ZGEMMA H9 COMBO: Advanced Linux STB 4K-HEVC User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO, an advanced Linux Set-Top Box (STB) supporting 4K-HEVC. It covers safety precautions, installation, basic operations, menu settings, and troubleshooting.

1.1 Safety Instructions

Read the following safety warnings carefully:

• Power Connection: Ensure the device operates within the AC 100V ~ 250V, 50Hz/60Hz range. Disconnect power before maintenance or installation. Ensure the power cord is accessible for emergency disconnection.
• Overload: Do not overload wall sockets; extension cords or power strips can cause electric shock or fire.
• Liquids: The product is not waterproof. Avoid exposure to liquids. Do not place liquid-filled items on the device. Do not clean with a wet cloth to prevent short circuits. Keep away from wet objects.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate space around the device for ventilation. Do not block vents to prevent overheating and potential damage. Do not place other electronic devices on top. Do not insert sharp objects into vents.
• Satellite Cable Connection: Disconnect power before connecting the satellite cable to prevent LNB damage.
• Grounding: The LNB must be grounded to the satellite antenna grounding system.
• Location: Install the device indoors, away from rain, direct sunlight, lightning, and heat sources like radiators. Maintain at least 10cm distance from other electrical devices and walls.
• Lightning/Storms: Disconnect power and antenna cable during thunderstorms to prevent surge damage.
• Part Replacement: Unauthorized replacement of parts by unqualified personnel can cause damage. Only qualified technicians should perform replacements using specified components.
• Hard Drive: Do not move or suddenly power off the device while the HDD is operating. This can damage the HDD and the system. The company is not responsible for data loss due to improper use.
• Battery: Risk of explosion if batteries are inserted incorrectly. Replace with the same type or equivalent.

1.2 Package Contents

Verify all package contents before use:

• ZGEMMA H9 COMBO unit
• Remote Control
• HDMI Cable
• AC Power Adapter
• User's Guide

Accessories may vary by location.

1.3 Product Description

Front Panel

The front panel features:

• 1. Indicator: Shows STB status (Green for ON, Red for Standby).
• 2. 7-segment display.
• 3. IR Receiver: Receives signals from the remote control.
• 4. Smart Card Reader: For inserting smart cards.
• 5. USB Port.

Rear Panel

The rear panel includes:

1. CI Slot: Common Interface slot.
2. LNB IN: Connect to satellite cable.
3. ANT: Built-in WiFi antenna connector.
4. RF IN: Connect to terrestrial cable TV or aerial.
5. Reset: USB update key.
6. HDMI: Connect to TV for audio and video signals.
7. SATA Slot: For HDD or SSD (69.9*7).
8. USB 2.0 Port.
9. ETHERNET: For wired network connection.
10. TF Card Slot.
11. DC IN: Connect the AC-DC adapter (12V/3A).
12. Power Switch: To turn the device ON/OFF.

1.4 Conditional Access

Some channels require a smart card and/or CAM module for access. The ZGEMMA H9 COMBO has a smart card reader and a conditional access interface slot. Users need to purchase the necessary smart cards and CAM modules.

Inserting a Smart Card

1. Open the right-side door.
2. Insert the smart card with the chip facing down, following the diagram.
3. Ensure the Smart Card remains inserted while browsing.

Inserting a Hard Drive

The device supports HDD/SSD insertion via the SATA slot.

