[NEWS] OpenATV 8.0 Release Notes – 01/10/2026

OpenATV 8.0 Release Notes – 01/10/2026

OpenATV 8.0 is the next major step after OpenATV 7.6.

OpenATV 8.0 is not only an Enigma2 update. The complete build base has been refreshed. Compared with OpenATV 7.6, the OE-Alliance branches, the build environment and the OpenATV Enigma2 branch have moved to new development branches. This affects the toolchain, base packages, Python, BitBake/OpenEmbedded, driver recipes, plugins, skin interfaces and many internal Enigma2 components.

OpenATV 8.0 has been in development for a very long time. This release contains around one year of work on the new build base, Python migration, Enigma2 adjustments, driver integration, Dreambox support, the new network module, Kodi 22, HbbTV 2.0, the picon system, DAB+/SDR and many internal rebuilds. OpenATV 8.0 is therefore not a small version update; it is a new technical base for the next OpenATV generations.

Because this is a major version jump, we recommend a clean flash when moving from older images. Please create a backup of your personal settings, channel lists, timers, plugins and mounts before flashing.

Base Git Repositories / Branches

• OE-Alliance Core
  OpenATV 8.0 uses:
  https://github.com/oe-alliance/oe-alliance-core.git – branch 6.0
  OpenATV 7.6 used:
  https://github.com/oe-alliance/oe-alliance-core.git – branch 5.6
• OE-Alliance Build Environment
  OpenATV 8.0 uses:
  https://github.com/oe-alliance/build-enviroment.git – branch 6.0
  OpenATV 7.6 used:
  https://github.com/oe-alliance/build-enviroment.git – branch 5.6
• OpenATV Enigma2
  OpenATV 8.0 uses:
  https://github.com/openatv/enigma2.git – branch 8.0
  OpenATV 7.6 used:
  https://github.com/openatv/enigma2.git – branch 7.6

With these new branches, OpenATV 8.0 moves to a much more modern technical base. The image is prepared for current compilers, new Python versions, modern security libraries, new multimedia components and the next generation of OpenATV Enigma2 development.

OpenEmbedded / OE-A 6.x Base – Highlights Used by OpenATV

OpenATV 8.0 is based on the new OE-A 6.0 build environment and uses current OpenEmbedded, BitBake and OE-Core revisions from the OpenEmbedded 6.1 area where they are relevant for our set-top-box images. This is one of the most important parts of this release, even if many of these changes are not visible as a single menu item during normal use.

Important: Not every generic OpenEmbedded or Yocto change is directly visible on a receiver. Many changes affect the build system, package recipes, QA, security checks, fetchers, SDK/toolchain and build stability. The most relevant parts for OpenATV are:

• Updated toolchain
  OpenATV 8.0 moved to a newer toolchain base, including GCC 16.2, current binutils, current build tools and Python 3.14 in the build and image environment. This is the foundation for developing Enigma2, plugins and system packages cleanly for the coming years.
• Modernized OpenEmbedded-Core base
  OE-Core, BitBake, meta-openembedded, meta-qt5.15 and meta-oe-alliance have been updated in the build environment. This brings many new package versions, security fixes and build fixes into the OpenATV base.
• Important Linux and system libraries
  OpenATV 8.0 brings updated base components from the Linux ecosystem. This includes OpenSSL 4.x, glibc, zlib, xz, libxml2, libcurl/curl, wget, SQLite, ca-certificates, tzdata, util-linux, BusyBox, opkg and further core components that are important for networking, encryption, package management, web access and system operation.
• Multimedia base
  The multimedia foundation has also been maintained. This includes GStreamer, ffmpeg/libav-related components, audio/video libraries, subtitle and container support and many smaller libraries that matter for playback, streaming, HbbTV, Kodi and media player functions.
• Network and security packages
  OpenATV 8.0 uses updated network and security components such as wpa-supplicant, Avahi/mDNS, SSH/remote access packages, Samba/NFS-related components and further tools relevant for WLAN, mounts, shares, web interface and remote access.
• Python 2 legacy layer removed
  The old meta-python2 layer is no longer used in the OpenATV 8.0 build environment. OpenATV 8.0 is aligned with the current Python 3 base.
• BitBake and fetcher improvements
  From the OE 6.1 area, improvements such as Git fetcher fixes, native shallow Git fetches, SHA256 revision support and more stable build handling are relevant.
• New runtime provider handling
  BitBake/OE extends the handling of runtime providers. This is mainly useful for package builds, dependencies and clean image composition.
• Security, SBOM and CVE checks
  The OE-Core base contains further improvements for CVE, SBOM and QA checks. These functions are mainly important for build and release quality.
• WPA/WLAN related options
  The OpenEmbedded area maintains new PACKAGECONFIG options for wpa-supplicant, including modern WLAN features. In OpenATV 8.0 this is relevant together with the new network module and current drivers for WPA2/WPA3, if the box driver and kernel support it.
• Firmware, user and packaging changes
  Changes such as firmwaredir, useradd/extrausers adjustments, p11-kit/harfbuzz/pulseaudio packaging and further base package updates improve image consistency and maintainability.

