Total Newbie to Openbox V5S, advice needed....

[very452001]

Hi I bought this box off ebay uk and its been delivered today:

OpenBox V5S (F5S) HD FTA TV Satellite Receiver Box | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251595961433?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Is this box exactly the same as skybox (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&index=aps&keywords=skybox&linkCode=ur2&tag=techkingsorg-21) F5S?

What are the official websites for this box? Which company manufactures this box?

Which coaxial input do I select at the back of the box: LOOP or LNB IN?

Is this box basically a Freesat box meaning after fresh tuning I get all the freesat UK channels that are automatically sorted/stored? Or do I have to get a channel list 1st then do the fresh tuning or vice-versa?

Im from West Midlands, UK so will this box get me regional channels like BBC1 West midlands etc? If not what settings do I change to get this?

What tuning settings do I change when I do my 1st fresh tuning or shall I continue the the fresh tuning with default settings?

Many thanks,

[philfrommancs]

First of all use LNB in. ..
Yes you have a free view box so a blind scan should get you all available channels.
You will need to sort them into your own list or download a channel list off here.
Several good videos on utube showing you how. ..

[very452001]

Do I scan for channels 1st or add channel list to my box 1st? Which is the preferred way?

Which is the best rated channel list to download?

[mahrkpat]

If you installl channel list no need to scan the advantage of channel list is everything is put in favourites and nicely ordered just make sure its the latest.

[very452001]

If you installl channel list no need to scan the advantage of channel list is everything is put in favourites and nicely ordered just make sure its the latest.

Ok installing the channel list on to the box will automatically do the scanning/tuning as well?

[vorlon2257]

Update the firmware first before anything else, can be got from here.... www.yojiatech.com.

[mahrkpat]

Ok installing the channel list on to the box will automatically do the scanning/tuning as well?

Yes the channel list is not just channel names but their frequencies and transponders so no need to scan.

No need to upgrade firmware unless you don't want it for just FTA.

[chetsp]

Where in the mids are you? if your local to me I can help you out :)

[very452001]

Update the firmware first before anything else, can be got from here.... www.yojiatech.com (http://www.yojiatech.com).

Ok so yojiatech manufactures these boxes not skybox?

The current firmware version of my box is: 3601HD_10_04_2014_0670

do I have the latest firmware?

[very452001]

Where in the mids are you? if your local to me I can help you out :)

Im from Birmingham :top:

I connected the box to my TV and can see all the free channels.

[vorlon2257]

If you go by the first number(14-04etc...) then this one is the latest....3601HD_CMT_140410061.

[very452001]

If you go by the first number(14-04etc...) then this one is the latest....3601HD_CMT_140410061.

Where do I download that firmware?

[chetsp]

Im from Birmingham :top:

I connected the box to my TV and can see all the free channels.

yea - cos you bought a FTA box! We are not allowed to discuss the other thing in the open forum.....as per rules....

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/f5/forum-rules-2/

[very452001]

If I buy another box then how do I assign the same IP address on my old box to my new box cause providers say multiroom only works when 2 boxes have the same IP address.

If 2 boxes that are on simultaneously that are both running on the same IP address will it cause any conflicts whether its network or picture/audio conflicts?

[chetsp]

you dont need to assign an ip to the boxes....your provider says you must use it on the same ip (you can actually use it on another ip at another address but if your provider finds you are using it on another ip they may ban your gift)

does not cause any conflict....

[vorlon2257]

Where do I download that firmware?

Goto the download/software on the webpage I listed, then from the list on the page that shows, click on the openbox V5S software go by the date at the right (2014-07-07) and on next page just click on the link to start downloading

[very452001]

you dont need to assign an ip to the boxes....your provider says you must use it on the same ip (you can actually use it on another ip at another address but if your provider finds you are using it on another ip they may ban your gift)

does not cause any conflict....

Its best for me to do what the provider says just in case I get banned. So how do I assign the same IP address to the boxes?

[Hadron]

...The current firmware version of my box is: 3601HD_10_04_2014_0670

do I have the latest firmware?

Yes, that's the latest firmware, so there's no need to update it.

[very452001]

I reset the box to factory settings just to make sure everything is fresh and clear before I add anything to avoid conflicts. During this procedure I was prompted with a list on screen and I selected everything on that list by pressing red then continue with the reset by pressing blue. Should I worry for selecting everything on that list?