1.5 Remote Control

The remote control allows operation of the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO. Key buttons include:

• POWER: Turn ON/OFF or standby.
• MUTE: Mute/unmute audio.
• Number Buttons: Select channels by number.
• Navigation Buttons (Up/Down/Left/Right): Navigate menus and channel lists.
• BACK/EXIT: Go back or exit current menu.
• INFO: Display program information.
• OK: Confirm selection.
• EPG: Access Electronic Program Guide.
• MENU: Open the main menu.
• VOL +/-: Adjust volume.
• CH +/-: Change channels.
• PAGE +/-: Scroll through lists.
• FILE LIST: Access recorded files.
• TEXT/AUDIO/SUBTITLE: Access Teletext, audio tracks, and subtitles.
• TV/PORTAL/RADIO: Switch between TV, Portal, and Radio modes.
• TIMER/SLEEP: Set timers and sleep functions.
• V.MODE: Change video display mode (e.g., zoom, original).
• FAV: Access favorite channel lists.
• HELP: Display quick operating instructions.
• Color Buttons (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue): Perform context-specific functions.
• Playback Controls (Play/Pause, Stop, Fast Forward/Rewind): Control media playback.

1.6 Main Features

• 1.5 GHz QUAD-CORE CPU
• High-performance GPU Mali450
• Linux Operating System
• Support for downloadable plugins
• DVB-C/T2I and DVB-S2X Tuners
• 8 GB eMMC / 1 GB DDR Memory
• TF Card Support
• MPEG2/H.264 and H.265 Decoding
• HD HEVC / H.265 2160p60 Main-10 Decoder
• Built-in WiFi
• Composite Video with Digital Audio
• 1 Gbit Ethernet Interface
• USB 2.0
• HDMI 2.0
• EPG Support
• Automatic and Manual Service Scanning
• Skin Change Support
• Stable External Power Supply
• PYPEC

1.7 Technical Specifications

1.7.1 Basic Functions

I/O Functions

1.7.2 Basic Functions (Continued)

2. Installation of ZGEMMA H9 Combo

This section guides you through the installation process for your ZGEMMA H9 COMBO. Please read carefully to ensure proper system operation.

2.1 Connecting to the TV

The ZGEMMA H9 COMBO offers various audio/video connection methods. HDMI is recommended for the best picture quality. If your TV lacks HDMI, use the AV connection.

2.1.1 Connecting via HDMI Cable

For the best picture quality, especially on digital TVs, HDMI connection is recommended. Most HD TVs have HDMI ports. Connect the TV to the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO using an HDMI cable.

2.1.2 Power Connection

The included power adapter is a basic accessory. Connect the adapter to the rear panel of the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO, then plug it into a wall socket. Turn on the power using the rear panel switch.

• AC Input Requirements: Normal voltage: 100-240 VAC; Maximum voltage: 90-264 VAC; Nominal frequency: 50/60 Hz; Maximum frequency range: 47-63 Hz.

Note: The remote control icon [▶] indicates remote control operation.

2.3 Power ON/OFF

You can turn the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO ON/OFF in several ways:

• Complete Power Cut-off: Press the power switch on the rear panel to completely disconnect power.
• Standby Mode: Use the POWER button on the remote to switch between ON and Standby. The system is not fully disconnected from power in this mode.
• Deep Standby Mode: Access via Menu > Standby/Restart > Deep Standby. This mode conserves power, consuming less than 1W.

3. First Installation (Setup Wizard)

When you first turn on the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO, a setup wizard will guide you step-by-step. Press OK to confirm and proceed. Press EXIT to go back.

3.1 Video Input Selection

Select the correct video input source for your TV.

3.2 Video Mode Selection (Resolution)

Choose the desired video resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160p).

3.3 Language Selection

Select your preferred user interface language from the list. Use UP/DOWN keys to navigate and OK to confirm.

4. Basic Operations

4.1 Channel Switching

You can switch channels using:

• UP/DOWN or CHANNEL +/- buttons: Navigate through channels sequentially.
• UP/DOWN buttons: Display a channel selection menu. Navigate and select.
• LEFT/RIGHT buttons: Switch to the previous or next channel.

Note: If a channel does not change, it might be encrypted, and you may need a smart card.

