Sat-List.com

How to install a channel list on your decoder

On this page you will find instructions for installing a satellite channel list on decoders running Enigma2 and on devices based on Mars OS, such as the GTMedia V8 UHD. The two procedures are different: select the section for your decoder's operating system.

Enigma2 decoder

How to install a channel list on an Enigma2 decoder

This procedure is suitable for most Linux decoders running the Enigma2 operating system. With minor interface differences, it can be used on many receivers from brands such as Dreambox, Vu+, Octagon, Zgemma, Gigablue, Edision, Mutant, Formuler and other compatible devices.

Menu items, folder locations and login credentials may vary depending on the installed Enigma2 image (OpenATV, OpenPLI, OpenViX, OpenDroid, DreamOS or custom images). In most cases, however, the channel list is copied to the /etc/enigma2/ folder.

Before you beginInstalling a new list may replace the bouquet and channel order already stored on the decoder. It is therefore advisable to create a backup copy of the current list before continuing.

What you need

Enigma2 decoder

The decoder must be switched on and connected to the same local network as the computer.

Generated channel list

Download and extract the ZIP file generated by the website before transferring it to the decoder.

Decoder IP address

This is required to connect to the receiver through the local network.

FTP program

You can use a client such as FileZilla, WinSCP or any other program compatible with FTP/SFTP.

Files normally found in an Enigma2 list

An Enigma2 channel list contains several files. The number and names of the files depend on the number of satellites and bouquet groups included during generation.

FileFunction
bouquets.tvContains the main index of the television groups stored as bouquet.
userbouquet.*.tvContains the individual television channel groups (one for each bouquet).
lamedb / lamedb5Contains information about transponders, services and stored channels.
satellites.xmlContains satellite and transponder data. It may not be included in every list.

Recommended procedure: installation over an FTP network connection

1

Generate and download the list

Use the website generator, selecting the Enigma2 format, the required satellites and the available options. Once generation is complete, download the file to your computer. If the file is compressed in ZIP format, extract it before continuing.

2

Connect the decoder to the network

Make sure that the decoder and computer are connected to the same local network, either by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. A wired connection is generally preferable because it is more stable during transfer.

3

Find the decoder's IP address

Open the receiver's network menu. Depending on the installed image, the path will be similar to one of the following:

  • Menu → Configuration → System → Network
  • Menu → Settings → Network → Adapter configuration
  • Menu → Information → Network

Make a note of the IP address, which is normally in the format 192.168.1.xxx

4

Open the FTP program

Launch FileZilla, WinSCP or another FTP client and enter the decoder's connection details.

HostThe decoder's IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.100)
UsernameUsually root
PasswordThe password configured on the decoder. On some systems it may be blank.
FTP portNormally 21
SFTP portNormally 22, when SSH/SFTP is available.
If the connection fails, check that the FTP or SSH service is active on the decoder and that the IP address is correct.
5

Back up the current list

Before replacing any files, open the /etc/enigma2/ folder on the decoder and copy the existing files to your computer, especially bouquets.tv, all userbouquet.* files and the lamedb or lamedb5 file. Keep the backup in a separate folder so that you can restore the previous configuration at any time.

/etc/enigma2/
6

Transfer the new list

Copy all files contained in the generated list to the /etc/enigma2/ folder. When the program asks whether to replace existing files, confirm the overwrite.

Copy the files inside the extracted folder, not the entire folder itself. When finished, files such as bouquets.tv and the userbouquet.* files must be located directly inside /etc/enigma2/, not in a subfolder.
7

Copy satellites.xml, if present

Some lists also include the satellites.xml file. Depending on the image used, this file is normally located at /etc/tuxbox/satellites.xml or in /etc/enigma2/. If the downloaded list does not contain this file, you can skip this step.

/etc/tuxbox/satellites.xml
8

Restart Enigma2

After the transfer, restart the graphical interface or completely restart the decoder. The menu path will be similar to one of the following:

  • Menu → Standby/Restart → Restart graphical interface
  • Menu → Shutdown → Restart GUI
  • Menu → Restart → Restart the system

To avoid problems, it is preferable to restart from the menu rather than disconnecting the power supply directly.

9

Check the new bouquet

After restarting, press the button that opens the channel list and switch to the bouquet view (normally using the blue button, the bouquet button or the image-specific controls). You should see the new categories and channel groups included in the generated list.

Installation completeIf the bouquet groups are displayed correctly and the selected channels open normally, the Enigma2 list has been installed successfully.

Installation using an Enigma2 list editor

As an alternative to manual transfer via FTP, you can use a list editor compatible with Enigma2. These programs let you open the list on your computer, view the bouquet groups and send them directly to the decoder.

