Walmart US Digital STB Questions [Text View] - Page 4

VorlonFog

07-09-07, 04:52 PM

Anyone know someone that can create a new db2010 linux interface for us?

I would think that person or persons could remove and install another media interface system into the flash on the motherboard.

:o I wish I knew how I'd give it a try......Developing a new interface would be extremely difficult. The firmware loaded is built using ATI's proprietary software drivers for the Xilleon X225 processor chip. The good news is, the encryption/security applied to files on the firmware update USB keys has been identified: With the generous help of GPSfan, we've worked out how USDTV generated the signature files that permit installing new executables and scripts on the Hisense DB-2010 receiver. It's an MD5 encryption on the 32-character MD5 checksum of each file, using '$1$@M&k=Ba}$' as the salt value. This means we should be able to generate valid signature files for any revised script or new executable to place on the box. File signatures compatible with the 2.7.15-FTA upgrade are computed by obtaining the 32-character MD5 checksum of the file, then performing an MD5 hash using the salt $1$@M&k=Ba}$So, if you have an enterprising Linux hacker in your back pocket ;) send them to either of those sites.

dc_specialist

07-10-07, 04:24 AM

Johnla

07-10-07, 05:11 AM

If it was me.
I'd tell the ebay seller he sent a bum unit, and then tell him that I want another one that works or a refund.

au revoir

07-10-07, 09:03 AM

I just bought a DB 2010 off of ebay (Marsman?) and the initial channel scans failed after I finally decided to crack it open to see if something had jarred loose in shipping I discovered that the ten pin cable that runs from the tuner to the main board was on only eight of the pins. After I fixed this my channel scan started picking up channels but would freeze on channel 42 and never move past it. I tried disconnecting the antenna when it would get near channel 42 but it still froze there. Anyone got any ideas?

IIRC, this is a common problem (which I have fortunately not encountered) but I believe it has to do with the data sent out by the broadcaster (PSIP?) being incompatible with your DB-2010. Is channel 42 a PBS station by any chance?

One option is to contact the station and inform them of the problem you are having in trying to tune in their station. It is possible they can correct the problem from their end, and several people on this have been successful in doing this.

See this thread several pages back to search for the posts. If I am not mistaken, I believe you are having the same problem as they describe.

Another option might be to figure out which direction channel 42 is located, and point your antenna away from that direction so that you can complete a channel scan. Then after that, you can add channels manually. Also, can you tune channels in directly w/o doing a channel scan first? You might experiment with that.

Hopefully someone who has encountered this problem first-hand can comment.

dc_specialist

07-13-07, 05:53 PM

Alright I'm the guy having problems tuning in KET can someone tell me what the latest firmware is for the subscrition box ( I believe that is what I have).

hdElkhart

07-14-07, 01:39 PM

I have one of the $200 FTA DB-2010 boxes that seems to have a dead power supply (all voltages about 1/5 of normal). Is there any hardware information available for the box, or anyone with a dead box that will sell cheap for parts?

ax135

07-16-07, 01:53 AM

I am out of CA/Orange County and have the same problem receiving KCET 28.1. It looks up the Hisense DB2010 intermittenly. I think this started July 1st, 2007. Check the KCET site for reception info. It mentioned something about KCET transmitter changes that might interfere with ATSC tuners since 2006, but my problem did not start until July 2007.

au revoir

07-16-07, 09:49 AM

KCET is a PBS station, correct? Home of Huell Howser?

SowegaBowler

07-16-07, 09:03 PM

KCET is a PBS station, correct? Home of Huell Howser?
Right you are. KCET has been L.A.'s PBS station for years. I remember seeing Huell Howser and others broadcast on that station when I lived in SoCal.

jjallou

07-16-07, 10:29 PM

dc_specialist

07-17-07, 12:24 AM

I'm still having problems getting KET (Kentucky Educational Television PBS). I downloaded the firmware listed on this thread but it seemed to have no effect (by this I mean when I unplugged and had my usb key it seems to do the same thing as if I just restart the box and I never have to rescan the channels) I am pretty sure I have a subscription box it is one I got off ebay from Marsman.
My firmware is version 2.7.15 (2.4.18-15). Right now I am starting to wonder if only the subscription boxes have a problem with PBS stations maybe I should have tried finding a actual Wal-Mart box on ebay.
Thanks again for all the help and any future ideas.

au revoir

07-17-07, 08:57 AM

Here's a crazy idea: Get in your car and take the box and DRIVE somewhere that's out of range of KET. Scan for channels. Then when you get home add the rest of the channels manually, and delete whatever bad ones it detected.

Either that or connect a rabbit ear antenna that's too weak to pick up KET and do a scan. Anything to get you through that initial channel scan, because after that you get past that you'll be fine and can add stations manually.

Also. have you tried contacting a KET engineer (by email, address should be on their website) and told them their station is apparently causing your tuner to lock up, and that it may be their PSIP (program and system information protocol) data stream?

HTH, good luck!

littlereddog

07-18-07, 05:11 PM

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...

Did you go? If so, did they have any of the boxes with the DVR functionality? I know they were testing them at some point. How much did a lot of 100 boxes go for?

CharredPC

07-18-07, 06:19 PM

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go. I was really disappointed, but it was unavoidable. Maybe someone else went and can chime in. I haven't heard anything about DVR functionality in the DB2010's.... other than wishful thinking ;)

paula

07-20-07, 10:53 AM

<http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,695193110,00.html>

"Defunct USDTV assets yield $125,000 in Draper auction

"A public auction of the assets of defunct USDTV on Tuesday produced $125,000 in gross receipts, according to Erkelens & Olson Auctioneers.

"The auction at USDigital Inc.'s corporate offices in Draper attracted more than 150 bidders.

"USDigital tried for four years to offer a low-cost, family-friendly alternative to cable and satellite television but eventually filed for bankruptcy. It ceased operations in March, leaving about 7,000 customers — including more than 3,000 along the Wasatch Front — without service."
------------------------------------

Sad . . . that is about $39 per receiver if all the other equipment is not factored-in. The auction July 17th page is still available.

<http://www.salesandauction.com/7172007.htm>

smintn

07-26-07, 11:54 PM

If you still want one search with these words......

Hisense DB2010 HDTV Tuner Pre-Flashed - Brand New

Used HDTV & Digital Tuner-- Hisense--With Warranty

Refurbished HDTV & Digital Tuner--Hisense-With-WARRANTY

Brand New HDTV & Digital Tuner--Hisense-With-WARRANTY

Hisense USDTV DB-2010 DB2010 HDTV Receiver Tuner NEW

I myself don't want to get anymore of these since we can't tweak them easily.. :(

dogleg69

08-07-07, 08:48 PM

I came across an external pluggable device for the db2020. It is about 2.5" wide x 4.75" long x 0.75" high. It is grey in color and has a USB dongle hanging out of it. The top of this is embossed with the USDtv logo. The back has a sticker that says: "USDTV Model 99-30-2020 Caution, do not open. No serviceable parts inside".

So, I opened it. It contains a circuit board with 3 main chips on it:

Analog Devices ADSP-BF561 (see http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data_Sheets/696848ADSP-BF561_HiSpeed_pra.pdf)

Netchip NET2272 (see http://www.plxtech.com/pdf/usb/2272Performance_Report.pdf)

ISSI IS42s32200c1 (see http://www.issi.com/pdf/42S32200C1.pdf)

Plugged it up to the db2020 box and didn't really notice anything. Tried to mount it and no filesystem.

Anyone who used to work at USDTV interested in sharing what this is? Maybe an external MPEG4 decoder? Anyone else have a guess?

tim se iowa

08-08-07, 12:34 PM

Hi, dogleg69 found this-
http://www.freelists.org/archives/opendtv/06-2006/msg00071.html

""- USDTV's MPEG-4 adaptor - I am happy to report that they are offering it
free to all existing customers. Their biggest problem was getting it to work
with USB 1.1 connections. They showed it and some encoded stuff at about 1.5
Mbps. Picture quality was okay.""

check this out post #2021 (from 2005) note future upgrades http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6289170&&

dogleg69

08-08-07, 02:51 PM

""- USDTV's MPEG-4 adaptor - I am happy to report that they are offering it free to all existing customers. Their biggest problem was getting it to work with USB 1.1 connections. They showed it and some encoded stuff at about 1.5 Mbps. Picture quality was okay.""

Thanks tim se iowa. Any way to tell if it helps? What would you be looking for? Is it even needed/useful given we can't get the subscription channels any more?

tim se iowa

08-09-07, 11:48 AM

if digital ota (over the air) broadcasts ever switch to mp4, your in luck :)

Usdigital must have used it to double (their) channels available per station ??
anyone else know about it? or have one while using the paid service?
( before anyone comments, yes i know this is the Walmart box section so chances are slim )

kenglish

08-14-07, 07:32 PM

Anyone familiar with the guts of these units?

I'm wondering, without tearing one apart, what Dolby Digital decoder chip is used in it.

jafir

08-14-07, 08:09 PM

I had never thought about that. I always thought that it just dumped the stream to the TOSLINK port. BUT that only works if you are using that port. I guess it HAS to decode for the analog side. I just opened up my broken box. The only chips I saw are an ATI NXT 2004 tuner off all by itself and on the main board is a big chip under a heat sink that everyone says is an ATI Xilleon 220. ATI talks about audio on their page about the Xilleon, but they never say Dolby or AC3. So I would guess that it is taken care of either in the chip or in the the software that runs on it. I am no expert on this stuff so forgive me if I am wrong.

jay²

08-22-07, 12:51 PM

Anyone where I can get the files for the upgraded firmware since their website is shutdown? I bought two of these units one works great the other just starts up and says its looking for updated software.. Would the upgraded firmware fix it? Thanks in advance..

littlereddog

08-22-07, 03:14 PM

tlniec

08-23-07, 09:27 AM

Mloot

08-23-07, 10:32 AM

I'm putting together a front projection system, and am in the market for an ATSC tuner. Until I found this thread, the only other alternative I've seen for a standalone box is the Samsung DTB-260F. Could anyone provide a quick run-down of the pros/cons of each unit? The biggest differences I can see offhand are that the Hisense box is available MUCH cheaper than the Samsung... but the Hisense is also a discontinued product (any risks there?). Thanks!

There is also the new PrimeDTV PHD-205, which includes an analog tuner as well as QAM and ATSC. According to initial reports, it compares favorably to the Samsung unit. You can read about it in the last few pages of http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=638769 this thread. It just came out, but if I were to get a stb with a new chipset, this is most likely the one I would choose.

nybigapple

09-14-07, 02:33 AM

I just bought one of these boxes off ebay from marsman as well, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a bum box or I should try something else.

The channels scan but it doesn't output in HD! 480i through component is it. 480p splits the screen 50/50 with slighlt distortion, so that the left image appears on the right side and vice versa. 720p and 1080i only show garbage and then revert.

The weird thing is that the regular video output does not work. Black and white output on the standard composite video line.

jafir

09-14-07, 05:26 PM

Is there a menu on your TV that will display the current mode or refresh rate or whatever? If so, you should see what it says when you place the set top box in 480p or higher.

beachhouse

09-14-07, 11:14 PM

go into the menu on composite or s-video, and change the mode to 1080i. It will change the mode, much like your computer changes resolution, and pop a confirmation box. If you don't click ok in the alloted time, then it reverts back. If you are on Component video, you can't see the box, and don't know to click ok.
THEN you can connect via component.

paula

09-15-07, 08:59 AM

The channels scan but it doesn't output in HD! 480i through component is it. 480p splits the screen 50/50 with slighlt distortion, so that the left image appears on the right side and vice versa. 720p and 1080i only show garbage and then revert.

The weird thing is that the regular video output does not work. Black and white output on the standard composite video line.

I jotted these steps down some time ago to do a blind resolution change.

-Power
-Red GUIDE button
-ASPECT
-Press 1 for standard def (480i)
or
-Press 5 for HD (1080i)

numbers 2-4 provide in between resolutions, too, I think.

aerotive

09-22-07, 03:47 PM

NM, figured out the problem.

mdviewer25

10-05-07, 01:25 PM

Has anyone out there had this happen to them: I unplugged my unit to move it to a different location, plugged it into a surge protector, turned the surge protector on, and the signal and power lights are now flashing green. What's that?

au revoir

10-06-07, 10:28 AM

Probably time for a hard reset. Mine always acts flaky whenever I start using it in a different location or with a different TV.

smintn

10-06-07, 10:51 PM

Probably time for a hard reset. Mine always acts flaky whenever I start using it in a different location or with a different TV.
Yeh! Like a hard reset in a trash compactor

I have 4 of these and they all do something different except 1 that came from walmart. In the last 2 years there has only been 2 cases of audio shutdown and just a regular unplug/replug took care of it

If it wasn't for the extremely quick channel changing on these I would have already gotten rid of them:)

mdviewer25

10-08-07, 11:33 PM

Yeh! Like a hard reset in a trash compactor

I have 4 of these and they all do something different except 1 that came from walmart. In the last 2 years there has only been 2 cases of audio shutdown and just a regular unplug/replug took care of it

If it wasn't for the extremely quick channel changing on these I would have already gotten rid of them:)

Isn't leaving it unplugged the same as a hard reset? I tried pressing the power button and hold it for a few seconds and that did nothing. I left it unplugged over the weekend and tried plugging it back in today and the lights are still flashing quick. The trash compactor is sounding like a good idea. I wish TV's with built in tuners were cheaper.

au revoir

10-09-07, 10:51 AM

Isn't leaving it unplugged the same as a hard reset? I tried pressing the power button and hold it for a few seconds and that did nothing. I left it unplugged over the weekend and tried plugging it back in today and the lights are still flashing quick. The trash compactor is sounding like a good idea. I wish TV's with built in tuners were cheaper.

No.

A Hard Reset ( press Guide, Aspect, Exit, Program Info, 0) causes the tuner to restart. It then runs the initial USDigital splash screen and prompts for a Channel scan.

This sequence works as a sort of "laxative" for the DB 2010 to flush out all the bad PSIP data and whatever else causes it to quit working. It's about the only thing I know of you can do (except re-flashing the firmware) since there are no buttons on the front.

Good luck, Jim :)

tech-bum

10-17-07, 03:56 AM

Just a few quick questions;

I have a USDTV box that tells me that my subscription has been cancelled when I plug it in. Will this in any way prevent me from doing the firmware update (convert it to a free OTA box). ??

