Hi all , Ive been reading this forum for quite a while now and unfortunately it is my turn to make a post (I mean that in the politest possible way).
I have a Grundig GUSTB8IV 80GB STB that, last night, suddenly stopped working. There is no power going to it at all. I have checked the fuse, changed the plug but theres just nothing. As theres over 20 shows/films on the HDD at the moment that I really don't want to lose, I tried plugging the STB HDD into my computer so I could copy the programs on my local drive. Well, it didn't go to plan, although windows recognized the drive, it was showing up as a RAW disk and would not let me access it. I tried a data recovery program (ontrac) and it came up with over 2 million files (??) to be recovered, which, when they where listed made my computer come to a complete standstill.
So basically what I am asking is, What format does the STB use (ie. fat32-NTFS [which it is not] etc..) for the HDD and CAN the data be recover to the computer ?

Thanks for reading guys, hopefully Ill be able to get all my progs back with your help

TIA

read this. then you can extract to your pc.

I found this on another forum. credit to AJ on the digihome forum on pvruk, and John from Blackpool who set the ball rolling. Hope it helps. Think PVRUK is down ATM.

'Extract and save recordings from Digihome PVR onto your PC using free software'

'John (Blackpool)' gave a guide below to 'Extract and save recordings from Digihome PVR onto your PC', but I have achieved this using only free software as I did not have the R-studio or Sony Vegas software. I have revised his article.

1. Make a note of the program you're interested in and write down the date/time of the recording (you will see why in a moment).

2. Remove hard disk from Digihome box and connect to your PC - and if you don't know about disk jumpers then this project certainly isn't for you.

3. Use 'DiskInternals Linux Reader' to read view the linux hard drives (in EXT2fs format) the .trp files. It is found at http://www.diskinternals.com/linux-reader/ and displays the linux hard drives correctly (as they are in Ext2fs format).

4. Access the larger partition and locate your recordings in the correct drive. You should see another list of folders in the format: ~dvr20070119002235000901.rec

5. These folders contain your video data and other files saved by the PVR (program info etc). The name of the folder is the date/time of the recording e.g year/month/day/hour/mins (hence the reason you needed to make a note of it earlier). One point... the months run 00 to 11 and NOT 01 to 12.

6. Select the correct folder(s) and extract/recover the entire folder (with files) to your computer.

7. You can now return the hard disk to the PVR.

8. The video files you saved are 188,000KB blocks named... dvr(date/time).rec00.trp and following on with rec01.trp and rec02.trp etc (the number of files depending on the length of the recording). You can simply ignore the other non-video files.

9. Use 'Mpeg Stream Clip' to convert the .trp files into a single mpg file. It can be found at http://www.free-codecs.com/download/MPEG_Streamclip.htm and processes the files without problems.

10 To remove commercials etc use 'ProjectX'. It can be found at http://www.videohelp.com/tools/ProjectX and it has a link further down the page to a guide.

I hope this helps others, as I have successfully extracted recordings to my PC. Thanks again to 'John (Blackpool)' for his article.

Hi Downsouth.

The original threads on this site refering to file extraction have been removed by all appearance. Quite a bit of effort has been put in by a few members to contribute to file extraction, with varying degrees of success. The method you posted is a method very similar to that sent me by an employee of Cabot (who write the middleware on behalf of Vestel), when I made enquiries some time back.

I was writing a program to convert the .trp file to .ts files, since all three identified so far (MPEG Stream Clip, ProjectX and TSReader) all do so, but create non-complient streams which still cannot be recognised by some software.

I am extremely grateful, however, for the details about the Linux file reader! Up until now, I have been relient upon drivers such as Win2FS, which can be usable, but unstable, either this, or recovery software. So am very grateful indeed for this link.

The next thread ('Copy one box to another') covers similar ground.

Thanks once again, Downsouth.

Kind regards,

Tim.

