Firmware for Rostelecom set-top box for free viewing of channels

It is very difficult to imagine everyday life without digital technologies. This applies, for example, to digital television, due to which the quality of broadcasting has significantly improved. There are set-top boxes for this purpose. In addition, the user can independently perform manipulations to guide the viewing process. In addition to rewinding a football match or program, you can pause the viewing and record. But in order to fully use the device, you need to know how to flash the Rostelecom set-top box. Updating the software allows you to perform all activities without interference. This is somewhat reminiscent of the process of reinstalling Windows on a personal computer.

Reflashing the Rostelecom set-top box: losses and gains

Let's try to figure out what the firmware of the Rostelecom set-top box provides and what risks exist when carrying out this procedure. The most popular model of the operator’s set-top boxes is IPTV RT-STB-HD Standart. Technically, it is a complete copy of the MAG-250, developed by the Ukrainian manufacturer Infomir with the functionality reduced by Rostelecom firmware. And in order to return the set-top box to its original capabilities, you need to reflash it to the original MAG-250.

The latest IPTV RT-STB-HD Standart models are produced by Rostelecom with its own remote control, which is unsuitable for controlling the MAG-250 due to the absence of some functional buttons on it.

In this case, you will have to use not only the standard firmware from Infomir, but also a modified one. There is a nuance - from experience it is easier to first install standard firmware, and only then, if necessary, upload a modified one to it.

First, about the losses : when updating the iptv firmware of the Rostelecom set-top box, the operator’s interactive services will become unavailable, since access to them is provided by the original software. This is where the disadvantages probably end.

Among the acquisitions : a home media center with support for WI-FI and DLNA, as well as the ability to watch TV channels from a playlist without operator tariff restrictions.

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a standard that allows you to combine various multimedia devices into a single user network.

Rostelecom is constantly expanding its 3G coverage area and even outside the city you can use the Internet at high speed. Find out how to set up a 3G modem from Rostelecom.

You can find out how to connect the Rostelecom set-top box to two TVs here.

Firmware for Rostelecom TV set-top box: preparatory procedures

If you have read to this section, the question is: “Is it possible to reflash the Rostelecom set-top box?” not standing in front of you. The procedure is quite simple and usually ends in success. All that remains is to figure out what is needed for this.

So, to flash the Rostelecom TV set-top box, you will need:

Hardware: PC with cable for connecting the set-top box;
software: mcast.exe, any dhcp server (one of the most convenient and popular is dualserver), the current version of the official firmware, if necessary, a modified version.

All downloaded software must be placed in one folder created in the root of drive C. For the convenience of further explanation, we will call the folder infomir.

This completes the preliminary stage of flashing the Rostelecom iptv set-top box. Now let's get to the fun part.

How to flash a Rostelecom set-top box: step-by-step instructions

If you have completed all the preparations and feel the strength to start, let's get started. Let's look at step by step how to reflash the Rostelecom set-top box.

Firstly, you need to reset the set-top box to the initial, default factory settings. Firmware for the Rostelecom TV set-top box can be completed successfully without this procedure, but it’s better not to risk it.

Keep in mind that the Default button on the rear panel of the set-top box, seemingly intended for this purpose, does not work. Therefore, you need to reset the settings through the menu - item Def. Settings. After the message “Set default settings. Press OK" press OK and exit the menu saving the changes - select "Exit & Save".

Next, the flashing process is performed on the computer. In the main menu, select Run and in the Open line and type ncpa.cpl, and then click OK. In the list of network connections, select the required one, call the context menu for it and go to Properties. At the bottom of the tab there is a list of components used by this connection. Open “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and double-click on the protocol properties. Enter the IP address - 192.168.1.1 and subnet mask - 255.255.255.0.

Then the DHCP Server service starts. Win+R → cmd→ C:infomirdualserver –v (full path to the program).

Find out how to program the Rostelecom remote control.

You can read about the benefits of the Social tariff from the mobile operator Rostelecom here.