Also, I think I have downloaded the correct flash file (the one that tells of it being located on rapidshare, etc.). I cannot harm the receiver if I try the wrong file?

I'm missing the remote control, and I can't seem to get it working with mu universal remotes. Any sources for cheap remotes that will work? I have a sony RM-AX1400 that I haven't tried yet (it hasn't even been opened yet). But it looks promising.

Also, can I do the flash without a remote?

thanks!

beachhouse

10-17-07, 09:13 AM

The only remote that I ever had any luck with for controlling this box was my Harmony 676 Remote by Logitech. I'd love to hear about other remotes working with this box.

You don't need the remote to flash the firmware. Just the correct stuff on a USB stick. Creating the stick is more hassle than finding one already done.

I was one of the "lucky" people that paid 18.00 for my upgrade stick right before they fell to 6.00 You can rent mine for 10.00 if you can convince me I'll get it back. I have 4 receivers, so I want to keep this stick in case I ever need it again.

beartooth

10-17-07, 11:57 AM

Does anyone have a manual for these STB's or know where to find one in PDF format?

Cornhustler

10-17-07, 12:24 PM

Here are some hints/tips for owners of the DB2010.

Attention: These instructions should not be used unless you are having trouble.

To reset the USDTV set top box: press

Red guide

program info

Aspect

info

1

To put the receiver into 480i mode: press

Guide

Aspect

Guide

2

If the above does not work, restart the HDTV receiver by pressing the POWER
button on the receiver’s front panel and holding it until the receiver’s lights
begin to blink, about five seconds

NOTE 1: The initial setup process must be followed in order to use the receiver
again

To reset HDTV receiver to factory settings
To reset the HDTV receiver to its factory settings, press the following buttons
quickly, in this order:
• GUIDE
• ASPECT
• EXIT
• PROG INFO
• 0

littlereddog

10-17-07, 02:43 PM

You can use an all for one remote, but you have to use the jp1 connector and download the code from the jp1 site (do a search for jp1 on google and ebay for everything you need).

littlereddog

10-17-07, 02:44 PM

Now to get a key, you have to pay $30 plus shipping. Don't feel bad, that is what I paid for mine. THey are still available on ebay.

littlereddog

10-17-07, 02:48 PM

Does anyone have a manual for these STB's or know where to find one in PDF format?

Used to be on the USDTV website, which is gone now. I wouldn't try very hard to find one though, the information in it is pretty useless. Most of the good information, like how to reset, change modes, etc. is in this forum. If you really need help figuring out that the yellow connector on your box should connect to the yellow connector on your tv, then by all means try to find one of the manuals. That is about all they have in them.

beartooth

10-17-07, 02:58 PM

theutcableman

10-17-07, 07:42 PM

theutcableman

10-17-07, 07:56 PM

littlereddog

10-19-07, 02:11 PM

That's good to know, Hisense lists them, but no link. I requested one, and if I get, I'll put it up and give a link, just for reference. Seems pretty easy to use, but always like a manual if i can get it.

OK, since you are so insistent on having this manual. You can get it off of the internet archive (you know the wayback machine). Here is the link:

http://web.archive.org/web/20060103163325/usdtv.com/pdf/usdtv_receiver_manual.pdf

mdviewer25

10-19-07, 02:23 PM

The flahing green lights means your box is dead. It will not reset

Oh well!! R.I.P. This was actually the one that I bought from Wal-Mart nearly two years ago. The one from eBay is still going strong. Guess I can sell the remote.

mitchbyu

11-04-07, 02:27 AM

I recently acquired a usdtv box from a friend. When I plug the box in I get a screen with a USDTV logo and solid red and green lights on the front of the unit. The unit seems completely unresponsive. I've tried to update the firmware and also a couple of the reset codes; nothing seems to work.

Is the box that I got dead, or is there something that I can do to make this thing work. Any help would be appreciated.

au revoir

11-04-07, 10:25 AM

Did you try each of the different outputs (s-video, component, composite)?

Since there are no buttons on the front, reset codes using the remote are about all you can do. Did you try the reset code for changing video modes (post #784)?

Those two things are about all I can think of.

beachhouse

11-04-07, 01:08 PM

A red and green light means the power's on, but you are not receiving a channel. If you are using a computer monitor as your display, I have found that the monitor won't wake up until you are able to tune in a channel. The unit will appear unresponsive. If the unit is set to component video, then you will get no signal from the s-video and composite port. When set to composite/S-Video, you'll get a poor picture on component.

au revoir

11-04-07, 06:41 PM

That's right I forgot how the software on these units can freeze up and become completely unresponsive when they have trouble tuning a bad signal from a station that's sending incompatible PSIP data. It's sort of the equivalent of a blue screen of death in WIndows, except that even holding the power button down or unplugging the unit won't fix the problem.

The only fix is to do the hard reset sequence on the remote. Are you SURE you are doing that correctly and have good batteries?

mitchbyu

11-05-07, 03:49 PM

I was able to test the remote using my digital camera and it seems to work just fine. I tried a bunch of codes including the hard reset, the factory reset and resolution change. Nothing made any difference.

Here is an image of what happens when I plug the box in.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z296/mitchbyu/IMG_0450.jpg - Sorry I can't post links yet.

The box doesn't do anything besides display this screen with the logo. Has anyone ever seen this before?
Is there any way to open the box up and reset it from the inside?
Is it possible this is the result of a failed firmware upgrade? Is this what a failed firmware upgrade looks like?

Any help would be appreciated.

beartooth

11-05-07, 04:09 PM

You could try emailing marsman and telling him you didn't buy it from him but see if he might have any ideas. You might get lucky.

jafir

11-05-07, 04:53 PM

dogleg69

11-08-07, 08:14 PM

Hey mitch, I have a box that does that, I get that logo, and then it resets, in a never ending loop. I know of no way of repairing it. I do recall a post from a long time ago where someone said something about replacing a diode that had failed, but when I asked for more details, I got no response.

Did you try to flip back to the other boot flash? There are two sets of flash chips on the system board. When an upgrade occurs, it upgrades the non-active chip. After the update complete successfully, it will boot from the newly upgraded flash.

You can toogle which flash to boot from by hitting:

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

This may at least tell you if it is a hardware or software issue.

l079820

11-15-07, 09:23 PM

i know that a db-2010 should be connected to a anntenna. but if it is connected to cable tv would it get any channels. thxx

beartooth

11-15-07, 10:57 PM

No, it's not QAM compatible as far as I know. I just bought a Samsung DTB-H260F which is awesome, and at under a $100, a very good deal. I just use it for OTA, but it'll do cable too. I got it at overstockdealz.com if you're interested.

USDTVer

11-24-07, 06:45 PM

I've got a DB-2010 that has never been activated, and was trying to configure it for OTA free reception. I downloaded the RAR from msg #623 and put the image onto a USB drive after downloading the Ext2IFS driver as suggested in the other posts. I used the image restore function on the image tool to put it onto a USB drive. (I am not at all certain I have performed this step correctly as I am not Linux literate. The drive seems to be reformatted properly as I can see a Linux partition on it when I put it back into my XP machine.)

Anyway, when I put the USB drive into the 2010, nothing seems to happen. The box goes from the USDTV splash screen to the original set-up screen, whereupon I ask it to scan for channels. It does so. After the scan, it says it cannot find the activation channel (of course I knew it would not find that since they are out of business!) with the phone number etc to call for help as per an original set-up protocol. This leads me to believe the new firmware has not been installed correctly.

Is it possible to convert these boxes to OTA if they have never been activated?

If so, any help would be appreciated. It may be that I am not installing the software correctly, but I don't know. So that is my two pronged problem. Any help?

smintn

11-25-07, 05:35 PM

If so, any help would be appreciated. It may be that I am not installing the software correctly, but I don't know. So that is my two pronged problem. Any help?

Sent you a couple of PMs First one no good:( the second maybe ok:p read them for the info

CharredPC

11-30-07, 06:29 PM

Remember back when US Digital went out of business? How long ago was that? It seems like ages, well over a year anyway. I had their service near the end, and it was a real confusing mess. When they still had a viable phone number and the channels started dropping, I called them. I was told that they'd gone into bankruptcy, and according to their computer I was all paid up... it was just over. They said they didn't even care what I did with the box. I've kept the USDtv unit around (got it originally at a thrift store for $15), flashed with the latest OTA firmware. I mean, the new house has a roof antenna- so why not use it?

Today I get the mail and find a notice from a collection agency telling me I owe USDtv $103 and change- "pay immediately or it's going on your credit report." WTFH?! I call up the collection place and this is pretty much how it went:

Me: I don't owe this amount. I verified with USD when they were still around that I was paid up. Who do I speak with?

Them: We bought the billing from them, they are gone. There's no one to speak with. You owe us the $103 now.

Me: But I don't owe. I pay my bills. I specifically called about it. Do you know how many unpaid months of $20 service I'd have to use to add up to $103?

Them: All we have to go by is their billing information. It indicates you owe $103. So now you owe us $103.

Me: So what if I dispute this? I really don't owe anything.

Them: (and this is a direct quote) "I don't know. I can mark your account as being disputed, but I don't think it matters. They're out of business now, there's no one to resolve it. It's up to you to prove you paid; otherwise it goes on your credit report."

:mad: :confused: Seriously, WTH?

Does anyone else remember the last days of USDtv subscription service? It was chaos. No one I know got a bill (I just kept paying anyway). There was at least one 'reorganization' period prior, and now their shoddy bookkeeping practices are being valued as gospel so former dedicated customers can be screwed a little more. And $103? They're saying I got away with five friggin months of not paying service?! I doubt that! USDtv would unauthorize your box after two months of missed payments, IIRC from my support calls when I first got it set up. So because they're gone, I can't dispute it. Because they didn't give final bills or keep record of payments, it shows I have a balance I can't prove I paid. And now because a collection agency has ownership of their billing, I'm either paying over a hundred bucks or dinging my credit.

This is seriously unfair, so I had to vent, sorry. I hope they don't all come after other people here.

beartooth

11-30-07, 06:49 PM

You need to talk to a consumer advocacy group about collections, I'm not entirely sure, but it would surprise me if this is a deal where they buy the billing from a company in hopes of fooling people into paying bills that they aren't in any obligation to pay.

If you have an attorney, better yet. I'd guess that the collections agency would have to prove you owe them anything, not the other way around. You should go back and retroactively document that conversation and what steps you took to rectify the situation.

Good luck. Remember, collections agencies are almost 100% crooks. They will do anything to get you to pay.

If you have a chance, you could call the Dave Ramsey show, he usually has great advice, and since this is a unique situation, seems likely you'd get on...

smintn

11-30-07, 09:08 PM

n440sx

11-30-07, 11:44 PM

smintn

12-01-07, 12:41 AM

hello all,

newbie here with first post so excuse my hdtv ignorance....... hooked up DB2010 with composite cables since that was the only choice on the tv..... hooked up antenna

turned on box and it has two green stable lights...... turned on the tv and all I get is snow ....... this is one of the ebay specials I bought before reading your forum...... any suggestions on how to proceed..... checked tv setup to make sure it was set to air ..... double checked cables to verify proper connections

thanks a bunch, you guys have posted a ton of knowledge
You may need to set your tv's input to whatever input you placed the composite outputs of the DB-2010 to on your tv. Set the tv to video1,2 or 3 etc whichever it's hooked up to.

What kind of tv(brand model) are you hooking it up to so we can help you hook it up correctly...

You have picked a great forum for hdtv answers

n440sx

12-01-07, 12:53 AM

the tv is GE analog model 27GT618 and the video in is set to channel 3

thank you

smintn

12-01-07, 02:26 AM

the tv is GE analog model 27GT618 and the video in is set to channel 3

thank you
I can't find a manual for this model of tv.

1. What type of inputs are available on this television
Are they labeled as video or s-video or component or composite Do they even exist on this model of tv?
Describe what you can see on the back or side of the set

Maybe we can get somewhere on your problem

the 2010 has no pass thru it is an antenna in only unit that the outputs are s-video component or composite the composite must be ran thru an rf modulator to you tv antenna it the tv has no usable inputs tht match any of the output to the 2010

I would be good if you had a pic of the connection on your tv since I can't a guide for your tv

Sorry :(no solution tonight on your problem as of yet if I could just find a manual...

n440sx

12-01-07, 07:16 AM

the inputs are composite .... it does not have s-video or component inputs

thank you very much

CharredPC

12-02-07, 02:06 PM

the inputs are composite .... it does not have s-video or component inputs
thank you very much

If your TV has the Yellow/Red/White composite inputs, channel three will not be correct. If you can't find an Input Select or Source button, try entering the channel "00" using the remote. Often this will bring up A/V.

smintn

12-02-07, 02:34 PM

DB2010 hookup for composite inputs only tvs

1.
Install outdoor antenna (or indoor amplified antenna or rabbit ears depends on how far away you may be from towers) output coax to "antenna" on DB-2010

2.
Yellow video out on DB-2010 to yellow video in on tv
red,white audio out on DB-2010 to red,white audio in on tv

3.
Set tv to the video input you used when installing video audio cable from DB-2010

4.
Power up DB-2010- video will possibly be distorted do not panic there are remote settings that will get the picture to show correctly this is assuming the tv will only accept 480I input....Then follow on screen instructions.

to get 480i if the screen is distorted

press "GUIDE"
press "ASPECT"
Press "GUIDE"

Press 2 for 480I
Press 3 for 480P
Press 4 for 720P
Press 5 for 1080I

Note this receiver will only tune "ota" signals not a qam tuner

Hope you get it to work

n440sx

12-02-07, 06:10 PM

thanks to you both smintn & CharredPC ! ! ! ...... using the input select got the unit recognized and using the other steps had it scanning for channels...... it works ! !

thank you again for taking the time to help a newbie ....... you guys make the forum a great place ! ! ....... have a nice evening .......:)

zoomzoomh

12-03-07, 11:05 PM

Just want to drop in and share a good buy for these USD/Hisense ATSC tuners. I bought one from 'marsmansproserv' on eBay, and it works PERFECTLY in picking up all the digital stations in my area (Washington DC). And when I checked the firmware revision on the box, it's actually using the db2020 software!

