Introduction
The DreamBox 800 is a digital video broadcasting (DVB) set‑top box that was marketed primarily in the early 2010s as an affordable solution for consumers wishing to receive satellite, cable, and terrestrial television signals. Produced by Dream Multimedia, a company headquartered in the United States, the device positioned itself as a low‑cost alternative to the more expensive models offered by mainstream manufacturers such as Panasonic, Philips, and Samsung. While its market presence was relatively limited compared to these competitors, the DreamBox 800 gained a modest following among enthusiasts who appreciated its open firmware ecosystem and customizability.
Background and Development
Company Overview
Dream Multimedia was founded in 2007 with the stated goal of delivering high‑quality media devices at a price point that would make them accessible to a broader segment of the population. The company concentrated on digital television receivers, streaming media players, and related accessories. By 2010, Dream Multimedia had established a small but dedicated engineering team focused on developing hardware that could be easily updated through over‑the‑air firmware releases.
Market Conditions
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the consumer electronics market for set‑top boxes was experiencing rapid growth. The transition from analog to digital broadcasting in many regions created a demand for DVB‑compatible receivers. At the same time, the price of mainstream receivers remained high, particularly in emerging markets where consumers were price‑sensitive. Dream Multimedia identified this gap and aimed to create a device that combined essential digital TV features with a minimalistic design and low cost.
Design and Hardware
Processor and SoC
The DreamBox 800 is built around an ARM‑based System‑on‑Chip (SoC) featuring a dual‑core processor clocked at 800 MHz. The SoC integrates an embedded GPU capable of decoding high‑definition video streams, including H.264 and MPEG‑2. The processor also houses a dedicated video decoding engine that offloads computational tasks from the main CPU, allowing for efficient power consumption and thermal management.
Memory and Storage
Internal memory comprises 256 MB of SDRAM and 512 MB of flash storage. The flash memory is used primarily for storing the operating system, user settings, and small application packages. For media playback and recording, the device relies on external storage solutions such as USB flash drives or networked storage accessed via its network interface.
Connectivity
Network connectivity is provided through an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port and optional Wi‑Fi module (802.11b/g/n). The Ethernet port supports IPv4 and IPv6, with basic Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize real‑time streaming traffic. The Wi‑Fi module is limited to client mode; the device does not function as an access point.
External Interfaces
Physical interfaces on the DreamBox 800 include:
- Two HDMI output ports (1080p and 480p) for connecting to televisions or monitors.
- One analog composite video output for legacy displays.
- One 3.5 mm audio jack for stereo output.
- Two USB 2.0 ports for peripheral devices.
- One set‑top box cable (STB) connector for satellite or cable input.
- A 3.5 mm microphone jack for voice commands.
Software and Firmware
Operating System
The DreamBox 800 runs a custom Linux distribution based on the kernel version 3.2. The distribution is tailored to provide a lightweight environment optimized for media streaming and set‑top box functions. Core user-space components include the X Window System for graphical output and a bespoke media player daemon that handles video decoding and channel management.
User Interface
Users interact with the device through a menu‑driven interface that is navigated using a standard remote control. The interface is rendered in high‑contrast, scalable fonts and supports multiple languages. A context‑aware help system is available within the menus, offering brief explanations of each setting.
Application Ecosystem
Unlike closed platforms, the DreamBox 800 encourages community development. Users can compile and install third‑party packages using the package manager that utilizes a custom repository. Popular applications include:
- A lightweight web browser for accessing online streaming services.
- A media center application that aggregates local and network media libraries.
- Open source PVR (personal video recorder) software for scheduled recording.
- System monitoring utilities for viewing CPU, memory, and network statistics.
Features and Capabilities
Video Decoding
The device supports decoding of multiple video codecs natively, including H.264/AVC, MPEG‑2, MPEG‑4 Part 2, and VC‑1. For high‑definition broadcasts, the GPU handles video scaling, enabling output resolutions up to 1920 × 1080 on the primary HDMI port.
Audio Decoding
Audio support includes Dolby Digital (AC‑3), DTS, MP3, and AAC. The device can output stereo or multichannel audio through the HDMI ports, and up to 5.1 surround sound can be achieved with an external audio receiver.
Channel Management
Digital channels are organized into bouquets and displayed in alphabetical order. The device features an electronic program guide (EPG) that retrieves broadcast metadata via a network connection. Users can schedule recordings, set reminders, and create custom channel lists.