Having launched mcast.exe, click on “Local Area Connection” (IP 192.168.1.1) and click Select on the right side of the window. In the program window you need to enter the values of the IP addresses of the processes: 224.50.0.70:9000 for thread No. 1, 224.50.0.51:9001 - for thread No. 2. Click the start button for both streams. The set-top box is connected to the PC and in its main menu, select the command Upgrade Tools → MC Upgrade. As a result of these actions, the firmware will be downloaded and saved in the console’s memory. We reboot the device and - voila - the new media center is ready to work.

Connection and setup

To connect the tuner, you must have a router that is equipped with LAN ports. This is required to connect the receiver to the Internet. You also need a TV and the set-top box itself. If the distance between the equipment and the router is more than 3 meters, the user will have to purchase a patch cord. You can purchase it at a computer hardware store. When all the components are ready, you can start connecting. You can do this in the following ways:

via HDMI cable;
using “Tulips”;
using SCART.

To get a high-quality signal, it is better to use an HDMI cable. If your TV supports such a connection, then it is better to use it.

If this port is already occupied by other wires, then an AV cable can be used for connection. On one side of this cord there is a mini-jack, on the other there are “tulips”. In this case, a mini-jack is attached to the set-top box, and the “tulips” are placed in the TV ports. Color coding is required. The white and red cord transmit sound, and the yellow one is responsible for the image.

When the TV has a SCART connector on the rear panel, you can use an RCA-SCART adapter; it is included in the basic equipment set. This type of connection features a metal box that has 20 built-in contacts.

note

The equipment can only be connected to a TV. If the user tries to connect it to a laptop or computer, the tuner will not work. In addition to the fact that a connection to the TV is required for the receiver to work, an Internet connection is required

For this, a Wi-Fi adapter, an Internet cable and a PLC are provided.

In addition to requiring a connection to the TV, for the receiver to work, you need an Internet connection. For this, a Wi-Fi adapter, an Internet cable and a PLC are provided.

Via cable

The power supply should be connected to the receiver, but you do not need to plug it into the network yet. The set-top box and the router are connected to each other using an Ethernet cable. The LAN port is connected to the device, and the other end is inserted into the router. Next, you will need a “tulip” or an HDMI cable; with their help, the equipment is connected to the TV.

Via Wi-Fi

Experts believe that the best way to connect is Wi-Fi. But in order for the device to transmit a high-quality signal, you will need to purchase additional Wi-Fi adapters. There are several options for connecting an IPTV set-top box, it all depends on the brand of TV. The simplest option will be described here, which does not require knowledge of computer programs and systems:

the set-top box and the TV are connected using a “tulip” or HDMI cable;
The Wi-Fi adapter is connected to the equipment from the back;
The Freedom cable should be inserted into the router port to distribute the network.

After this, you can turn on the TV and check the operation of the system. If problems arise, the settings can be made using the remote control.

PLC adapter

The use of adapters is considered a convenient and high-quality option for connecting a receiver. To use this method, you should purchase a set of adapters from Rostelecom. The procedure is performed like this:

the adapter is connected to the receiver, after which the equipment is connected to the network;
The TV and tuner are connected with an HDMI cable or using a “tulip”;
The PLC is connected to the set-top box and then connected to the network;
You will also need a second adapter; connect it to the router and insert the plug into the socket.

After connecting, the devices will find each other automatically, and then communication will be established.

note

After loading the equipment, the light on the set-top box should not blink, it will simply remain on.

What is needed for flashing

To flash a TV set-top box from Rostelecom, you need to go through four steps:

Preparation.
Reset settings.
Official firmware.
Alternative firmware.

It is important to understand that not all models can be reflashed. The instructions described below are suitable for the MAG-200, MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD Standart brands.

There are two ways to flash a Rostelecom set-top box:

By Multicast.
C USB flash drives.

Preparation

Before you begin the software update process, you must have the following ready:

A PC or laptop that includes a network card for connecting to the Internet;
a special cable (LAN), with which the set-top box will be connected to the computer (if the firmware is flashed via multicast);
flash card less than 8 GB (for the USB flashing method);
Infomir firmware program (available at https://soft.infomir.com/mag250/release/);
DHCP server and MCAST utilities (can be downloaded from the link https://yadi.sk/d/PJxJM6KJsY7US and https://yadi.sk/d/wQdEmBL2sY7Wx).