HI Tim, hope you are (relatively) well

Will this thread from Digifusion be any good?

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=297712

(I'm going out for an appt so haven't time to check it thru.)

parthena

Hi Parthena.

Thanks for the link.

No, I was refering to data extraction from our Digihome PVRs. Quite a number of posts/threads were made later last year/earlier this year with regards removing/converting files from off the Digihome boxes.

Karl Eccleston has done a lot of work with Syphon and the Digifusion STBs. I had three FVRT 95s, but unfortunately, Karls program only worked with FVRT 100 and later 200. It is very interesting, though, reading the threads regarding extraction from both the Digifusion and Humax machines. The posts go on for quite a few months, and it is interesting to see the development in thought as time went on, as the HDD file systems were worked out. It's very easy with hindsight, having now sorted out the file systems, to see where ideas whent wrong, and going down 'blind alleys' in coming to an answer. Karl said it took him a year of using WinHex to work out the file system on the Digifusion! It was with some relief that it was found the Digihome (Vestel) manufacturers had plunged for a Linux Kernal to the box, and hence a Linux file system to the HDD. Only problem then was the files - never mind!

I was wondering where the earlier posts for this Digihome forum had gone, since they appear now to be defunct. Nevertheless, thank you for the link, and for looking it up. At least all this experimenting has provided me with something posative to do, for which I am really grateful! Only problem is the expense.

Thanks again,

Tim.

Old posts are still there, they're just not displayed on your screen. Scroll down to the bottom of the Digihome forum and select the maximum age to display, including from the beginning if need be. You can do this with searches as well.

This will be for the current session only. If you want to make it more permanent, open up your User CP screen, go to Edit Options, scroll down to the Thread age cut off date and select whatever you need.

Tim, I am the AJ from downsouth's information.

I am interested in getting the stream to be a compliant one. Do you have any information about the approach you are using?

Hi AJ.

I have just seem your post. I will reply to it hopefully a little later today - I have to go out soon, so do not have chance at the moment.

Though I am a little 'rusty' with my explanation (for reasons I will give), I will do my best to put forward what I found out.

Regards,

Tim (Nottingham).
Last edited by Nutty Timbo : 22-09-2007 at 10:24

Hi AJ again.

I have not forgotten to answer your post - I have not been well enough to do it the past two days, but will try ASAP. The problem is that I got rid of all my notes! All are on disk though.

Regards,

Tim P.

Tim,

No worries, I am looking at this as a long term project. I am curious if it can be done.

Ajay

Tim,

I found this:

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MPEG2Repair

Is it of any use?

Ajay
Last edited by AJ1000 : 26-09-2007 at 13:43

This may be a stupid question but, apart from the fact that the non-compliant streams cannot be read by some software, what are the practical implications? Is the picture quality compromised or the sound out of synch?

Did these play on the PC as well as the originals and what player did you use? Or were you burning them off the DVD?

Thanks!

advb69,

The picture quality is slightly compromised by the variable bit rate recording, but more by the bitrate used for the channel. An example of this is ABC1, where the pictures look much blockier than BBC1.

The sound is fine, I did not have sync issues.

I used VLC Media plyaer to view the mpeg stream I made using ''Mpeg Stream Clip', as there were problems with WMP. Playback quality was good.


AJ1000

Thanks. That's interesting. I haven't used VLC Media Player for a while but I seem to remember that you can use it to generate a standard Mpg file from the stream file. (I had an unfinalsed DVD-RW(VR) disc created by my Panny DVD recorder just before it broke. I eventually managed to get the file off the DVD and, although VLC wouldn't play the file, it did manage to convert the video into a usable mpg file. Never got the sound off properly though!)

Hi.

Software, even if generaly accepting of Transport Stream files, such as TMPGEnc (free ed, note!), will not even read .trp files!

