I don't like) to the channel I want to record and and keep the DVD recorder on standby power with peroper scheduling to record from S-Video.

There are a couple of Radio Shack remotes that supposedly work with the db-2010. The three in one and the 4-in-1 family favorites remote. I have not tested either of them.

On the remotecentral forum I found this post by jenilu509:

Having unsuccessfully searched for this code on the net before going through the tedium of using the remote's search feature, I thought I would post it as a public service. If you buy a "RadioShack 4-in-1 family favorites remote," the code for a Hisense TL 2020 is 0815. The RadioShack information says the code is 0748, but that did not work for me. I also emailed Hisense customer service and they never even answered my email. hope this helps!

I doubt that there are any set-top-boxes with a scheduler. And yet, nearly all of the VCR's could do this on cable. :(

Just a thought ... But perhaps there is a universal learning remote with the ability to make automated channel changes?

Most UK OTA set top boxes have this facility - originally set manually by the user, now driven by the 7 day electronic programme guide broadcast universally.

If any CE manufacturers try and develop common UIs and platforms for consistency between digital platforms then this may appear on US boxes? Particularly Chinese/Korean models?

Saw the US Digital marked down for clearance in my WalMart today for $100.

Anyone on here used it in a fringe situation (60+ miles)?

Anyone on here used it in a fringe situation (60+ miles)?
With my Hisense STB and an RCA ANT1250 indoor antenna, I get stations in the Tallahassee, FL area, about 65 miles from where I live, usually during morning and evening hours. I have a CM 4221 antenna on order, and plan to place it in front of a window near my TV (I live in an apartment, so outdoor placement is all but impossible) to see if I can get stations in Tally and in Columbus, GA (about 60 miles away) stations for longer periods of time.

YMMV, depending on your antenna placement, terrain and weather. For more antenna help, check in the Antenna Topic sticky (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=381623).

SAnyone on here used it in a fringe situation (60+ miles)?

Most of my stations are 60+ miles. My main stations are on mountains and I'm down in the piedmont, so I benefit from the transmitter elevation for them and receive almost all of them OK. The furthest one is 83 miles. The only exceptions are stations where I know there's a problem with interference from analog stations on the same channel in other cities.

I can also get stations from two other cities at my elevation (not in the mountains). In the 65-75 mile range they come in OK in the evening and at night but half of them have at least some dropouts during the day. Beyond 75 miles I can't get anything during the day, and only occasionally at night. (this does not include the ones in the mountains as described above)

The US Digital worked OK for me, but the Samsung DTB-H260F does somewhat better with really weak signals (fewer dropouts). If you're in a position where you need all the help you can get, I think the Samsung is worth the extra money. I still keep the US Digital as a spare unit.

My current antenna is a Radio Shack VU-190XR, which I think has about 3-4 dB less gain in UHF than the antennas you've been considering in another thread (CM 4228 and Antennasdirect 91XG).

Almost every night, my DB 2010 has been shutting down to check for software updates. It's getting really annoying, since it's pretty obvious that there aren't going to be any updates due to USDTV going bankrupt. Anyone know of a way to stop the unit from checking for updates?

My unit is a regular non-subscription model. Software version is 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15) Hardware Version: db2020.

Is there a generic version of the software / firmware that will work with my unit that has the software update checker turned off?

I have the same problem with both of my ebay units. The problem usually occurs between 2am and 5am (while recording a show from the DB2010). A blue message box appears at the bottom of the screen: "An automatic check for software updates is needed at this time. Your receiver will turn itself off for this check. Push the 'Exit' button to postpone this check." The check takes about 45 seconds before the picture re-appears. My version is 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) and hardware version db2020. I would assume the problem is software but it could also be location dependent. I live in the San Francisco bay area.

So it still looks like we need to get our hands on the mediaworks software to manuiplate these units.

Does anyone out there have one the ex usdtv engineers as a close friend that can grab us the stb software that was used to create the interfaces etc for these db2010s?

:rolleyes: Just wishing again......



I Know! I know! copyright this and copyright that...... :confused:

Mine had been checking for updates every night for a week or 10 days. And it was always about a minute past the top of the hour, just as some program I wanted to watch was starting. No matter what option I chose, it would go ahead and check for updates anyway.