I believe this seller still has plenty of these receivers for auction, so if you want to pick one up and try out OTA HDTV, this is a very good way to go IMO.

beartooth

12-04-07, 09:00 AM

Marsman is the guy to buy from on ebay, excellent seller, and good product.

glikness

12-07-07, 02:54 PM

i have a walmart reciever,live in southern minnesota,and never subscribed to programming.i recieve digital channels and guide and everything is in working order.marsman is selling sticks again on ebay and was wondering if i should upgrade????

also read this-
do not know where this information about a USB dongle came from but it is not required. I have two USDTV HD tuners and all you need to unlock them is a sequence of buttons presses via the remote: red guide, program info, aspect, info, 1. That's all. It's that easy. Why USDTV is not providing this information is beyond me. I understand that there are some that may not be comfortable doing this themselves and would like a third-party company to come and do it for them, but for the general public, it sure seems a lot easier then waiting for a serviceman to come around. USDTV could have posted this key sequence on their website as easily as I have done here.

edit-disreguard second part as it was answered in other posts.

i

dogleg69

12-08-07, 12:41 AM

...I have two USDTV HD tuners and all you need to unlock them is a sequence of buttons presses via the remote: red guide, program info, aspect, info, 1. That's all.

If you were able to do this and it changed a subscription box to a FTA box, then that is pretty lucky IMHO.

The remote key sequence mentioned above it to toggle which flash chip is used to boot. There are two sets of flash chips on the system board. When an upgrade occurs, it upgrades the non-active chip. After the update complete successfully, it will boot from the newly upgraded flash.

Glad the boxes are working for you. But when I tried that sequence before getting the USB subscription to FTA upgrade, it only flipped me back to an older subscription version of the software.

tim se iowa

12-18-07, 03:41 PM

sounds to me like glikness' boxes were originally Walmart boxes that used the subscription service. so glikness may have the original software running. check your software version.

press menu
goto- setup, system information

the new walmart box version is-
2.7.11(2.4.18-15)

John Erickson

12-19-07, 09:01 AM

I have a newbie question. Can the component video from the 2010 be used on an analog TV with component video input?

au revoir

12-19-07, 10:34 AM

Component? You mean separate red, green and blue video inputs? Yes. Composite too.

The only time you will have a problem is with a really old TV with just a coaxial input, but there are even adapters that will covert a composite input to coax.

John Erickson

12-19-07, 11:55 AM

Yes, seperate cables......YPbPr

wastric

12-20-07, 04:39 PM

Hi,
newbie here. I am having sorta the same problems as USDTVer was in creating the usb pen drive. when I go into the image utility and select the target, my 1 Gb pendrive shows 4 mbr choices. I have tried each of these and it acts like it finishes but when I try to look at it, it still just shows up as a fat formated 1Gb pendrive, blank of any info. and it doesn't mount on the 2010 ether. I went and got a simple 64 Mb usb flash drive today and will try it again tonight, but if anyone has any ideas about what I am doing wrong, please let me know. Or if usduser4000 wants to take pity on a fellow Albuquerqueian and help me figure out what I am overlooking. I am a WinTel wiennie. do system support for a living, but what few linux skills I ever had are frozen solid with rust.

Thanks, Allen

wastric

12-20-07, 08:20 PM

au revoir

12-21-07, 10:05 AM

IIRC, the manual is only about 6 pages long and just shows you how to connect the cables, etc. What did you want to find out? This thread here has 100 times more info than you'll find in that manual.

Proserv1

12-28-07, 03:23 PM

does anyone have the downloaded manuals for both versions of the 2010, i.e. the US Digital over the air version, and the USDTV subscription version?
I have searched online for a old mirror site or something where they might still be, but no luck. If you have ether of them, please ether e-mail them to me or send the link where I can get them.

thanks, Allen

Reply:
Please send me your regular email address and I will send you the manual in PDF format. marsman@prodigy.net Put Hisense Manual in the subject box.
Good Luck
ProServ1

Proserv1

12-28-07, 03:25 PM

IIRC, the manual is only about 6 pages long and just shows you how to connect the cables, etc. What did you want to find out? This thread here has 100 times more info than you'll find in that manual.

The manual is actually about 33 pages long with a lot of good info. I will send you a copy if you like. Just send me your request to marsman@prodigy.net
Good Luck
ProServ1

Proserv1

12-28-07, 03:40 PM

To all AVS members who have an interest in the Hisense DB 2010 OTA receivers.
I am marsmansproserv from Ebay. I purchased the remaining inventory from the bankrupted U.S. Digtial TV back in August of 2007. I own by acquistion all the remaining Hisense units that they had in their possession. I also purchased most of the computers that had source code and software for these boxes in their hardrive memories. We will be the only source for upgrades, repairs, replacements etc., of the Hisense DB 2010s. We are also working in conjunction with the manufacturer of these units and they will not be offering any form of support for them as they manufactured them soley for U.S. Digital and no one else. Most of you who have tested and used these units have found them to be better built, more sensitive and user friendly than any other converter on the market today. If you are anyone else you know is interested in purchasing these units, I would suggest that they do not hesitate, because at the current rate of sales we will likely run completely out of these units in about 6 months or less from Jan 1st 2008. If I can help you with technical support for what you have allready purchased or you need spare parts, remotes or manuals please go to our website for additional information to obtain that support.
www.proserv1.com
Good Luck
Proserv1

Rammitinski

12-29-07, 02:39 AM

Most of you who have tested and used these units have found them to be...more sensitive...than any other converter on the market today.Not hardly. They're excellent in a lot of other ways - but sensitivity isn't one of their strong points - not compared to what's out there now, anyway. They don't come close to the 5th and 6th generation-chipped tuners, and aren't even as good as some other 4th gen. ones.

If you have borderline reception of any stations, you'd be better off with a newer one. But if your signal strength/SNR is good, you're OK.

au revoir

12-29-07, 06:20 PM

The manual is actually about 33 pages long with a lot of good info. I will send you a copy if you like. Just send me your request to marsman@prodigy.net
Good Luck
ProServ1

So you're calling me a liar? My manual that I go with my receiver that I bought at Wal Mart brand new for $199 had a very short user's manual that only showed how to connect the cable and turn the unit on and basic set up.

I agree with the poster above that your claims seem a bit, "spammy" to me, and I'm not sure it's really appropriate for you to advertise your product here.

dogleg69

12-29-07, 08:11 PM

I have two different manuals. One is 33 pages and the other is 6 pages. I didn't find either one particularly of any interest.

BTW - from earlier in this thread (this is the 33 page version):

http://rapidshare.com/files/73557726/DB2010_Operating__Instructions.zip

Rammitinski

12-30-07, 03:55 AM

Maybe the longer one came with the subscription service boxes?

smintn

12-30-07, 09:42 AM

I have one manual (20 pages) and another one (33 pages) both appear to be for subscription units

The 33 page manual has a section for troubleshooting the unit basically video resolution and hard reset.

The 20 page has setup and that's it no troubleshooting

Why the interest in the manuals all of a sudden?:confused:

dogleg69

12-30-07, 10:46 AM

Has anyone made any progress on turning this into a PVR? I thought I remember reading on this thread that someone had talked to a USDTV tech and said they were going to release a PVR. Anyone know if the plan was to use these db2010 boxes or was it new hardware?

I read some of the other sites (like rikers elinux.org) and it seems to point that the USB is not 2.0. If that is the case and the USB port it 1.1, does anyone know if that will support the rate needed to write mpeg2 to an external USB hard drive?

Is there even any interest in trying to make this a PVR anymore? Are there any USDTV engineers out there that can even tell us if it is possible with the db2010 hardware?

Proserv1

12-31-07, 12:59 PM

Sir,
It was not my intention to call you a liar. I did not realize that the Wal-Mart units came with a guide that was only 6 pages long. I simply thought that you were misinformed and was trying to help the other person. I am sorry I did not mean to offend you.
Also I am not trying to get free advertising here. My experience so far has been that folks love these Hisense boxes. I am in direct contact with the Hisense people and they will not be producing any more of these units. The main chip produced by ATI was discontinued in 2003. So basically what I have left in inventory is all that will be available to the general public in this brand. Considering that there are over 20 million homes still using an antenna with an analog TV, there are going to be a lot of folks looking for these units after Febuary 17th 2009 or sooner if they want to be ahead of the game. I can only help a fraction of that number to get these inexpensive units. All the other manufacturers that I am aware of, that are building these units are selling them for $140 to $199 which makes what I am selling for $39 a real bargain. I am having no problem selling them either, and will most likely be sold out by June or July of 2008. So my intention for posting what I did was to be of service to the people on the forum not to just make a dollar.
ProServ1

Proserv1

12-31-07, 01:06 PM

To all of the folks on this forum. I apologize for appearing to use this forum as a form of advertising, that was not my intent. If I can help in any way when it has to do with the Hisense units I will be glad to do so.
Thank You
ProServ1

Rammitinski

01-01-08, 02:42 AM

No problem. $39. IS a real bargain for these boxes - especially new. I think it was just the tone of your post - it came across somewhat as having an "advertising" bent to it. Letting people know is one thing, but blatant "hawking" is really not allowed, and it was kind of toeing the line of the standards here.

But thanks for making us aware - I'm sure a lot of people on this forum in general will be interested in hearing this. Once word gets around here, I'll bet you sell them all out well before June or July.

littlereddog

01-02-08, 11:27 AM

smintn

01-06-08, 06:27 PM

Rammitinski

01-06-08, 07:08 PM

Automatic update? From where, may I ask?

smintn

01-06-08, 09:32 PM

Check out post #728

It refers to the software update it tried to do this morning.

Rammitinski

01-07-08, 02:22 AM

Oh, OK. So the box just automatically looks for them at a set time every day or whatever.

I just wondered why, since there's nowhere to get them from anymore.

jtbell

01-07-08, 02:36 AM

I just wondered why, since there's nowhere to get them from anymore.

But the box doesn't know that. :p

I remember getting that automatic shutdown and search for updates a few times myself, in the middle of the night when I was trying to record something from the box.

au revoir

01-07-08, 12:16 PM

But the box doesn't know that. :p

How do it not know?:)

dogleg69

01-07-08, 04:27 PM

After using my wallyworld db-2010 for almost 3 years---this morning around 7:30am it went into the program update mode shut its self off came back on and was fine why did it take 3 years before this automatic update to show up? :confused:

Proserv1 do you have any info on the automatic updates and how to possibly stop it?

What version of software is on the box (from the system information page)?

The code has a nightly reboot flag that can be compiled in, but not a "reboot every 3 years". There is also some development code that you could set the time for your receiver to check for updates from a setup screen.

Also, do you keep your box on all the time? I have seen some code that waits until you turn it off to check for updates.

If you can post the version of the software you are running, I'll try to help out.

smintn

01-07-08, 05:19 PM

What version of software is on the box (from the system information page)?

System Software version:2.7.11 (2.4.18-15)
Hardware Version:db2010

It gets shut down every night since it comes on quickly at power up...

dogleg69

01-07-08, 10:08 PM

System Software version:2.7.11 (2.4.18-15)
Hardware Version:db2010

It gets shut down every night since it comes on quickly at power up...

Thanks. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell based on the versions. From what I can tell (version - release date):

2.7.11 - Oct 12, 2005
2.7.15 - Feb 8, 2006
2.7.17 - Mar 17, 2006
2.9.1 - May 22, 2006

All of my units are using 2.7.15 or 2.9.1 and I have had no problems with rebooting. I am fairly certain the 2.9.1 version was one of the last before the bankruptcy. However, I don't know if getting newer software would help you or not because I can't tell what changed between versions.

smintn

01-07-08, 11:19 PM

That's interesting I didn't know there were any later versions or that many

The info was from my original db2010 that had been purchased from wallyworld and it had had the flash upgrade done on it issued by usdtv when it still existed.

I have 2 other units both are subscription units upgraded to fta units from usb upgrades from ebay

they both have

System Software version:2.7.15 (2.4.18-15)

1 has Hardware Version:db2010

the other Hardware Version:db2020

Has anyone figure the deal on the different hardware versions?

I also have 1 more unit don't know which version software or hardware, it's presently boxed away inside my camper...too hard to get to..

dug it out it has Software version:2.7.15 (2.4.18-15) Hardware Version:db2020

Thanks for all info on these units

catpaw

01-08-08, 11:06 AM

I had the same problem with both of my ProServ1 ebay units. I never turned off my units. The problem usually occurred between 2am and 5am while recording a show. My version is 2.7.15(2.4.18-15) and hardware version db2020. Back last year when I was concerned about this, it looked like the box would postpone the automatic check for 2 hours if it thought the box was in use. For example, re-entering the current channel at 2am and 4am (Saturday and Sunday) with my timer remote control seemed to eliminate the check during the morning, and maybe all day.

Can you see how I would access the development code to set the time for my receiver to check for updates, e.g. is it accessible through some special combination of remote control keys or by my (pc upgradable) JP1 remote ?

[QUOTE=dogleg69;12724910]

There is also some development code that you could set the time for your receiver to check for updates from a setup screen.

QUOTE]

dogleg69

01-08-08, 02:00 PM

Can you see how I would access the development code to set the time for my receiver to check for updates, e.g. is it accessible through some special combination of remote control keys or by my (pc upgradable) JP1 remote ?

Give this a try to set your auto update/reboot time using your Hisense remote:

Red Guide
Blue Program Info
Exit
Aspect
Exit

I tried that sequence and got a hidden screen that says something like "every day your receiver will check for updates....choose a good time that you don't watch TV..."

I have never noticed the auto update because I turn my units off each night and I don't stay up until 2am to notice.

Edit: I just tried it and the interface is kind of klunky. Use the numeric buttons to enter a time. Start with zero if need be. It will prompt you for AM/PM after you ok the update. If you make a mistake entering the number, the only thing I could figure out was to hit exit or the left arrow key and then hit the above sequence again to start the process over. I could not find a "back cursor".

Let me know if that works for you too.

dogleg69

01-08-08, 02:08 PM

While your at it, try this sequence:

Red Guide
Aspect
Exit
Aspect
Red Guide

It turned on a Diagnostics menu. I found it under Menu -> Setup -> Diagnostics (at the bottom) after that key sequence.

I dug around in there but since I'm not an HD engineer or whatever, none of that info meant anything to me. One feature that was interesting is that you could log information to a USB stick. This tells me we could plug a USB external hard drive up to it and write out something like mpeg2 video stream (if we could figure out how).

However, I'm getting in a bit over my head on that kind of stuff. Any USDTV engineers want to jump in on this?

smintn

01-08-08, 05:32 PM

Did you stumble on these codes?

I accidently pressed a sequence and the update rolled back:confused: on one of my units a while back. Fortunately on this forum someone had the sequence and I got it to roll back:D

I'll try these sequences to see what happens on my units too

Thanks

:eek:WOW!

