View source for Dreambox

{{Short description|Linux-Powerd Satilite}}
{{other uses}}
{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}}
{{third-party|date=June 2017}}
[[Image:Drem-multimedia-logo.png|right|197px|thumb|Dreambox logo]]
'''Dreambox''' is a series of [[Linux]]-powered [[Digital Video Broadcasting|DVB]] [[DVB-S|satellite]], [[DVB-T|terrestrial]] and [[DVB-C|cable]] [[digital television]] receivers ([[set-top box]]es), produced by [[Germany|German]] multimedia vendor Dream Multimedia.

== History and description ==
The Linux-based production software originally used by Dreambox was originally developed for [[DBox2]], by the Tuxbox project. The Dbox2 was a proprietary design distributed by [[Kirch Group#KirchMedia|KirchMedia]] for their [[Pay television|pay TV]] services. The [[bankruptcy]] of KirchMedia flooded the market with unsold boxes available for Linux enthusiasts. The Dreambox shares the basic design of the DBox2, including the Ethernet port and the [[PowerPC]] processor.

Its [[firmware]] is officially user-upgradable, since it is a Linux-based computer, as opposed to third-party "patching" of alternate receivers. All units support Dream's own [[DreamCrypt]] [[conditional access]] (CA) system, with software-emulated [[Conditional-access module|CA Modules]] (CAMs) available for many alternate CA systems. The built-in [[Ethernet]] interface allows networked computers to access the recordings on the internal hard disks on some Dreambox models. It also enables the receiver to store digital copies of DVB [[MPEG transport stream]]s on [[distributed file system]]s or broadcast the streams as [[IPTV]] to [[VideoLAN]] and [[XBMC|XBMC Media Center]] clients. Unlike many PC based [[Digital video recorder|PVR]] systems that use [[free-to-air]] type of DVB receiver cards, the built-in conditional access allows receiving and storing encrypted content.

In 2007, Dream Multimedia also introduced a non-Linux based Dreambox receiver, the DM100, their sole to date, still featuring an Ethernet port. It has a USB-B port for service instead of the RS-232 or mini-USB connectors found on other models.<ref>[http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/english/products_flyer.php Dream-Multimedia-Tv GmbH<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405202415/http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/english/products_flyer.php |date=April 5, 2008 }}</ref> Unlike all other Dreamboxes, it features an [[STMicroelectronics]] CPU instead of PowerPC or MIPS.

== Dreambox models ==
There are a number of different models of Dreambox available. The numbers are suffixed with -S for Satellite, -T for Terrestrial and -C for Cable:

=== Table ===
{|class="wikitable"
! DM
! 56<var>x</var>0
! 7000
! 7020
! 7025(+)
! 500(+)
! 100
! 600 PVR
! 800HD	
! 820HD
! 8000
! 500HD
! 800HD se
! 7020HD<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.avforums.com/forums/satellite-tv/1237437-new-dreambox-dm7020hd-twin-dvb-s2-enigma2.html|title = NEW Dreambox DM7020HD Twin DVB-S2 Enigma2| date=15 April 2010 }}</ref>
! 500HD v2 <ref>http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/hardware-update-dreamboxes {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
! 800HD se v2 <ref>http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/hardware-update-dreamboxes {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
! 7020HD v2 <ref>http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/hardware-update-dreamboxes {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
! 7080HD <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dm7080.com/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-05-27 |archive-date=2005-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050907093802/http://www.dm7080.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-align=center

