How to upgrade the boot loader on IP-STBs using a boot image

Background

When upgrading to a new KreaTV version it's sometimes recommended to also upgrade the STB boot loader to ensure that the software works as intended. Note that the KreaTV software and the STB boot loader is two different things. This guide will explain and walk you through on how to acquire the boot loader files needed, and then how to build a bootimage containing the boot loader to easily distribute and install the new boot loader on STBs.

Acquiring the boot loader file (DBL)

The boot loader file is provided to customers on request. Please mail KreaTV support.

Using the boot loader file

1. Download the boot loader file to a desired location.
2. It will have a name such as "kreatv-dbl_3.15.1_st40_vip19x0.sec"
3. Then add the following to the boot image config:

kreatv-option-upgrade-boot-loader:dbl=/extra/releases/bootloader/kreatv-dbl_3.15.1_st40_vip19x0.sec,reboot

• The reboot parameter makes the STB reboot directly after flashing of the boot loader has been done. This is to complete the whole boot loader procedure in one operation.
4. Build the boot image

When booting the STB using this boot image the boot will take some extra time, and the box will also reboot once during the process (if you use the reboot parameter). Do not enter the boot loader menu during this process, because this will abort the flash process and the old boot loader will be reverted again. Only enter the boot loader menu (if you want to confirm the fw version) after the STB has fully booted.

When the box has been upgraded to the same bootloader as in the bootimage, it will not flash it at every boot.