That's a lot of information there is a slight difference between the db2010 2.7.11(2.4.18-15) and the db2020 2.7.15(2.4.18-15)

The db2010 is missing the log status selection

the display stream info is great it shows resolution aspect ratio bitrate frame rate etc

Channel info shows number of flags and something called tsid

Don't know what all the info is but it is interesting

oh yea forgot the update was set for 2am

Thanks got any more sequences?????:p

I checked out what kind of information the log status would put on a usb drive. It dumped information as it scanned the channels and named it fta-001 I did it again and it named another file fta-002. It can be read in word. It has the channel numbers and some information without any headers so don't have any idea what it means.

dogleg69

01-08-08, 09:12 PM

Thanks got any more sequences?????:p

Here are all the hidden/magic sequences I could find:

Factory Magic Sequence:
Red Guide
Aspect
Exit
Blue Info

Diagnostics Magic Sequence:
Red Guide
Aspect
Exit
Aspect
Red Guide

Revert Magic Sequence:
Red Guide
Blue Info
Aspect
Blue Info
1

Set Reboot Magic Sequence:
Red Guide
Blue Info
Exit
Aspect
Exit

I think the Factory reads a config file on the rom and returns the settings to the defaults (but I did not try it). The Revert is the flip flop the rom to boot from. Diags toggles the diagnostic menus. Reboot schedules the auto update time (I think). More if I uncover them.

au revoir

01-09-08, 12:44 AM

Thanks for those codes dogleg! They are amazing. Great work!

I was wondering if I set my unit to "stop collecting statistics" what this does, and whether it might speed up performance. I can't really tell much difference, but I was wondering if anyone else had.

catpaw

01-09-08, 02:29 PM

Give this a try to set your auto update/reboot time using your Hisense remote:

Red Guide
Blue Program Info
Exit
Aspect
Exit

dogleg69, thanks for your help. After I reset the auto update time to 5 am, the update occurred at 5:33 am this morning (versus 2:04 am the prior day). As I recall from last year, variation in the update time was not uncommon. I made sure the unit did not see any remote control activity at all and in the future, I will probably have to insure there is no channel change activity for at least the preceding 2 hours to prevent the auto update time from shifting even further past 5 am. Another possibility may be to use my timer remote control to power the unit off/on daily about 5am so the update occurs at a specific time.

I initially tried to eliminate the auto update entirely by putting in special values such as 24:00 into the auto update menu, but they weren't accepted. I will try the 00:00 time tonight but expect this will auto update around 12:00 am unless the auto update menu was lying. Speculatively speaking, I suppose that if the auto update causes a daily reboot, then it is conceivable that the unit could depend on periodic rebooting, e.g. for reliability. In any case it would have been nice to be rid of it.

dogleg69

01-09-08, 03:04 PM

dogleg69, thanks for your help. After I reset the auto update time to 5 am, the update occurred at 5:33 am this morning (versus 2:04 am the prior day). As I recall from last year, variation in the update time was not uncommon. I made sure the unit did not see any remote control activity at all and in the future, I will probably have to insure there is no channel change activity for at least the preceding 2 hours to prevent the auto update time from shifting even further past 5 am. Another possibility may be to use my timer remote control to power the unit off/on daily about 5am so the update occurs at a specific time.

I would try to turn off the unit at 5am via the timer remote. The unit wants to be in the "off" state in order to preform this auto update. There are some checks for activity that will wait for 2 hours as you say above. Until we can find a way to completely turn off the auto update, I would use the maigc sequence to set it to a time other than 2am and turn the box off for a while at the time you specify.

I tried to find that sequence just so it would shift the update time out of your recording window.

I agree about turning off the update completely, but do not know how to do that. I doubt if they put that type of facility in the software.

rs1339

01-13-08, 01:18 AM

I'm looking for ideas about a really weird problem. I've read most of this thread and searched elsewhere on the web, but haven't found an answer.

I live in Fullerton, CA, just outside Los Angeles. Every evening, I lose channels 11 and 13 due to weak signals. The time frame is approximately 5p to 7:30p. I check it when I get home from work (3pm) and the signal strength is 5-6 out of 6 bars. After dinner, I can't get a picture at all, and the signal is only 1-2 bars. Later at 8pm I'm back to a solid 6 bars...full strength!. I've checked it and its happened every evening for the last week.

Its the Hisense box, and I have Dish to switch to if I have to, so I can live with it, but if there's a easy solution that will fix it...great. Also I'm just really curious what could cause that kind of problem. I'm suspecting some kind of interference. I am very close to a Hughes facility...Maybe they operate something during that time frame. Could strong microwaves cause interference (they have a big tower that is visible from my home)?

Any ideas?

peas_n_carrots

01-13-08, 11:59 PM

Many months ago, my US Digital (Hisense) DB-2010 receiver stopped working. On powerup, it shows the blue US Digital splash screen and is completely non-responsive. It sits there forever. I've tried various reset remote sequences to no avail (Red Guide, Aspect, Exit, Blue Info, -or- Red Guide, Aspect, Exit, Aspect, Red Guide, among others). The output is on component, which was what it was last set on when it was working. Using the remote sequence to change the output doesn't do anything. I've tried inserting a firmware upgrade USB key, but am not sure if it was correctly made since nothing happened.

Another bit of info is that I don't have the DB-2010 remote. I use a Logitech Harmony 659 which was able to control the unit when it was operating normally. I'm not entirely certain if the "Red Guide", "Blue Info" and other such buttons are mapped correctly on the Harmony because my unit doesn't respond to any of the remote sequences. Is there a hardware reset method? (perhaps similar to the CMOS clear jumper on PCs).

I'd really like to start using this thing again. I'm hopeful that it's viable since it does output a picture.

Thanks

dogleg69

01-14-08, 08:40 AM

peas-n-carrots,

From the description, you have a subscriptiong box. If the key was made correctly, you should see a yellow screen that says something like writing kernel, etc....

Did you unplug the usdtv box, insert the USB key and then plug it back in? If so, make sure you created the stick correctly and using the subscription software (not the walmart software).

I don't think there is a CMOS jumper setting to reset the box. marsman on ebay has tons of remotes. I would check with him if you need one. However, I would make sure the the USB upgrade is working first.

Who made the USB stick? Do you have access to linux to check it out? If not, install ext2ifs on your windows box. It will allow you to look at the contents of the USB drive. If you can see its contents via Windows, it is most probably made incorrectly.

peas_n_carrots

01-14-08, 10:26 PM

peas-n-carrots,

From the description, you have a subscriptiong box. If the key was made correctly, you should see a yellow screen that says something like writing kernel, etc....
...
Who made the USB stick? Do you have access to linux to check it out? If not, install ext2ifs on your windows box. It will allow you to look at the contents of the USB drive. If you can see its contents via Windows, it is most probably made incorrectly.

dogleg - thanks for the reply. A few years back I got an upgrade key from US Digital. It changed it from a subscription box to a free OTA box, from what I recall. I never subscribed to their service (no USDTV in my area). I made a USB key using the ext2ifs Windows driver and the non-subscription firmware. I might try the subscription firmware, but I don't have much hope with that.

Reading through the mountains of posts in this thread :eek: someone mentioned that the box can "freeze" on bootup if it doesn't receive a signal. I had a small antenna booster hooked up to the box to improve signal quality for the weaker channels. I wonder if the antenna circuit in the DB-2010 couldn't handle the booster and got fried.

I've about given up on this box. If someone is interested in it for parts, send me a PM. It's yours for the cost of shipping. The voltage levels from the power supply are good, and the main board should be fine since it's showing the splash screen. I suspect the daughterboard holding the antenna circuitry may have gone bad, but that's just me speculating.

dogleg69

01-15-08, 11:45 AM

Reading through the mountains of posts in this thread :eek: someone mentioned that the box can "freeze" on bootup if it doesn't receive a signal. I had a small antenna booster hooked up to the box to improve signal quality for the weaker channels. I wonder if the antenna circuit in the DB-2010 couldn't handle the booster and got fried.

I had one unit that did have a fried tuner. The software upgraded fine. That box did not freeze up at boot time. When it came time to scan for channels, it would not find any -- but it never locked up. I also have a booster and use it without trouble with these boxes.

Once a box is FTA, then it is no longer subscription (so I am surprised you would see an USDTV logos). Also, there is a "re-install" package for the USB key that may help you. It is not a FromService upgrade, not a customer upgrade and not a new box install. It is a complete reinstall for FTA. The version is 2.9.1. That may help you out.

Suntan

01-19-08, 11:49 AM

Here are all the hidden/magic sequences I could find:

Set Reboot Magic Sequence:
Red Guide
Blue Info
Exit
Aspect
Exit
Reboot schedules the auto update time (I think). More if I uncover them.

Ok, I tried getting into the reboot screen, as the darn thing keeps shutting off to search for updates each morning. Anyway, I can't seem to get it into the reboot screen. First, The blue button on the remote is the "aspect" button, so what do you mean by "Blue info"?

Any other pointers to get this into the reboot screen? Do you do this keypress with the unit in standby? Or just showing a regular channel???

fwiw, my firmware is 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7). It was purchased a few years ago from Walmart.

Thanks, as this is really starting to annoy me.

-Suntan

smintn

01-19-08, 01:06 PM

Ok, I tried getting into the reboot screen, as the darn thing keeps shutting off to search for updates each morning. Anyway, I can't seem to get it into the reboot screen. First, The blue button on the remote is the "aspect" button, so what do you mean by "Blue info"?

Any other pointers to get this into the reboot screen? Do you do this keypress with the unit in standby? Or just showing a regular channel???

fwiw, my firmware is 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7). It was purchased a few years ago from Walmart.

Thanks, as this is really starting to annoy me.

-Suntan
there is a difference between The Walmart remotes and the other remotes issued with the DB-2010

TRY this

This is the sequence for the walmart I have that gets you to the time change for the automatic updates

Red Guide - (red button between mute and pre-ch)
Program info - (grey button under aspect)
Exit - (grey button between grey channel guide and grey program info buttons)
Aspect - (blue button)
Exit - (grey button between grey channel guide and grey program info buttons)

It may not work on your version of software so goodluck

dogleg69

01-19-08, 04:13 PM

First, The blue button on the remote is the "aspect" button, so what do you mean by "Blue info"?

Any other pointers to get this into the reboot screen? Do you do this keypress with the unit in standby? Or just showing a regular channel???
-Suntan

The unit should be turned on and showing whatever channel you want when you try the code.

Make sure you are hitting the correct key and reading the remote correctly. On the remotes I have, the aspect is above the Blue Program Info button. the key names a above the buttons.

Maybe a version of firmware will appear with the hidden screens in the Setup menu. Or better yet, replace the auto update software with a auto update the system time instead.

Stay tuned...

au revoir

01-19-08, 05:23 PM

Or better yet, replace the auto update software with a auto update the system time instead.

Stay tuned...

I like that idea. Seems that whatever method they are using now to keep track of the time is pretty pathetic.

You can manually reset it, but it still loses several minutes a day, resulting in the program guide showing the program info for the show that was over 10 minutes ago.

dogleg69

01-20-08, 08:08 PM

there is a difference between The Walmart remotes and the other remotes issued with the DB-2010

Can you post a picture of the walmart remote? I thought (incorrectly it appears) that the walmart and usdtv boxes were the same except for the software they were running.

Also, can someone explain in detail what happens when the auto software update check happens (turns off after a 2 hour wait if on, etc...). I was thinking that updating the time instead of checking for software was a good idea. However, I don't think the checking the time should ever "take over" the box like the software update does.

smintn

01-20-08, 09:48 PM

Can you post a picture of the walmart remote? Yes I can try to take a shot of the two remotes.
basically the only difference in the remotes are the colors used on some of the buttons. The button layouts are exactly the same.

Note:In the photo Walmart remote on left/ USDTV remote on right

dogleg69

01-21-08, 08:18 AM

Yes I can try to take a shot of the two remotes.
basically the only difference in the remotes are the colors used on some of the buttons. The button layouts are exactly the same.

Note:In the photo Walmart remote on left/ USDTV remote on right

Thank you very much. I guess we should not use the color to describe a couple of those buttons. Thanks again.

Suntan

01-21-08, 08:32 PM

No game. I tried it multiple times, but no menu screens showed up. Ah well, it only annoys me on weekend mornings.

-Suntan

smintn

01-21-08, 10:39 PM

No game. I tried it multiple times, but no menu screens showed up. Ah well, it only annoys me on weekend mornings.

-SuntanIt may be because of the 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7) firmware on your unit that's a pretty old version of firmware. If you upgraded it you would possibly get the automatic update menu to change the time.

If it had worked using the sequence
Red Guide
Program info
Exit
Aspect
Exit

Then you would have been greeted with attached pic.

Rainier2

01-23-08, 01:54 PM

dogleg69

01-23-08, 03:34 PM

Wow, this thread has a lot of posts!

I recently got one of these units (yesterday) and I am having an issue where if I change the channel, the box will say "The channel is off the air" or something like that. However, the sound continues to play and the signal strength is perfect. Unplugging and turning back on seems to fix it.. Any suggestions?

Please post the System Infomation info. Especially the software version.

Does changing the channel cause the new channel to appear? Is it all channels or only some? What video output are you using? Have you tried to change the video out connection type (use s-video instead of composite ro vise-versa)?

Rainier2

01-23-08, 03:59 PM

Please post the System Infomation info. Especially the software version.

Does changing the channel cause the new channel to appear? Is it all channels or only some? What video output are you using? Have you tried to change the video out connection type (use s-video instead of composite ro vise-versa)?

I'd have to get back with you on the exact version, but it is the Hisense name. I'm using component outputs. Changing the channel does not help, it says all the channels are "Off Air", but sound comes through and the strength of all the channels is max. Unplugging and replugging in fixes the issue. So far it has only happened once, but it's a used unit so it worries me.

Thanks dogleg!

smintn

01-23-08, 06:06 PM

I'd have to get back with you on the exact version, but it is the Hisense name.
Just in case you don't know how to find the software version (I'm sure its in one of the many posts on this thread)

If you haven't already found it,or if you have just ignore the rest of this post...
press menu
scroll down to setup press ok
scroll down to system information
press ok
you should see the version it should read something like
2.7.11 (2.4.18-15) followed by hardware version

Hopefully we can all figure out what may be wrong with your unit.