New and Reworked OpenATV Enigma2 Features Since 7.6

Enigma2 has been modernized in many areas for OpenATV 8.0. The goal was not only to add new features, but also to remove old legacy code, make menus clearer, support the Python 3.14 base properly and prepare many internal components for the next OpenATV versions.

• Many screens were reworked or cleaned up, including Setup, Start Wizard, QuickMenu, Menu, PluginBrowser, DeviceManager, FlashManager, ImageBackup, BackupRestore, ChannelSelection, EpgSelection, EventView, MovieList, ButtonSetup, CI/OScam info, Timer/Recording and Timeshift.
• Operation feels cleaner in many areas because old assistants, duplicate functions and no longer maintained legacy components were removed or reorganized.
• The skin base was extended so skinners have more options for modern lists, icons, displays, picons and infobars.
• DVB, playback, recording, streaming, timeshift and EPG have been heavily maintained internally.
• Hotplug, remote/input handling, HDMI-CEC, networking, picons and display output have been technically refreshed.

1. New network module

The network stack was heavily reworked in OpenATV 8.0 and is one of the major rebuilds in the image.

• New NetworkManager component in Enigma2.
• New screens for network services and network mounts.
• Reworked network daemon configuration.
• Removal of old NetworkWizard and WirelessLan legacy components.
• Reworked Avahi/mDNS integration.
• Better base for modern WLAN drivers and WPA3.
• Cleanup of old special cases and vendor workarounds.
• Better separation between network configuration, services, mounts and WLAN functions.
• Better base for future extensions without old legacy plugins.

WPA3 is possible with suitable drivers and a suitable kernel. Older kernels or old WLAN chips can still limit WPA3 support. Known SSIDs can be prioritized; for security reasons OpenATV does not automatically connect to arbitrary open WLANs.

2. New picon system

The picon system was redesigned for OpenATV 8.0 and made much more flexible.

• The classic /picon path remains supported.
• New picon management in Enigma2.
• Separate picon sets for infobar, EPG, channel list and display are possible.
• New picon screens and renderers.
• Reworked display skins with better picon support.
• New picon download approach: it is no longer necessary to install a huge amount of unused picons; the downloader can focus on the needed ones.
• Better foundation for different skin and display concepts.

3. DAB+ and RTL-SDR

OpenATV 8.0 includes new foundations for DAB+.

• New DAB configuration in Enigma2.
• New DABScan screen.
• New RTLSDR component.
• New RTLSDR setup screen.
• Preparation for DAB+ over DVB and SDR.
• Improved integration for USB SDR sticks, where supported by the hardware.

The SDR variant is especially interesting for suitable RTL-SDR sticks. The number of received stations depends heavily on stick, antenna, location and driver.

4. e2MDB, EPG and metadata

OpenATV 8.0 significantly extends the metadata and EPG base. e2MDB is one of the major new topics in the OpenATV environment. The goal is to connect movies, series, events, recordings, media folders and Live/EPG content better with information, pictures and previews.

• e2MDB combines an Enigma2 plugin with the separate e2mdbd backend service.
• Recordings and media folders can be scanned, including per-path content modes, exclusions and optional recursion.
• Existing recording information such as .meta, .eit, .cuts and text descriptions can be used.
• File names are analyzed to detect movies, series, seasons, episodes and anime more reliably.
• Metadata providers can enrich movies, series and anime with descriptions, pictures, covers, backdrops, logos and episode images.
• Metadata and artwork are cached locally and can be reused.
• Enhanced Event Views for recordings and EPG events are prepared and used where supported.
• Integration for InfoBar, EPG and ChannelSelection is available where the skin and image use the matching hooks.
• Live/EPG metadata can be collected in the background and prepared for upcoming events.
• The e2MDB web interface offers Media Browser, Editor, scan paths, backend jobs, queues and database status.
• Maintenance, refresh, prefill, cleanup and SQLite maintenance can be scheduled through OpenATV tasks.

