DigiCrystal - firmware for newer boxes from Digenius Options

[the_snark]

I have a DigiCrystal SDT-9000PVR which I bought a few weeks ago. Some threads on this forum indicate that due to a hardware change the newer DigiCrystals won't run older firmware, including GDRguy69's hacked firmware that allows any size HDD to be installed. FYI my PVR came in a blue/white box, not the older black/white one.

This put me off trying out the hacked firmware, as I did not have the latest firmware to get the box operational again if this turned out to be true. The version on DigiCrystal's site looked to be old.

However......

I emailed both DigiCrystal and Digenius, asking for a fix to the French language bug in the menus. (The bug doesn't bother me; I just wanted new firmware that would work on my box). DigiCrystal told me they have requested a fix from R&D in germany and will send to me when they get it. But I just got a reply from Digenius this morning (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) , with firmware attached - see email below. BTW the extra feature mentioned in the email is interesting, as it looks like it's a new version, though the feature is of limited use to us in Australia.

So I guess I can try out the hacked version now, knowing that I can get the box running again if it doesn't work. The only problem is that I have very little spare time to be fiddling with stuff like this at the moment. Does anyone else want to give it a go? I am happy to send a copy of the firmware - send me a PM.

I don't know if this firmware was already available from somewhere on the web already. If it was, I didn't know about it, and please ignore this post.

cheers


-----Original Message-----
From: [ @digenius.de]
Sent: Friday, 24 February 2006 2:52 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Firmware question

I have attached a newer firmware that works with your product. There is
a change in the PVR mode that allows you to leave the mode using EXIT
and switch through other services that are located on the same
terrestrial channel while recording in the background.

Best regards,


> Hi,
>
> I have a Digicrystal SDT-9000PVR bought in Australia 2 weeks ago, which
> is based on your firmware. There is a lanuage error in the menu which
> allows editing of a recorded program. The third option is in French
> instead of English – I believe this option is to split the recording
> into 2 parts?
>
> I have looked at Digicrystal’s web site at
> _http://www.digicrystal.com.au/_ but the firmware versions there seem to
> be older. My version is "E/3.41[B] 2005-10-06 15:16". (I assume this
> date indicates 6^th of October, not 10^th of June?)
>
> Are you able to offer a firmware version which fixes this bug? I am
> concerened about trying to use older versions, as I have read on some
> online forums that new boxes like mine may not work with older firmware.
> Can you tell me if this is true?
>
> Thanks for any help or information you are able to give me.

[PC Pro]

I’ve now briefly tested this new beta firmware from Digenius. With a compiled date of 23/2/2006 Digenius are first and foremost to be thanked for still caring enough about their customers in Australia for supplying a specially modified version for us. Basically it is an officially modified Digenius v3.41 PROFI firmware that is compatible with the standard hard drives used in all the Australian PVR models. The PROFI version basically means more menu options compared to the current official v3.41 EASY version. This firmware improves in some areas, but goes backwards in others:

Advantages:
1) It is based on the PROFI version of the Digenius firmware rather than the current official firmwares which are all based on the EASY version of the firmware.
2) While recording a show, you can press Exit to go back to the live current channel while still recording in the background. By doing so you can view the EPG info for it, and perhaps even view the teletext if it is available.
3) There seems to be extra items in the hidden service menu, such as an option to choose the PAL version.

Disadvantages:
1) The Stream Info feature has been disabled for some reason (ie. locked at zero data rates). This is a shame as I find this feature useful.
2) Unfortunately there is a bug whereby when you stop recording a channel it causes the live current channel to completely lose its signal, and the screen turns to black. You then need to change channels to bring it back alive again.

Verdict:
The new firmware is a mixed bag. Previously I’ve found myself wanting to read the EPG of the channel while recording, but of course was unable to. This firmware allows you to do just that. The “recording stop bug” and the disabling of the streaming info turns me off it, though. The firmware is best suited for experimentation purposes and for those interested to use an official PROFI version with their PVR. Remember it is only a beta version that was compiled yesterday just for us, so we can’t expect perfection. I say thanks to Digenius for still caring enough about us, at a time when they are obviously needing to align all of their resources to develop the upcoming new models.

You can download it from here: http://users.bigpond.net.au/pcpro/Digenius...%20firmware.zip

As I've only tested it briefly, inform us if your experiences with it differ from what I have described.

- PC Pro

[Neon Kitten]

Disadvantages:
1) The Stream Info feature has been disabled for some reason (ie. locked at zero data rates). This is a shame as I find this feature useful.
2) Unfortunately there is a bug whereby when you stop recording a channel it causes the live current channel to completely lose its signal, and the screen turns to black. You then need to change channels to bring it back alive again.

Why not contact Digenius again and let them know about these two problems? Neither of them sound deliberate and they'd probably be grateful for the heads-up.

They sound like a company that's truly on the ball and there for their customers - and even those who AREN'T their customers! Very admirable. What a pity they or Grobi don't export their hardware to Australia...

