My experiance and adventures with D2H Part 2

[RogueMaverick]

So after searching the market for a long time about different DTH providers, packages, technology, value for money, support etc I have boiled down my conclusions and decided to go for Videocon D2H couple of weeks back as they were having the my most wanted channels, technology and good support and promptness of the same.

I've settled down for the DVD set top box model 5002 made the payment and the installation was done.

Stay tuned for my experience and my adventures with this D2H and the STB.

Thanks,
Rogue Maverick.

____________________________________
Hi All,
Wishing you all a happy Holi.
And I apologize for the long delay as I was busy in my office and here we go!
Updated, please feel free to post your comments and findings

[RogueMaverick]

So last weekend I've actually found some time to get nasty with the new STB . I've opened and voided the warranty as I always do with anything which I can lay my hands on. It was a very good experience and I was able to find out some interesting things. One of the reason this was that I was very disappointed that I cannot use the component and s-video ports in DVB(DTH) mode and have to restrict my self by using only the composite video out which gives a not so good quality and it shows. Another reason is that if DVB means DVD quality video and CD quality audio , then what is the restriction for not providing s-video and component video out which gives you to have a very good and true DVB experience. So unsatisfied as always and to find more and explore. Here I go!

After opening the box and checking what I am having in my hand I've found these things.

1) The box has these parts
- DVB board which is connected and controlled by a DVD & DVB control board, display and front panel module, usb card reader module , SMPS, DVD drive.

- A DVD & DVB control board which takes care of the DVD playback , USB and card reader control and decode, IR control, Front panel display control

- When ever you hit the power off button on the remote or on the STB it does not power off or go in to sleep mode but its on full on mode and just blocking just the video and audio from the DVD & DVB control board . The main DVB board will be on 'full go' decoding the signals and you can see the video and patch audio from the DVB board itself and it ca update the software without you ever noticing it! . So for all to green guys , it would be better to cut the power to the STB if you really want to save power (it consumes around 30 -50 watts/ hour- checked with a watt meter).

-So I patched a S-video from the board itself and I am getting excellent quality compared to the normal composite video out and I am happy now . But I am still not happier , my hands are still itching and my left lobe teasing(logic).

- on studying the DVB board I've found they are using the most future proof decoder and micro controllers among any other STB types available from other DTH providers.

- They have the STI5202UUD
decoder which I guess is very best available in regard to the aforementioned and if what I've found using the crippled model numbers from under the heat sink compound is true. Also I request other people to check and see this is right.

- Found a DVO(Digital Video Out) which would be able to give HDMI or dual DVI out with the right header card, which is available for as low as $2.

- A JTAG lead, which can tickle some wet dreams for some people like me.

- RS232 leads

- SPDIF digital out from the DVB board itself , means better quality audio (I do not think that the audio that I am currently getting is of CD quality.

- Front panel control leads on the DVB board which is unused( suspect that, this would be the same board used in normal STB's too

- The controllers are very powerful and can provide things like

■ Embedded interfaces
– USB 2.0 host controller/PHY interface
– DVI/HDMI™ output
– Digital audio and video auxiliary inputs
– Low-cost modem
– 100BT ethernet controller with integrated
MAC and MII/RMII interface for external
PHY
And whole lot capable of doing more . check the processor/decoder pdf (if my findings are correct)

And here are the scans of the hardware, enjoy
* anything which is posted here is for information only                    

More scans are here More Scans are here

[RLOA]

@RogueMaverick, You are the man!! Excellent work!! Sheer awesome

Bingo! These are the things we should look out for.

(02-26-2010 10:55 PM)RogueMaverick Wrote:  – A JTAG lead
– RS232 leads
– USB 2.0 host controller/PHY interface
– Low-cost modem
– 100BT ethernet controller with integrated MAC and MII/RMII interface for external PHY

I'm not able so see the pics

EDIT: Ah, ok. Now I can see them. What was the problem?

Were you trying to share your card or something with those wires?!

[ashish_skulkarni]

Dude, you are a geek. Very nice piece of information. Keep up the good work.

[RogueMaverick]

[/quote]

I'm not able so see the pics

EDIT: Ah, ok. Now I can see them. What was the problem?

Were you trying to share your card or something with those wires?!
[/quote]

I wont be trying any card sharing or anything which is illegal and paying 250/ month for the best DTH provider is not a problem for me.

I am doing this just because I love to do these things and not able to get a sound sleep unless I've got upclose, personal and to discover more with whatever is mine.

[RLOA]

(02-26-2010 11:33 PM)RogueMaverick Wrote:  I wont be trying any card sharing or anything which is illegal and paying 250/ month for the best DTH provider is not a problem for me.

I am doing this just because I love to do these things and not able to get a sound sleep unless I've got upclose, personal and to discover more with whatever is mine. My gf loves this attitude O mine.

Ok, Cool! Those wires then has something to do with S-Video/Component out for DTH feed?

[RogueMaverick]

(02-26-2010 11:42 PM)RLOA Wrote:  

(02-26-2010 11:33 PM)RogueMaverick Wrote:  I wont be trying any card sharing or anything which is illegal and paying 250/ month for the best DTH provider is not a problem for me.

I am doing this just because I love to do these things and not able to get a sound sleep unless I've got upclose, personal and to discover more with whatever is mine. My gf loves this attitude O mine.

Ok, Cool! Those wires then has something to do with S-Video/Component out for DTH feed?

Its just a s-video out patch to temporarily satisfy myself. I am now looking at the DVO for more possibilities .

[RLOA]

Hey what's that "Optical Block IN" in the pic?

[RogueMaverick]

(02-26-2010 11:49 PM)RLOA Wrote:  Hey what's that "Optical Block IN" in the pic?

It just means that that slot will take the ribbon cable from the DVD players laser pickup. and it is the part of DVD board and not the DVB board.

[RLOA]

And what's wrong with Microprocessor IC on DVB board? It looks melted?!