Introduction
The dm800s is a digital media receiver developed by Dream Multimedia, a Taiwanese company known for producing satellite and cable set‑top boxes. The device is marketed primarily as a satellite receiver capable of decoding multiple digital broadcasting standards, including DVB-S, DVB-S2, and DVB-C. Since its initial release in the late 2000s, the dm800s has gained popularity among users seeking a compact yet powerful solution for satellite and cable television. Its reputation is built on a combination of robust hardware, flexible firmware options, and a dedicated user community that has extended the device’s capabilities through custom software and add‑ons.
History and Development
Company Background
Dream Multimedia, established in 2004, has focused on the manufacturing of digital set‑top boxes and media players. The company has released several models, including the dm700, dm800, and dm900, each targeting different segments of the consumer and professional markets. The dm800s represents a refinement of the earlier dm800, featuring improved processing power and expanded connectivity options to meet evolving broadcast standards and consumer expectations.
Product Line and Evolution
The dm800s succeeded the dm800, integrating a faster dual‑core processor and a larger SDRAM capacity. Over its production run, multiple firmware releases were issued to support new encryption schemes, improved user interfaces, and additional media formats. Parallel to the official updates, an active open‑source community emerged, producing custom firmware packages that enabled the device to support streaming protocols, advanced PVR features, and even Linux‑based applications.
Hardware Specifications
Physical Design
The device measures approximately 140 mm by 95 mm and weighs 350 g, making it suitable for rack mounts or wall‑mounted installations. It features a standard micro‑USB port for data transfer, a composite video output, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for network connectivity. The unit’s casing is constructed from polycarbonate with a matte finish, and it includes a small LED indicator to signal power, network activity, and signal reception status.
Internal Architecture
The dm800s houses a dual‑core ARM Cortex‑A9 processor clocked at 800 MHz, coupled with 512 MB of DDR3 SDRAM. The storage subsystem comprises a 2 GB NAND flash memory for firmware and an SD card slot supporting up to 32 GB. A dedicated DVB tuner chip supports both DVB‑S and DVB‑C standards, and a secondary tuner is available for dual‑frequency reception. The device also includes a PCIe slot for optional USB expansion cards, although this feature is not typically used by most end‑users.
Connectivity
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps
- USB: Micro‑USB 2.0 (data transfer)
- Video Output: Composite (YPbPr)
- Audio Output: 3.5 mm stereo jack
- RF Input: 13 V 0.4 A (for satellite and cable)
Software Architecture
Operating System
At its core, the dm800s runs a Linux‑based operating system tailored for media playback. The kernel is optimized for real‑time audio and video decoding, and it includes support for the X.Org graphical server to render the user interface. The distribution is customized with proprietary drivers for the tuner and the device’s specific hardware modules.
User Interface
The graphical interface is menu‑driven, featuring a set of on‑screen navigation buttons that mirror a conventional remote control. The main screen displays channel lists, an electronic program guide (EPG), and system information. Users can configure timers, record live television, and browse media libraries through intuitive menu options. The interface is also scriptable, allowing advanced users to customize themes, layout, and behavior via XML configuration files.
Customizability
The device supports a plugin architecture where third‑party modules can extend functionality. These modules are distributed as shared libraries loaded at runtime, and they may provide features such as external subtitle support, network streaming capabilities, or integration with home automation systems. The open‑source firmware projects further expose the underlying software stack, enabling developers to compile custom kernels, device drivers, or even replace the entire operating system.
Features and Capabilities
Video and Audio Support
The dm800s can decode MPEG‑2, MPEG‑4, and H.264 video streams, and it supports stereo and surround sound audio formats such as MP2, AC‑3, and AAC. The device also handles DVB‑TS transport streams and supports adaptive bitrate streaming via HLS and MPEG‑DASH when appropriate firmware is installed. Output is routed to the composite video port or over the network to compatible clients.
Channels and EPG
With built‑in tuner support, the dm800s can receive over 700 satellite channels or up to 300 cable channels, depending on the tuner configuration. It accesses EPG data through the DVB broadcast streams and displays program information, including titles, descriptions, and airing times. Users can set reminders and schedule recordings based on the EPG entries.
Media Playback
Beyond live television, the device can play local media files stored on the internal flash, SD card, or external USB storage. Supported formats include MP4, MKV, AVI, and many audio formats. The media player features basic playback controls, subtitle support, and playback speed adjustments. When running community firmware, the device can also stream media from online sources or serve as a media server for other devices on the network.
Network Functions
The integrated Ethernet port allows the dm800s to connect to local area networks. Standard network services include DHCP client, DNS lookup, and NTP synchronization. Advanced users can enable Samba shares, FTP servers, or HTTP streaming services via custom firmware, turning the device into a versatile media hub.
Firmware and Upgrades
Official Firmware Releases
Dream Multimedia publishes periodic firmware updates that address bug fixes, add support for new broadcast standards, and improve system stability. These releases are typically distributed as ZIP archives containing the kernel, root filesystem, and configuration files. Users install official firmware via the device’s web interface or by transferring the package to the SD card and executing an update command from the command line.
