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Gi Spark 2 Combo - User Manual

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Spark 2 Combo
Quick Start Guide
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Summary

Packing List

Included Components

Lists essential items included in the box for the device setup.

Remote Control Unit

Button Functions

Details the purpose and operation of each button on the remote control.

Mouse Activation

Explains how to activate and use the mouse function with the remote.

Device Panels Overview

Front Panel

Describes the components visible on the front of the Spark2 Combo device.

Rear Panel

Details the connection ports and indicators on the rear of the device.

Preparation and Connection

Connecting Cables

Guides on connecting satellite, terrestrial/cable, and TV cables for initial setup.

Power ON;OFF

Explains how to power the device ON/OFF and manage standby modes for power saving.

First Time Installation

Language Selection

Guides the user through selecting the preferred language for the device interface.

Network Configuration

Details how to configure network settings via Ethernet or Wi-Fi for internet connectivity.

Date and Time Settings

Explains how to set the date, time, and GMT offset for accurate timekeeping.

Resolution Setting

Guides on selecting the optimal video resolution for the connected TV display.

Simple Install Procedure

Outlines the process for configuring satellite tuners and scanning for channels.

Multi-screen Interactive Functions

Mobile App Control

Describes using a mobile app to control the device and stream content.

Web Interface Access

Explains controlling the device and accessing information via a web browser.

DLNA Media Sharing

Details how to use the device as a DLNA client or server for media sharing.

Advanced Connectivity Features

Airplay and Miracast

Covers streaming content from iOS/Android devices using Airplay and Miracast.

Media Playback Capabilities

Lists supported audio, video, and image formats for the media player.

Spark2 Combo App Store

Explains how to download and install applications from the device's app store.

Technical Specifications

Hardware Specifications

Provides detailed information on the device's processor, memory, tuners, and ports.

Operating Parameters

Lists the operational and storage temperature ranges and power consumption details.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues and Solutions

Offers solutions for common problems like no video, audio issues, and remote control malfunctions.

Overview

The Spark 2 Combo is a versatile multimedia receiver designed to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience, integrating various functionalities for television viewing, media playback, and interactive features. This quick start guide outlines its setup, operation, and troubleshooting, ensuring users can maximize its capabilities.

Function Description

The Spark 2 Combo serves as a digital receiver capable of processing satellite (DVB-S/S2) and terrestrial/cable (DVB-T/T2/DVB-C) signals, allowing users to access a wide range of television channels. Beyond its primary function as a TV receiver, it acts as a powerful media player, supporting numerous audio and video formats. It also incorporates smart features, enabling network connectivity for online content, multi-screen interaction, and application management. The device is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU, ensuring smooth performance for its various operations.

Usage Features

Initial Setup:

Upon first power-on, the Spark 2 Combo initiates an easy installation process. This begins with language selection, where users can choose their preferred language using the UP/DOWN keys and confirm with OK. Following this, network settings are configured. The device supports both wired (LAN) and wireless (WIFI) connections. For wired connections, users can configure network settings via the Ethernet submenu, with options for DHCP on (automatic IP detection) or DHCP off (manual IP entry). For wireless connections, the WIFI submenu displays available WLANs, requiring a password for secure networks. Additionally, the device supports 3G network connectivity via an external 3G USB dongle, with specific parameters needing to be entered.

Time settings are the next step, allowing users to set the time manually or automatically via DVB or network mode. This includes selecting the time mode and GMT offset. Finally, resolution settings are configured, where users select the desired resolution (e.g., 720P 60HZ, 1080P 60HZ, 2160P 30HZ) based on their HD TV set.

Channel Installation:

After initial settings, the Simple Install menu appears. This allows configuration of satellite and terrestrial/cable tuners. Users can configure one satellite with direct connection, up to 4 satellites with DiSEqC 1.0, or up to 16 satellites with DiSEqC 1.1. For terrestrial/cable, one tuner can be configured. The process involves selecting the DiSEqC type, LNB type, and the desired satellite. A scan can then be initiated to search for channels, displaying progress and found programs. If the initial installation is exited without completing the channel search, the Advanced Install App can be used later to find more channels.