[lottos]

I’ve now briefly tested this new beta firmware from Digenius. With a compiled date of 23/2/2006 Digenius are first and foremost to be thanked for still caring enough about their customers in Australia for supplying a specially modified version for us. Basically it is an officially modified Digenius v3.41 PROFI firmware that is compatible with the standard hard drives used in all the Australian PVR models. The PROFI version basically means more menu options compared to the current official v3.41 EASY version. This firmware improves in some areas, but goes backwards in others:

Advantages:
1) It is based on the PROFI version of the Digenius firmware rather than the current official firmwares which are all based on the EASY version of the firmware.
2) While recording a show, you can press Exit to go back to the live current channel while still recording in the background. By doing so you can view the EPG info for it, and perhaps even view the teletext if it is available.
3) There seems to be extra items in the hidden service menu, such as an option to choose the PAL version.

Disadvantages:
1) The Stream Info feature has been disabled for some reason (ie. locked at zero data rates). This is a shame as I find this feature useful.
2) Unfortunately there is a bug whereby when you stop recording a channel it causes the live current channel to completely lose its signal, and the screen turns to black. You then need to change channels to bring it back alive again.

Verdict:
The new firmware is a mixed bag. Previously I’ve found myself wanting to read the EPG of the channel while recording, but of course was unable to. This firmware allows you to do just that. The “recording stop bug” and the disabling of the streaming info turns me off it, though. The firmware is best suited for experimentation purposes and for those interested to use an official PROFI version with their PVR. Remember it is only a beta version that was compiled yesterday just for us, so we can’t expect perfection. I say thanks to Digenius for still caring enough about us, at a time when they are obviously needing to align all of their resources to develop the upcoming new models.

You can download it from here: http://users.bigpond.net.au/pcpro/Digenius...%20firmware.zip

As I've only tested it briefly, inform us if your experiences with it differ from what I have described.

- PC Pro

doesn't sound like many new enhancements... jok11n or someone was compiling a list of enhancement requests (many were in GDRGuys version plus more great ideas) months ago supposedly for Digenius that no-one has heard of since...

This post has been edited by lottos: Feb 25 2006, 07:44 PM

[the_snark]

I’ve now briefly tested this new beta firmware from Digenius. With a compiled date of 23/2/2006

Where did you get your version from? I've only just now sent the new version I have to to a few people who had asked me for it.

Thanks a lot BTW for hosting all the info and firmware on your web site. This is much appreciated.

I am still slightly nervous to try *any* new version on my new box, as I am scared of getting in a situation where I don't have any firmware version that I 100% know will make the box work again - as I have the new version of the box. I'm probably gonna give in to curiousity and take the chance though.

[the_snark]

OK, owners of new DigiCrystals, have no fear of flashing. The latest version works on the new boxes, as does the "official" version on PCpro's site. In fact, that version is newer (2005-10-25) than the version my box came with (2005-10-06) and has the French translation fixed.

I also tried GDRguy69's hacked, version, but as expected it gives the hardware error. Bummer - I like the progress bars on channel change! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I downloaded the "latest" from Digenius but it was dated June 05 and although it was 3.41 it gave the hardware error!

Digicrystal has nothing newer than a July 05 version on their site so I didn't bother with it.

I think I'll go back to the latest I was emailed, the Feb 06 version. This has more stuff in the menus (is this was the PROFI version gives you?) including "favourites" which I might fiddle around with. Not that we have enough channels in Oz to make it worthwhile. If the blank screen on stopping record bugs me I'll go back to 2005-10-25.

Where's the next firmware hacker to step forward? We need you!

[Neerav]

OK, owners of new DigiCrystals, have no fear of flashing. The latest version works on the new boxes, as does the "official" version on PCpro's site. In fact, that version is newer (2005-10-25) than the version my box came with (2005-10-06) and has the French translation fixed.

So basically the 2005-10-25 version at http://users.bigpond.net.au/PCPro/Digenius...%20firmware.zip fixes only 1 menu option (the untranslated "split file in 2" option) compared to the 2005-10-06 version ?

PS can I use the old cable that connected my 56k modem to my pc to do the flashing?

[the_snark]

I'm not sure what else, if anything, the 2005-10-25 version fixes. It looks much the same otherwise, not that I've looked thoroughly.

The Wintal X10 manual at http://wintal.com.au/files/PVR_X10_Manual.pdf has some info about the requirements for the cable on the last page. Basically it need to be a "straight through" cable with male 9 pin D-sub at one end and female at the other. PCpro's site at http://users.bigpond.net.au/PCPro/firmwareflash.htm mentions that an old modem cable worked fine. I had a serial extension cable which also worked.

[Neon Kitten]

PS can I use the old cable that connected my 56k modem to my pc to do the flashing?

Yes, as long as it has 9-pin connectors on both ends.