! Production <!-- should be time range -->
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{yes|Available}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{no|Discontinued}}
| {{yes|Available}}
| {{yes|Available}}
| {{yes|Available}}
| {{yes|Available}}
|-align=center
! Life cycle
| 2003-
| 2003-
| 2005-
| 2006-
| 2006-
| 2007-
| 2007-
| 2008-2012
| 2015-
| 2009-2012
| 2010-2013
| 2010-2013
| 2011-2013
| 2013- 
| 2013- 
| 2013-
| 2014-
|-align=center
! [[System-on-a-Chip|SoC]]
| STB04500
| STB04500
| STB04500
| Xilleon 226
| STB025<var>xx</var>
| ST5100
| STB025<var>xx</var>
| BCM7401
|
| BCM7400
| BCM7405
| BCM7405
| BCM7405
| BCM7405
| BCM7405
| BCM7405
| BCM7435
|-align=center
! CPU type
| [[PowerPC|PPC]]
| [[PowerPC|PPC]]
| [[PowerPC|PPC]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[PowerPC|PPC]]
| [[RISC]]
| [[PowerPC|PPC]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
| [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]]
|-align=center
! CPU (MHz)
| 252
| 252
| 252
| 300
| 252
| 243
| 252
| 300
|
| 400
| 400
| 400<!--723 in text-->
| 400
| 400
| 400
| 400
| 1400
|-align=center
! RAM (MiB)
| 64
| 64
| 64
| 128
| 32 (96)
| 64
| 96
| 256
| 2048
| 256
| 256
| 256
| 512
| 512
| 512
| 512
| 2048
|-align=center
! Flash (MiB)
| 8
| 8
| 32
| 32
| 8 (32)
| 32
| 32
| 64
| 4096
| 128
| 64
| 64
| 1024
| 1024
| 1024
| 1024
| 4096
|-align=center
! Flash type
| NOR
| NOR
| NAND
| NAND
| NOR (NAND)
| NOR
| NAND
| NAND
|
| NAND
| NAND
| NAND
| NAND
| NAND
| NAND
| NAND
| eMMC
|-align=center
! Default OS
| Enigma1
| Enigma1
| Enigma1<br />Enigma2 (beta)
| Enigma2
| Enigma1
| ST OS
| Enigma1<br />Enigma2 (beta)
| Enigma2
|
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Enigma2
| Dreambox OS
|-align=center
! [[Digital Video Broadcasting|DVB]]
| 1 × S
| 1 × S
| 1 × S
| 2 × S/C/T
| 1 × S/C/T
| 1 × S
| 1 × S/C/T
| S+S2/C/T
| 1 × S/C/T (modular)
| 2 × S+S2<br /> (2 × S/C/T optional)
| 1 × S2
| 1 × S/C/T
| 1 × S2, 1 x C+T (in total 2x DVB-S/C/T optional)
| 1 × S2
| 1 × S/C/T
| 1 × S2, 1 x C+T (in total 2x DVB-S/C/T optional)
| 2 x S2<br /> (2 * S/C/T optional)
|-align=center
! [[HDTV]]
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{partial|Yes}}<ref>7025 do support HDTV from DVB-S tuner (MPEG2 HD only) streamed to a PC; (MPEG4 H.264 doesn't work)</ref>
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
|-align=center
! [[Common Interface]]
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|4}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
|-align=center
! [[CompactFlash]]
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|MicroSD}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
|-align=center
! [[Smart card]]
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
|-align=center
! Host [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]]
| {{no}}
| {{yes|1 x 1.1}}
| {{yes|1 x 1.1}}
| {{yes|1 x 1.1}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|2 x 2.0}}
| {{yes|2 x 2.0}}
| {{yes|3 x 2.0}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|2 x 2.0}}
| {{yes|3 x 2.0}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|2 x 2.0}}
| {{yes|3 x 2.0}}
| {{yes|2 x 3.0, 2 x 2.0}}
|-align=center
! Service
| {{no}}
| {{yes|[[RS-232]]}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|USB-B}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|RS-232}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
| {{yes|MiniUSB}}
|-align=center
! [[local area network|LAN]] (Mbit/s)<!--max.; Wifi?-->
| {{partial|100 (DM5620)}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|1000}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|100}}
| {{yes|1000}}
|-align=center
! [[hard disk drive|HDD]]
| {{no}}
| {{yes|3.5 in}}
| {{yes|3.5 in}}
| {{yes|3.5 in}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|2.5 in}}
| {{yes|2.5 in, eSATA}}
| {{yes|2.5 in, eSATA}}
| {{yes|3.5 in and DVD}}
| {{yes|[[eSATA]]}}
| {{yes|2.5 in, eSATA}}
| {{yes|3.5 in + eSATA}}
| {{yes|[[eSATA]]}}
| {{yes|2.5 in, eSATA}}
| {{yes|3.5 in + eSATA}}
| {{yes|3.5 in + USB 3.0}}
|-align=center
! [[AT Attachment|ATA]]
| {{no}}
| {{yes|parallel}}<!--PATA/IDE-->
| {{yes|parallel}}
| {{yes|parallel}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|parallel}}
| {{yes|serial}}<!--SATA-->
| {{yes|serial}}<!--SATA-->
| {{yes|serial}}
| {{yes|serial}}<!--SATA-->
| {{yes|serial}}<!--SATA-->
| {{yes|serial}}
| {{yes|serial}}
| {{yes|serial}}
| {{yes|serial}}
| {{yes|serial}}
|-align=center
! [[RF connector|RF]] mod.
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
|-align=center
! [[SCART]]
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|2}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{yes|1}}
| {{no|0}}
|- align=right
! [[HDMI]] / [[HDCP]]
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{no|0 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 / -}}
| {{yes|1 x in, 1 x out / -}}
|- align=right
! [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]]
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|1**}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{yes|1**}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
| {{no|0}}
|-align=center
! Display
| {{yes|[[Liquid crystal display|LCD]]}}
| {{yes|[[Liquid crystal display|LCD]]}}
| {{yes|[[Liquid crystal display|LCD]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|multi-colour [[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes|multi-colour [[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
| {{yes|[[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]]}}
|-align=center
! LNB pass-thru
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
|-align=center
! [[S/PDIF]] Optical
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}} +RCA
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
|-align=center
! Modem
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{yes}}
| {{no}}
|-align=center
! Other connectors
|
|
|
|
|
|S-Video
|[[S-Video]]
|
| HDMI-In
|[[Component video|Component]], [[S-Video]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

