[NEWS] OpenATV 7.6 – New Features

Major changes / core platform updates

Based on sources, the key “under-the-hood” changes include:

OpenATV 7.6 is built on the OpenEmbedded OE5.2 (Walnascar) build framework.
Python upgraded to 3.13 as the default interpreter.
OpenSSL upgraded to version 3.4.0 (and in some beta builds 3.5.0) for improved security.
GCC toolchain and libraries upgraded (e.g., GCC 15.x in some test builds) for better performance and code optimisation.
Other system-level improvements: updated libraries, extended filesystem support (exFAT/optimised Ext4 drivers), improved network stack and power management tweaks.
IMPORTANT compatibility warning: Closed-source IPK packages (plugins/skins delivered only as .pyc/.so) may not work out of the box because of the Python / library change.

Since you are dealing with Enigma2 receivers and IPTV, the following points are especially relevant:

Many forum users reported that after upgrading to 7.6 (alpha/beta) their plugins (especially IPTV clients, playlist managers) malfunctioned. Example: one user said:

“Plugins haven’t been updated to work with python 3.13, atv 7.6 is due to be completed by summer 2025.”
For devices such as e.g. GigaBlue Quad 4K Pro there are beta builds of 7.6 noted with what’s new: Python 3.13.3, GStreamer 1.26.0, FFmpeg 7.1.1 etc.
One post notes for example: “Important changes: GCC 15.1, OpenSSL 3.5.0, GStreamer 1.26.0, FFmpeg 7.1.1, Python 3.13.3” in beta builds.
Because of these deep changes, a recommendation from the community: back up your system (settings, plugins, channel lists) before upgrading, and if your workflow heavily depends on specific plugins (e.g., IPTV playlist manager, CAM modules), you may consider staying on 7.5.x until 7.6 is fully stable. Example: “In short, flash an earlier image, 7.4 or 7.5” from one user.
Some hardware/driver issues: e.g., users reported AC3 audio via HDMI problems on certain boxes with HiSilicon chips under 7.6 alpha.

Given that you have an IPTV website, you deal with Enigma2 receivers and likely run plugins/playlist clients, here are the key take-aways:

If you upgrade to 7.6, expect some plugins to need updates. If your IPTV client plugin is closed or only available as compiled .so/.pyc, it may fail under Python 3.13.
Before upgrading: take full backup of your receiver (settings, plugin folder, EPG, playlists) so you can roll back if needed.
Test on a non-critical box first to ensure that your essential IPTV workflow (playlist import, EPG grabbing, CAM/softcam if used) works.
If your plugins are community/opensource (with source code) you might be more flexible (they can be re-built). If they are proprietary, check vendor’s compatibility.
Because major architectural changes (Python, libs etc), there could be unexpected quirks (audio, driver support) on certain receiver models—check forums for your box model.
If your setup is stable and mission-critical, you might choose to wait until 7.6 reaches “stable” status (community indicates later in 2025) rather than jumping to the earliest beta.