Unlike most STBs, the Digenius clones need a standard modem cable, NOT a null modem cable. I'd call that intelligent design (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[bresmith]

PCPRO,
if you can get the EPG info can you also get into the menu to set timers while you are recording. I find this very annoying sometimes when your in the middle of a recording, have to go out and want to set something else to record that night.

Brent:)

[PC Pro]

PCPRO,
if you can get the EPG info can you also get into the menu to set timers while you are recording. I find this very annoying sometimes when your in the middle of a recording, have to go out and want to set something else to record that night.

Brent:)

Hi Brent, good question. Give me a few days to reload that firmware and test it again, as I've been quite busy lately. Otherwise the new beta firmware is safe for anyone load and test this with. At worst you can go back to the latest official firmware that works on all Australian models, which can be found on my site (URL already listing on this thread).

- PC Pro

[huggo72]

Just installed the 3.41 Grobi PROFI firmware dated 23/02/06.
YES you can set timers at the same time as recording something else which is REALLY handy. I always lose the channel i was recording when i stop recording the screen goes black , and can only be fixed by flicking through other channels and back again. No option to change the skip time yet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) . No progress bars like in GDRGuys firmware.
But the most surprising thing is that this new PROFI firmware works with my 160 gig drive , so now it looks like people who wanted GDRGuys firmware but couldn't find it can try this one, though the end of recording bug is a big one. Still only 12 timers as well.

Bootloader text

999 Found HWSD
100 digenius tv
999 Copyright <C> 1999 - 2006 digenius technology GmbH.
999 --- type "900" for help ---
999 Philips TU1216, TDA10046 [0] rev 46h IIC 14
999 TDA 10046 DSP OK
999 SP AV
999 Wintal
999 EXPERIMENTAL EXP_UNCERTIFIED_HDDS
999 EXPERIMENTAL EXP_TH2
999 HD Model WDC WD1600BB-55GUA0
999 HD Model CRC 0x45345dfd
999 HD Firmware 08.02D08
999 HD Serial WD-WMAL92781465
999 HD Filesystem digenius hd V1.02

[hi_reach]

will this work on the supernet 8000
getting mine this week
and i am willing to try it

[Neerav]

will this work on the supernet 8000
getting mine this week
and i am willing to try it

AFAIK The Digenius v3.41 firmware is compatible with the following Australian set top boxes:

Wintal PVR-X10
Wintal PVR-X10A
Digicrystal SDT-9000PVR
Supernet 8000T-PVR

[defnk]

Hi guys,

Thought i'd post here'cos the thread's active right now - bit cheeky but it is on topic...!

Do any of the firmware versions allow one to watch a previous recording and record a new program at the same time? If so, do you have to watch any particular channel (e.g same channel the recording was made from..)?? Also, does the recording have to be a timer recording or can it be a 'live' recording? Thanks.

[nihonjin]

defnk all firmware should allow you to do what you ask ie watch previous recording and record a new program as this is, was available in the standard firmware that came with the boxes.

This post has been edited by nihonjin: Feb 28 2006, 08:28 AM

[hi_reach]

AFAIK The Digenius v3.41 firmware is compatible with the following Australian set top boxes:

Wintal PVR-X10
Wintal PVR-X10A
Digicrystal SDT-9000PVR
Supernet 8000T-PVR

thanks mate

[defnk]

defnk all firmware should allow you to what you ask ie watch previous recording and record a new program as this is was available in the standard firmware that came with the boxes.

Are you serious? You sound serious!
Soon as the wife finishes with Desp. HW, I'm gonna have to try this....

[the_snark]

Just installed the 3.41 Grobi PROFI firmware dated 23/02/06.

Is this really Grobi firmware? Where did you guys get ths version from? I was emailed firmware dated 2006-02-23 by Digenius. It sounds like we are talking about the same version... just wondering why you say it is Grobi. I was wondering about trying the Grobi 3.41 version mentioned in the pinned FAQ to see what it has.

But the most surprising thing is that this new PROFI firmware works with my 160 gig drive , so now it looks like people who wanted GDRGuys firmware but couldn't find it can try this one

Now that is interesting. I have GDRguy's firmware but can't run it as it gives me the "hardware error" message as I have a newer box.

[Neerav]

I've just flashed mine with the 23/2/2006 firmware.

I give it a thumbs up on initial usage.

+ you can view teletext on the channel you are recording
+ you can view now and next info on the channel you are recording
+ you can flip between all the channels related to the one you are recording eg: 7 Digital, 7 Guide, 7 Digital 1, etc
+ you can access all menu functions including setting new timers while recording
+ the french text has been been properly translated to "split here into 2 recordings"

- as reported before, after stopping a recording the screen goes blank

The only thing I dont understand how to use is the "favourites list" ? I assume its purpose is to add all the channels you use to the favourites list and you navigate from there rather than having to delete all the duplicate channels and HD channels (if you have an SD box)