It is best to flash the device in two stages: first with the official firmware, then with an alternative firmware to remove restrictions.

Reset settings

For the firmware process to work correctly, it is recommended that you start resetting the receiver to factory settings. This can be done using a special “DEFAULT” button, which is located on the back panel of the device and is slightly pressed into its body to protect it from accidental pressing.

If after pressing the button nothing happens. Resetting the settings can be done through the main menu by selecting “Default settings”. Confirming the selected command will delete the parameters.

Reset settings

This is perhaps the most important step in the preparation process before flashing your hardware. Without resetting to factory settings, stability in the operation of the set-top box cannot be guaranteed. There is nothing complicated in this procedure.

Before resetting to factory settings, you must remember your username and password to log into your account. Without this information, you will not be able to log in.

The first way to reset to factory settings is by pressing a button. Just one touch, after which the firmware will be reset to zero. The corresponding button is located on the back panel of all set-top boxes provided by Rostelecom. This may not be a SmartLabs product.

Official firmware from USB flash drive

Download the Informir software version.
Upload the bootstrap and imageupdate files to the “Mag250” folder on the prepared removable media.
Insert the flash drive into a special slot on the device body.
Go to the console menu.
Follow the path: “System settings” - “Setup” - “Update software” - “Update via USB” - “Start update”.
Check the serviceability and correctness of the files copied to the flash drive.
Click "OK".

If an error occurs during the installation process, do the following:

delete data from the memory card and write it again;
check the folder name for errors and correct them;
start the process in another way.

The second way to launch firmware from a flash drive:

Insert a USB flash drive with downloaded files into the receiver.
Press and hold the “Menu” button on the remote control.
In the Bios settings, select the Upgrade Tools section.
And enable USB Bootstrap.

After installing the new firmware, the set-top box will reboot.

Official firmware via Multicast

To reflash the receiver via Multicast you need to:

Copy the Bootstrap, imageupdate, mcast, dualserver files into one folder on your computer.
Connect the set-top box.
Go to the BIOS settings (by holding down the “Menu” button).
Select the Upgrade Tools section.
Connect the receiver to the computer via a LAN cable.
Go to network connection properties.
Select the sub-item “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
Enter the data: IP address - 192.168.1.1, subnet mask - 255.255.255.0.
Run the “dualserver” file from the folder via the command line (the command line is called by the WIN+X button combination).
Run file
Select the changed connection type.
Press the “SELECT” button.
Enter the data in the window that appears:
IP – address of the first stream – 224.50.0.70:9000;
IP address of the second stream is 224.50.0.51:9001.
Click "Start" for both streams.
Wait for the process to complete.
Open the BIOS settings of the set-top box again.
Select the path “Upgrade Tools - MC Upgrade”.
Receive a message about the start and end of the firmware.
Reboot the receiver.

This completes the official flashing process. To get more advanced set-top box capabilities, you must install an alternative option.

How to flash: step by step instructions

It is important to understand that firmware for a Rostelecom set-top box for free TV viewing is a complex job that requires several steps:

preparatory work;
resetting existing data;
downloading new software (official);
alternative firmware.

To avoid confusion, we will consider each of the stages in detail. Let us immediately note that firmware for a TV set-top box is possible in two ways - via a flash drive or using Multicast.

Preparatory work

Before you flash your Rostelecom TV set-top box with new software and get the opportunity to watch channels for free, follow the preparatory steps. Algorithm of actions:

Prepare your computer or laptop, connect the equipment to a stable Internet. You won’t be able to do this work using an Android phone or another OS.
Buy or find a LAN cable necessary to connect the set-top box to a PC (if the software will be downloaded using Multicast).

Find a memory card with a size of 8 GB or more (if USB will be used to flash the console).
Download the Infomir software from the URL soft.infomir.com/mag250/release/ or the firmware from the Rostelecom website support.ab.ru/settings/actual_firmware.

Download utilities for MCAST or DHCP server. This information is easy to find on the Internet.

To flash the Rostelecom set-top box for all channels, you need to act in two stages. First install the official software, and then install the alternative software to eliminate the limits.