[Hadron]

If I buy another box then how do I assign the same IP address on my old box to my new box cause providers say multiroom only works when 2 boxes have the same IP address.

If 2 boxes that are on simultaneously that are both running on the same IP address will it cause any conflicts whether its network or picture/audio conflicts?

The provider sees the public WAN IP address, which is the address provided by your internet service provider for your router/modem to communicate to the internet. It has nothing to do with the private addresses that your 2 boxes will use. It's usual to set DHCP to ON so that their IP addresses do not clash & use the same address.


I reset the box to factory settings just to make sure everything is fresh and clear before I add anything to avoid conflicts. During this procedure I was prompted with a list on screen and I selected everything on that list by pressing red then continue with the reset by pressing blue. Should I worry for selecting everything on that list?

As you haven't added anything "extra" to your box yet, then you should be OK, but there wasn't really any need to do that.

[very452001]

The provider sees the public WAN IP address, which is the address provided by your internet service provider for your router/modem to communicate to the internet. It has nothing to do with the private addresses that your 2 boxes will use. It's usual to set DHCP to ON so that their IP addresses do not clash & use the same address.



As you haven't added anything "extra" to your box yet, then you should be OK, but there wasn't really any need to do that.

Ok I understand now, cheers.:top:

[very452001]

Can I update the box via the Ethernet port at the back?

When does a channel list like AJ's list gets updated? If updates are available on a regular basis then what happens if I don't update the channel list?

Also the same question for the box firmware, if I don't update box firmware will it effect channels in anyway? If so firmware updates are mandatory right?

I thought skybox was pressured by sky to change its name so Why hasn't skybox changed its website name from skybox to openbox? I also see another name Libertview :confused: So what is the official name of this company?

Why is that when I switch the box on from the mains instead of remote the box loads up automatically? Isnt it suppose to go on standby 1st then wait for the user to press the red on button on the remote to turn it on?

Also having problems with the network apps such as youtube and you****. No videos load up on you****. On youtube you have to press the play/ok button several times to get the video loading however in 720p mode the video lags. Why is that?

Wanna make sure everything is ok with the box before moving on to the advanced stuff.

[martin035]

Can I update the box via the Ethernet port at the back?

No updates both firmware and Channel lists are done via USB, the Ethernet port at the back allows the box to connect to the internet.


When does a channel list like AJ's list gets updated? If updates are available on a regular basis then what happens if I don't update the channel list?

AJ and Sattv5 (cwaite) all are busy people who make excellent channel lists in their spare time, their updates can be days apart or weeks just depends on when they get some free time to implement the changes, if you don't update the channel list the channels that have moved frequency won't work anymore.


Also the same question for the box firmware, if I don't update box firmware will it effect channels in anyway? If so firmware updates are mandatory right?

Firmware updates fix problems with the box software, the last one was for an EPG problem, the before that was for a channel no picture but sound issue. You have to sum up whether the problem affects you and whether you therefore need to update the firmware.


I thought skybox was pressured by sky to change its name so Why hasn't skybox changed its website name from skybox to openbox? I also see another name Libertview :confused: So what is the official name of this company?

$ky have no control over .cc land, only the said boxes import into this country have to have their names changed, libertview/openbox/skybox all the same and will accept the same official firmware.


Why is that when I switch the box on from the mains instead of remote the box loads up automatically? Isnt it suppose to go on standby 1st then wait for the user to press the red on button on the remote to turn it on?

Because some Chinese programmer thought it would be a cool thing to do and programmed it so.


Also having problems with the network apps such as youtube and you****. No videos load up on you****. On youtube you have to press the play/ok button several times to get the video loading however in 720p mode the video lags. Why is that?

Again the same Chinese programmer, unfortunately was having a bad day when he programmed the youtube/you#### apps, hopefully there might be a firmware fix soon to sort it out.

[very452001]

No updates both firmware and Channel lists are done via USB, the Ethernet port at the back allows the box to connect to the internet.



AJ and Sattv5 (cwaite) all are busy people who make excellent channel lists in their spare time, their updates can be days apart or weeks just depends on when they get some free time to implement the changes, if you don't update the channel list the channels that have moved frequency won't work anymore.



Firmware updates fix problems with the box software, the last one was for an EPG problem, the before that was for a channel no picture but sound issue. You have to sum up whether the problem affects you and whether you therefore need to update the firmware.