GitHub:

Handbook:

5. Kodi 22

OpenATV 8.0 is the new base for Kodi 22.

• Kodi 22 has been prepared for OpenATV 8.0 and integrated into images where the hardware is suitable.
• The old external player paths have been removed.
• Video uses the native Kodi path.
• Audio uses Kodi PA.
• Hardware codec APIs are used where the box and driver provide them.
• H.265/HEVC only works on boxes where hardware and drivers actually support it.

Especially on older boxes, hardware performance is the deciding factor. Not every box can handle all modern codecs or high resolutions.

6. HbbTV 2.0 / WebKit / GLES / YouTube TV

OpenATV 8.0 is the new technical base for HbbTV 2.0, WebKit, GLES UI, the new YouTube TV experience and further modern UI topics. Important: these items are not yet part of the first 8.0.1 image. They will be added and expanded through upcoming OpenATV 8.0 updates.

• HbbTV 2.0 is being prepared on the new 8.0 base and will be expanded publicly through upcoming updates.
• The GLES UI is an important building block for modern interfaces, new animations, better rendering and future skin/portal functions.
• The new YouTube TV experience is planned as an upcoming 8.0 update.
• WQHD skin support is not yet part of the first 8.0.1 image and will also be added through upcoming 8.0 updates.
• DRM L3, modern web portals and VP9/software decoding still depend on box, driver, CPU/GPU performance and portal.
• OpenATV 8.0 provides the base so these functions can grow cleanly through feeds and later updates.

Dreambox One/Two benefit from fast hardware for these functions. In general, HbbTV, WebKit and GLES performance always depends on CPU, GPU, driver, memory and the specific portal.

7. DVB, recording, timeshift and playback

Many internal DVB and playback components were extended or reworked. This is especially important for more stable playback, better stream analysis, modern codecs and new multimedia functions.

• New HDR/HEVC detection.
• PGS subtitle support as a new Enigma2 component.
• RAM timeshift foundations.
• Streamserver heavily extended.
• Decoder, encoder and PVR parser changes.
• Improvements for demux, PMT, EPG cache and DVB service handling.
• CI/descrambler adjustments.
• HDMI-CEC and AVControl changes.
• Hotplug and input hotplug have been restructured.
• Better foundation for modern streaming and remote playback scenarios.
• Many internal changes for more stable recordings, timeshift and service switching.

8. Skin, GUI and display

The graphical interface was also extended.

• New skin documentation in the Enigma2 Git repository.
• New skin attribute documentation.
• New documentation for dialog and list icons.
• New icon font file.
• New SkinIcon component.
• New Rectangle renderer component.
• Many display skins have been updated.
• Font, label and listbox components have been extended.
• Improved foundations for SVG/icon usage and modern list views.
• More possibilities for skinners to present information cleanly and compactly.

This is especially useful for skin authors, because OpenATV 8.0 adds new possibilities for modern skins, displays and picon presentation.

9. SoftwareManager, backup and system maintenance

• Backup/Restore was moved out of the old SoftwareManager context and reorganized.
• Old ImageWizard/SoftwareManager images and no longer needed legacy components were removed.
• Opkg and package management areas have been maintained further.
• Start wizard and setup have been extended.
• Menus and QuickMenu have been adjusted.

10. Tests, CI and developer base

New GitHub workflow files and tests were added to the Enigma2 repository.

• New PR build workflow.
• New tests workflow.
• Further maintenance for Ruff, Pylint, SonarCloud and build workflows.
• New or extended documentation for skin and developer work.

11. New Crashlog Reporter

OpenATV 8.0 introduces the new Crashlog Reporter. It helps submit crashlogs and receiver diagnostics to OpenATV in a more useful way, so reports can be assigned to real issues and analyzed faster.

• Crashlogs can be reported centrally through the new OpenATV bug system.
• Diagnostic data helps developers reproduce and fix problems faster.
• Reports can be completed and tracked after submission.
• The goal is fewer lost crashlogs, better feedback and faster bug fixing.