VLC will not always (if ever) play .trp files, as they stand, and in fact the only two programs that have read the files successfully, are MPEG Stream Clip, and ProjectX. Even analysis programs such as TSReader, will not accept the .trp files without some modification.

The problem lies in the fact that the .trp files of the Digihome are only partial TS files. They have been stripped of all their repetative data, assumed to be in order to save on space. Instead, missing data has been replaced by an indexing system, which helps playback of the streams by hardware, indexing the frames/audio, and so on. A number of indexing systems exsist, all of which seem 'custom' made to suit the manufacturer (view sites such as 'free patentsonline' for plenty of examples). The only commercial system I have seen, is one by Elecard, who make XMuxer Pro, a brilliant allternative to TMPGEnc. I incidently, have not yet managed to find the patent for the Vestel system (and Vestel wouldn't let on), and have had to relay on the team at Elecard to tell me what the indexing did.

The most obvious ommission from the .trp files, are the PAT and PMT tables (Program Association, and Program Map tables respectively). Without these, it isn't possible for decoders to distinguish between various programs within a multiplex. They are, however, not essential for playback if all the video and audio data is present. Hence, software players will often play .trp files anyway, and without any trouble. ie, there arn't any sync. or other problems at all, as the video and audio data is exactly the same for a .ts file. Thus, if your particular player and editor will accept them, than fine, there will be no problems. The problem arises with software which is looking for a 'compliant' stream, ie one which conforms to the specifications for MPEG-2 compression. These will usually reject .trp files, simply on the grounds that the PAT and PMT arn't there. Otherwise, they wouldn't have any worries about dealing with them.

By compliant, it is meant that the TS streams comply with the directives given by ISO 3818 and all it's parts, and inparticular for DVB-T, ETSI TS/TR 101 154 and associated parts. This is the only 'standardisation' I could find anywhere for a .ts file, as .ts files can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer (it is not like, say, a Word document, which adheers to a very specific format).

According to ISO3818-1 (Systems), the PAT/PMT need to appear every no less than every 100ms. It is more stringent for DVB-T, requiring that streams have the PAT/PMT appear at least every 40ms. That is a very large number of occurrances when looking at the binary data of a file! With the .trp files, it is not clear if the PCR was altered in order to compensate for the packets removal. Hence, replacing the packets within the stream could prove more difficult than expected.

MPEG Stream Clip and ProjectX both will do conversion of the file to .ts. However, the resultant streams are non-compliant. That is, the tables do not appear regularly enough to conform to the standards of ISO3818 etc. That doesn't mean that they won't play, nor that they will play badly. Th quality of the playback relys soley on the quality of the video/audio data. Hence, if quality of the original stream is to be maintained, all other alteration/conversion of the data by the software such as ProjectX, must be 'switched off'. This is easier said than done, but it is possible to produce a conversion in both programs which leaves the video/audio data untouched, and just replaces the tables, as required (try playing around with the .ini file for ProjectX, if there is difficulty). If any conversion of the video/audio is done, it is then that quality markedly suffers, and sync/ other problems are introduced to the data (for eg, leaving ProjectX to treat the data as 'progressive' rather than 'interlaced', as is default, will produce a massive effect!). Thus, it is imperitive that the data remain the same if accurate editing is later required. Leave all data conversion (to say MPEG-2 PS file for DVD production) to commercial software, such as TMPGEnc 4 Xpress, which does the job far better than any freeware material could (same applies if using XMuxer Pro).

The software mentioned will still re-arrange the packets (to group together some of the Audio), and completely re-do the timing! This accounts for why there is no concern on their part about re-introducing the tables into the stream. Jitter is often the result, which also must be avoided if using the original timing. Jitter will affect sync, and cause 'stuttering' of the video, plus other undesireable effects. The work needed on the packets to remove Jitter is quite difficult, that is why it is hoped that the tables wern't removed with timing alteration as well. Jitter, of course, might be a broadcast problem anyway. This will show up no matter what file/software is used.