I have 3 ebay units that have been turned from subscription to fta units they will on occasion do something similiar when they are displaying video on digital channel 41. I have been unplugging the units and plugging them back in and every thing is all right for several weeks. They do not lose the signal on all channels as long as I don't leave them on digital channel 41 for a very long period of time (more than a few hours).

I also have a walmart unit that's only done that 2 times in the 3 years I've had it it did it on random channels I don't recall it doing it after one of the last firmware upgrades. It's funny before I received the upgrade it would occasionally stop scanning channels and stop scanning on guess what channel 41. It stopped doing that after the upgrade

dogleg69 - have you heard or know of a possible solution to the channel 41 problem I have on my ebay units?

GlennInTexas

01-23-08, 06:17 PM

Rainier2,

I too recently bought a used box from Marsman on Ebay and after a few days had exactly the same problem you described. I was also using component video outputs. Had full signal on all 30+ channels and perfect audio but the on-screen message was "Channel is Off the Air" on all channels. Recycling power had no apparent effect nor did rescanning channels. In frustration I killed power to the unit and walked away. It was powered off for 2-3 days while I contacted Marsman and got a copy of the manual and I also got the various reset sequences from this thread. Then I went back to see what I could do prior to returning the unit. When I powered the unit up, it worked fine and has continued to work just fine for a month since with no other problems. Didn't have to do anything to it.

The only thing I can think of was that just prior to the unit's video "problem" I was monkeying with various antenna configurations and was connecting and unconnecting the coax. Since the extended power down cycle the antenna configuration has been pretty much stable. That is the only difference I can think of. Regardless, it happened only that one time and has worked fine since.

tim se iowa

01-23-08, 06:35 PM

Remember if you have the updated software you can reset by holding the power button 4sec. (saves unplugging)

tim se iowa

01-23-08, 06:44 PM

dogleg69, what is version:2.9.1 - (May 22, 2006) is that just for subscription box or will it work with wall-mart box and where do we find it??? or more important is it any better?

grambo88

01-23-08, 08:35 PM

I got a db2020 from e-bay it has ver. 2.7.15 (2.4.18-15) when I did the auto scan it stoped on ch 42 I did what the paper said to skip the channel It seem to work really good but I noticed that I did not have my local PBS stations come to find out they are on channel 42. I tried to put it in manually it showed 94% signal but just sit there saying searching for channels. I have read about all the post and seen others with problems about the same but no fix. I think this is the new ver. and I have tried the reboot and still no luck any ideas.

Rainier2

01-23-08, 10:45 PM

Thanks GlennInTexas, tim se iowa, and smintn! I am going to look over a few things.. and see if it happens again. I'll update soon.

Thank ya'll very much for the help. :)

dogleg69

01-24-08, 09:08 AM

dogleg69, what is version:2.9.1 - (May 22, 2006) is that just for subscription box or will it work with wall-mart box and where do we find it??? or more important is it any better?

The 2.9.1 is for both walmart or subscription depending on the build. It was the last build before they terminated the engineering staff (this is speculation on my part though). From my research, the same code base was used for "walmart" and subscription. "Walmart" is also called FTA.

They had a compile time flag to build output targets for subscription and FTA (and From Service and From FTA -- to change a box from one to the other). It just depended which software they pushed out or sent out on the USB stick. What we on this thread call the "walmart" box is 2.5.59 FTA. The software stick from marsman is 2.7.15 FTAfromService. This means that the marsman stick will only upgrade a subscritpion unit from Service to FTA and won't work on the orignal FTA (aka walmart boxes).

I don't know the difference between the 2.7.15 and the 2.9.1. I have been able to create a version that I call 2.9.2 based on the 2.9.1. It will update an FTA box. The 2.9.2 will update the system time via the tuner when you turn off the box. That helps keep the system time up-to-date because my boxes were always losing time and I was tired of manually calling the Set System Time from the menu.

I also expose the 3 "magic" sequences - Toggle boot ROM, Update Nightly, Diagnostics on the Setup menu so people don't have to mess with the magic keypad codes.

I tried to remove the auto software update. I don't know if that was successful or not. Still testing that.

I noticed there may be a way to update from a USB key that is formatted using FAT32 from a windows box. This takes a single .bin file on the USB. I am also testing that. Then people could upgrade without trying to make a ext2 USB key.

I'm still testing it a bit, but it is looking very stable. Would anyone be willing to give the 2.9.2 a try if posted?

jafir

01-24-08, 10:26 AM

I'd be interested in trying the newer versions. You should post them to
http://www.elinux.org/Hisense

smintn

01-24-08, 12:41 PM

I'm still testing it a bit, but it is looking very stable. Would anyone be willing to give the 2.9.2 a try if posted?
Oh! Oh!:DMe! Me!
I have a subscription box (which has the fta upgrade in it) to try it on and might be brave enough to see what might happen on my walmart fta box
Have you been able to roll the firmware back from your 2.9.2 I still have my usbs for 2.7.xx that are for the sub unit and the walmart unit....that I figure I can use if it hoses up my units....so I'm ready!

Can't wait!:D

dogleg69

01-24-08, 01:40 PM

Have you been able to roll the firmware back from your 2.9.2?

The magic key sequence to revert is still in there. I put in a Toggle Boot ROM in the Setup menu on the 2.9.2. If you don't like the upgrade, use the menu on 2.9.2 and it will boot off the version you had prior to the install.

So, yes. I have been able to toggle between boot ROMs.

smintn

01-24-08, 01:47 PM

So, yes. I have been able to toggle between boot ROMs.
COOL! :cool: Please release your upgrade asap!!! I would love to try it.
Keep Us posted thanks

dogleg69

01-24-08, 01:52 PM

I'd be interested in trying the newer versions. You should post them to
http://www.elinux.org/Hisense

I have sent mail to Tim Riker who owns the site to see if I can upload the image to there. It will be a zip file and contain an instruction file and a .bin file. The .bin file can be put on a FAT32 formatted stick -- around 7MB total. Once I hear back, I will post.

NOTE: it will only upgrade a unit running FTA software. It will not work on a unit that is still running "service/subscription" software.

tim se iowa

01-24-08, 10:19 PM

sounds good! I would be willing to try.

if I decided to roll back would i need to revert to original, then usb stick or just use the usb stick (2.7......)
if it will keep the clock up to date that would be great. I have to manually do it several times a day.

could you find the date for time zone changes? and change it.(wishful thinking)

dogleg69

01-24-08, 10:22 PM

could you find the date for time zone changes? and change it.(wishful thinking)

Could you explain this a bit more? I don't understand what the problem is.

dogleg69

01-24-08, 10:29 PM

Would anyone be willing to give the 2.9.2 a try if posted?

I have not heard back from elinux.org. If anyone knows Tim Riker, please ask him if he would post this on his site so that it will stay around.

Here is a link to the update. I don't know how long this will stay at rapidshare. I think there are rules about 30 days of no access will remove the file. So grab it and give it a try.

http://rapidshare.com/files/86400947/usdtvUpdate292.zip.html

Follow the instructions inside the zip. This will only update a box that is currently receiving an FTA signal. If it does not work for someone, please post the version you are running. I verified that it did upgrade my boxes that I got from marsman (the 2.7.15 FTA version).

Enjoy!

smintn

01-24-08, 11:05 PM

Here is a link to the update. Trying to download now probably will have to wait and try to download at work my dialup connection is very slow Thanks for posting it dogleg69

:(Can't get it downloaded laptop I'm using just will not download file will try again later on a desktop usually have better luck for rapidshare downloads...

:DFinally got the file downloaded it's loading onto of my units now....will report back later

:DTried it - that was the most trouble free upgrade ever. The fat32 bin file was a stroke of genius it was a whole lot better than previously having to make the linux files executable to make a working usb stick.

Will now try it on my wallyworld unit to see what happens

Thanks dogleg69

au revoir

01-25-08, 10:43 AM

I downloaded and installed the update last night. It was ridiculously easy and I can confirm that it will not destroy your receiver. Mine works fine and I like the new menu items. The software includes a menu option to toggle back to your previous version, so as long as you don't unplug you receiver while it's updating you will have an easy way to revert to your previous set-up.

Thanks very much to everyone who worked on this project and made it available (dogleg69). I look forward to future versions maybe uncovering still more new features!

stevec50

01-25-08, 12:57 PM

Are you guys still using this box? If I get one at Goodwill can I still update it?

stevec50

01-25-08, 04:56 PM

usduser4000, Rapid share never works for me. After putting in that goofy number it always say's it's wrong. Can't you put it somewhere better that we can access?

tim se iowa

01-25-08, 05:47 PM

dogleg69

01-25-08, 05:59 PM

dogleg69, -I had problems when the new change of the timezone came around (early) I thought that it might be in the software but it could have been the pbs station i use to update the time.
any one else off an hour when the time zone changed?

Ok. I understand. I had the same issue. I was also using a PBS station to get the time. I have noticed that my PBS broadcast is not the best to get the time from. I started using NBC or ABC and it corrected itself.

stevec50

01-25-08, 07:47 PM

dogleg69, rapidshare doesn't work. I hate that crappy site. Surely there is a better one?

smintn

01-26-08, 11:16 AM

dogleg69

01-26-08, 11:49 AM

I tried it on my wallyworld box this morning seems to work still calls the hardware db2010 didn't get to check anything else I have to work today:(

Thanks smintn! Good to know it works on the the walmart boxes too. It is very interesting that it still says db2010. Thanks for giving it a try.

dogleg69

01-26-08, 10:08 PM

So grab it and give it a try.
http://rapidshare.com/files/86400947/usdtvUpdate292.zip.html

FYI - If you are trying to hack around on this box. Please don't take the above 2.9.2. I did not notice, but the /opt/metromedia/etc/allowshell does not get created and I did not remove the check in the sleeper script.

So, if you install this, you will not be able to use the "xyzzy" password and get to the shell. Most people won't care about this, but I wanted to note it. My apologies to anyone who was using the console and applied this upgrade -- just roll back using the Toogle Boot NAND Flash in the menu :)

au revoir

01-26-08, 11:30 PM

I tried it on my wallyworld box this morning seems to work still calls the hardware db2010 didn't get to check anything else I have to work today:(

Update:
Got a chance to look at system information
System Software 2.9.2 (2.4.18-17)
Build Date 0801242145
Hardware Version db2010

I also noticed in the diagnostics menu it added the log state selection it was missing when I originally did the magic remote sequence to get the diagnostics menu.

What's the log state good for anyway anyone know yet? It does load info to a usb stick but don't know what it's useful for?

Maybe someone can come up with something....I was hoping proserv1 would come up with a way to make these units record. It does seem like it might be possible to record to a hard drive through the usb port (wishful thinking):)

Probably wishful thinking on the USB port. I would not think the video signal would pass though a USB port whose only purpose is to update the firmware.

Maybe somebody could come up with a component to USB or component to firewire adapter. Then that could be used to send to HD video signal to a PC where it could be captured and recorded.

Whidbey

01-26-08, 11:34 PM

Are you guys still using this box? If I get one at Goodwill can I still update it?
If I saw one at goodwill for the price I see satellite boxes for, I'd buy it just on the off-chance I could update it.

smintn

01-27-08, 11:09 PM

Probably wishful thinking on the USB port. Yeh you're probably right - You can use the newest setup menu setting on the 2.9.2 version software under diagnostics log state. It will dump information on all the channels you have scanned in to a usb stick if you have it plugged in.. I don't know what the information means when you run it it shows statistics saved to /mnt/usb_flash/fta-001 I just thought since the usb could be written to a hard drive could be attached to the port and used.....it shows channel number and the actual digital channel then rows of data which have no meaning then numbers that look a lot like percentages of signal strength

dogleg69

01-28-08, 12:13 PM

Writing data out thru the USB port on this box is not an issue. However, I thought I read somewhere that it is a USB 1.1 device which limits the bandwidth to 12Mbps. I think that most MPEG2 High Def require around 19.4Mbps. I'm no expert here, so any enlightment is welcome.

If the Hisense box is USB 2.0, then there is a very good chance this box can be made into a PVR with some work. If someone could help verify the hardware is capable of supporting an HD stream to disk via the USB port (ie 1.1 vs 2.0), we can go from there. If it is 1.1, then I don't think it will be worth the trouble.

Can anyone shed some light here?

smintn

01-28-08, 12:46 PM

Just checked on the amd website about the Xilleon 220 in the feature Listing

USB
Set-Top-Wonder Xilleon integrates a single USB 1.1 controller with two USB ports. Both ports are accessible via a USB header.

It's interesting it mentions pci among other things but this is actually features for the chip itself and not being mounted onto a motherboard

I just re-read the hisense linux Tim Riker site it looks like it's saying the mips processor is a Xilleon 225 check it out at elinux.org/Wiki/HiSense (http://www.elinux.org/Wiki/HiSense)
trying to look up some info now so far I can only find info for the xilleon 260 240 226 210 and the other info on the 220

It is interesting reading It looks like this 220 chip was a good choice by hisense it looks like it has pci eide possibly firewire

-Oh well it was fun while it lasted upgrades and all-

au revoir

01-28-08, 02:50 PM

au revoir

01-28-08, 05:32 PM

Here's an easy test for USB 2.0 functionality:

Some of the early thumb drives were USB 1.1, right? So just do an DB 2010 update using an older USB 1.1 thumb drive and then do an update using a USB 2.0 thumb drive and see if the update process is any faster with the USB 2.0 drive.

tim se iowa

01-28-08, 06:32 PM

I did the update to 2.9.2 works good. small caveat it erases the original software if you update from the newer software (not a big deal it was pretty awful) but if you want to keep it on your system, update from the old original version that came with your walmart box.
The box has only two storage areas for the software so you lose one. when you add a third.
( no problems downloading from rapid share with dialup and firefox just time 30min)
could you make 2.9.1 available also --Thanks!!!

tim se iowa

01-29-08, 05:17 PM

forgot to mention- you can use any USB SD (or other memory type) card reader, that is what i used, grabbed it out of my camera and copied the file using the card reader
simple!

Suntan

01-29-08, 08:54 PM

dogleg69

01-29-08, 10:33 PM

dogleg69, I tried your 2.9.2 update on my Wal Mart box and it did nothing.

Plugged it in and cycled the power plug. It booted up as if the USB drive was not even plugged in.

As stated earlier, my firmware is rev 2.5.59

-Suntan

I believe that. What happens is that when the box is booted, it executes a script called mmstartup. That script (on version 2.7.15) issues a "mount -t vfat /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb_flash" command and looks for the .bin file. That is why that upgrade would mount a windows FAT32 stick and perform the upgrade.