  1. Open the channel list management program.
  2. Import or open the newly generated Enigma2 folder.
  3. Configure the decoder's IP address in the program.
  4. Enter the receiver's username and password.
  5. Select the function for sending the list to the decoder.
  6. When finished, restart Enigma2 or use the bouquet reload command.
Button names vary depending on the program. You may find functions called "Send files to receiver", "Upload settings", "Write to box" or "Send to decoder".

Satellite system configuration

Installing the list does not automatically configure the decoder's cable, motor, DiSEqC or LNB. Before using the channels, make sure that the tuner is configured correctly for your system. If you use several satellites through a DiSEqC switch, each position must be assigned to the correct port. If the tuner configuration does not match the actual system, the channels will appear in the list but will display the message «No signal».

How to restore the previous list

If the new list does not work as expected, you can restore the backup:

  1. Connect to the decoder again via FTP or SFTP.
  2. Open the /etc/enigma2/ folder on the decoder.
  3. Delete or replace the files from the new list.
  4. Copy the backup files into the folder.
  5. Restart the Enigma2 graphical interface.
Mars OS decoder

How to install a channel list on a Mars OS decoder

This guide was prepared using the GTMedia V8 UHD as a reference, but the procedure generally also applies to other decoders running Mars OS.

Depending on the model and installed software version, the names of some menu items may be slightly different. The basic procedure remains the same: the list is copied to a USB drive and then imported from the decoder menu.

WarningImporting a new list may replace the channel order and favourites stored on the decoder. Before continuing, export the current list to a USB drive whenever possible.

What you need

Decoder with Mars OS

For example, a GTMedia V8 UHD or another compatible Mars OS receiver.

USB storage device

Using a drive formatted as FAT32 is recommended.

Compatible channel list

Use only the file generated for Mars OS and for the supported model.

Decoder remote control

Required to navigate the menu and confirm the import.

Preparing the USB storage device

Before starting, make sure that the USB storage device is correctly recognised by the computer. For maximum compatibility with the decoder, the FAT32 file system is preferable.

The storage device does not have to be empty, but it is advisable not to keep too many files and folders on it, as this will make it easier to find the list in the receiver menu.

Copy the list file to the root directory of the USB drive. Do not rename it or place it inside several subfolders.

Installation procedure

1

Generate the list for Mars OS

Open the generator, select the Mars OS format and configure the required satellites and options. Download the file to your computer. Use only the correct format: a list for Enigma2, Tiger OS or other systems is not compatible with Mars OS.

2

Copy the file to the USB storage device

Connect the drive to the computer and copy the generated file to it. Preferably save it in the root directory of the storage device.

3

Safely remove the storage device from the computer

Before disconnecting the USB drive, use the «Eject» or «Safely remove hardware» function to prevent the file from being copied incompletely.

4

Connect the USB storage device to the decoder

With the decoder switched on or in standby, insert the drive into one of the available USB ports. Wait a few seconds for the system to recognise the storage device.

5

Open the USB menu

Press the MENU button on the remote control and look for USB, USB Management or USB Media (the name may vary depending on the installed firmware version).

6

Locate the list file

Use the directional buttons on the remote control to browse the files on the drive. Select the list file and press OK.

7

Confirm the import

The decoder may display a confirmation request or ask which type of data to import. Select the option for the channel list or user database, then confirm with Yes, OK, Import or Update.

8

Wait for completion

The decoder will begin importing the list. Do not switch off the receiver, disconnect the power supply or remove the drive during this phase. When finished, the decoder may restart or display a confirmation message.

9

Restart the decoder if necessary

If the new list is not displayed immediately, perform a normal restart from the menu. Avoid abruptly disconnecting the power immediately after the import.

10

Check the channel list

Open the channel list and check that the satellites, groups and order selected during generation are present. Try opening a few channels to verify signal reception.

Installation completeIf the decoder displays the new order and the channels load correctly, the Mars OS list has been installed successfully.

If the file is not displayed in the menu

If the file does not appear in the USB menu, check the following:

  • Make sure that the USB storage device is formatted as FAT32.
  • Copy the file to the root directory of the drive, not into subfolders.
  • Do not change the file name or extension.
  • Make sure that you downloaded the format specifically for Mars OS.
  • Try a different USB port on the decoder.
  • Try a USB storage device with a lower capacity.
  • Restart the decoder with the storage device already inserted.

If the channels have no signal after installation

The presence of channels in the list does not guarantee that the system is configured correctly. Check the following in the decoder's antenna menu:

  • the selected satellite
  • the LNB type
  • the LNB power supply
  • the DiSEqC ports
  • the motor settings, if present
  • the signal quality and strength

If you use several satellites, each position must be assigned to the correct DiSEqC port. Otherwise, the channels will be visible in the list but will have no signal.

Support

Common problems and solutions

ImportantDo not switch off the decoder or remove the USB storage device during the import. An interruption while data is being written could damage the channel database and make a full restore necessary.

The screens and menu item names may vary depending on the decoder model, firmware version and installed image. These instructions describe the general procedure that applies to most compatible devices.