Dvbv5scan Initial File
The dvbv5-scan initial file is a crucial configuration component for scanning digital TV frequencies on Linux systems. Unlike standard channel lists that store discovered services, an initial file contains the basic tuning parameters—such as frequency, modulation, and symbol rate—required for the dvbv5-scan tool to lock onto a transponder and begin identifying available services. Initial File Format and Syntax
The modern DVBv5 format is based on a series of key/value properties. Each transponder entry is typically started with a label in brackets, followed by technical specifications: [CHANNEL]: The header for a new transponder entry.
DELIVERY_SYSTEM: Specifies the standard, such as DVBT, DVBT2, DVBC/ANNEX_A, ATSC, or DVBS2.
FREQUENCY: The center frequency of the transponder in Hertz.
BANDWIDTH_HZ: (For DVB-T/T2) The channel bandwidth, often 8000000 (8 MHz).
MODULATION: The constellation type, such as QAM/256, QAM/64, or VSB/8.
SYMBOL_RATE: (For DVB-S/C) The symbol rate in symbols per second. Example DVB-T Entry: dvbv5scan initial file
[CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT FREQUENCY = 474000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 Use code with caution. Where to Find Initial Files
Most Linux distributions package these files within the dtv-scan-tables or dvb-tools packages. Common locations include:
/usr/share/dvbv5/: The default directory for DVBv5 formatted files. /usr/share/dvb/: Often used for legacy DVBv3 files.
The LinuxTV dtv-scan-tables repository on GitHub provides the most up-to-date collection for various countries and regions. How to Create or Generate Initial Files
If a file for your specific transmitter or cable provider is missing, you can create one manually or use automated tools:
Manual Creation: Open a text editor and enter the known transponder data using the syntax shown above. The dvbv5-scan initial file is a crucial configuration
Using w_scan: The w_scan utility is an intelligent scanner that does not require an initial file. It can be used to generate one for future use with dvbv5-scan:
Command: w_scan -fa -A2 -x > initial_file.conf (Example for ATSC).
Legacy Conversion: If you have an old DVBv3 file, use dvb-format-convert to transform it:
Command: dvb-format-convert -I channel -O dvbv5 legacy_file dvbv5_initial_file. Running dvbv5-scan with an Initial File
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
The dvbv5-scan Initial File: A Configuration Reference
When setting up a digital video broadcasting (DVB) tuner on Linux, the dvbv5-scan tool is the industry standard for frequency scanning. Unlike older tools, it relies on a specific configuration format—often called the "initial file" or "scan file"—to define the tuning parameters. The dvbv5-scan Initial File: A Configuration Reference When
This piece covers the file structure, where to find pre-made files, and how to write one from scratch.
Troubleshooting: No Initial File / Scan Finds Nothing
If scanning yields zero services, follow this diagnostic flowchart:
File Format and Location
The initial files are plain text files with a simple, human-readable structure. Example snippet for DVB-T (Europe):
# 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
[FREQUENCY] FREQ = 546000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT ...
For DVB-C (cable), entries may include SYMBOL_RATE and MODULATION (e.g., QAM256). For DVB-S/S2 satellite, you'll find SYMBOL_RATE, POLARIZATION, FREQ in MHz, etc.