The 2.5.59 is pretty old. The mmstartup on that version may not mount a FAT formatted stick. If you update to 2.7.11 that is on Tim Rikers site, I would image the 2.9.2 would work.

Or, I can try and create an image that requires linux (the diagnotics and 000_signatures dirs like on the other upgrades that are out). I was just trying to make it easy on everyone by using the FAT mount.

Anyway can you get the 2.7.11 from http://elinux.org/Hisense and then upgrade to 2.9.2? If not, post here and I will try to create an upgrade that will require a ext2 filesystem.

Suntan

01-29-08, 11:21 PM

Anyway can you get the 2.7.11 from http://elinux.org/Hisense and then upgrade to 2.9.2? If not, post here and I will try to create an upgrade that will require a ext2 filesystem.

Correct me if I am wrong, basically need to copy the two folders from the 2.7.11 .tar onto a usb drive that is formatted with ext2 format? To format the thumb drive with ext2 and copy over the files you need a linux distro right?

Could a windows guy use something like this to get himself an ext2 formatted thumbdrive with the correct files on it? http://www.fs-driver.org/index.html

-Suntan

dogleg69

01-30-08, 08:37 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, basically need to copy the two folders from the 2.7.11 .tar onto a usb drive that is formatted with ext2 format? To format the thumb drive with ext2 and copy over the files you need a linux distro right?

Could a windows guy use something like this to get himself an ext2 formatted thumbdrive with the correct files on it? http://www.fs-driver.org/index.html

-Suntan

I would get slax, feather, knoppix or some other linux, put it on a CD and boot your computer from the CD so you are running linux. After that:

1. Login as root (or su to root so you can mount)
2. Type "fdisk -l"

That is the lower case letter L. Look for the drive letter assigned to the newly inserted USB stick. It should be something like sda or sdb or sdc, etc...

3. Execute the cfdisk command by using the information gather above.

cfdisk /dev/sda

Make sure you use the correct sd<x>1 drive letter. In the cfdisk program, if there are any partitions delete them. Create a new partition, make it bootable and make sure the Type is 83 - Linux. Making it bootable is VERY important.

4. Write the new partition and exit cfdisk

5. Create the filesystem by issuing the following (using the device location from above).

mkfs /dev/sda1

6. Mount to a directory in /mnt called usb. If it is not there or you want to create it.

mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb

7. Delete the extra files placed there by the file system create command (using the device location from above).

rm -rf /mnt/usb/*

8. Download or copy the files diagnostic and 000_signatures dirs from elinux.org/Hisense 2.7.11 to /tmp/usdtv

9. Copy the files from the hard drive to the disk by issuing the following (using the device location from above).

cp -rp /tmp/usdtv/* /mnt/usb

10. List the files on the drive to make sure the 000_signatures and diagnostics directories are there.

ls -al /mnt/usb

11. Unmount the drive

umount /mnt/usb

12. Remove the usb stick.

I'm no expert. That is what I did using feather (knoppix) and it worked. If that is too much trouble or you don't have access to linux, I'll try to come up with something like usduser4000 did. That user create a program that would create the ext2 from windows and copy the image to the stick. It was posted on fileshare last summer. However, that was for the FromService software.

As far as you question, you need to make sure that when you create the ext2 filesystem, it is bootable.

Suntan

01-30-08, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the step by step. It will probably have to wait until this weekend to try out.

-Suntan

Kro

01-30-08, 02:20 PM

They had a compile time flag to build output targets for subscription and FTA (and From Service and From FTA -- to change a box from one to the other).

I don't know the difference between the 2.7.15 and the 2.9.1. I have been able to create a version that I call 2.9.2 based on the 2.9.1. It will update an FTA box. The 2.9.2 will update the system time via the tuner when you turn off the box. That helps keep the system time up-to-date because my boxes were always losing time and I was tired of manually calling the Set System Time from the menu.
...

Is the source code available somewhere?

CharredPC

01-30-08, 05:17 PM

Not sure anyone will care, but I just got and disassembled the USDTV HT-7012. This is the 'father of the DB2010' (what they used to use). This unit is thinner and heavier than the newer, more common unit most often discussed here. It still works perfectly, but of course has ancient firmware. I'm thinking that the later firmwares wouldn't work with this unit, as the hardware is likely different... feedback, anyone?

Anyway, here's a bunch of random info about it.

Model No. HT-7012 Teardown Info:

This unit, once open, has four basic parts inside. The power supply is a U-San Electron 3.3 Vdc/7A, 5Vdc/1A. Using a non-standard molex connector, it hooks into the main board (labeled 10-0184 USDTV-V1.2). The main board runs an ATI Xilleon 225 (X225 215H25AKA13 N01839.00 0316AA) graphics processor, and has five Samsung 340 flash chips (4 x K4D261638E-TC50, 1 x K9F2808UOC YCB0). This board also has two USB ports, a bunch of unused component spots, and some test points. The smart card header is actually connected to a smart card module (10-0185XSM TUNG_TA S-02 94V0) in this unit- unlike the DB2010, which has the external slot but is missing the innards.

The last part is the tuner itself- a dual-port Philips tuner (3139 147 20231C#, TUV1236D/F H, SV10 0343) mounted on a small board (labeled 10-0168) that connects to the mainboard by a standard 40-pin IDE plug. Don't get too excited- I'm sure it has nothing to do with actual IDE, they just utilized ready-made parts to cut costs. What's more interesting to me is the headers, jumpers, and even a microswitch pad that aren't in use on the mainboard. And being dual port, wouldn't the tuner work as a pass-through as well?

I realize not everyone has this older model, so may not think this relevant. However, I believe that alone is worth posting this; if for no other reason than to help inform the few people that do :cool: Plus, I've got this unit and two or three DB2010 (firmware says DB2020) receivers now just waiting for me to do something with them! If anyone has requests for other/better/specific internal pictures on either model, let me know and I'll provide it. Creating documentation is something, right? :rolleyes:

dogleg69

01-30-08, 07:43 PM

CharredPC

01-30-08, 09:21 PM

Is this the "Proton" manufactured unit that was mentioned a few times before? Where were you able to pick that up? Any mention of the firmware/software that is on that box?

This is very likely a Proton unit. I don't believe it was manufactured by Hisense, so someone had to make it. And Proton does make DVB-T STB's (http://www.proton-usa.com/stb-dvbt.asp.htm). The compact design, thick case metal, and lack of airflow would also make this a possible candidate for overheating. The later Hisense box was made lighter and larger, with better venting. I happen to live a few miles away from USDTV's old HQ, so these used units pop up occasionally in the local thrift shops. I should really stop buying them, isn't four enough? :rolleyes: Maybe I can start supplying them for all you...

I'll check what the exact firmware number is when I get home. It's the oldest I've seen- if possible, even uglier yellow and an awful first-generation list-like 'EPG.' This model was purely a subscription box, so the old USDTV 99-x lineup is hardcoded into it. I'm willing to try putting newer firmware on it, and see if that 'check for Proton' reference stops it, or just alters installation to accommodate. I'm also curious if this unit will be easier to access and hack, being first generation and all. If we're really hopeful, maybe being able to analyze this one can help progress on the DB2010..?

dogleg69

01-30-08, 09:36 PM

I'm willing to try putting newer firmware on it, and see if that 'check for Proton' reference stops it, or just alters installation to accommodate.

Give the 2.7.15 FromService that marsman put out a try. I notice in the mmstartup script on my Hisense box, it mentions proton:

case "$USDTVHW" in
db20*) HWEXT=hisense;;
*) HWEXT=proton;;
esac

# Start the proper tuner
case "$USDTVHW" in
db20?1) $MEDIAWORKSROOT/bin/mmtuner_lgit >/dev/null &;;
db20?2) $MEDIAWORKSROOT/bin/mmtuner_t31x >/dev/null &;;
*) $MEDIAWORKSROOT/bin/mmtuner_$HWEXT >/dev/null &;;
esac

So, it has logic in it for the Proton if indeed that is a Proton box. Give it a try. I'll help anyway I can.

CharredPC

01-30-08, 09:58 PM

Give the 2.7.15 FromService that marsman put out a try.... it has logic in it for the Proton if indeed that is a Proton box. Give it a try. I'll help anyway I can.

Thanks, that was my plan. If I'm feeling really dangerous, maybe I'll even try the 2.9.1 after that! Though I'm fairly sure they stopped the backwards compatibility at some point. From what I've read, the tuner in this unit is also analog-capable, using the secondary cable input (apparently not a pass-through after all). It would be kind of neat to enable that functionality, if only for a dual-purpose analog cable box / HDTV tuner :cool: The good news is, there's a decent amount of Linux documentation about working with this tuner and enabling such things...

dogleg69

01-30-08, 10:37 PM

The good news is, there's a decent amount of Linux documentation about working with this tuner and enabling such things...

Where did that documentation come from? I'll look around on the 2.9.2 stuff and see if the mmstartup has the proton in it too. I bet that it does.

I have also seen a ProHD box from Korea that was one of the first prototype HD boxes for USDtv. I think that was before they purchased MetroMedia b/c the software on it is terrible and nothing like the db2010. It had two antenna inputs, took forever to power on and was way slow to change channels.

madlobster

01-30-08, 10:54 PM

Is the source code available somewhere?

I'd also like to know if the source is available.

CharredPC

01-30-08, 11:24 PM

Where did that documentation come from? I'll look around on the 2.9.2 stuff and see if the mmstartup has the proton in it too. I bet that it does.

There's a bunch of stuff on that particular Philips tuner and Linux if you Google for it, even some specific forum Q&A on getting the analog port working. I appreciate your checking that latest firmware for me! If it will work with the Proton, it would be pretty neat.

Kro, Madlobster- AFAIK, no one has made the source available. It should be (legally and ethically), but I've never seen it offered anywhere... hence everyone trying to brute-force reverse engineer things. Though that modded 2.9.2 firmware gives me hope :)

dogleg69

01-31-08, 08:44 AM

I appreciate your checking that latest firmware for me! If it will work with the Proton, it would be pretty neat.

I used minincom from one of my linux boxes to attach to a modified 2.9.2 via the serial port. Got help on how to do that from GPSFan, keith721, codeman, niacin and others over at http://www.linux-hacker.net/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board=usdtv&Post=1&Idle=0&Sort=0&Order=Descend&Page=0&Session=

I posted earier that the 2.9.2 .bin I put out will not get past the login screen b/c I didn't notice the allowshell script was not there. I removed that check on my modifed 2.9.2 so I could get in. If you want that, I can post that somewhere.

So, I did check and the mmstartup on 2.9.2 does have logic for the proton and in the /opt/mediaworks/etc on the box iteself there is a mediaworks.conf_hisense and mediaworks.conf_proton. I would assume this means it will support the Proton box.

And, in that mediaworks.conf_proton file, there is mention of of Tuner types:
# Tuner Type
# 0 None
# 1 ATSC Comtech
# 2 ATSC Phillips
# 3 NTSC
# 4 DVB-T
tuner_type 2

Since your box has a Phillips tuner and the tuner type is set to 2, that really leads me to believe that the box you have is a proton box and that the upgrades should work.

CharredPC

01-31-08, 11:04 AM

The Proton unit had this info-

Sys ID: 000-0450-6023
USDTV System Software Version: 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7)
USDTV-Mediaworks Software Copyright 2001-2004

I popped the 2.7.15 firmware on a USB key, and it's taking the upgrade just fine. Once I test it out a bit, I'll bump it up to 2.9.x. Unless there's anything else you want from my ancient 2.5.59 firmware, before I do so many upgrades I can't roll it back :)

Update: The 2.7.15 firmware worked fine. Attached is a screenshot of the System Info page. It's weird to see something other than DB20x0 listed there, huh?

dogleg69

01-31-08, 11:17 AM

The Proton unit had this info-

Sys ID: 000-0450-6023
USDTV System Software Version: 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7)
USDTV-Mediaworks Software Copyright 2001-2004

I popped the 2.7.15 firmware on a USB key, and it's taking the upgrade just fine. Once I test it out a bit, I'll bump it up to 2.9.x. Unless there's anything else you want from my ancient 2.5.59 firmware, before I do so many upgrades I can't roll it back :)

Nope. I think it will all work just fine. Please report back the differences in hardware (speed, sensitivity, etc...) once you have a newer version of software. Very cool. Nice job.

CharredPC

01-31-08, 11:57 AM

The 2.9.2 firmware went on. It made me nervous a few times (lights stopped blinking and the screen froze for a few seconds around 5/6th mark, same thing at 100%) but it finished and worked fine. I even tried the new firmware swap-back feature, and that works. Now that I have 2.9.2 on the Proton, I'll do a side-by-side comparison between it and the 2.9.2 Hisense. Then comes the fun of adding in some missing jumpers and seeing if I can switch to / enable the analog tuner. If so, the big question is- will I have to re-flash? I'm betting yes, but no harm in trying :)

CharredPC

01-31-08, 01:19 PM

I've finished my side-by-side comparison with the Hisense and Proton unit. They are very similar, but not quite identical.

When plugged into AC power, the Proton takes roughly 55 seconds to prepare itself for use. The Hisense takes about 40 seconds. This isn't a big deal, unless maybe you're watching TV when the power flickers. From standby to fully watching tv, both units took about 1 second; no noticeable difference. Channel changing was also the same, about 1.5 to 3 seconds depending on the channel. So from this, we can gather that the system hardware is pretty close.

The different tuner, however, did change things up a bit. I don't have any fringe stations here (being only 10-40 miles from all transmitters), so the numbers aren't astoundingly different... but I can't help but think it would be more obvious on distant stations:

Channel # - Signal (Hisense DB2010)
2 - 97%
4 - 97%
5 - 97%
7 - 95-97%
9 - 97%
11 - 97%
13 - 97%
14 - 97-98%
30 - 97%

Channel # - Signal (Proton HT7012)
2 - 97-99%
4 - 97-99%
5 - 97-99%
7 - 97%
9 - 97-99%
11 - 97-99%
13 - 97-99%
14 - 99%
30 - 97-99%

The Proton leads with a small but definite edge. It also tested over a full minute shorter in EPG info scanning (3:28 vs Hisense's 4:45)- which could just be a fluke, I suppose. The Hisense did win out in searching for channels with 1:40 vs the Proton's 2:20. Overall menu navigation and 'feel' of the two units appears to have no difference.

