Social Feed
New Amiko A3 Combo QUAD Core STB Coming to North America
1.5GHz QUAD CORE ARMv7 Processor. Unlike some other offerings this is not a bait and switch or a clerical error. This is actually a QUAD CORE processor, not a 2+ year old obsolete single core. As the importer/distributor and AMIKO representative for North America I verified this personally with Amiko, the factory and by doing my own research on the chipset.
4k HEVC H265 Main 8 Support. A3 Combo is the first FTA Satellite STB in North America with 4k support. It is limited to Main 8 and we don't know what all will be used with NA FTA ITC feeds yet since there are only 2 test channels available. Main 8 is used for the majority of H265 rips and streams on the internet so 4k media playback should not be a problem.
USB 3.0 Support. A3 Combo has (1) USB 3.0 port and (2) USB 2.0 ports. Ultra fast USB 3.0 standard is ideal for quick transfer of large media files and PVR recording of high data rate satellite streams.
Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat. While A3 running 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" worked decent in most cases, the newer Android Kit Kat offers additional speed, stability and features not available in the older O/S. Being Android it is not limited to a handful of poorly designed, closed Linux Apps that the manufacturer picks for you and has to update. Choose what you want from Google Play, A3 Appstore or Spark Appstore. Netflix, Hulu, KODI/XBMC, Crackle Movies, it is up to YOU.
HDMI 4k Support and up/downconversion. Watch things on your 4k 2160p TV in 2160p. A3 Combo outputs 4k and can down/upconvert between 2160p, 1080, 720, 480.
Analog RCA Output. A3 Combo has the same system with the mini jack to RCA adapter cable allowing 480i and L/R audio output for old TV's. Things like GUI are not going to look good on an old analog TV given that they are designed for UHD and HDTV's but the option is there if you really need it.
IR RCU with A3 RF RCU Optional. A3 Combo comes with a simplified Infrared remote control. For those who like the A3 Air Mouse RF RCU it also works with A3 Combo VIA a dongle. Both the dongle and RF RCU's will be available for purchase. Existing A3 owners should be able to use their existing RCU by just adding the dongle.
Spark2. Like A3, the A3 Combo is a completely custom ROM. It is not a generic phone ROM shoehorned into a STB. The GUI and functions are virtually identical to Spark2 on the A3 so existing owners have no learning curve. Those new to Amiko and Spark2 should find it easy to learn and use.
KODI 15.2 Custom Build. North American A3 Combo will ship with a custom KODI version built here, similar to the Irish Red Custom Edition on the Jenny A3. Features include SuperRepo with over 2000 add-ons available, HDHomeRun ATSC/Cable support installed, optimizations for faster start, better streaming, subtitles/closed captioning and much more. Like A3 original you can update KODI, change to another version or delete it entirely if it is something you don't want.
North American Dev and Testing. Like the original A3, the new A3 Combo will be extensively tested here in USA BEFORE being made available for purchase. We're not going to release a half working, incomplete product like others have done in the past. While it is impossible to make any "perfect" product, A3 Combo (like our past Amiko offerings) will be fully functional and ready to go for North America on launch day. Select hobbyists and Retailers will have the opportunity to test the unit and provide reviews/feedback BEFORE USA launch.
Pricing, Ordering, Availability. Estimated USA retail availability is late October with pre-order availability TBD. In order to provide as low of a cost as possible and to simplify support, all A3 Combos will ship directly from FridgeFTA for USA/CA customers. They will be available in USA and Canada and in New Zealand/Australia through Amiko New Zealand. Estimated retail pricing in USA is $109-$124.
Combo Tuner Information: A3 Combo contains two non-removable tuners. The second tuner is for DVB-T2/C. Since North America uses the backward ATSC standard for terrestrial (OTA) the DVB-T/C tuner has no function here and can be ignored.
Specifications
System Resources
Main Processor: ARM-v7 QUAD Core 1.5GHZ, HiSilicon Hi3796M V100 Cortex A7
Flash Memory: 8 GB EMMC (same as A3)
DDR SDRAM: 1GB DDR2 (same as A3)
Tuner & Demodulation
Tuner 1 Type: DVB-S / DVB-S2
Satellite Receiver Standard: ETSI EN 302 307
Input Frequency Range: 950MHz ~ 2150MHz
Input impedance: 75 [?]
Modulation: QPSK / 8PSK/ 16APSK
FEC: QPSK: 1/2,2/3,3/5,3/4,4/5,
5/6,6/7,7/8,8/9,8/10
8PSK: 3/5,2/3,3/4,5/6,8/9,9/10
16APSK: 2/3,3/4,4/5,
5/6,8/9,9/10
Symbol rate: DVB-S2: 2M ~ 45M
DVB-S: 2M ~ 45M
LNB (Low Noise Block)
power supply: Vertical: + 13.5 V;
Horizontal: + 18 V
Maximum current 400mA
(provided with overcurrent
protection)
DISEqC: DiseqC 1.0,1.1,1.2,1.3/USALS
Frequency: 22 kHz ± 4 kHz; Amplitude:
0.6 V ± 0.2V
Sensitivity: between –25 and -65 dBm
Front Panel
Display: 1 LED indicates standby (red) or
running(green) status
IR Sensor: 38KHz
CA card slot: 1
Rear Panel
HDMI: High Definition Media Interface
V1.4 480P/I, 576P/I, 720p,
1080i,1080p, 2160p
RCA output: CVBS Video & L/R Audio out
SPDIF: Output Format: PCM?DD
USB Connector: "Number: 3 2 * USB 2.0+1*USB
3.0 Type: Host
Micro SD card connector: 1
Ethernet Type: 10M/100M Number: 1
Power Supply
External power supply: 12V*2A
More info is over at the Fridge FTA web site:
1.5GHz QUAD CORE ARMv7 Processor. Unlike some other offerings this is not a bait and switch or a clerical error. This is actually a QUAD CORE processor, not a 2+ year old obsolete single core. As the importer/distributor and AMIKO representative for North America I verified this personally with Amiko, the factory and by doing my own research on the chipset.
