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.
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.
What you need
The decoder must be switched on and connected to the same local network as the computer.
Download and extract the ZIP file generated by the website before transferring it to the decoder.
This is required to connect to the receiver through the local network.
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.
| File | Function |
|---|---|
| bouquets.tv | Contains the main index of the television groups stored as bouquet. |
| userbouquet.*.tv | Contains the individual television channel groups (one for each bouquet). |
| lamedb / lamedb5 | Contains information about transponders, services and stored channels. |
| satellites.xml | Contains satellite and transponder data. It may not be included in every list. |
Recommended procedure: installation over an FTP network connection
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.
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.
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
Open the FTP program
Launch FileZilla, WinSCP or another FTP client and enter the decoder's connection details.
| Host | The decoder's IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.100) |
| Username | Usually root |
| Password | The password configured on the decoder. On some systems it may be blank. |
| FTP port | Normally 21 |
| SFTP port | Normally 22, when SSH/SFTP is available. |
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/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 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.xmlRestart 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.
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 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.
- Open the channel list management program.
- Import or open the newly generated Enigma2 folder.
- Configure the decoder's IP address in the program.
- Enter the receiver's username and password.
- Select the function for sending the list to the decoder.
- When finished, restart Enigma2 or use the bouquet reload command.
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:
- Connect to the decoder again via FTP or SFTP.
- Open the /etc/enigma2/ folder on the decoder.
- Delete or replace the files from the new list.
- Copy the backup files into the folder.
- Restart the Enigma2 graphical interface.
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.
What you need
For example, a GTMedia V8 UHD or another compatible Mars OS receiver.
Using a drive formatted as FAT32 is recommended.
Use only the file generated for Mars OS and for the supported model.
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.
Installation procedure
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common problems and solutions
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.