The exact parameters required in an initial file depend entirely on your delivery medium. 1. DVB-T / DVB-T2 (Digital Terrestrial)
This prevents you from having to manually look up technical frequencies and typing out the keys yourself. Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues 1. Zero Channels Found
[FREQUENCY] FREQ = 546000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT ...
dvbv5-scan /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace -o channels.conf
You can also use custom files anywhere on your system. dvbv5scan initial file
After installation, the files are typically located in /usr/share/dvb/ .
An initial scan file provides just enough information to point your tuner at a known master transponder. Each entry uses clear parameter blocks:
[Channel] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBS2 FREQUENCY = 12515000 POLARIZATION = HORIZONTAL SYMBOL_RATE = 22000000 INNER_FEC = AUTO MODULATION = PSK/8 INVERSION = AUTO Use code with caution. Key Parameter Definitions
Let's walk through a complete example from the actual documentation. Here's what a successful scan might look like: The exact parameters required in an initial file
If dvbv5-scan returns immediately without finding services, your initial file may be outdated. Frequencies change frequently due to regional 5G clearances and provider updates. Try looking up your local transmitter online and verifying that the FREQUENCY value in your file matches current data. 2. "Device or Resource Busy" Error
[Cable Provider Entry 1] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBC_ANNEX_A FREQUENCY = 346000000 SYMBOL_RATE = 69000000 MODULATION = QAM_256 Use code with caution. Where to Find Pre-made Initial Files
If you have an old channel file from dvb-apps tools, convert it to the DVBv5 format:
Unlike older legacy formats that used a single line of comma-separated values, the modern DVBv5 format uses a highly readable key-value structure. LinuxTV.org Example of a DVB-T (Terrestrial) Initial File: Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues 1
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
# DVB-T Italy / Milan [FREQUENCY] FREQ = 498000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT CODE_RATE_HP = AUTO CODE_RATE_LP = AUTO MODULATION = AUTO TRANSMISSION_MODE = AUTO GUARD_INTERVAL = AUTO HIERARCHY = NONE
: Unlike legacy formats that were often rigid one-liners, DVBv5 files use a readable key/value pair format (e.g., FREQUENCY = 573000000 , MODULATION = QAM/256 ). Typical File Structure