Community Firmware
A prominent open‑source project, known as “OpenDM”, provides a comprehensive firmware stack that extends the dm800s beyond its original scope. This firmware offers Linux 4.x kernel support, expanded hardware drivers, and a wide array of applications such as Kodi, Plex, and media converters. Community firmware also incorporates support for network streaming protocols that are not available in the official releases.
Update Process
- Backup configuration files and user data to an external USB drive or network share.
- Download the desired firmware package and place it in the root directory of the SD card.
- Insert the SD card into the dm800s and power on the device.
- Access the web interface or connect via SSH to initiate the update script.
- Wait for the firmware to be flashed and for the device to reboot.
- Restore configuration files from backup if necessary.
Installation and Setup
Physical Setup
Mount the dm800s on a suitable rack or wall mount using the included screws and brackets. Connect the RF cable to the tuner input, ensuring correct polarity. Attach the composite video cable to the television and the audio cable to the sound system. If network functionality is required, connect an Ethernet cable from the device to a router or switch.
Initial Configuration
Upon first boot, the device prompts for language selection, network setup (DHCP or static IP), and tuner calibration. Users can perform a signal scan to identify available channels, then save the channel list. Additional settings include time zone, EPG update frequency, and recording parameters. The setup wizard guides users through each step, ensuring the device is ready for immediate use.
Usage Scenarios
Home Entertainment
Typical households use the dm800s to receive satellite or cable channels, record shows, and watch stored media. The device’s integration with the local network enables streaming to smart TVs, tablets, or smartphones, providing a flexible media consumption platform without the need for multiple devices.
Amateur Radio and Satellite Enthusiasts
Some users configure the dm800s as a receiver for digital amateur radio protocols, leveraging the device’s tuners and Linux stack. With appropriate firmware, the device can decode digital modes such as FT8, and log transmissions. It also supports satellite downlink monitoring for enthusiasts interested in amateur satellites.
Custom Applications
Advanced users run custom Linux applications on the dm800s, turning it into a lightweight media server, home automation hub, or even a lightweight workstation. The device’s limited resources restrict intensive tasks, but it is suitable for lightweight services such as DHCP server, DNS cache, or simple web servers.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common Issues
- Signal loss: Verify RF cable connections, tuner calibration, and satellite alignment.
- Firmware corruption: Reinstall the firmware using a bootable SD card.
- Network connectivity: Ensure correct IP configuration and verify router settings.
- Audio/Video sync: Adjust audio delay settings in the media player configuration.
Diagnostic Tools
The dm800s provides a set of command‑line utilities such as dmesg, ifconfig, and watch for monitoring system performance. Users can also connect a serial console to capture boot logs, which is useful for diagnosing hardware initialization failures. The device’s web interface offers status pages for tuner health, EPG updates, and system logs.
Firmware Reinstallation
When encountering persistent issues, a full firmware reinstall often resolves problems. The process involves booting the device in recovery mode, loading the firmware image via the web interface, and performing a clean flash. Prior to reinstalling, it is advisable to back up configuration files and media to prevent data loss.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Licensing
The dm800s firmware is distributed under a proprietary license by Dream Multimedia. Users must comply with the license terms when installing, modifying, or redistributing firmware. Community firmware projects typically adopt open‑source licenses such as GPLv3, which impose different obligations regarding source code distribution and derivative works.
Piracy and Unauthorized Decoding
Unauthorized decryption of protected broadcast signals is prohibited in many jurisdictions. Users should ensure that they comply with local broadcast regulations and only use the dm800s for legal content. The device’s tuner can be configured to support secure demodulation methods such as ECM, but users are responsible for lawful usage.
Compliance
The dm800s meets the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF) emission standards of the regions where it is sold, including CE and FCC certification. It is designed to operate within the specified voltage ranges and does not emit interference beyond regulatory limits.
Community and Support
Official Support
Dream Multimedia offers a support portal with firmware downloads, user manuals, and a knowledge base. Users can submit tickets for hardware issues, software bugs, or general inquiries. Support is typically available in major languages and responds within a 48‑hour window.
Forums and User Groups
Numerous online forums provide discussion threads on firmware customization, troubleshooting, and feature requests. The community actively shares patches, configuration templates, and user experiences. Many contributors maintain wikis detailing the installation process for custom firmware and best practices for system optimization.
Future Outlook
Planned Features
Upcoming releases of official firmware aim to support next‑generation satellite encryption standards and enhance the EPG retrieval mechanism. Community firmware projects continue to add features such as DLNA support, cloud backup integration, and improved PVR performance.
Market Position
While newer set‑top boxes with high‑definition outputs and integrated streaming services dominate the mainstream market, the dm800s remains popular among hobbyists and professional users who value hardware extensibility and low cost. Its niche position allows continued support and development through community initiatives.
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