In summary, if you live in a fringe area and had to choose between the DB2010 and the HT7012, I'd try the latter. As I've stated before, it is built smaller with poor ventilation... so the reports of this unit overheating are believable. I've personally had no problems, though, and it stays stable and cool in my 70F house. I'll continue working with it and report my findings. My next idea is to simply add the missing jumpers back onto the board. As far as I can tell, they have the necessary circuitry connected; just no pins. The Proton has a dual analog/digital tuner, and the mediaworks.conf_proton file shows an NTSC option. My research shows that on these Philips tuners, often a simple wire switched on/off controls which one is used. Maybe I'll get lucky and enable it :D

dogleg69

01-31-08, 01:32 PM

CharredPC - Thanks for posting that. I'm going to try and track one down. Does the Proton use the same remote?

If you find out any more, please keep the info coming.

CharredPC

01-31-08, 01:40 PM

CharredPC - Thanks for posting that. I'm going to try and track one down. Does the Proton use the same remote?

If you find out any more, please keep the info coming.

The Proton uses the same remote, yes. I'll keep my eye out for more of these. I actually haven't had a real USDTV remote for months- I just use my Sony RM-VL600 universal. Also, I just checked, and there is 3V running to the jumper connections... soldering gun's warming up, here's hoping!

tim se iowa

01-31-08, 06:37 PM

i had accidentally downloaded the manual for the HT-7012 (pdf) when the wayback archives worked for the usdtv site. the second rf connector is listed as inactive, 10watt power (hisense 16w), and the remote looked very different but had the same labels just different locations.

the manual was similar to the hisense, used the same remote code for changing the video out. also it was 32pages (the pdf was 16 pages two to a slide)

Suntan

02-03-08, 12:11 AM

Just an update.

Had a chance to try updating my box and after a bit of hassling with 2.7.11 it loaded (I unzipped the tgz with winrar before copying over to the usb drive with slax and it corrupted the files. After figuring it out and copying directly within linux, it worked), then loaded to 2.9.2 after reformatting to FAT32.

My old box is all up to date. The newer menu look is clearer and the current channel playing in window mode when looking through the guide data is nice (not that I use the guide much).

However, I swear the channel changes are slightly slower than they used to be. Previously, the channel would change and the audio and video would update at the same time (with possibly a bit of blocking for a split second as the video got to the next complete key frame.) Now when the channel changes, the audio switches to the next channel, but the screen stays black for as much as a second or two.

Also, the PBS-HD channel has de-interlacing problems, as the motion smears badly. I took a quick look with my HTPC and the tuners on that had chop while watching that channel so I hope it is just a bad transmission.

Anyway thanks dogleg for the info and the updated flash. The real test will come tomorrow morning when the stupid update screen would normally start annoying me.

-Suntan

dogleg69

02-03-08, 03:46 PM

Anyway thanks dogleg for the info and the updated flash. The real test will come tomorrow morning when the stupid update screen would normally start annoying me.

-Suntan

You're welcome. Please post back what happens. I never noticed that issue so I don't know if it was patched correctly nor not. If it does happen, please provide details and I'll see what can be done.

Suntan

02-03-08, 04:56 PM

With the 2.5.59 software, the check software thing would slowly degrade in time. Each weekend it would get later and later into the morning, and you didn't have the option to set the time you wanted it checked.

Last night, after updating, I set the update time to 2am. It hasn't popped up to announce that it is going to check for updates all day, so I am happy.

-Suntan

usduser4000

02-04-08, 05:05 PM

Hey guys, sorry I have been not posting for a while.

I've been busy as of late, but thanks for the new update, works like a dream! Although I don't understand some of the features in the menu (a little bit too geeky for me) Also I've noticed some people are having trouble downloading my firmware update. I think it's too late at this point but pm me if you want the update.

I will host it on a new site too.

Thanks.

-usduser4000

[EDIT]

I had a realy weird thought...would it be possible to emulate the hardware and test the usdbox under windows or linux?

adude

02-04-08, 06:23 PM

Is the source code available somewhere?

Kro,
I have the source code for this. Its around 23 MB zipped. I do not know the place to host it though.

Here is the excerpt from its readme file. I
_________
Roku HD1000 GPL Compliance Released March 22, 2004
---------------------------------------------------

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.

FrontLyne

02-05-08, 11:19 PM

Kro,
I have the source code for this. Its around 23 MB zipped. I do not know the place to host it though.

Here is the excerpt from its readme file. I
_________
Roku HD1000 GPL Compliance Released March 22, 2004
---------------------------------------------------

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.

Try uploading it on mediafire.com

dogleg69

02-06-08, 03:23 PM

There is a nice little writeup about upgrading from service that was written recently:

http://www.vanillahd.com/index.php/receiving-free-over-the-air-ota-tv-with-a-usdtv-box/

It has a link to a download that has a makekey script. The orginal download came from http://www.ericgridley.com/2007/04/usdtv.html. This guy appears to be in Utah. Maybe he knows someone. He says "I was able to get my hands on one of the USB flash drives with the software needed to do it."

It references ./makekey usdtv_fta.fromService.2.7.15.0602031002.keychain.tar.gz

I wonder if this was obtained directly from USDTV? Nothing new on those pages, but it was interesting none the less.

CharredPC

02-06-08, 03:57 PM

I've decided I don't have time right now to tinker with the USDtv boxes I have :( It's fun, but I'm starting a new job and have to focus on that... So they'll go back into storage, unless someone wants to buy them. I have four Hisense boxes and one Proton*, all working great with the latest 2.9.2 firmware.

*The Proton has been modified with extra internal jumpers. Without a serial port for a readout, I have no idea what they do- but certain configurations DO change the hardware profile so radically that the system goes into a reboot loop, unable to fully start.

adude

02-07-08, 01:15 AM

Found the original location for the source files. I had downloaded it from here.
http://www.linux-hacker.net/usdtv/

experts, go at it!!!

ratdad

02-07-08, 12:01 PM

dogleg69,

I was able to upgrade from 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7) to 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15). I tried using your 2.9.2 firmware upgrade, but the box did not acknowledge it. Is it possible to rapidshare the linux files for the 2.9.2 upgrade?

dogleg69

02-07-08, 02:54 PM

I was able to upgrade from 2.5.59 (2.4.18-7) to 2.7.11 (2.4.18-15). I tried using your 2.9.2 firmware upgrade, but the box did not acknowledge it. Is it possible to rapidshare the linux files for the 2.9.2 upgrade?

Please take a look at the files available. It is a compilation of files I've gathered or created since this journey started for me (and all of us) almost 1 year ago now when my subscription boxes were made inoperable when the USDtv signal was shutdown.

There is a makekey script that will create a key for you on linux. I also put the bin file zip for those without linux that uses a FAT filesystem. However, it has only been tested with 2.7.15.

The reinstall files should allow you to reinstall back to versions if you wish. I don't think you will need to, but maybe you will. The fromService will convert you from a subscription box to FTA. (mediafire.com/?sharekey=5022af3ae69122e24012e8015643d9c8b112cc0853efd9eb)

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=5022af3ae69122e24012e8015643d9c8b112cc0853efd9eb

ratdad

02-08-08, 01:17 PM

dogleg69,

Thanks for providing access to the firmwares. I'm now up on 2.9.2.

dogleg69

02-08-08, 04:01 PM

dogleg69, Thanks for providing access to the firmwares. I'm now up on 2.9.2.

You're welcome. If you used the makekey and the 2.9.2 tar.gz file, you should be able to hookup the serial port and get a prompt and look around on the box. The allowshell check was removed from the sleeper script. The password is xyzzy.

smintn

02-08-08, 06:30 PM

you should be able to hookup the serial port and get a prompt and look around on the box.

dogleg69

Is the serial port the 4 pin header on the mb? Will any cable work that is correctly wired between the host pc and the header?

Any particular o/s needed on the host pc?

Oh by the way I had one of my units that acted like one of the ram chips was defective. When you switched between the firmware it would not come online it would sit there like it was powered up but no picture...

I flashed it with the 2.5.9 reinstall and it came out of it and is working with the upgrades again

Thanks for the firmware files.....downloaded them last night

dogleg69

02-08-08, 08:00 PM

Is the serial port the 4 pin header on the mb? Will any cable work that is correctly wired between the host pc and the header?

Any particular o/s needed on the host pc?

Yes, the serial port is the 4 pin header on the mb. I had something like

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=449

which I connected the USDtv box to my linux computer via a serial cable. I used minicom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicom) to connect to the USDtv box.

The guys over at linux-hacker really did all the work. I just followed their directions.

slayer3113

02-09-08, 08:31 PM

dogleg69

02-09-08, 09:29 PM

Ok i got my Hisense DB-2010 in the mail yesterday. Set it up today. I do channel scan and it will only come up with one channel. Signal strength is at like 95% for the one channel. I do a rescan for channels and it will find only the one I have. Im in San Antonio Zip 78209 please help please help I wanna watch the daytona shootout lol

What type of antenna do you have? Are you getting all the analog channels on your TV with the same setup?

How many splitters do you have? If you have your previous setup (ie, TV and VCR, etc...) did you put in a splitter? If so, remove the splitter. Remove all splitters from the source if possible.

I did a test with a Sharpshooter (http://www.winegard.com/offair/ss-3000.htm). I'm 60 miles from source and have a 30ft antenna as my primary. But I was testing for a friend. I put the sharpshooter outside and ran coax into the db2010. It picked up every station I get with my tower on the scan. Now, watching was a different story. I could not watch b/c the signal was not strong enough --- alots of pixelation. But, it did pick up all the stations.

Please provide some more information and I'm sure someone here can give more opinions.

slayer3113

02-09-08, 09:38 PM

Im using a indoor antenna vhf/uhf hdtv ota compatible running straight to the box, box is going to the tv via component cables. The only channel im picking up is a OTA station KRRT. No splitters

hope that helps ;)

bguzman

02-10-08, 01:44 AM

My DB-2010 showed up yesterday, $40 + shipping. Hooked it up to a $15 pair of rabbit ears I got at Wally world. I picked up all the OTA channels that I use to get with scamcast plus some others, 3 and 10 weather channels and three Ion network channels The STB works great so far. Good thing I have a Harmony remote because the one that came with the STB was DOA. Anybody have any experience returning to Proserve. Hopefully they just swap it out. By the way my zip is 95219

smintn

02-11-08, 06:41 PM

Have any of you read the avsforum article?

"Digital TV Switch May Cut Off 6 Million Sets"

especially the paragraph that has:
The FCC has stated that digital signals can travel as far as 75 miles. However, the Centris study claims that the number is less than half of that estimate.

I wonder how accurate that statement may be. You would hope most stations (for those of us at least 50 miles away) would at least stay at the same power even when the switch happens....:confused:

I guess it's still a wait and see time.....I also noticed BB was going to sale insignia stbs that I take it qualifys for the coupons....

Just eyeballed the stbs they are barebone units compared to the Hisense downconverts to 480i

No component or digital out listed at 59.99 maybe something better in the pipeline:o

stevec50

02-11-08, 08:23 PM

>I guess it's still a wait and see time.....
What are you waiting for? They have been on the air for 8 years! How much longer do you plan to wait?

smintn

02-11-08, 11:39 PM

>I guess it's still a wait and see time.....
What are you waiting for? They have been on the air for 8 years! How much longer do you plan to wait?
I meant wait and see if the HD stations I am receiving now (around 34) will slip away with the older db-2010s I have....I do have a magnavox and a panasonic dvd recorder that have digital tuners in them They pick up roughly the same as the 2010 maybe a little better but not by much.....

I just hope they roughly keep their same output power. I researched and found that most of them are keeping the same digital channels....don't know about power

It's the article stating The FCC has stated that digital signals can travel as far as 75 miles. However, the Centris study claims that the number is less than half of that estimate.

I'm 50 miles away from two major cities and if the signals becomes halved (which I doubt) I won't pick up anything. I am using a large ratshack uhf/vhf antenna pointed to the north and a ratshack uhf antenna pointed to the south coupled to a CM 7777 amp....

I pick up 2 abc 2 nbc 2 cbs 2 fox 2 cw 2 mynetwork 1 ion 1 npt 1 apt 2 christan networks........so in other words I haven't waited
But I am wondering how my adjacent and co-channel problems will clear up or get worse so I'll just have to wait and see what happens when the analog is shut down and digital only broadcasts begin....

Johnla

02-12-08, 01:27 AM

Have any of you read the avsforum article?

"Digital TV Switch May Cut Off 6 Million Sets"

Just eyeballed the stbs they are barebone units compared to the Hisense downconverts to 480i

No component or digital out listed at 59.99 maybe something better in the pipeline:o

For a vast number of people that only care about still being able to watch their older non HiDef TV's after the switchover takes place, thats all they really need. In those cases trying to feed a non HiDef TV with a signal higher than 480i is pointless. Also many of those older TV's do not even have component inputs or any sort of digital input either.

smintn

02-12-08, 10:31 AM

For a vast number of people that only care about still being able to watch their older non HiDef TV's after the switchover takes place, thats all they really need. In those cases trying to feed a non HiDef TV with a signal higher than 480i is pointless. Also many of those older TV's do not even have component inputs or any sort of digital input either.
Ok
But I know there has to be more people out there like me that are hanging on to their hdtv monitor type sets and like to see stbs that will work with those units..I will eventually get a lcd plasma or whatever with digital tuners in them but until my rptv gives out I still like to get stbs that will output 1080i.. I am just cheap that way:D

masterthx

02-12-08, 11:36 AM

dogleg69
It sounds like you have been dealing with this for a long time.
I have a box as well that has been down for at least or close to a year.
But I am not sure if a firmware update will help.
When I plug my box in the DB2010 all i get are two flashing green lights.
Nothing shows up on the screen so I have no idea what is going on.

Have you seen this before?
The green lights are the Siginal LED and Power LED.

Thanks a newbiee
and fyi I have no knowledge of liunx so if you can help please be able to supply help in a windows based world...ha ha

Thanks again
Masterthx

smintn

02-12-08, 12:44 PM

dogleg69
When I plug my box in the DB2010 all i get are two flashing green lights.
Nothing shows up on the screen so I have no idea what is going on.

Have you seen this before?
The green lights are the Siginal LED and Power LED.

masterthx

try dogleg69 's post for the remote sequences for the 2010. I had one I was playing with and it acted like that. try the revert to see if it will recover if not try the upgrades it can't hurt at this point The post is number 864 also keep looking through this thread there is info on how to exactly make the upgrade usb sticks check out post 922 for starters on firmware if you trouble someone will try and guide you...