It has since stopped, as mysteriously as it started. Which is a good thing, as I was ready to toss the unit out the window a couple of times.

I see you are using a newer software version than me. I guess since you are also having the "checking for updates" problem, I won't bother updating.

Still, these are good units. I especially like the program guide. I sometimes wish I had a couple more of them.

I figured I'd post this here. I just got a USDTV HDTV box from my brother in law. Works great and picks up every channel But the PBS station. Reset the box reading over 500 posts in this thread to find it, pulled antenna out during the scan of 21 as it locks up, and tried to manually add it. The signal strength shows up 80+% so don't know what gives. The system information shows 2.7.15 (2.4.18-15).

Any help in why oh why this box won't pick up frequency 21 with strong signal strength? Like I said only PBS. The sad news is they broadcast 5 channels and the best HD content for a nature nut like myself.

Have you tried calling or e-mailing the station? Their engineers would probably be interested to know that something about their signal is causing at least one brand of receiver to freeze up. There's probably something in their PSIP data stream (the thing that carries the virtual channel number, program guide info, etc.) that isn't quite in spec.

Yes, no response yet. I'm not that patient I guess. I've read that it could be the PSIP, but with this whole USDTV firmware discussion, just not sure if it was on my side (cheap free equipment), or the channel side.

I have heard of this happening before with this receiver. I think it was discussed in this thread and the other person was also having this problem with a PBS station.

Try posting in the local HDTV reception forum on this site. I didn't catch what city you are in, but there is likely a forum for your area. If you have trouble finding your area, post the city and I will give you a link.

I have heard of people emailing local stations and getting the problem fixed. It surprised me to hear this, but I guess it's a common problem and not that hard for an engineer to fix. Good luck!

The Hisense tuner is not the greatest tuner.. I have the inbuilt tuner in my TV.. olevia 537h.. which is far far better than the hisense tuner.. and gets more channel than the hisense.. anyway I bought the Hisense purely for recording to my analogue DVD recorder. So no worry...however the hisense HDTV tuner have two great fatures I love..
1) Signal Strength meter
2) TV program guide

About the PBS reception.. they usually use a low power transmitter.. so people living outside 15 mile radius have great difficulty in the reception.. at least thats the case in NY metro/suberb area. Before the summer started I used to get Thirteen (out of Newark) with about 70% reliability.. now a days I don't get it at all.. check www.tvfool.com for the power of your local PBS transmitter

[QUOTE=spielerman]I figured I'd post this here. I just got a USDTV HDTV box from my brother in law. Works great and picks up every channel But the PBS station. Reset the box reading over 500 posts in this thread to find it, pulled antenna out during the scan of 21 as it locks up, and tried to manually add it. The signal strength shows up 80+% so don't know what gives. The system information shows 2.7.15 (2.4.18-15).

Yours locks up on channel 21 on a scan. My wally world unit before it's upgrade use to lock up on channel 41. After the upgrade it worked fine it's software is 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) db2010 it does the overnight rescan usually I have channels that are at least 80 miles away (skip I guess) usually gone by the afternoon....Picks up stations 50 miles away with ease I think most of them are at full power now.

I have two more units (subscription units with the fta upgrades) that at different times will lose audio/video. They have to have the powered off reset done. They do this maybe once every few weeks. Guess What? both of them are losing the audio/video while on channel 41.

The wally never has to be reset.... Would love to have the software used to set these units up and correct these issues we are seeing or I guess I could breakdown and buy the newest samsung unit again. Which didin't pick up channels as good as the db2010s.....

Picks up stations 50 miles away with ease I think most of them are at full power now.

What do you have up for an antenna rig? What kind of surrounding terrain are you dealing with?

Hi everyone,

I have a HT-7012 receiver. Recently the top of the unit on the middle left side was getting hot. About a week ago the unit would not get past the "please wait" screen. I opened the unit and found that one of the capacitors on the power supply board had a bulging top. It was the 47 uf electrolytic nearest the center of the board. I just got the replacement today and installed it. Everything works fine again and the unit is running much cooler!

What do you have up for an antenna rig? What kind of surrounding terrain are you dealing with?

I live about 50 miles north and 50 miles south of 2 major cities in this area.

