Nexbox – Z68, Zidoo X6 pro edition by STZO
Hi Guys,
I create this new topic to add a new, alternative replacement to the unusable stock firmware of the Z68 TV box sold by Geekbuying. Similar to other variants, this one also may have pros and cons, but as a media box, it provides the widest range of services and features I experienced by now. This ROM was composed mainly from parts of other published firmwares, with adding some modifications on them to have it run better on the Z68 specific hardware. Unfortunately, the hardware (as it comes from the factory) has some weakness, mainly 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:
The system basics come from the Zidoo X6 pro software modified and published by lonix, hardware support added by STZO, and also the boot logos and animation were replaced as the label of the composer. This is version #5.1 already, to provide you with a well tested solution.
What's working perfectly:
- 2,4 and 5GHz wifi
- gigabit LAN
- functional IR remote (except Mute, but with an alternative keyboard layout added)
- auto-framerate changing (please copy advancedsettings.xml into the userdata directory)
- HDMI audio passthrough (DTS, Dolby Digital)
- 5.1 audio transcoding (please do not forget to set „Keep audio alive" = Never)
- 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!)
- TWRP recovery installed
- lifetime license
Not tested by me:
- USB HDD support
- bluetooth headphone support
- HD audio passthrough (DTS-HD, DolbyDigital Plus etc.; I have no such device, please report results!)
Remaining issues:
- no power off function (this is a Z86 hardware specific feature, but it's not necessary either)
- 7.1 HD audio (different formats) to Dolby Digital transcoding in KODI don't work, should be changed back to stereo to get sound from 7.1 audios.
- some Zidoo apps may not work (not accurately tested)
- 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. For proper audio transcoding operation in KODI, must „Keep audio alive” option turned off („Never”). Stereo sound is always perfect even if the material contains 7.1 audio. Movies with DTS or DolbyDigital sound will be played perfectly, but sometimes 'jumping' in time during playback can have problem with DD sound. For the best result, plase copy the Advancedsettings.xml file from the system/preinstall/kodi into the Android/data/org.xmbc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata directory, it will enhance the correct framerate recognition!
Link to the ROM:
Install hints:
At the first powering after the upgrade, it will automatically reboot. Following the reboot, the fist run takes approx 5 minutes to install the applications before is stands up. Since that time you can enjoy all the functionalities. Please be patient during the boot animation at the first run, it lasts about 5 minutes (apps are installed). Later it boots up in approx. 20 seconds.
Most of the preinstalled applications you can easily remove if do not want to use them.
I included 3 different resource images with 2 different IR remote key layouts. V1 is integrated into the rom package, it realizes the factoy functions, except that the Mute button takes you to the previous applications menu. With V11, the Mute button functions as Menu, and the Menu button has the same funtion as of the Back. This is my favorite arrangement, as it ensures the best fail-safe control any time. V31 is almost the same as V1 with the factory remote, maybe other remotes operate differently with it.
ROM is rooted. AnTuTu benchmark is 30-32000. 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 this screenshot here:
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!
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.
Good luck with best regards, STZO
I create this new topic to add a new, alternative replacement to the unusable stock firmware of the Z68 TV box sold by Geekbuying. Similar to other variants, this one also may have pros and cons, but as a media box, it provides the widest range of services and features I experienced by now. This ROM was composed mainly from parts of other published firmwares, with adding some modifications on them to have it run better on the Z68 specific hardware. Unfortunately, the hardware (as it comes from the factory) has some weakness, mainly 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:
The system basics come from the Zidoo X6 pro software modified and published by lonix, hardware support added by STZO, and also the boot logos and animation were replaced as the label of the composer. This is version #5.1 already, to provide you with a well tested solution.
What's working perfectly:
- 2,4 and 5GHz wifi
- gigabit LAN
- functional IR remote (except Mute, but with an alternative keyboard layout added)
- auto-framerate changing (please copy advancedsettings.xml into the userdata directory)
- HDMI audio passthrough (DTS, Dolby Digital)
- 5.1 audio transcoding (please do not forget to set „Keep audio alive" = Never)
- 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!)
- TWRP recovery installed
- lifetime license
Not tested by me:
- USB HDD support
- bluetooth headphone support
- HD audio passthrough (DTS-HD, DolbyDigital Plus etc.; I have no such device, please report results!)
Remaining issues:
- no power off function (this is a Z86 hardware specific feature, but it's not necessary either)
- 7.1 HD audio (different formats) to Dolby Digital transcoding in KODI don't work, should be changed back to stereo to get sound from 7.1 audios.
- some Zidoo apps may not work (not accurately tested)
- 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. For proper audio transcoding operation in KODI, must „Keep audio alive” option turned off („Never”). Stereo sound is always perfect even if the material contains 7.1 audio. Movies with DTS or DolbyDigital sound will be played perfectly, but sometimes 'jumping' in time during playback can have problem with DD sound. For the best result, plase copy the Advancedsettings.xml file from the system/preinstall/kodi into the Android/data/org.xmbc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata directory, it will enhance the correct framerate recognition!
Link to the ROM:
Install hints:
At the first powering after the upgrade, it will automatically reboot. Following the reboot, the fist run takes approx 5 minutes to install the applications before is stands up. Since that time you can enjoy all the functionalities. Please be patient during the boot animation at the first run, it lasts about 5 minutes (apps are installed). Later it boots up in approx. 20 seconds.
Most of the preinstalled applications you can easily remove if do not want to use them.
I included 3 different resource images with 2 different IR remote key layouts. V1 is integrated into the rom package, it realizes the factoy functions, except that the Mute button takes you to the previous applications menu. With V11, the Mute button functions as Menu, and the Menu button has the same funtion as of the Back. This is my favorite arrangement, as it ensures the best fail-safe control any time. V31 is almost the same as V1 with the factory remote, maybe other remotes operate differently with it.
ROM is rooted. AnTuTu benchmark is 30-32000. 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 this screenshot here:
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!
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.
Good luck with best regards, STZO
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