In conclusion, I am still aiming to write a simple program that re-introduces the PAT/PMT data, which will make the streams compliant, and acceptable to other software. I have not as yet found if the tables need to be completely re-generated (complete with CRC etc), or exist somewere else on the disks first partition. I also have not done enough study to find if other data has been removed (eg NIT, CAT tables etc). When I lost all my equipment, I foolishly got rid of all my notes as well! I have managed to get some equipment back together again, and hence hope to resume experimenting.

If you find any software that accepts the .trp file, than all well and good. Certainly, it is possible to palyback the .trp files with no problem on a PC, with no visible compromise in quality (unless this was introduced by broadcast/recording). If, however, you wish to do any serious quality conversion/editing, then some alteration is necessary to get commercial software to accept the files (except it seems, Sony Vagas!). This might be as little as just 'fooling' the software by sticking a couple of extra packets at the beginning of the file. This fools TSReader for eg, which then can be used to add the other packets (using manual PID declaration).

Sorry for a long, boring post again!!!

Tim.

Tim,

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply.


Thats good to know!


I must admit I don't understand half the controls in Project X but I don't really need to do enough archiving to warrant paying for any of the commercial software! I'll just have to look at the controls (or the ini file) in more detail. Is there a seperate conversion section in the ini file?


Not at all. I think we are very lucky to have such an inquisitive and well informed forum member!

Hi advb69.

Thank you for reading all my last post, and your kind acceptance of my rather long explanation.

Most of the controls for ProjectX can be achieved without even having to look at the .ini file. When entering the settings part of the program (it's a while since I used it - I can't remember exactly the menu item(s) - will look today), all you really have to do is uncheck most of the boxes. This is automatically translated into the initialisation file, and hence, if you are familiar with the file, could be achieved in exactly the same way by simply editing in notepad. I should still have the .ini file I used, and also the settings I used for MPEG Stream Clip. I will look them out and let you know.

If you wanted the file, I could either pm it to you, or email, as you wish.

Thanks again for a kind comment!

Tim Peel.

Tim,

Yes that is a lot of information. well done. What is the step forward ?

Ajay

Hi Tim,


Thanks for the offer! If you could PM me the file (or paste the contents into this thread if they are not too long), that would be great!

BTW in case anyone wants to look at the original thread on this but doesn't want to change their search settings, this link should go to it:
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...ht=nutty+timbo

Hi.

So sorry for the delay in getting back to post the file. It has taken a bit of finding.

The file isn't too long, as you can see, but if you would like me to save you the hastle of typeing it all in, please let me know so I can get the file to you.

The file really 'turns off' all other conversion, except for re-generating the PCR, and making sure a video packet appears at the start fo the stream. These are a must for a successful process of files. This is the file :


# Project-X INI
# ProjectX 0.90.4.00 / 30.03.2006

# Application
Application.ActiveDirectory=C:\Digihome PVR80\ProjectX Conversions
Application.Agreement=1
Application.Language=en
Application.LookAndFeel=com.sun.java.swing.plaf.windows.WindowsClassicLookAndFeel

# AudioPanel
AudioPanel.addFrames=0
AudioPanel.clearCRC=0
AudioPanel.decodeMpgAudio.addRiffHeader=0
AudioPanel.validateCRC=0

# CollectionPanel
CollectionPanel.CutMode=0
CollectionPanel.Preview.LiveUpdate=0

# LogwindowPanel
LogwindowPanel.showTtxHeader=0

# MainPanel
MainPanel.ConversionMode=4

# OptionPanel
OptionPanel.PanelIndex=0
OptionPanel.StartPath.Value=C:\Digihome PVR80\ProjectX Conversions

# SpecialPanel
SpecialPanel.Conversion.addPcrToStream=1
SpecialPanel.Conversion.startWithVideo=1
SpecialPanel.Input.concatenateForeignRecords=0
SpecialPanel.Input.getEnclosedPackets=0
SpecialPanel.PVA.Audio=0
SpecialPanel.TS.blindSearch=0
SpecialPanel.TS.generatePmt=0
SpecialPanel.TS.ignoreScrambled=0
SpecialPanel.TS.joinPackets=0
SpecialPanel.VOB.resetPts=0

