tvbox-linux

Project Overview

tvbox-linux is a set-top box modding toolkit for tinkerers. It has two parts: package management scripts for the hinas system that install or remove thirty-plus common services on Hi3798MV100 devices, and unbricking, kernel patching, and headless-server schemes for the ZTE B860AV1.1-T2 set-top box.

Turn an idle set-top box into a quiet little server.

Key Features

• Package management: install or remove thirty-plus services on hinas in one action, including FileBrowser, Nginx, Samba, Alist, Aria2, Transmission, Jellyfin, and HomeAssistant
• WiFi install script: configure wireless drivers and connectivity for Hi3798MV100 devices
• Docker image check: verify Docker image availability to reduce pull failures
• Unbricking: firmware analysis, partition tables, and unbrick records to recover bricked devices
• Kernel patching: binary patches that bypass Android network permission checks so all processes can create network sockets
• System trimming: remove the Android framework and non-essential components while keeping the Linux core to cut resource use
• Network persistence: auto-load WiFi drivers and start SSH at boot
• Kernel analysis tools: Python scripts to extract and patch the kernel inside a boot image

Target Audience

• Users with idle set-top boxes to repurpose as servers
• People who need to bulk-install software on hinas
• Developers studying Android kernel patching and system trimming
• Tinkerers needing unbrick recovery options

Quick Start

hinas project

1. Enter the himv3798-100-hinas directory
2. Run ./hinas_install_uninstall.sh and pick install or remove from the menu
3. Run ./check_docker_registry.sh to check images

ZTE B860 project

1. Enter the b860av1-t2 directory and read its documentation
2. Extract the kernel: python3 scripts/kernel_analysis.py extract boot.img kernel.bin
3. Patch it: python3 scripts/patch_kernel.py patch boot.img boot_patched.img
4. Flash per the docs and configure the boot script

Core Advantages

• All-in-one scripts: install, remove, check, and package scripts reduce manual commands
• Documented methods: unbrick records, hardware maps, and register manuals back the approach
• Repurpose hardware: turn obsolete boxes into low-power download and media servers
• Reproducible: kernel patch addresses and partition tables are fully recorded for step-by-step reuse

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Device	Hi3798MV100 (hinas), ZTE B860AV1.1-T2
System	hinas system; Android 4.4.2 before modding
Tools	Python 3, Shell

Notes

• Flashing, patching, and trimming carry bricking risk; back up first and confirm the exact device model
• The project is for learning and research; follow local laws and carrier terms
• Hardware differs across batches, so verify the partition table and chip model before proceeding
• Some firmware and images must be downloaded separately from Releases