Remote Control Unit:

The remote control unit is central to operating the Spark 2 Combo. Key functions include:

  • Power: Turns the receiver on or off.
  • MUTE: Mutes or unmutes the receiver's sound.
  • SETTING: Provides a shortcut to System Settings.
  • XBMC: A shortcut to run XBMC.
  • APP STORE: A shortcut to run the APP STORE.
  • BACK: Returns to the previous menu.
  • Menu: Accesses application functions.
  • OK: Confirms selections.
  • <</>>: Moves left or right on the screen.
  • Home: Returns to the receiver's portal.
  • Color Keys: Accesses application-specific key functions.
  • V+/V-: Adjusts receiver's volume.
  • Cursor: Enables or disables mouse function (OK key acts as left mouse button; unavailable on TV screen).
  • EPG: Displays Electronic Program Guide information.
  • INFO: Displays detailed channel, program, or application information.
  • FIND: Searches for channels, programs, or applications.
  • Num. keys: Enters specific channel numbers or values.
  • Record: Records programs to local storage (e.g., USB stick).
  • F1: Accesses application's complement functions.
  • P+/P-: Pages up/down.
  • Left/Right: Moves highlight left/right.
  • Up/Down: Moves highlight up/down.

Multi-screen Interactive Functions:

The Spark 2 Combo offers several interactive features:

  • Mobile APP: A free mobile app allows users to control the Spark 2 Combo box via smartphone and stream content to iOS or Android devices.
  • Web Interface: A web interface enables control of the box via a browser on a PC or mobile device. Users can watch TV, look up EPG information, set timers, send messages, and use a virtual remote control.
  • DLNA: The device can act as a DLNA client to play audio, video, and photo files from a DLNA media server on the local network. It can also function as a DLNA media server to share files with other client devices, provided "Storage Share" is enabled in network settings.
  • Airplay: When connected to the local network via WiFi, users can turn on Airplay in settings to stream photos, videos, and music from iPhone/iPad devices to the Spark 2 Combo box.
  • Miracast: Miracast allows duplication of an Android device's screen onto the Spark 2 Combo box for viewing HD movies, playing music, or using apps on a larger display. This feature requires a Miracast-compatible Android device and works only within a WiFi-connected LAN network, with the Spark 2 Combo box running the Miracast APP.

Media Playback:

The Spark 2 Combo features a powerful media player that supports a wide array of container formats (e.g., MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, VOB, TS) and audio codecs (e.g., AAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV). It also supports various image formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF).

Spark 2 Combo App Store:

Users can download and install applications from the Spark 2 Combo App Store. If an application is not available there, users can download Android application files (.apk) from the internet and install them.

Maintenance Features

Power Management:

The Spark 2 Combo offers different power-off options:

  • Complete Power Shutdown: Removing the power supply completely shuts down the device, resulting in a longer boot time upon restart.
  • Standby Mode: Pressing the power key puts the device into standby. The Spark 2 Combo includes a power-saving standby mode (located in [Setting > System > Misc. Setting > Standby Mode]). If set to "Standby," the system is not fully shut down, allowing for a quicker restart. If set to "Deep Standby," power consumption is further reduced, and this mode is recommended for energy saving.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:

  • No video on TV: Check power, video cable connection (HDMI/AV), satellite cable connection, channel availability, and smartcard access for encrypted channels.
  • Problem with audio quality: Verify audio cable connection, volume levels on TV and receiver, mute status, and audio option selection.
  • Poor audio and video quality: Check for antenna obstructions (snow, heavy rain), satellite antenna orientation, and LNB damage.
  • Remote control problem: Check battery level, point the remote directly at the receiver, and ensure no obstructions block the front panel display.
  • Channel search problem: Verify tuner configurations and antenna cable connections.
  • Encrypted channel viewing problem: Ensure the correct smartcard is inserted, re-insert it if necessary, and check if the system detects the smartcard correctly.
  • Recording problem: Confirm the USB external device is properly connected, has sufficient space, and there are no conflicts between recordings.

These features collectively make the Spark 2 Combo a versatile and user-friendly device for diverse entertainment needs.

Gi Spark 2 Combo Specifications

General IconGeneral
Operating SystemLinux
Conditional AccessConax
DVB TunerDVB-S2/T2/C
Video ResolutionUp to 1080p
Wi-Fi802.11 b/g/n
BluetoothNo
Video OutputHDMI
Audio OutputRCA
ConnectorsHDMI, USB, Ethernet
PortsHDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet
Remote ControlIR remote control included