Appendix: Sample Initial File Snippet for North America (ATSC)
[PBS] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = ATSC FREQUENCY = 503000000 MODULATION = 8VSB
[CBS] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = ATSC FREQUENCY = 509000000 MODULATION = 8VSB
Feature: Initial File for DVB Channel Scanning with dvbv5scan
Overview:
The goal of this feature is to create an initial file that can be used as a starting point for DVB channel scanning with dvbv5scan. This file will contain essential information about the DVB device, scanning parameters, and channel configuration.
Requirements:
Initial File Format:
The initial file will be in a simple text-based format, with each section separated by a header line starting with #. The file will have the following structure:
# DVB Device Configuration
device_name = /dev/dvb/adapter0
device_type = DVB-T
frequency_range = 474000000-858000000
# Scanning Parameters
scan_mode = --scan
modulation_type = QPSK
code_rate = 1/2
guard_interval = 1/16
# Channel Configuration
channel_list =
Feature Implementation:
Example Use Case:
# Create an initial file
dvbv5scan --initial > dvbv5scan.initial
# Edit the initial file to adjust scanning parameters
nano dvbv5scan.initial
# Run dvbv5scan with the initial file
dvbv5scan --initial=dvbv5scan.initial --scan
This feature will provide a flexible and user-friendly way to initialize DVB channel scanning with dvbv5scan. The initial file can be easily edited and reused across multiple scanning sessions.
For dvbv5-scan, an "initial file" (or scan table) provides the starting frequencies and tuning parameters the tool needs to find available digital TV services. Unlike automated tools that blind-scan the entire spectrum, dvbv5-scan relies on this file to target specific known transponders. Structure of an Initial File
The standard DVBv5 format consists of a header tag followed by key-value pairs for tuning. [CHANNEL]: The mandatory header for each transponder entry.
DELIVERY_SYSTEM: Specifies the standard (e.g., DVBT, DVBT2, DVBC/ANNEX_A, ATSC, DVBS2).
FREQUENCY: The center frequency in Hertz (e.g., 474000000 for 474 MHz).
Additional Parameters: Required keys vary by standard (e.g., BANDWIDTH_HZ for DVB-T, MODULATION and SYMBOL_RATE for DVB-C). DVB-T (Terrestrial)
[CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT FREQUENCY = 474000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard DVB-C (Cable) dvbv5scan initial file
[CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBC/ANNEX_A FREQUENCY = 573000000 SYMBOL_RATE = 5217000 MODULATION = QAM/256 INVERSION = AUTO Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Usage and Location
System Files: Pre-configured files for many regions are usually located in /usr/share/dvbv5/ or provided by the dtv-scan-tables repository.
Running the Scan: Use the following command to generate a full channel list from an initial file:dvbv5-scan -o channels.conf /path/to/initial_file
Network Discovery: By default, dvbv5-scan is "smart" enough to read the Network Information Table (NIT) from the first frequency it locks onto, automatically discovering and scanning other available transponders in that network.
If you don't have an initial file for your specific area, you can use the w_scan tool to generate one or perform a blind scan.
Are you setting this up for a specific region or a particular DVB standard like DVB-T2 or Satellite? dvbv5-scan - LinuxTVWiki - LinuxTV.org
dvbv5-scan , you need an initial tuning file that tells the tool which frequencies to start scanning. If you don't have one, you can "produce" it using a blind scanning tool like LinuxTV.org 1. Locate Pre-packaged Initial Files
Check your system for existing tuning files. They are typically installed in: /usr/share/dvbv5/dvb-t/ (Terrestrial) /usr/share/dvbv5/dvb-c/ /usr/share/dvbv5/dvb-s/ (Satellite) Debian Manpages Look for a file named after your country and city us-NY-NewYork au-Coonabarabran 2. Generate a New Initial File If a file for your location does not exist, use w_scan_cpp
to perform a "blind scan" and generate a file in the DVBv5 format. Debian Manpages dvbv5-scan - LinuxTVWiki - LinuxTV.org
dvbv5-scan , you need an initial scan file that contains the base frequencies and modulation parameters for your local transmitter. This file tells the tool where to start looking for digital TV signals. 1. Where to Find Initial Files Initial scan files are typically provided by the dtv-scan-tables
repository. On most Linux distributions, you can find them in the following directories after installing the dtv-scan-tables DVBv5 Format (Modern): /usr/share/dvbv5/ Legacy DVBv3 Format: /usr/share/dvb/ (Often found under subdirectories like 2. Format of an Initial File
A typical DVBv5 initial scan file is a plain text file containing a "transponder" definition. Unlike legacy formats that use a single line, the DVBv5 format uses a block-based structure:
[CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT FREQUENCY = 578000000 MODULATION = QAM/64 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 INVERSION = AUTO GUARD_INTERVAL = AUTO TRANSMISSION_MODE = AUTO HIERARCHY = AUTO FEC_INNER = AUTO Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 3. How to Use the Initial File
Once you have located the correct file for your region or transmitter, run the scan command by pointing to that file: # Example: Scanning for DVB-T in London (Crystal Palace)
dvbv5-scan /usr/share/dvbv5/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace -o ~/channels.conf Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 4. What if You Can’t Find a File? Appendix: Sample Initial File Snippet for North America
If an initial file for your specific city is missing, you have two options: Generate one:
tool to perform a "blind scan" which does not require an initial file. It can output a DVBv5-compatible file: w_scan2 -ft -L > initial_file.conf Convert an old one: If you have an old (v3) file, you can convert it using dvb-format-convert
dvb-format-convert -I channel -O dvbv5 legacy_file dvbv5_file Key Command Options Description -o, --output Saves the discovered channels and services to a file. -F, --filling
Automatically discovers and adds other transponders from the same network (NIT scan). -v, --verbose Increases output detail to help troubleshoot signal locks. for your city or region?