• Adding Channels to Favorites:
1. Display the channel list (UP/DOWN).
2. Press RED to show all channels.
3. Select the channel to add.
4. Press MENU, then select 'Add service to bouquet', then 'Favorites', and press OK.
5. Press BLUE to access the Favorites list and confirm.
• Number Input: Enter the channel number directly.

4.2 Volume Control

Use the VOLUME +/- buttons to adjust audio levels. Press MUTE to temporarily silence the audio.

4.3 Audio Track Selection

Press the AUDIO button to select available audio tracks or stereo sound. Use UP/DOWN and color buttons to navigate.

4.4 Subtitles

Press the SUBTITLE button to enable subtitles if available for the current program. Use UP/DOWN to select and OK to activate.

4.5 Teletext

Press the TEXT button to access Teletext information. Use UP/DOWN to navigate pages or enter a page number. MUTE toggles between live TV and Teletext. VOLUME +/- zooms in/out on Teletext pages.

4.6 Program Information

Press the INFO button to display program information for the current channel. This information appears for 5 seconds by default.

4.7 Information Bar

Press OK to display the information bar.

4.8 Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

Press the EPG button to access the Electronic Program Guide, which displays program information for each channel. Four EPG display options are available. Press and hold EPG for Multi-EPG.

• GREEN (Add Timer): Use to set a new timer for recording or channel switching.

4.9 Timeshift

Press the ► button to activate Timeshift, which pauses the current program. Press PAUSE/PLAY to resume or stop. Timeshift recordings are not saved to HDD.

4.10 Recording

The ZGEMMA H9 COMBO supports recording via its DVB-T2/C tuner. Recordings can be managed in two ways:

1. Instant Recording

Press the REC button to start recording the current program. Options include:

• Record until the current program ends.
• Record indefinitely (until manually stopped).
• Record for a specified duration.
• Record until a specified end time/date.
• Exit without recording.

2. Scheduled Recording

Access the Timer menu (MENU > Timer). Use the color buttons for functions like:

• RED: Delete a timer.
• GREEN: Add a timer.
• YELLOW: Disable/enable a timer.

Note: Ensure sufficient free space on your HDD for recordings.

3. Stop Recording

When a recording is in progress, you can choose to stop it.

4.11 Playback Recording

Press the FILE LIST button to access recorded files. Select a file to play. The playback screen shows recording details like title, progress, and time elapsed.

4.12 Manage Recorded Files

From the File List menu, press MENU to access options like Delete, Move, Copy, Rename, etc.

4.13 Media Player

Access the Media Player via MENU > Plugin > Media Player. Play music, photos, and videos from USB drives or HDDs. Supported formats include JPG, MP3, AVI.

4.14 Plugins

The ZGEMMA H9 COMBO supports plugins via its Ethernet connection. Access plugins via MENU > Plugins. You can download available plugins from specified websites.

4.15 Sleep Timer

Access via MENU > Power Management > Sleep Timer. Set the device to enter Standby or Deep Standby mode after a specified time. Color buttons control enabling/disabling the timer, selecting standby mode, and confirmation.

5. Menu

5.1 Best Device

The ZGEMMA H9 COMBO offers extensive system settings for customization. The main menu includes:

• Timer: For setting recording timers.
• Information: View channel and system (H/W & S/W) information.
• Plugins: Access and manage plugins.
• Setup: Configure all system settings.
• Power Management: Manage power options and sleep timers.

5.2 Setup

The Setup menu contains:

1. System Settings
2. Service Searching
3. Common Interface
4. Parental Control
5. Factory Reset
6. Software Update

5.2.1 System Settings

5.2.1.1 Audio/Video

Configure audio and video settings. Use RED to cancel, GREEN to confirm. The OK button on the RCU may not function here.

• Video Output: Select HDMI for connection to your TV.
• Resolution: Choose the desired video resolution.
• Audio Mixing: Set to YES for Stereo output, NO for other configurations (e.g., S/PDIF).

5.2.1.2 Other Settings

This menu offers various system settings configurable in Simple, Intermediate, or Expert modes.

