AA2+ query for a newbie

JethroC

I've bought a cheap AA2+ box recently, reset it to factory defaults and installed OpenATV 5.3.

I've been reading many threads between boards and other sites but unsure if it's the most stable image to use for my needs. Can't make up my mind between OpenATV, Hyperion or 4vix.
I just want to use FTA+Saorview with a combined EPG for both, recording + series link, possibly view the content remotely and have it looking well with a decent skin. I don't need to use it for IPTV as I can view that through another device at the moment.

I know it's an old box but I'm just trying to get my hands dirty to start off with and might possibly move to the Triviar Alpha Plus eventually when comfortable.

Any suggestions from anyone who's used the above images for a similar need?

Gerry Wicklow

Each image you mentioned offer more or less the same functionality you want. Personally I prefer openATV as the most stable and versatile image. This is V6.1 of openATV. From within that image it is possible to upgrade to the Beta of 6.2 but I don't recommend it. AFAIK Hyperion is getting on a bit by now and is no longer being updated (open to correction on this).

JethroC

Is there any reason why OpenATV would stop working at any stage soon? Does it rely on any online resources that might change or go offline. CoolEPG etc?

Gerry Wicklow

It doesn't rely on a web connection although that greatly increases it's range of functions. OpenATV has a huge following online (especially in Germany) so support will continue for years. It is updated/improved on a daily basis and is used on a huge range of box makes.

JethroC

Fantastic, thanks

STB.

As with all low CPU boxes including ported E2 boxes the secret is to keep the plugins to a minimum. Store the EPG and picons on a usb stick. Don't use over elaborate skins.

Be fine then. The flash memory on these boxes is low. A lot of people make the mistake of installing loads of stuff and wonder why their box stops being responsive.

reni10

Tried openatv 6.1 on my amiko 2 and the satellite channels and changing between them is fine but when you select a terrestrial channel like rte2 the whole box slows down and takes about 10 seconds to react to any remote control button presses!
There is also a Spinner that appears in the top left corner every few seconds on those same terrestrial channel.

This basically makes the box unusable so does anyone have any ideas to fix this?

DopeTech

reni10 wrote: »

Tried openatv 6.1 on my amiko 2 and the satellite channels and changing between them is fine but when you select a terrestrial channel like rte2 the whole box slows down and takes about 10 seconds to react to any remote control button presses!
There is also a Spinner that appears in the top left corner every few seconds on those same terrestrial channel.

This basically makes the box unusable so does anyone have any ideas to fix this?

I had that issue and only image that I could find that didn't have that problem was Hyperion 4.5. Even the newer Hyperion images had the problem.

reni10

Yeah have installed Hyperion 4.5 now and it is much better, still takes about 2 seconds to respond on the terrestrial channels but can live with that.

There is still one problem though and that is crossepg crashes the box each time you try to download the listings

how.gareth

reni10 wrote: »

Yeah have installed Hyperion 4.5 now and it is much better, still takes about 2 seconds to respond on the terrestrial channels but can live with that.

There is still one problem though and that is crossepg crashes the box each time you try to download the listings

You need to make sure epg data is being saved to an external hard drive/ usb stick

STB.

Stay away from openatv with low flash boxes. Their images have got too big as a result of the preloaded skins and other features.

The guy with the EPG crashing the box. You have to set the EPG to download to a usb. The default is internal flash. You need to change that or it'll keep happening. As the majority of the flash is taken up by the image, loading the EPG will kill it. If you want to make the box faster then set up a largebswap file for the flash too. It's in the menu.

reni10

I have inserted a USB stick now and set crossepg to use it for the epg but when I select download now in crossepg it just flashes up a download and then loading messages quickly but the epg does not populate.

I am very familiar with crossepg as I use it on my other boxes but just this box with Hyperion 4.5 does not seem to work so any other options to try?