Reset data

After preparing the equipment, you need to reset the existing settings of the TV set-top box to factory settings. For this:

find the Default or Reset button on the rear panel;
press it with a thin object;
hold the button for a while until the reboot starts.

Alternatively, reset the settings to install new Rostelecom firmware for a TV set-top box with free channels through the menu. To do this, you need to enter it and find the “Reset settings” item. After confirming the command, the device restarts.

Downloading official software using a flash drive

If you managed to download the firmware for the Rostelecom set-top box and reset the settings, you can proceed to the next step - downloading the program.

Via the menu

The easiest way is to download software through the menu. The algorithm is like this:

Download the official software from the links discussed above (depending on the model).
Create a folder on your USB device with the name of your TV set-top box model.
Place the downloaded software in this folder.
Install the USB flash drive into the tuner and turn on the equipment.
Enter settings.
Go to the Software Update section and select Update via USB. This item is located along the path System settings, then Setup and update the software.
Click on the confirm button.

If everything is done correctly, you can flash a Rostelecom TV set-top box in 5-10 minutes. Much depends on the model and power.

If you encounter difficulties during the download process, try the following:

delete the information from the memory card and write it down again;
make sure the folder name is correct, and if there are errors, correct them;
use another reinstallation method.

Via BIOS

This method is used if it was not possible to download the firmware using the previous method. Do the following:

Install the flash drive into the receiver.
Press and hold the menu button on the remote control.
In BIOS settings, select Upgrate Tools.
Enable the USB Bootstrap option.

The second option is also simple, but requires certain knowledge and attention. If in doubt, it is better to contact a specialist.

Downloading software using Multicast

If the option with a flash drive is not suitable, another method is available - installing official or custom firmware for the Rostelecom set-top box via Multicast. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

Create a separate folder on your PC and copy mcast, bootstrap, imageupdate and dualserver into it.
Connect the set-top box to your household network.
Enter the BIOS settings by long pressing the Menu button.
Select Upgrade Tool.
Connect the receiver and PC using a LAN cable.
Go to network connection properties.
Select Internet Protocol TCP/IPv4.
Enter the IP data - 192.168.1.1.
Specify the mask - 255.255.255.0.
Open the dualserver file using the command line.
Launch it and select your connection type.
Click on the Select button.
Enter the information in the window that appears. So, for the IP of the first stream it is 224.50.0.70:9000, and for the second - 224.50.0.51:9001.
Click on Start for both streams.
Wait for the process to complete.
Press Menu again and enter Bios.
Enter Upgrade Tools and MC Upgrade.
Wait for information about the start and completion of the firmware.
Restart the equipment.

This completes the download of the official software.

Alternative firmware

The next stage is the firmware of the Rostelecom TV set-top box for all channels without a subscription fee. Alternative software is already used here. Before performing all work, prepare a USB flash drive for loading. For this:

Look for USBs that are 8GB or larger.
Format the drive using FAT.
Create a folder named mag250.
Transfer bootstrap and imageupdate to the media.

After this, the Rostelecom IPTV set-top box is flashed for all channels. There are two ways here - do the work through the menu or BIOS.

Method No. 1 (via menu):

Enter Settings from the menu.
Click on the Setup button.
Select the Software Update section.
Find the USB update.
Click on the Start button.
Check that the required data is available on the USB drive.
Click Start.
Wait for the reboot.

Or use the BIOS method? which we described above. If difficulties arise at any stage, you can repeat the entire procedure from scratch.

Alternative firmware

Before you start, you must also prepare a bootable USB flash drive:

Select a flash card no larger than 8GB.
Format it in FAT system
Create a folder “mag250” on the media.
Transfer the Bootstrap and imageupdate files to it.

Alternative firmware via the console menu

Open the “Settings” section in the device menu.
Press the “SETUP” button.
Select the “Software Update” section.
Find “Update via USB”.
Click "Start".
Check the integrity of the data on the media.
Click "Start".

After the update is completed, the bailiff will reboot on its own.

Alternative firmware via BIOS parameters

The flashing process from BIOS is similar to the method described above with the standard version.