• Setup Mode: Select the configuration mode.
• Zap Mode: Configure channel switching behavior.
• Teletext Caching: Enable/disable Teletext caching.
• Alternative Services Tuner Priority: Set priority for tuner selection.
• Preferred Tuner: Select the primary tuner.
• Disable Background Scanning: Prevent background scans.
• Crash Log: Create detailed crash logs.
• HTTP Streams: Include EIT, AIT, ECM, and descramble options.

5.2.1.3 Network Settings

Configure network settings for Ethernet (10/100Mbps RJ45). Options include:

• Adapter Settings: Enable/disable Ethernet.
• DHCP Usage: Use DHCP for automatic IP assignment or manually enter IP details.
• Server Name Settings: Enter server name if not using DHCP.
• Network Test: Verify network configuration.
• Network Restart: Restart the Ethernet connection.

5.2.1.4 Language Selection

Choose the OSD (On-Screen Display) language for the ZGEMMA H9 COMBO.

5.2.1.5 Time Zone

Set your local time zone using the LEFT/RIGHT buttons and confirm with GREEN.

5.2.2 Service Searching

5.2.2.1 Tuner Configuration

Configure tuner settings (Tuner A/B) for initial installation.

5.2.2.2 Automatic Scan

Perform a quick scan for channels. Options include clearing existing channels before scanning.

• Scan Tuner A (DVB-T2/C): Initiate an automatic scan.

5.2.2.3 Manual Scan

For advanced users, manually configure parameters like Tuner, Frequency, Symbol Rate, Polarization, and FEC to scan for services.

• Network Scan: Choose whether to scan based on existing TP data or include new TP data.
• Clear Before Scan: Option to delete existing channel lists.
• Free Scan Only: Scan only for free-to-air channels or all channels (FTA and CAS).

5.2.2.4 Fast Scan

Install channel lists for specific satellites (e.g., Astra, Hotbird) if available. Alternatively, perform automatic or manual scans.

5.2.3 Parental Control

Restrict access to certain channels. Enable parental control and set a PIN. Options include 'White List' (allow only listed channels) and 'Black List' (block only listed channels). You can also define a PIN for channel changes.

5.2.4 Factory Reset

Reset the device to factory defaults, erasing all configurations, channels, and settings. The device will restart automatically for initial setup.

5.2.5 Software Update

Steps to update the device software via USB:

1. Format a USB drive as FAT32.
2. Download the latest firmware from www.zgemma.org (recovery_emmc.zip and mmc.zip). Unzip recovery_emmc.zip.
3. Copy the files to the USB drive.
4. Insert the USB drive into the ZGEMMA box.
5. Press the reset button on the device. The front panel will display boot/flash options.
6. Select the appropriate boot menu option.
7. Browse for the Linux image (mmc.zip) and flash it. You can flash up to 4 images.
8. Restart the ZGEMMA box and select the desired boot image.

5.3 Information

5.3.1 Channel Information

Access channel information, including name, provider, video format, size, and codec.

5.3.2 H/W & S/W Information Check

View system information, including current software version, tuner status (NIM detection), and HDD detection.

Troubleshooting

Before contacting service, review these common issues:

• No Video: Check if the device is ON, video cables are connected correctly, the selected channel is broadcasting, and you have the correct access card if needed.
• Audio Quality Issues: Check audio cable connections, TV/product volume, and ensure the audio output is not muted or incorrectly selected.
• Remote Control Problems: Ensure batteries are correctly inserted and functional. Point the remote directly at the device's IR receiver.
• Channel Scan Issues: Verify tuner configuration and antenna cable connections.
• Encrypted Channel Display: Ensure you have the correct smart card/CAM module and that it is properly inserted and recognized by the system.
• Recording Problems: Check for sufficient HDD space and potential timer conflicts.
• Noise: Some noise may be audible during HDD operation.