On January 4, 2010, a mandatory software upgrade was broadcasted for the Zhongxing No. 9 satellite TV service. This update aimed to restrict unauthorized devices—such as "cottage" and "gray" set-top boxes—from accessing the full range of satellite channels. The upgrade was designed to ensure that only authorized equipment from licensed manufacturers could receive the latest programming. As a result, after the update, users could only access around 12 channels, mostly from major national TV stations.
The upgrade targeted only those devices issued during the first phase of the national bidding process. These machines were equipped with a public key provided by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT), allowing them to decrypt the updated software. In contrast, unauthorized or "gray" devices lacked this key and were unable to install the upgrade. Without the decryption key, these devices were effectively blocked from receiving the new software, and thus could not access the expanded channel lineup.
Each authorized device came with a unique serial number, which allowed the system to control which units received the upgrade. For example, if a manufacturer produced 10,000 units, only those within a specific serial number range would be eligible for the update. This helped limit the number of devices that could be upgraded, ensuring that only legitimate users benefited from the changes.
Additionally, each manufacturer had its own unique code embedded in the software. This meant that the upgrade files were encrypted using a private key associated with that manufacturer. Only devices with the corresponding key could successfully decrypt and apply the update. Unauthorized manufacturers did not have access to these keys, making it nearly impossible for their devices to pass the upgrade check.
As part of the upgrade, the broadcast parameters were also changed. This required all receiving devices to automatically scan for new programs. However, due to the encryption and restrictions, most gray or unlicensed devices could not complete the scan properly. They ended up only receiving the 12 pre-approved channels, while the remaining 34 channels became inaccessible unless the PID codes were manually updated.
Although some gray devices could still be upgraded through a computer's serial port or USB interface, the process was complex and not widely accessible. Meanwhile, the official upgrade via satellite ensured that only the authorized machines could fully benefit from the new content. This move was not just about technical control—it was also a way to manage and regulate the market, limiting the impact of unauthorized devices.
There are currently four main methods to upgrade the Zhongxing No. 9 set-top boxes: over-the-air upgrades, computer-based serial port updates, direct machine-to-machine data line upgrades, and USB-based upgrades for certain models like the Sunplus-based Digimon series. Despite this, many manufacturers struggled to obtain the necessary tools or software. Instead, independent developers began sharing tutorials and custom upgrade files, enabling some users to bypass the restrictions.
This ongoing battle between official controls and user-driven solutions highlights the challenges of maintaining digital rights and access in the broadcasting industry. While the SARFT and satellite operators continue to enforce strict regulations, the persistence of tech-savvy users suggests that the fight for open access is far from over.
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