A key feature of the dvbv5-scan initial file is its role as a starting point for intelligent automated discovery. Unlike simple scan tools, dvbv5-scan only requires a single valid transponder frequency in the initial file to potentially map an entire network. Key Benefits of the Initial File dvbv5-scan(1) - Arch manual pages
The dvbv5-scan initial file is a crucial configuration component for scanning digital TV frequencies on Linux systems. Unlike standard channel lists that store discovered services, an initial file contains the basic tuning parameters—such as frequency, modulation, and symbol rate—required for the dvbv5-scan tool to lock onto a transponder and begin identifying available services. Initial File Format and Syntax
The modern DVBv5 format is based on a series of key/value properties. Each transponder entry is typically started with a label in brackets, followed by technical specifications: [CHANNEL]: The header for a new transponder entry.
DELIVERY_SYSTEM: Specifies the standard, such as DVBT, DVBT2, DVBC/ANNEX_A, ATSC, or DVBS2.
FREQUENCY: The center frequency of the transponder in Hertz.
BANDWIDTH_HZ: (For DVB-T/T2) The channel bandwidth, often 8000000 (8 MHz).
MODULATION: The constellation type, such as QAM/256, QAM/64, or VSB/8.
SYMBOL_RATE: (For DVB-S/C) The symbol rate in symbols per second. Example DVB-T Entry:
[CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT FREQUENCY = 474000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 Use code with caution. Where to Find Initial Files
Most Linux distributions package these files within the dtv-scan-tables or dvb-tools packages. Common locations include:
/usr/share/dvbv5/: The default directory for DVBv5 formatted files. /usr/share/dvb/: Often used for legacy DVBv3 files. Feature: Initial File for DVB Channel Scanning with
The LinuxTV dtv-scan-tables repository on GitHub provides the most up-to-date collection for various countries and regions. How to Create or Generate Initial Files
If a file for your specific transmitter or cable provider is missing, you can create one manually or use automated tools:
Manual Creation: Open a text editor and enter the known transponder data using the syntax shown above.
Using w_scan: The w_scan utility is an intelligent scanner that does not require an initial file. It can be used to generate one for future use with dvbv5-scan:
Command: w_scan -fa -A2 -x > initial_file.conf (Example for ATSC).
Legacy Conversion: If you have an old DVBv3 file, use dvb-format-convert to transform it:
Command: dvb-format-convert -I channel -O dvbv5 legacy_file dvbv5_initial_file. Running dvbv5-scan with an Initial File
To initiate the scan, point the tool at your initial file:dvbv5-scan /usr/share/dvbv5/dvb-t/de-Berlin dvbv5-scan and dvb-channels.conf · Issue #31 - GitHub
The initial file for dvbv5-scan is a channel configuration file (typically with .conf or .ini-style format) that defines the delivery system parameters for a specific satellite, cable, or terrestrial transponder.
The first line usually specifies the delivery system using the DELIVERY_SYSTEM keyword. Common values include:
Satellite files are more complex because they require orbital position, polarization, and symbol rates.
File: dvbs-initial.conf
DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBS
w_scan is an older but still useful tool that can perform a brute-force frequency scan and generate an initial file for dvbv5scan.
Install w_scan:
sudo apt-get install w-scan # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install w_scan # Fedora
Perform a full scan to generate an initial file:
w_scan -c <your_country_code> -fs -o 7 > initial_scan.ini
# Example: w_scan -c US -fs -o 7 > my_initial.ini
The -o 7 output format is compatible with dvbv5scan. Once generated, you can use this file as your initial file.