My antennas are a large ratshack uhf/vhf combined with a ratshack uhf only antenna (uhf/vhf pointed north uhf pointed south) connected to a cm7777 preamp. The mast is mounted on a rotator the antennas are mounted on it at around 30 ft above ground. I have the advantage of living on a hill.

To check the amount of stations I can receive use 37091 as the zip

I pretty well pick the stations listed at very minimum of 75% on the db2010 most of them read in the 95% range.

I do have a pair of stations that a station to the south uses analog 15 and the north station uses digital 15. The digital station has a problem staying locked on usually starting around 8pm then the dropouts start.

I have no clue as to why on my other db2010s they occasionally shutdown on channel 41...... :confused:

I live about 50 miles north and 50 miles south of 2 major cities in this area.
. . .
To check the amount of stations I can receive use 37091 as the zip

That answers one of my big question about the USDTV. I was looking for someone with a similar situation to my own. I'm not on a hill, but you're using a lesser antenna. With any luck that's almost a push.

My Wally World has two left, and I might go ahead and play with them. Worst scenario, really, is they resell pretty well on eBay.

A few months ago, my box stopped displaying any sort of signal to the TV. I was using it for OTA only, and not through USDTV. The power light remains green at all times (whether I press the power button on or off). Is the unit broken? Or is it locked and I just need to apply the firmware?

While these are very good receivers, the software does lock up from time to time. Try leaving it unplugged for several hours, and it that does not work try overnight. Also disconnect the antenna cable, since I believe static electricity can sometimes accumulate in the antenna wire and cause problems if allowed to build up.

Also try other outputs (composite, S-video, etc) and see if you get a signal out of any of them.

If it still does not work, I would try to apply the firmware update, since you would really have nothing to lose at that point. I would recommend using the latest version you can find, since there were some audio problems that were fixed in the later versions.

I have not heard of very many of these units dying, but I guess it happens eventually.

Any help in why oh why this box won't pick up frequency 21 with strong signal strength? Like I said only PBS. The sad news is they broadcast 5 channels and the best HD content for a nature nut like myself.

Have you checked antennaweb.org to see if the PBS digital station happens to be broadcast on a VHF, rather than UHF signal? In our area, only one network broadcasts digitally on a VHF signal and the rest are UHF. However, some of the "HDTV" antennas aren't really built to pull in VHF signals and really only focus on UHF. It may just be a matter of hooking up a different antenna. Just a thought.

any one live near Draper Utah? USDTV auction July 17.
http://www.salesandauction.com/7172007.htm

potential for 6,000 db-2010's to be sold on e-bay :)

any one live near Draper Utah? USDTV auction July 17.
http://www.salesandauction.com/7172007.htm

6000 boxes. I wonder if they are going to auction them one at a time. I have one of their antennas as well, and they work pretty good.

Probably a bunch of us live near Draper Utah. If only I knew which one of those computers had the software for the DVR version of this box, I could be rich.

I live in Utah, within a few miles of Draper. I plan on attending this auction. I actually talked to the legal guy that's in charge of the US Digital bankruptcy liquidation; he tried taking bids on the entire lot of 6,000+ units first (even wanted me to make a bid), but with all the red tape and hoops no one was biting. So they planned this auction... as I understand it, it'll be a free-for-all. If they can sell everything together, they will, but most likely it'll go bunch by bunch. AFAIK the computers have all been wiped specifically to prevent folks like us getting our hands on any "tools" they may or may not have had. Which sucks, as the DB2010 would be an awesome little modded box...

I think they already are showing up on eBay. I submit:

eBay item #110146541033.

Dude selling it has to make two turns in order to get to the auction site.

http://www.google.com/maps?q=West+Jordan,+UT,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title

I think they already are showing up on eBay. I submit:

eBay item #110146541033.

Dude selling it has to make two turns in order to get to the auction site.

Look at his selling history, he has also sold quite a few of them in the past.
So he definitely must have some sort of line on getting them,

I'm just wondering how long before all this selling drives down the price. IF 6,000 of these show up on eBay it's going to be hard to keep getting $50-80 for one.

Maybe those long-promised $50 digital set top tuners will finally become a reality, now that I have absolutely no use for such a device.