Nexbox - Z68 HPH-Nagrace NT-V8 edition by STZO
Hi Guys,
I create this new topic to make it clear and easier to find another possible replacement to the unusable stock firmware of the Z68 TV box sold by Geekbuying. Similar to other variants, this one also has pros and cons, but it increases the chance to everyone to find the most suitable ROM for their device. This ROM was composed mainly from parts of other published firmwares, with adding some modifications on some of them to adjust its features and supports to the Z68 specific hardware. Unfortunately, the hardware (as it comes from the factory) has some weakness, as the processor cooling is concerned. In order to have a reliable device, you must have to install an appropriate heat-sink onto the SoC. A possible solution you can see on this photo:
http://freaktab.com/album/567945-nex...os-ut4-edition
The basics come from the HPH NT-V8 software made and published by mo123, hardware support added by STZO, and also the boot logos and animation were replaced as a label of the composer. This is my last attempt with HPH-Nagrace firmware mod. This is version #4 already, as prevoius ones had some booting problems. Finally, I successfully localized and solved the problems with the booting, and so I now publish here the mostly corrected ROM of version #4.
What's working perfectly:
- 2,4 and 5GHz wifi
- gigabit LAN
- fully functional IR remote (factory functions)
- auto-framerate changing
- audio passthrough (DTS, Dolby Digital)
- blue LED when operated (near zero power consumption only when it lights in Red)
- 0,1-0,2W standby power consumption (no need of power off!)
- lifetime license
Not tested by me:
- USB HDD support
- bluetooth headphone support
- HD audio passthrough (some people reported that they work too)
Remaining issues (will not be solved by me, any time):
- no auto-reboot during the installation (it was the situation with original nagrace rom too)
- no power off function (Z86 hardware specific feature, but not necessary, see above)
- MCH PCM to Dolby Digital transcoding in KODI has problems (better not to use it)
- MAC address' (IP numbers) are changing at every boot-up (it can finally be solved with this tool: UpgradeDllTool_Release_v1.35: https://mega.nz/#!XplFzSCR!CRV8zYNZ5...M3465prlCtRnDc )
Actually, most of you could be satisfied with this ROM. Transcoding option in KODI must left turned off (default setting). Stereo sound is always perfect even if MCH PCM audio is played. Movies with DTS or DD sound will be played perfectly, too.
Link to the ROM:
https://mega.nz/#!X5sHRaBQ!1bnEv7bDa...H2wSssYOC4iA0U
Install hints:
At the first powering after the upgrade, it will not automatically reboot. You have to make a power off/on cycle when it shows "rebooting...". Following the reboot, the fist run takes approx 10 minutes to install the applications before is stands up. Since that time you can enjoy all functionalities.
Please be patient during the boot animation at the first run, it lasts about 8-10 minutes (apps are installed). Later it boots up in approx. 30 seconds.
If you want having Root, you should check the box in the Settings/Accessibility menu. AnTuTu benchmark is 30-31000. LAN speed is 90Mbit up, 180 Mbit down, wifi speed is 12Mbit up, 18Mbit down at 5GHz (2,4 GHz is similar), measured with 32kB packet sizes.
Audio lag in DTS and DD movies is approx. 0,3 sec.
Wifi speed test results you may see on the screenshots below (although I measued better values as well).
If you want to hide system bar (as it can only be used with a mouse), may install "Fullsreen" apk: http://apk-dl.com/files/56324ecee2e168ee2bf06845 .
I also tried this addon in KODI:
plugin.video.youtube-master
https://mega.nz/#!qhVFnJ7K!JFuBJWkYR...pAVOOoZU_Q8N-8
this is the first way of getting auto-framerate changes when playing YouTube videos that I found. Works perfectly!
Attached Files
Additional information:
Maybe you need to wipe the storage before flashing! (It ensures that no junk remains in the empty spaces, which could make trouble if getting a call accidentally.) Use Android Tool to do that:
https://mega.nz/#!X5M1CQ4S!a__lJtR0q...VXSgapu7RV-Ly0
When using Android tool to download img files, for separate file downloads please use this (or equivalent) config file (enclosed with the above package too) in Android Tool:
https://mega.nz/#!HtdniJ5A!vMhZM8oox...6gY1ejSOSdsJAs
Image file names and locations should be set to the actual ones, or select them by clicking on the "..." cell of the table.