* **[[HDMI]] via [[HDMI#Compatibility with DVI|DVI to HDMI adapter]].
* Remark: The new 7020hd v2 has a new Flash with another structure, that is why you need a different Linux Image. All new v2 Modells have a new TPM module inside. The rest of the Hardware is identical with the older one.

=== DM 7000 ===
[[Image:Dreambox 7000-S.jpg|thumb|DM 7000-S]]
The DM 7000 is based around the IBM STB04500 controller, featuring a PowerPC processor subsystem and hardware MPEG decoding, has 64 [[mebibyte|MiB]] of [[Random-access memory|RAM]], 8 MiB of [[Flash memory#NOR flash|NOR flash]] memory (directly executable), a [[Common Interface]] slot, a dual [[smart card]] reader, a [[CompactFlash]] card reader, a [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] 1.1 port, and an [[Parallel ATA|IDE]] (also known as [[Parallel ATA|PATA]]) interface for attaching an internal 3.5 in [[hard disk drive]] to convert the unit into a [[digital video recorder]]. Accepts only 230 V AC power.<ref>In order to use model DM 7000 within North America, a stepup [[transformer]] is needed to run the Dreambox on 230 V. This is the only model Dreambox that requires this when used in North America.</ref>

Because the boot loader resides in flash memory, this model may require the use of a [[JTAG]] in case of bad flashing which destroyed the boot loader. However, a bad flash will occur under rare scenarios, and rarely, almost never, will you need a JTAG.

=== DM 5600, DM 5620 ===

There was a DM 5600 and also a DM 5620 model. The only difference being that the DM 5620 included an Ethernet port.
Otherwise, the DM 56X0 models were a cut down version of the DM 7000 without an IDE interface. They did, however, include an [[RF modulator]] allowing them to be used with older TVs that lack a [[SCART]] connector.

=== DM 500, DM 500+, DM500HD ===

The DM500 is the successor to the DM5620 and is the smallest and cheapest Dreambox. It is based around an IBM [[STBx25xx]] Digital Set-Top Box Integrated Controller, featuring notably a 252&nbsp;MHz [[PowerPC]] processor subsystem, hardware [[MPEG-2]] video and audio decoding and smart card interfaces. The DM500 features 32&nbsp;MB of RAM and 8&nbsp;MB of NOR flash memory, of which 5&nbsp;MB are used for read-only firmware ([[cramfs]] and [[squashfs]] filesystems), 256&nbsp;kB by the boot loader and the rest by a writable [[jffs2]] filesystem.

It has the standard features of a free-to-air (FTA) satellite receiver, plus extensive [[Fast Ethernet]] networking connectivity and a single smart card reader. It does not feature a 7-segment LED display, normally found in other FTA decoders.

Also has the ability to be used on Digital satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts (also known as DVB-S, DVB-C, DVB-T).

The DM500+ model has 96&nbsp;MB of RAM instead of 32, and 32&nbsp;MB of NAND flash instead of 8&nbsp;MB of NOR flash. This makes it similar to the DM600 PVR model. It is only available in DVB-S versions.

The new DM500HD was announced in [[Cologne]] on May 26, 2009. The price will be between {{nowrap|€ 350}} and {{nowrap|€ 400}}.