Recording and Playback
With the inclusion of an external USB storage device, users can schedule recordings up to 16 GB in size. The recording format is MPEG‑2 transport stream (TS), which preserves the original broadcast quality. Playback of recorded content is handled by the built‑in media player, which supports navigation and fast‑forward controls.
Network Services
Beyond basic internet browsing, the DreamBox 800 offers several network‑based services:
- Streaming from popular IPTV providers via open-source protocols.
- Remote access to the device’s file system using FTP or SMB.
- Automatic firmware updates downloaded over the network.
Security Features
The device implements basic security measures such as HTTPS support for web traffic and the ability to enable firewall rules via its network configuration interface. Firmware updates are signed with a public key to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Release and Versions
Initial Release
The DreamBox 800 was first introduced in March 2010. Initial production batches were limited to 5,000 units, sold primarily through online retailers in North America and parts of Europe. The original firmware version 1.0.0 provided core DVB functionality and a limited set of features.
Firmware Updates
Over its active life span, the device received multiple firmware releases. Version 1.2.0 added support for 1080p output and improved EPG accuracy. Version 2.0.0, released in late 2011, introduced an updated Linux kernel and expanded the application repository. Subsequent minor updates addressed security vulnerabilities and added support for new audio codecs.
Market Reception and Sales
Target Demographics
The DreamBox 800 targeted budget‑conscious consumers who required a basic DVB receiver but were also interested in an open platform that allowed customization. The device found a niche among hobbyists, college dormitory renters, and small businesses needing a simple video distribution solution.
Competitive Landscape
Competitors in the same price bracket included the Panasonic TX‑A5000, the Philips HDT‑B1, and the Sony STR‑A10. While these devices offered similar feature sets, they typically lacked the open‑source firmware ecosystem that the DreamBox 800 promoted. In markets where consumers were highly price sensitive, the DreamBox 800 was priced approximately 20 % lower than the nearest competitor.
Sales Figures
Exact sales data is proprietary, but estimates suggest that the DreamBox 800 sold between 15,000 and 25,000 units worldwide between 2010 and 2013. Sales peaked during the period immediately following its launch, after which they declined as newer models entered the market and competition intensified.
Issues and Criticisms
Software Bugs
Early firmware releases suffered from instability when handling encrypted channels, resulting in frequent playback interruptions. A patch released in mid‑2011 addressed the decryption driver, but some users reported lingering latency problems during live broadcast. Additionally, the initial firmware version did not support the latest DVB‑C standards, limiting the device’s ability to decode certain cable broadcasts.
Hardware Reliability
Consumer reports highlighted a tendency for the device’s USB ports to fail after prolonged use. Thermal management was also cited as a concern; the device would sometimes overheat when running multiple simultaneous applications, particularly in poorly ventilated environments. In response, Dream Multimedia released a hardware revision that increased the heat sink size, but the revision was not retroactively applied to earlier units.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Licensing
The DreamBox 800’s firmware relies on open source components released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and the MIT license. Dream Multimedia complied with these licenses by providing source code access for all GPL‑licensed components upon request. The device also incorporates proprietary DRM modules for decoding certain protected broadcasts; these modules were licensed from a third‑party vendor and required separate licensing agreements with broadcasters.
Compliance
In the United States, the device met FCC Part 15 requirements for unlicensed transmission, as it operates solely as a receiver. In the European Union, it complied with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and received CE marking prior to market release. The device also adhered to the Energy Labeling Directive, indicating a power consumption rating of 10 W in standby mode.
Legacy and Impact
Technological Influence
The DreamBox 800 is often cited in academic discussions on open‑source set‑top box development. Its emphasis on community firmware and modular hardware design influenced subsequent low‑cost media devices, such as the OpenBox 300 and the MiniMedia 200. Developers praised the device for demonstrating that a minimalistic hardware platform could support complex media processing tasks while remaining affordable.
Succession
After the discontinuation of the DreamBox 800 in 2014, Dream Multimedia released the DreamBox 900, which incorporated a quad‑core ARM Cortex‑A9 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and support for 4K video playback. The successor aimed to capture the emerging high‑definition market but faced stiff competition from established players such as the Apple TV and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The DreamBox 900 did not achieve significant market penetration, leading Dream Multimedia to shift focus toward software development for mainstream platforms.
See also
- DVB set‑top box
- Open source firmware
- ARM architecture
- Video on demand
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