I create this new topic to make it clear and easier to find another possible replacement to the unusable stock firmware of the Z68 TV box sold by Geekbuying. Similar to other variants, this one also has pros and cons, but it increases the chance to everyone to find the most suitable ROM for their device. This ROM was composed mainly from parts of other published firmwares, with adding some modifications on some of them to adjust its features and supports to the Z68 specific hardware. Unfortunately, the hardware (as it comes from the factory) has some weakness, as the processor cooling is concerned. In order to have a reliable device, you must have to install an appropriate heat-sink onto the SoC. A possible solution you can see on this photo:
http://freaktab.com/album/567945-nex...os-ut4-edition
The basics come from the HPH NT-V8 software made and published by mo123, hardware support added by STZO, and also the boot logos and animation were replaced as a label of the composer. This is my last attempt with HPH-Nagrace firmware mod. This is version #4 already, as prevoius ones had some booting problems. Finally, I successfully localized and solved the problems with the booting, and so I now publish here the mostly corrected ROM of version #4.
What's working perfectly:
- 2,4 and 5GHz wifi
- gigabit LAN
- fully functional IR remote (factory functions)
- auto-framerate changing
- audio passthrough (DTS, Dolby Digital)
- blue LED when operated (near zero power consumption only when it lights in Red)
- 0,1-0,2W standby power consumption (no need of power off!)
- lifetime license
Not tested by me:
- USB HDD support
- bluetooth headphone support
- HD audio passthrough (some people reported that they work too)
Remaining issues (will not be solved by me, any time):
- no auto-reboot during the installation (it was the situation with original nagrace rom too)
- no power off function (Z86 hardware specific feature, but not necessary, see above)
- MCH PCM to Dolby Digital transcoding in KODI has problems (better not to use it)
- MAC address' (IP numbers) are changing at every boot-up (it can finally be solved with this tool: UpgradeDllTool_Release_v1.35: https://mega.nz/#!XplFzSCR!CRV8zYNZ5...M3465prlCtRnDc )
Actually, most of you could be satisfied with this ROM. Transcoding option in KODI must left turned off (default setting). Stereo sound is always perfect even if MCH PCM audio is played. Movies with DTS or DD sound will be played perfectly, too.
Link to the ROM:
https://mega.nz/#!X5sHRaBQ!1bnEv7bDa...H2wSssYOC4iA0U
Install hints:
At the first powering after the upgrade, it will not automatically reboot. You have to make a power off/on cycle when it shows "rebooting...". Following the reboot, the fist run takes approx 10 minutes to install the applications before is stands up. Since that time you can enjoy all functionalities.
Please be patient during the boot animation at the first run, it lasts about 8-10 minutes (apps are installed). Later it boots up in approx. 30 seconds.
If you want having Root, you should check the box in the Settings/Accessibility menu. AnTuTu benchmark is 30-31000. LAN speed is 90Mbit up, 180 Mbit down, wifi speed is 12Mbit up, 18Mbit down at 5GHz (2,4 GHz is similar), measured with 32kB packet sizes.
Audio lag in DTS and DD movies is approx. 0,3 sec.
Wifi speed test results you may see on the screenshots below (although I measued better values as well).
If you want to hide system bar (as it can only be used with a mouse), may install "Fullsreen" apk: http://apk-dl.com/files/56324ecee2e168ee2bf06845 .
I also tried this addon in KODI:
plugin.video.youtube-master
https://mega.nz/#!qhVFnJ7K!JFuBJWkYR...pAVOOoZU_Q8N-8
this is the first way of getting auto-framerate changes when playing YouTube videos that I found. Works perfectly!
Attached Files
- Screenshot_2016-05-11-19-24-04.png (85.4 KB, 1 view)
- Screenshot_2016-05-11-19-27-31.png (87.5 KB, 1 view)
Additional information:
Maybe you need to wipe the storage before flashing! (It ensures that no junk remains in the empty spaces, which could make trouble if getting a call accidentally.) Use Android Tool to do that:
https://mega.nz/#!X5M1CQ4S!a__lJtR0q...VXSgapu7RV-Ly0
When using Android tool to download img files, for separate file downloads please use this (or equivalent) config file (enclosed with the above package too) in Android Tool:
https://mega.nz/#!HtdniJ5A!vMhZM8oox...6gY1ejSOSdsJAs
Image file names and locations should be set to the actual ones, or select them by clicking on the "..." cell of the table.
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