=== DM 7020 ===
The DM 7020 is essentially an updated DM 7000 with 96&nbsp;MiB of RAM, 32&nbsp;MiB of [[Flash memory#NAND flash|NAND flash]] (disk-like) and an RF modulator. Changes were also made on the software side, utilizing Open Embedded for the base Linux operating system.

Because the flash memory of this model is not directly executable, the primary boot loader resides in ROM and can recover corrupted secondary boot loader in flash by loading from the serial port.

There are some [[Enigma (DVB)|Enigma]] 2 (beta) images already available for this model.

=== DM 7025, DM 7025+ ===
The DM 7025 is similar to the DM7020 but with the ability to add a second "snap-in" [[TV tuner card|tuner]] that makes it possible to watch one program while recording another. It is possible to change the tuner module, selecting between any two of Satellite, Terrestrial or Cable versions.

Internally, it features a [[Xilleon]] 226 [[system-on-a-chip]] from [[ATI Technologies|ATI]], integrating a 300&nbsp;MHz [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] CPU core instead of the traditional PowerPC found in other models, and has 128&nbsp;MiB of RAM. It uses [[Enigma (DVB)|Enigma]] 2, this is a complete rewrite of the original Enigma GUI, and is still going through growing pains as features that were present in Enigma are added to Enigma2. Enigma2 is [[Python (programming language)|Python]]-based instead of C code.

The DM 7025 has the ability to decode MPEG-2 HD as well. Unfortunately, it must downconvert this to 480i or 576i to display it.
The DM 7025+ model features an [[Organic light-emitting diode]] (OLED) display instead of an LCD one, an eject button on the Common Interface slot and improved power supply.

=== DM 600 PVR ===
The DM 600 PVR is the same small size as the DM 500 but includes an IDE interface allowing to add an internal 2.5 in laptop-type hard disk drive, the box will only recognise 5600rpm drives. On the outside it adds an [[S-Video]] output connector and an analog modem port. It is built around the same IBM STBx25xx integrated controller, but features 32&nbsp;MiB of flash and 96&nbsp;MiB of RAM, of which 64&nbsp;MiB are user-accessible. It is possible to change the tuner module, selecting between Satellite, Terrestrial and Cable versions. There is still just one SCART connector and no 7-segment LED display, just 2 status LEDs. The provided remote control unit is the same one supplied with the 7000, 7020 and 7025 and allows one to control the TV set as well.

=== DM 800HD PVR / DM 800 HD se ===
This is essentially a [[High-definition television|high definition]] version of the DM 600 [[Digital video recorder|PVR]], featuring a single pluggable [[Digital Video Broadcasting|DVB]] tuner ([[DVB-S|S]]/[[DVB-S2|S2]], [[DVB-C|C]] or [[DVB-T|T]]), a 300&nbsp;MHz [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] processor, 64&nbsp;MiB of [[Flash memory]], 256&nbsp;MiB of RAM and room for an internal [[serial ATA|SATA]] 2.5 in [[Hard disk drive|disk]]. It also features one [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI to HDMi Cable]], two [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] 2.0, one [[Serial ATA#eSATA|eSATA]] and one 10/100 Mbit/s [[Ethernet]] interfaces. It has an [[OLED]] display.

DM 800HD se was introduced in late 2010. The main differences of the DM800HD se compared to the DM 800HD are a 400&nbsp;MHz [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] processor, a HDMI connector and a color [[Organic light-emitting diode|OLED]] display. Another difference is the improved system chip in DM800se providing native DIVX support among other improvements.

=== DM 8000 HD PVR ===
[[File:DM 8000 HD PVR - 021.JPG|thumb|DM 8000 HD PVR]]
This is the [[High-definition television|high definition]] PVR. Like the DM-7025, it supports pluggable tuner modules. In addition to High Definition, it has an upgrade for a DVD drive (slot in). And it has USB 2.0. Physically on the box it has one DVI-port, but with the supplied [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI to HDMi Cable]] you get HDMI video.

Originally announced to become available in the beginning of 2007, its release date was pushed back.
The product then began shipping on 12.12.2008. The planned features were revised as well. Originally, this model was supposed to have 128&nbsp;MiB of RAM (now 256), 32&nbsp;MiB of flash (now 256&nbsp;MiB) and a 300&nbsp;MHz processor (now 400&nbsp;MHz Broadcom 7400).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/dm-8000-hd-pvr |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-10-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103003448/http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/dm-8000-hd-pvr |archive-date=2012-11-03 }} DM8000 technical data</ref> Other Linux-based HD receivers became available in the meantime.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}

In June 2012, Dream Multimedia announced the discontinuation of the DM 8000 HD PVR because several electronic components are no longer available.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130211021449/http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/dm8000-production-shut-down] DM8000 Production is shut down</ref> It was also announced, that no direct successor will be developed since Dream Multimedia is already working at "Project Goliath".