$ky have no control over .cc land, only the said boxes import into this country have to have their names changed, libertview/openbox/skybox all the same and will accept the same official firmware.



Because some Chinese programmer thought it would be a cool thing to do and programmed it so.



Again the same Chinese programmer, unfortunately was having a bad day when he programmed the youtube/you#### apps, hopefully there might be a firmware fix soon to sort it out.

Many thanks for the advice, yeah hoping the next firmware fixes it.

[very452001]

Also notice the picture quality is not as good as the sky+ HD boxes. Any advice on improving the picture quality?

And another question is that if I watch channels at 1080p 60hz will it effect the picture cause I live in the UK and the standard here is 50hz PAL? Are sky uk channels work in 60hz without any effects?

[Hadron]

No updates both firmware and Channel lists are done via USB, the Ethernet port at the back allows the box to connect to the internet...


You can install an image and channel list through the ethernet port using the LAN tool.

However it's not recommended as it can cause problems with the box locking up, as some members found out.

[very452001]

Back to the PQ questions:

Also notice the picture quality is not as good as the sky+ HD boxes. Any advice on improving the picture quality?

And another question is that if I watch channels at 1080p 60hz will it effect the picture cause I live in the UK and the standard here is 50hz PAL? Are sky uk channels work in 60hz without any effects?

[martin035]

Also notice the picture quality is not as good as the sky+ HD boxes. Any advice on improving the picture quality?

Try experimenting, In the menu, change your F5s TV System* setting to 'By Native TV' this will send the signal to your TV at either 576i (SD) or 1080i (HD) and lets the TV sort out the upscaling/conversion, apparently on modern/expensive TV's it can give a better upscaled picture than been converted by a cheap F5s.

Also changing the same setting to 'By source' improves SD picture quality, but I found the picture to be worse, again each to their own.
*HDMI only


And another question is that if I watch channels at 1080p 60hz will it effect the picture cause I live in the UK and the standard here is 50hz PAL? Are sky uk channels work in 60hz without any effects?

I think it's more if your TV supports 50hz or 60 hz, but I've tried 1080i/p 60 and 1080i/p 50 and there's no difference on my TV all work as the TV sorts out the signal to display, IIRC 28E HD is 1080i_50hz.

[very452001]

Try experimenting, In the menu, change your F5s TV System* setting to 'By Native TV' this will send the signal to your TV at either 576i (SD) or 1080i (HD) and lets the TV sort out the upscaling/conversion, apparently on modern/expensive TV's it can give a better upscaled picture than been converted by a cheap F5s.

Also changing the same setting to 'By source' improves SD picture quality, but I found the picture to be worse, again each to their own.
*HDMI only



I think it's more if your TV supports 50hz or 60 hz, but I've tried 1080i/p 60 and 1080i/p 50 and there's no difference on my TV all work as the TV sorts out the signal to display, IIRC 28E HD is 1080i_50hz.

Is IIRC 28E HD a satellite or channel? If channel then this channel doesn't support 60hz?

Yeah Im using HDMI.
My TV is native 1080p, so if I select By native TV all the channels will be 1080p right? Or shall I select source?

Which is better Source or Native?

[martin035]

Is IIRC 28E HD a satellite or channel? If channel then this channel doesn't support 60hz?

Yes, 28E is a the satellite that most f5s point at.


My TV is native 1080p, so if I select By native TV all the channels will be 1080p right?

No, the signal will be either 576i or 1080i then your TV will upscale the picture to 1080p


Or shall I select source?

Which is better Source or Native?

Every TV is different, you need to try both which ever one you think gives the best picture stick with it. I personally have found on my Sammy (1080p) I get my best viewing pleasure from 1080i_50 this was from trail and error.

[very452001]

Yes, 28E is a the satellite that most f5s point at.



No, the signal will be either 576i or 1080i then your TV will upscale the picture to 1080p




Every TV is different, you need to try both which ever one you think gives the best picture stick with it. I personally have found on my Sammy (1080p) I get my best viewing pleasure from 1080i_50 this was from trail and error.

Ok if I select by native my TV upscales and if I select a openbox resolution then my openbox upscales? Im sure the scaler in my cheap Chinese openbox is not as good as my scaler in my Panasonic tv.

[very452001]

Is it safe to remove a USB stick from the box while the box is in standby mode or will this action increase the chances of bricking the box?

How do I find out the MAC address of this box?

[very452001]

anyone can help?