Open the BIOS (while turning on the device, press and hold the Menu button).
Open "Upgrade Tools" and "USB Bootstrap".
Insert the removable drive into the special USB connector on the receiver body.
Click "OK".
Wait until the firmware is installed and the system reboots.

Blog about modems, routers and gpon ont terminals.

For many users of Rostelecom digital television, it has long been no secret that channels can be watched using a playlist without tariff restrictions. And Rostelecom is in no hurry to close this opportunity. The playlist can be launched on a computer using VLC player, or on Smart TVs using widgets. The playlist can also be launched on several models of Rostelecom TV set-top boxes - MAG-200, MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD Standart. It is on these set-top boxes that you can download the standard firmware from the manufacturer (Infomir) and use all the advantages of a very good media center with WiFi and DLNA. This instruction will also be very useful for those who, when connecting to digital television from Rostelecom, bought a TV set-top box, and after some time they turned off and now the set-top box lies as a dead weight. Now this situation can be corrected and I will tell you how to flash MAG-250 and its clone copy IPTV RT-STB-HD with Rostelecom on Infomir.

What advantages does the new firmware provide?

The main advantage that a user who decides to unlock everything that was previously inaccessible receives is the ability to watch TV for free without operator restrictions. A nice bonus, in addition to the ability to watch all channels, will be the availability of a home media center service with support for WI-FI and DLNA.

The disadvantage that the firmware of the Rostelecom set-top box contains is the loss of operator services that provide the original personal software installed by the provider.

Preparation for firmware MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD

To flash TV set-top boxes with Rostelecom software (Smartlabs) to Infomir software, you will need: - a computer or laptop with an Ethernet network card. — network cable (patch cord) for connecting the set-top box to the computer. - programs - mcast.exe and dhcp server (for example, dualserver). - latest version of official firmware - link. You need to download the Bootstrap file (bootstrap) and imageupdate (firmware). It is best to flash your MAG-250 with alternative firmware after you have flashed it with the official one. Otherwise, you risk fiddling around for a long time with zero results.

Standard connection setup diagrams and equipment

First, it’s worth figuring out how to connect a TV set-top box to a TV via a router, exactly how the signal for interactive television is supplied via the Internet.

What is included in the set-top box:

The device itself;
Power unit;
AV cable;
Wires “Tulips”;
Remote control;
Network cable;
Composite cable;
Guarantee;
User manual.

If the user wants to have high quality image and sound, then it is better for him to use an HDMI cable to connect the set-top box to the TV. This cable is not included with the set-top box, so it must be purchased additionally.

To set up a TV via a set-top box, you must first connect it to the router, to do this you need to do the following:

The Ethernet cable must be inserted into the appropriate ports on the set-top box and router;
It is possible to connect a TV through a set-top box using wireless Internet. However, in this case, you will need additional equipment: an IPTV receiver, as well as a router that communicates with the receiver;
The most expensive way is to purchase a special PLC adapter for the socket.

Firmware MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD

Step 1. Place the downloaded firmware, the mcast.exe program and the DHCP server in one folder at the root of the C: drive. For example - C:mag250. Please note that to flash the firmware for the TV set-top box, there must be 2 files in the folder: Bootstrap and imageupdate. Therefore, the downloaded Bootstrap_250 file will need to be renamed simply to Bootstrap. It's the same with imageupdate. The contents of the folder should look like this:

Step 2. On the network card through which we will connect the set-top box, we need to register the IP address 192.168.1.1 and the mask 255.255.255.0. To do this, press the key combination Win+R and in the open window write the command ncpa.cpl

Step 3. We connect the LAN port of the MAG-250 TV set-top box and the computer’s network card with a cable.

Step 4. Turn on the MAG-250 set-top box and immediately press the Menu button several times. The BIOS of the TV set-top box should open:

In some cases, the software will not load until you reset the device config using the “Def.Settings” item.

Step 5. Launch the DHCP server on the computer. In the case of the DualServer I proposed, you need to launch the Windows command line. To do this, press the Win+X key combination and select “Command Prompt (Administrator)” from the menu that opens. In it we write the command: C: mag250dualserver.exe -v Press Enter to start the server.