=== "Project Goliath" ===
"Project Goliath", announced in June 2012, is supposed to be a possible successor of several Dreambox models. According to Dream Multimedia, it is a "totally new hardware and software product, combining all the features of the successful Dreambox series, and indeed will go beyond that".<ref>[https://archive.today/20130210193040/http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/en/goliath-more-just-digital-tv] Goliath – more than just digital TV</ref>

== Alternative firmware and plug-ins ==
The factory-installed distribution on the Dreambox is mostly available under the [[GNU General Public License]] (GPL) and uses standard Linux [[API]]'s, including ''Linux DVB API'' and ''Linux Infrared Remote Control'' ([[LIRC]]). Several models (7025, 800 and 8000) use [[GStreamer]] as a multimedia framework. This configuration encourages enthusiasts to modify its functions, particularly in the form of so-called images.

=== Plug-ins ===
There are also many third party addons and [[Plug-in (computing)|plugins]] available that will extend the functionality of the Dreambox. Some plugins are model specific, while others run on all boxes. Plugins such as Jukebox and [[SHOUTcast]] playback, also external [[XMLTV]] guides, a [[web browser]] are available, and a [[VLC media player]] interface for on demand [[streaming media]]. Games are also abundant like [[Pac-Man]] and [[Tetris]].

In addition, unofficial third-party conditional access software modules (CAMs or emulators) are widely circulated on the [[Internet]] that [[Emulator|emulate]] the CA systems developed by [[NDS Group|NDS]] ([[VideoGuard]]), Irdeto, [[Conax]], [[Nagravision]], [[Viaccess]] and other proprietary vendors. Some Dreambox owners use these ''softcams'' in conjunction with [[card sharing]] software to access pay TV services without a subscription card inserted in every connected box. This practice may be illegal in some jurisdictions and third-party software for this purpose is neither officially endorsed nor supported by Dream Multimedia and voids the official warranty.

== Clones ==
Clones of the DM500-S are wide spread.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/english/dm500_copy_eng.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=2008-03-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312002130/http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/english/dm500_copy_eng.php |archive-date=2008-03-12 }}</ref>
As a result, Dream Multimedia introduced the DM500+, with changes to try to prevent further counterfeiting.

Clones also exist of DM500, DM800, DM800se and DM800se V2 built around the same commodity IBM SoC chip and hence having identical or slightly superior features they are also sold without the Dreambox brand name (e.g., the Envision 500S, with 48 megabytes of RAM instead of 32, also available in a 500C cable version, the Eagle box or the Linbox 5558, or Sunray DM800se). They have a retail price approaching that of non-Linux receivers, generally a fraction of the Dreambox 500 price. Since they contain a copy of the copyrighted original DM500 bootloader program, the legality of these devices is questionable.

In April 2008, Dream Multimedia allegedly introduced a time bomb into their latest flash to disable the boot loader on counterfeit models. An unofficial firmware group called Gemini who used the latest flash drivers in their firmware, found that flash corruption would be caused on clone DM500-S receivers. Other developers of unofficial firmware groups would find boxes to be affected by this if they use the latest drivers, providing another time bomb is to be introduced.

== See also ==
* [[DBox2]]
* [[Slingbox]]
* [[Vu+]]
* [[Hauppauge MediaMVP]] - another connected device based on the IBM STB02500 chip
* [[Unibox]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Dreambox}}
* [http://www.dream-multimedia-tv.de/ Dream Multimedia GmbH]
* [http://www.codeproject.com/KB/IP/PartialFTPDownloader.aspx Codeproject Open Source FTP Downloader for Dreambox]
* [http://www.linuxtv.org/docs/dvbapi/dvbapi.html Linux DVB API]
* [https://www.openvision.tech Open Vision image]

{{Linux devices}}
{{Home theater PC (application software)}}

[[Category:Satellite television]]
[[Category:Set-top box]]
[[Category:Television technology]]
[[Category:Digital video recorders]]
[[Category:Linux-based devices]]