Crash reports:
OpenATV Crash Reports – OpenATV Bug Tracker

GitHub:

Hardware Support in OpenATV 8.0

OpenATV 8.0 also brings important hardware support changes. This section focuses on the models where new or especially important work went into the 8.0 cycle.

• Zgemma H8 SE
  The Zgemma H8 SE is new in the OpenATV 8.0 environment and is supported with the new 8.0 base.
• Vu+ Duo4K Lite
  The Vu+ Duo4K Lite is supported with OpenATV 8.0. Image, driver, network and multimedia topics for this box were maintained intensively during the 8.0 cycle. Individual features still depend on driver state and hardware.
• Dreambox One and Dreambox Two now official with OpenATV 8.0
  One of the most important points is the official support for Dreambox One and Dreambox Two with OpenATV 8.0. A lot of work went into this support: boot handling, image base, driver integration, Enigma2 adjustments, networking, multimedia, HbbTV/GLES foundations and many detail fixes were tested and adjusted over a long period of time.
  With OpenATV 8.0, Dreambox One/Two support is no longer only an experiment; it is an official part of the OpenATV images.
• Dreambox 8.1 outlook
  As promised, further closed-source updates for Dreambox One and Dreambox Two will be made public with OpenATV 8.1. OpenATV 8.0 is the official base, and OpenATV 8.1 will bring the next round of Dreambox-specific improvements.

New OpenATV Handbook and UMBRA Skin

With OpenATV 8.0, the documentation has also been expanded significantly. The new OpenATV handbook is an important part of the release because many functions have become too extensive to explain properly in forum posts alone.

The handbook is available at https://book.opena.tv and is continuously extended. It covers not only classic Enigma2 basics, but also new OpenATV functions, addons, skins and practical workflows.

A visible new example is the UMBRA skin. UMBRA is a native OpenATV skin and is already active on the feed.

• Native OpenATV skin base for OpenATV 8.0 and later.
• Configurable style packs and modern layouts.
• HD and FHD usage, with prepared WQHD expansion for suitable receivers and upcoming updates.
• Icon-font graphics and modern menu/list presentation.
• Optional e2MDB artwork integration for covers, backdrops and previews.
• Own UMBRA settings directly in the plugin, without a separate settings package.

GitHub:

Handbook:

Other Important Changes Since 7.6

• Feeds and download portals
  Images:
  https://images.mynonpublic.com/openatv/index.php?v=current
  Feeds:
  https://feeds2.mynonpublic.com
• New feed structure and plugin maintenance
  Packages, plugins and drivers are rebuilt for 8.0. Old dev/dbg/src/meta packages are not relevant for normal users.
• Multiboot / flash / recovery
  Multiboot, flash handling and image generation have been maintained further. Slots, recovery methods and flash procedures differ depending on the box.
• Drivers and WLAN
  On some boxes, old closed WLAN drivers have been replaced by open-source variants or prepared for replacement. WPA3 is only possible if kernel and driver support it.

Known Notes

• Updating from 7.6 to 8.0 is a major version jump. A clean flash is recommended.
• Before flashing, back up channel lists, timers, network mounts, softcam configurations, plugins and personal settings.
• Plugins must be rebuilt and compatible with 8.0.
• Skins may need adjustments for new skin attributes and components.
• Not every box supports all new multimedia and web features.
• If you report problems, please include the exact box model, image date, logs and steps to reproduce.

Outlook for the Next Updates

Development does not stop with OpenATV 8.0. Quite the opposite: OpenATV 8.0 is the new stable technical base we will continue to build on.

Development continues as usual through the OpenATV master branch. New fixes, driver adjustments, plugin updates, Enigma2 extensions, skin changes and package updates will continue to be maintained and delivered through the feeds. Everyone who knows OpenATV knows that a release is not the end; it is the start of the next development cycle.

OpenATV 8.0 is therefore the starting point for the next updates. Further optimizations for networking, HbbTV 2.0, GLES UI, new YouTube TV, WQHD skins, Kodi, DAB+, DVB-I, Open Recovery Manager, picons, Dreambox One/Two, new hardware and the Enigma2 base are already in progress or being prepared through the master branch. OpenATV 8.1 will also continue to build on this base.

Thank You

Thanks to all developers, testers, translators, skinners, package maintainers and users who provided logs, feedback and tests. OpenATV 8.0 is not just a normal version update; it is a major technical base refresh for the coming years.