Step 6. Run the mcast.exe program to broadcast the bootloader and firmware. When launched, it will ask you to select the desired network interface:

Select IP: 192.168.1.1, Local Area Connection and press the Select button. The main program window will open:

Here you will need to correct the address in the first stream (Stream 1). The broadcast address for MAG-250 should be: 224.50.0.70:9000. The address of the second stream should be: 224.50.0.51:9001. Click the Start button on both streams. The bootloader and firmware will be broadcast via multicast:

Step 7. In the BIOS of the set-top box, select the “Upgrade Tools” item:

Next, you need to select “MC Upgrade”. The console will begin to catch the bootloader:

After loading Bootdtrap, the console will write: Bootstrap message: Reception of an image is started! This means that your STB set-top box has started downloading the firmware. This inscription should change to “Bootstrap message: Writing image to flash”.

After the set-top box writes the firmware into memory, it should display the message: Writing image to flash successfull!

After this, the TV set-top box should reboot and your MAG-250 or IPTV RT-STB-HD should start with the new firmware.

Alternative firmware for MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD

Firmware from DNA and Impulse

DNA firmware for MAG-250, Aura HD and IPTV RT-STB-HD Standart turned out to be the only sensible and worthwhile alternative firmware. The rest were minimally modified variations of the regular Infomir firmware.

Update 2021: Since there is no more DNA firmware at the moment, the only worthy alternative is Impulse . You can download it from here - link.

Differences from the official Infomir firmware: - TV program from tv.mail.ru/yandex.ru. — Setting the audio track for each IP-TV stream separately. — Integrated torrent client and samba. — Support for custom menus in the internal portal. — Added support for the Rostelecom remote control. — Added the “Sleep” function (On the Infomir remote control there is a button next to the power supply). — Recording the broadcast to a network drive (NET-USB, connection via the menu in the media browser). — Quick switching between the last 2 channels. — Added autostart of iptv broadcast (TV mode). — Preservation of the screen aspect ratio and the last watched channel when rebooting the set-top box (TV mode). — Package manager (via SSH). — Automatic recovery of set-top box files after firmware update.

Installing Alternative firmware for MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD

Before flashing the MAG-250 or IPTV RT-STB-HD TV set-top box with alternative firmware, it is first recommended to install the usual software from Infomir. If you try to flash directly from Rostelecom (Smartlabs) to an alternative firmware, problems may arise. Yes, and you can continue to flash it via USB.

Firmware for MAG-250 and IPTV RT-STB-HD with Rostelecom on Infomir: 838 comments

Pavel - no, you can’t. They are not interchangeable.

Apparently the freebie is over. There is nothing special to advise here: if you want to watch all channels, go to the official software.

There is an RT-STB-HD set-top box with a remote control from Rostelecom. Please advise the firmware so that this remote control is also supported. Very necessary.

Hello. Tell. Prefix mag250 firmware bottom. The other day all channels stopped showing. Can Rostelecom block the signal? Or maybe it needs to be activated again somehow?

Andrey - what firmware do you have? Is the service officially activated?

The mag250 prefix from RT, I just can’t get into the BIOS. I press the menu button on the remote control, but it doesn’t react at all.

Andrey, if the set-top box was activated, then everything is shown on the latest firmware version. Perhaps you just have an old firmware, you need to update. Forum four padea to help.

In the near future, I think everything should fall off due to a change in the verimatrix version.

Is it possible to view encrypted channels on Impulse firmware?

As far as I know, no.

Just a man! Everything is simple and accessible. Everything worked out almost without problems! Thanks for the useful information, site! I jumped off this shitty Rostelecom. I watch free TV for pennies. I hope I will)))

Hello, the channels and all services do not work, I think it’s because of the Internet, it is connected via a cable from the router. How can I configure the Internet on this firmware? Thank you in advance

Hello. .

I posted the one that was available in the VK group.

Hello, I'm stuck on step 7, the BIOS does not open, I press the menu button but nothing happens. Help me please.

Most likely you are not getting there at the right time.

I still have a set-top box from Rostelecom Promsvyaz IPTV HD MINI I can’t read further, it’s covered with a sticker.. what can I do with it if I switch to another provider?. or I’ll have to throw it away.. thanks in advance

If another provider does not support it, then nothing.