Good Luck!

masterthx

02-12-08, 03:11 PM

stevec50

02-12-08, 03:13 PM

You can check the remote by looking at the output with a digital camera or camcorder.

smintn

02-12-08, 10:18 PM

I tired the revert sequences but it didn't work. No change still both lights are flashing. I looked closer and it looks like the signal light is yellow and the power is green. Still flashing no picture. tried both vga and component. All i get is a clicking sound on the screen. Also can someone tell me if the remote has a light that indicates a signal is being sent from the remote. Again I have not used this device in over a year. Just stubbled across this thread today.
I just noticed my stb not working I could power it up and it would shut down. Then guess what the two leds started flashing.

I opened the case then took a power supply I had from a working unit and replaced it in the non-working unit

It came back up and worked fine.:p

I investigated the bad supply and I found a diode on the primary side of the transformer that had discolored the board. Also on the secondary side of the supply there is a capacitor that is bulging (possible cause of failure)

But also on the replacement power supply I also noticed a different cap with a bulge on it's top usually that means it's about to fail

I suggest opening your case and checking out the power supply
:eek:!Remember to unplug the unit before you start looking around in there!

I am going to try and get in touch with proserv1 to check for schematics replacement parts or the cost of a possible replacement power supply. If I find out anything I will pass it along....

masterthx

02-13-08, 02:25 PM

I just noticed my stb not working I could power it up and it would shut down. Then guess what the two leds started flashing.

I opened the case then took a power supply I had from a working unit and replaced it in the non-working unit

It came back up and worked fine.:p

I investigated the bad supply and I found a diode on the primary side of the transformer that had discolored the board. Also on the secondary side of the supply there is a capacitor that is bulging (possible cause of failure)

But also on the replacement power supply I also noticed a different cap with a bulge on it's top usually that means it's about to fail

I suggest opening your case and checking out the power supply
:eek:!Remember to unplug the unit before you start looking around in there!

I am going to try and get in touch with proserv1 to check for schematics replacement parts or the cost of a possible replacement power supply. If I find out anything I will pass it along....

Nope I am not a Jinx, just have a whole bunch of power supplies and was trying to figure out what to do with them.....JK I wish. Again JK this is the only unit I have.
I will take mine apart and see if I can see any burn marks. That might explain why I can not get any kind of response from the unit. I just thought the two flashing lights were caused by the company going under the units had some kind of shutoff on them so they would never work again. Please let me know if anyone has anymore information on powersupplies or has one that they are not using. I don't want to spend to much money on this. Spent $200 last yr if you know what I mean so to much more and I will just have to give up..

Thank U everyone for your time on this issue.

smintn

02-13-08, 05:46 PM

Please let me know if anyone has anymore information on powersupplies or has one that they are not using. I don't want to spend to much money on this. Spent $200 last yr if you know what I mean so to much more and I will just have to give up..

Thank U everyone for your time on this issue.

Power supply available at proserv1.com around 19 plus shipping go to their website and send them an email and ask about one.

I tried repairing my supply the 30 volt zener diode was shot replaced it worked for a second or two then started pulsing. I think the supply is not worth spending time to try and figure out what else may be the problem

I am going to just buy a new supply it's worth that to get this unit back up and running

Good Luck with yours

masterthx

02-13-08, 06:56 PM

[QUOTE=smintn;13102804]Power supply available at proserv1.com around 19 plus shipping go to their website and send them an email and ask about one.

Placed an email to proserv1.com thank you for researching this.
I opened my unit up and found no trace of anything that looked discolored or implosing or explosions and it looks like a mini fuse is on there and it was not burned out as well.

smintn

02-17-08, 05:52 PM

just checked on ebay found "Lot of 2 Hisense DB 2010 USDTV HDTV Receiver(s)"

Looks like it may be a HT7012 and a db2010 0r 2020

It only has 1 remote no info on if they work or not

Interesting rear photo on units

I might bid a little bit on them

portishead1

02-22-08, 11:42 PM

Hi All;

I purchased a unit from marsman. THe first one the digital audio out didn't work. I received the second one and it still has all the USDTV channels on it. I can cross them off in the list (except one), and it finds my OTA channels fine. The firmware says 2.7.15. The last one they sent me was different. When I did a channel scan it asked me if I wanted to replace the current cannel set with the new one. This one does not. I did aa har reset and now i am locked in the Welcome to USDTV......do a channel scan....it tells me it can't find any USDTV channels. I tried to update with USB key and nothing (using Knoppix and the update from the elinux.org website). Any suggestions on what I can try to get this to work?

Cheers;
Steve
:confused:

portishead1

02-23-08, 01:22 AM

dogleg69

02-23-08, 10:03 AM

Hi again all;

After fiddling around with the unit (trying different remote sequences) I was able to get it back to where it was when I set it up yesterday. I will contact proserv to get the upgrade. My unit is showing S/W - 2.7.11, H/W: db2020.

I would rather do it myself but I am not getting good results. I am setting up my USB key per dogleg's post (using Knoppix), When I put my USB key in the unit and power it up it reads (light flashes a little) then pauses with the Yellow USD logo, then reads again but does not upgrade. Can anyone give me some pointers on what I could be doing wrong?

Cheers;
Steve

Does your 2.7.11 have the 99-x channels and does it have a System ID on the Info screen? When you say does not upgrade, what does it do exactly. Someone here will help, please provide as much detail as possible.

You first need to determine whether you have subscription firmware or FTA. Also, since you have linux, goto

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=5022af3ae69122e24012e8015643d9c8b112cc0853efd9eb

pull the makekey, README.txt and the usdtv_fta.fromService.2.9.2* and the usdtv_fta.reinstall.2.9.2* files. Use those instructions to make the key.

You will need the fromService if you have 99-x channels and a system ID. You need the reinstall if you don't have them.

Get it upgraded and then see how things work. You may still have a bad box.

portishead1

02-23-08, 10:59 AM

Hey Dogleg;

Thanks for the reply. I was up last night trying every upgrade package to no avail. I thought about trying ubuntu this morning and bingo! 2.7.15.

Thanks for your posts past and present. They helpe me tonnes!!

One more question - Can I/Should I go to 2.9.2??

Cheers;
Steve

dogleg69

02-23-08, 12:46 PM

One more question - Can I/Should I go to 2.9.2??

Your call. 2.9.2 is based off of 2.9.1 which was the last known version before USDtv when under. However, I don't know the difference between 2.7.15 and 2.9.2. The 2.9.2 is one that I mod'd to try and remove the auto update, expose the toggle NAND flash and it will update the system time each time the unit is turned off.

I've been running 2.9.2 for months with no issues. If you install 2.9.2, there is a menu item to toggle and boot off the previous NAND flash - so if you don't like it, you can roll back.

Glad you were able to get it working.

SpeedRazor

02-25-08, 06:32 PM

I have a question as I'm not sure I quite understand what I need for my new TV.

I'm getting an Akai LCT42Z6TM as a gift on Wednesday. From what I can tell, there is no tuner built in, and no coaxial jack on the TV itself, only Composite, Component, VGA and HDMI.

I currently have a regular TV with a standard cable TV package that just plugs into my TV with no cable box, just a coaxial cable.

Since my new TV has no coax, could I use this box to plugin the coax to the box, and then to my TV with Component, and get all my regular Cable TV channels? Would I get OTA HD channels with that as well? Or would I get nothing? I'm not looking to get any of the Cable HD channels like TBS HD or any of that, just want to be able to connect my TV to standard cable and get OTA HD channels if possible.

I've searched around a little bit, I'm just still a bit confused on what I need to get my TV at the minimum with standard cable and OTA local HD channels if possible.

Thanks in advance.

jtbell

02-25-08, 07:09 PM

Since my new TV has no coax, could I use this box to plugin the coax to the box, and then to my TV with Component, and get all my regular Cable TV channels?

No. This box (DB-2010) handles only digital OTA broadcasts (ATSC). You have to use it with an antenna. It does not handle digital cable (QAM) or analog OTA or cable (NTSC).

For digital OTA and cable, check out the Samsung DTB-H260F which has a long thread in this forum. It can receive non-encrypted digital cable channels ("clear QAM" channels). You can usually receive the major HD local networks (ABC, CBS, etc.) this way via your cable company's lowest tier (analog "limited basic" or "lifeline basic" or whatever they call it). But there are exceptions. Check the thread for your area in the local reception info forum here, to make sure. You're not likely to get information about clear QAM from the cableco's service reps.

SpeedRazor

02-25-08, 07:16 PM

No. This box (DB-2010) handles only digital OTA broadcasts (ATSC). You have to use it with an antenna. It does not handle digital cable (QAM) or analog OTA or cable (NTSC).

For digital OTA and cable, check out the Samsung DTB-H260F which has a long thread in this forum. It can receive non-encrypted digital cable channels ("clear QAM" channels). You can usually receive the major HD local networks (ABC, CBS, etc.) this way via your cable company's lowest tier (analog "limited basic" or "lifeline basic" or whatever they call it). But there are exceptions. Check the thread for your area in the local reception info forum here, to make sure. You're not likely to get information about clear QAM from the cableco's service reps.

Thanks for the speedy response!

kailio

02-26-08, 05:17 PM

tim se iowa

03-12-08, 06:15 PM

smintn

03-12-08, 07:30 PM

still have problem with day-light-savings time. I have to set time zone to eastern (live in central). in two weeks i can set it back to central again when the normal time change would have taken place.

have tried to set clock on several channels all with the same results.

I can't be the only one with this problem?No you are not the only one I just did what I did last year and did the same as you. you'd think the psip stream would automatically correct it.

In a month or so I'll notice the time being too far ahead and then change back to central time.

Of course my newer tuners (Pansonic,Magnavox) changed correctly...:rolleyes:

jimboy

03-13-08, 03:59 PM

This box is hard coded for the old time change dates (among others) , it ignores any any DST information from PSIP.

JustinHoMi

03-14-08, 02:53 PM

What generation tuner is this? 3rd? 4th?

Rammitinski

03-14-08, 03:06 PM

4th. And it's not particularly one of the best of it's generation, reception-wise. It's just average.

PQ-wise, it's another story, though.

dogleg69

03-16-08, 10:38 PM

This box is hard coded for the old time change dates (among others) , it ignores any any DST information from PSIP.

This box uses the DST information from the STT block in the PSIP. The root of the problem is the linux kernel that is being used did not know about the US gov't change to daylight savings start date/times. Thus, it doesn't apply the start of the DST correctly because of the zoneinfo files.

This box uses TZif format for the /usr/share/zoneinfo files. I will pull the latest tzdata rules from the gov't website, rebuild the zoneinfo/timezones and put a new update together. That should fix the problem.

It will take me a few days, but I'll try to get it done before March Madness starts if anyone wants the fix. Does anyone want a DST fix for these boxes or just keep using the manual method?

jafir

03-17-08, 10:57 AM

I'm not going to turn down a free fix. Did I read correctly that with your latest update that the serial port inside is enabled?

smintn

03-17-08, 11:04 AM

Yes do the DST fix

Just let us know where to download it from

Thanks

dogleg69

03-17-08, 11:46 AM

I'm not going to turn down a free fix. Did I read correctly that with your latest update that the serial port inside is enabled?

I thought so. I will verify and put out an update to the DST, make sure stats are disabled from the start, turn off the debugging output and make sure the serial will allow the xyzzy password to get into the shell.

Worked on it late last night and got most of the above working. Will post later today.

dogleg69

03-17-08, 01:53 PM

Yes do the DST fix

Just let us know where to download it from

Thanks

Updated the mediafire to have a linux folder and windows folder. I have not tested so much on this as I put it in pretty quickly. It still has the toggle back feature. Please let me know if this fixes your DST problem. It did fix it on my boxes.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=5022af3ae69122e24012e8015643d9c8b112cc0853efd9eb

2.9.3
-----

- Update the /usr/share/zoneinfo files with the new DST rules. Fixes the daylight saving time issue.
- Add the password to the prompt for the serial comm -- now reads "Password (xyzzy):"
- Turn off debug statments to console (for performance consideration -- didn't see much improvement though)
- By default, turn off gathering statistics (for performance consideration). You can enable stats via the Diagnostics menus from the Setup.

tim se iowa

03-17-08, 05:42 PM

Thanks, will give it a try tonight

tim se iowa

03-18-08, 06:59 PM

It worked! Thanks again.

dogleg69

03-18-08, 10:21 PM

It worked! Thanks again.

Thanks for the feedback. I assume you are in CST6CDT timezone. Anyone in the Eastern timezone give it a try to see if it works?

Those in the Eastern timezone couldn't use the "manual" fix since there was was not a timezone to their east listed in the UI to spring forward to.

Glad it worked for you.

smintn

03-18-08, 11:40 PM

dogleg69

03-19-08, 07:57 AM

Tried downloading the update several times on a dialup and a dsl running system.

I get errors when I try the makekey for the tar file.

I finally got a good copy of the bin file downloaded. The bin file will only work on my original subscription to fta units. I can't get it to work on my wally world fta unit.

I appears to work on the sub to fta unit ok. the dst is correct

Thanks for the update

What version of software are the wally world running? If they are running the 2.9.2 (from the linux build), it should not make a difference.

I pulled the makekey from the vanillahd site (I did not test it). What type of errors are you getting? You can alway un-zip/tar the linux and then follow the steps in post #922 of this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12976213#post12976213)

I think the linux files reinstall everything (kernel, boot, app). I don't know that the .bin file does all of that. I think not, but don't know for sure.

Are the download problems due to your connection or mediafire you think?

smintn

03-19-08, 08:39 AM

What version of software are the wally world running? I'll have to get back with you on the errors

All my db-2010's are running 2.9.2 including the walmart one. The walmart one just ignores the .bin file on the usb Now there is a possibility the usb is not working I will check it out later using the diagnostics in 2.9.2 where it will output a file to the usb

The sub unit just took the file(bin) and loaded. didn't try the tar couldn't make key

I started having problems when I looked at it with winzip. You know most of the time winzip will let you preview tar files without a problem,
I kept saying trailing garbage in gzip,decompression ended but it will show almost 11 meg of data in file

I also tried a fresh copy of the file and ran my linux software to make the key I'll have to run it again and pass on the error results I saw I don't think it showed anything but errors did occured,

I will download another fresh copy and not look at it with winzip and see what happens got to verify the usb slot first..

I am using dyne bolic for my linux cd on the first update keys it worked very well maybe something is wrong with my linux cd
thanks for the help

:(Well got to get back to work