# VideoPanel
VideoPanel.ChangeBitrateInAllSequences=0
VideoPanel.ChangeBitrateInFirstSequence=0
VideoPanel.ChangeVbvDelay=0
VideoPanel.addEndcode=0
VideoPanel.addSde=0
VideoPanel.clearCdf=0

# WindowPosition
WindowPosition.Main.Height=746
WindowPosition.Main.Width=1032
WindowPosition.Main.X=-4
WindowPosition.Main.Y=-4

Of course, change the source directory to suit your own needs. I hope this is of help/interest.

Reagrds,

Tim Peel.

Thanks Tim! No need to send me the file - I'll just cut and paste the details from your post.

Now all I need to do is find a time when we're not using the box long enough to whip the hard drive out!

Hi.

I didn't think of that!

Of course, cut and paste would do it. By the way, there is no need to actually remove the HDD from the Digihome. All I do is to remove the back, making sure the unit is unplugged first, and just removing the IDE cable from the HDD. Then an IDE to USB adaptor can be connected to the drive in situe without taking the drive out. Also, the external power supply which usually comes with the USB adaptor can be used to power the drive directly, rather then switching on the box, and using the internal supply. All this saves needless messing around with the 'internals'.

I had always intended making a permanant conversion of a couple of boxes, by leaving a USB adaptor in the box, making a way for the lead to leave the box (I thought through the spare CI slot, keeping a plug/socket neatly behind the little door - the original Vestel unit was a satellite unit, having a CI port!), and connecting this via a 3-way IDE cable. The problem was locating a male IDE connector strip to place in a spare cable. Either this, or purchasing a completed cable. Another forum member found CPC electronics on the net (who appear to have some great 'stuff' like Maplins) was the only source easy to find. They are cheap, but an order below a certain amount attracts a significant service charge, which I found to my cost!

Regards,

Tim Peel.

Tim,

I did find benefit in changing the 3.5 inch drive to a 2.5 inch one. The box does not get hot (as the 12V line is not used) and it is completely quiet.

AJ

Hi again AJ.

That is very interesting, as the box can be quite 'touchy' as to what drives it can accept. Usually, the drive has to be one specially for a PVR STB, because of the requirement to store large quantities of video data (thus, less error checking needs to be performed unlike for usual IDE drives).

Have you actually fixed the drive permanantly in the box, or is it a temporary fixing, which allows you easy removal to access the data from the drive?

I suppose, even though you have made a drive change, it might benefit from not being continually removed/connected/disconnected from the box. I have found the links for the CPC male - female IDE drive cable, and an associated 40-way female IDC strip connector socket, which could be placed in the centre of the cable, thus allowing permanant connection of both the drive and IDE adaptor to the mainboard connector strip.

The cable link is :

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Computer+...requestid=6438

and the strip link is :

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/br...equestid=35886

Probably of no use, but might be of interest nevertheless.

Regards,

Tim.

Tim,

I have the drive fixed in permenantly. I dont have a problem removing it if required.

I found that 2.5 inch Western digital SCORPIO drives (PATA version) are the ones that are best to use. Here is the link:

http://www.cclonline.com/product-inf...tid=wd1600beve

The cable is use is from Maplins as it includes a plate which I used to fix it on to the Digihome housing. The link is:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...37602&doy=5m10

The digihome works great, is silent and uses less power as only 5V is used by the 2.5 inch drive. (The 3.5 inch drive uses 5V and 12V). Therefore the power supply is less stressed and works better.
Last edited by AJ1000 : 05-10-2007 at 15:48