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Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

zeus.ugent.be

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Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#71

Post by tracker1 »

kelvie wrote: post #70
Klasiaster wrote: post #39

You can also get a similar board with that CPU here: https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc/ It's optimized for mainline Linux and since u-boot supports UEFI booting, you can just throw a downloaded Fedora arm64 image on it and it will boot.

Oh wow, if this had an M.2 slot i'd consider getting these for my home k8s cluster (I use rpi4s which are hard to get and such cause USB SSDs are flaky with power, and an odroid M1, which has a pretty slow processor, but is otherwise perfect)

I've found the Argon power supplies (18W, 3.5A) for RPi are probably the best option when using USB powered storage... I swapped out the ones that came with my DeskPi cases. I have tried several, an earlier model didn't have the inline switch, which I don't really use but a nice to have feature.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0919CQKQ8/

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#73

Post by Clamchop »

NegativeK wrote: post #68
anonuser123456 wrote: post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We aren’t going to modify our security protocols so a handful of people can mod their STB, sorry :P

Given how quickly support is dropped for consumer electronics, not opening up access to them is unacceptable. And that isn't really addressing the fact that many companies don't have the funding or the will to secure these devices.

I think the desire to repurpose obsolete electronic appliances is probably far too small to make a meaningful dent in e-waste. Not much to be done at scale with random, idiosyncratic, and underpowered SBCs.

I don't know for sure but I do strongly suspect it.

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#74

Post by BizarroLand »

NegativeK wrote: post #68
anonuser123456 wrote: post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We aren’t going to modify our security protocols so a handful of people can mod their STB, sorry :P

Given how quickly support is dropped for consumer electronics, not opening up access to them is unacceptable. And that isn't really addressing the fact that many companies don't have the funding or the will to secure these devices.

I mean, if nothing else when the device reaches EOL what would it hurt to release a bootloader unlock?

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#75

Post by vctrnk »

NKosmatos wrote: post #49

Vendors of STBs should unlock them so that we don't get so much e-waste. These boxes are most of the times locked, whereas they could be repurposed for many interesting uses (linux machines, android boxes, educational devices...), now they will be thrown away, remain in closets/garages or at the best be recycled. Tried to unlock my Vodafone TV box (Sagemcom DIW387 if I'm not mistaken), but with no luck since there is…

I won't hold my breath. From the article:

> In theory, we might be asked to give this device back. In practice, these devices are written off as soon as they’re sent to customers.

In my country, there are various ISPs with the same OEM boxes from SDMCtech. They went to the trouble of asking manufacturer to put a custom SDIO encryption chip onboard. If someone dares to touch the firmware and/or included apps (not system, but phone-home ones) the device automatically bricks forever. Not even a NAND change fixes this, as the SoC/cryptochip/NAND trio is somehow "mated" at factory. This derived in a literal invasion of these at flea markets, charity stores etc. Almost none of them work, and if they do they are thoroughly locked.

Some people like me had limited success tweaking things through ADB. This box seems to accept a launcher change as long as the original isn't erased. That works until the box updates itself and bitches again about "pirating/unauthorized use", which is quite frequent.

Our ISPs are well aware of said e-waste, and still won't budge their up-the-ass attitude.

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#76

Post by jeroenhd »

almost_noone wrote: post #67

I work for an ISP and my role is pretty much to have the TV STBs become ewaste as late as possible (trying my best to do my part). Currently our security is pretty bad [1] (that's why I'm posting from a throwaway account), but I have a mainline Linux booting off a USB storage without touching internal storage (with very little changes). I plan to fix those security issues, and make this boot-from-usb official within…

That's great, be sure to post your story here on HN when you've finished the project!

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#78

Post by jeroenhd »

no_time wrote: post #19
xwdv wrote: post #7

I struggle to think of what purpose a device that wasn’t meant to be a Linux computer would realistically serve beyond nefarious goals.

On the contrary, I struggle to think of "nefarious" goals.

Many of these SBCs are programmed in stupid ways. For example, there was a whole subforum on a popular Dutch site that was shut down because it turned out the way ISPs make you pay for premium channels is to... not encrypt them in any special way and hide them in the front end. This was all configured through a JSON file over an unencrypted protocol. The whole project began because people wanted to record their shows onto the disabled USB drive, and ended up exposing trivial ways to get around subscription limitations.

People immediately MitM'd these devices to get unlimited free bonus stuff, and the forum was copyright struck to hell.

These devices are programmed so badly that once you give any user any modicum of control over them, you can bypass almost every restriction your TV provider can think of. Modify one or two files and you've got an excellent piracy box.

Personally, I think this whole situation is terrible and I think that it's up to providers to fix their shitty DRM, but legally speaking these boxes don't become your property.

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#79

Post by Symbiote »

joezydeco wrote: post #41
rbanffy wrote: post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I always thought that SoC was wildly popular.

It is, because Broadcom had a surplus of them and couldn't get anyone to adopt it for a streaming device. So an enterprising Broadcom FAE decided to turn it into an "educational" Linux desktop device. The "wildly popular" part came when people realized BRCM was dumping these boards cheaper than any existing Linux SBC at the time. The educational angle is long gone.

The education part continues. Raspberry Pi continue to make teaching materials, run training etc. I think the focus is the UK.

Re: Turning a TV set-top box into a Linux computer (2022)

#80

Post by bornfreddy »

jeroenhd wrote: post #78
no_time wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On the contrary, I struggle to think of "nefarious" goals.

Many of these SBCs are programmed in stupid ways. For example, there was a whole subforum on a popular Dutch site that was shut down because it turned out the way ISPs make you pay for premium channels is to... not encrypt them in any special way and hide them in the front end. This was all configured through a JSON file over an unencrypted protocol. The whole project began because people wanted to record their shows…

Do you have the name of the forum maybe?
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