4k HEVC H265 Main 8 Support. A3 Combo is the first FTA Satellite STB in North America with 4k support. It is limited to Main 8 and we don't know what all will be used with NA FTA ITC feeds yet since there are only 2 test channels available. Main 8 is used for the majority of H265 rips and streams on the internet so 4k media playback should not be a problem.
USB 3.0 Support. A3 Combo has (1) USB 3.0 port and (2) USB 2.0 ports. Ultra fast USB 3.0 standard is ideal for quick transfer of large media files and PVR recording of high data rate satellite streams.
Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat. While A3 running 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" worked decent in most cases, the newer Android Kit Kat offers additional speed, stability and features not available in the older O/S. Being Android it is not limited to a handful of poorly designed, closed Linux Apps that the manufacturer picks for you and has to update. Choose what you want from Google Play, A3 Appstore or Spark Appstore. Netflix, Hulu, KODI/XBMC, Crackle Movies, it is up to YOU.
HDMI 4k Support and up/downconversion. Watch things on your 4k 2160p TV in 2160p. A3 Combo outputs 4k and can down/upconvert between 2160p, 1080, 720, 480.
Analog RCA Output. A3 Combo has the same system with the mini jack to RCA adapter cable allowing 480i and L/R audio output for old TV's. Things like GUI are not going to look good on an old analog TV given that they are designed for UHD and HDTV's but the option is there if you really need it.
IR RCU with A3 RF RCU Optional. A3 Combo comes with a simplified Infrared remote control. For those who like the A3 Air Mouse RF RCU it also works with A3 Combo VIA a dongle. Both the dongle and RF RCU's will be available for purchase. Existing A3 owners should be able to use their existing RCU by just adding the dongle.
Spark2. Like A3, the A3 Combo is a completely custom ROM. It is not a generic phone ROM shoehorned into a STB. The GUI and functions are virtually identical to Spark2 on the A3 so existing owners have no learning curve. Those new to Amiko and Spark2 should find it easy to learn and use.
KODI 15.2 Custom Build. North American A3 Combo will ship with a custom KODI version built here, similar to the Irish Red Custom Edition on the Jenny A3. Features include SuperRepo with over 2000 add-ons available, HDHomeRun ATSC/Cable support installed, optimizations for faster start, better streaming, subtitles/closed captioning and much more. Like A3 original you can update KODI, change to another version or delete it entirely if it is something you don't want.
North American Dev and Testing. Like the original A3, the new A3 Combo will be extensively tested here in USA BEFORE being made available for purchase. We're not going to release a half working, incomplete product like others have done in the past. While it is impossible to make any "perfect" product, A3 Combo (like our past Amiko offerings) will be fully functional and ready to go for North America on launch day. Select hobbyists and Retailers will have the opportunity to test the unit and provide reviews/feedback BEFORE USA launch.
Pricing, Ordering, Availability. Estimated USA retail availability is late October with pre-order availability TBD. In order to provide as low of a cost as possible and to simplify support, all A3 Combos will ship directly from FridgeFTA for USA/CA customers. They will be available in USA and Canada and in New Zealand/Australia through Amiko New Zealand. Estimated retail pricing in USA is $109-$124.
Combo Tuner Information: A3 Combo contains two non-removable tuners. The second tuner is for DVB-T2/C. Since North America uses the backward ATSC standard for terrestrial (OTA) the DVB-T/C tuner has no function here and can be ignored.
Specifications
System Resources
Main Processor: ARM-v7 QUAD Core 1.5GHZ, HiSilicon Hi3796M V100 Cortex A7
Flash Memory: 8 GB EMMC (same as A3)
DDR SDRAM: 1GB DDR2 (same as A3)
Tuner & Demodulation
Tuner 1 Type: DVB-S / DVB-S2
Satellite Receiver Standard: ETSI EN 302 307
Input Frequency Range: 950MHz ~ 2150MHz
Input impedance: 75 [?]
Modulation: QPSK / 8PSK/ 16APSK
FEC: QPSK: 1/2,2/3,3/5,3/4,4/5,
5/6,6/7,7/8,8/9,8/10
8PSK: 3/5,2/3,3/4,5/6,8/9,9/10
16APSK: 2/3,3/4,4/5,
5/6,8/9,9/10
Symbol rate: DVB-S2: 2M ~ 45M
DVB-S: 2M ~ 45M
LNB (Low Noise Block)
power supply: Vertical: + 13.5 V;
Horizontal: + 18 V
Maximum current 400mA
(provided with overcurrent
protection)
DISEqC: DiseqC 1.0,1.1,1.2,1.3/USALS
Frequency: 22 kHz ± 4 kHz; Amplitude:
0.6 V ± 0.2V
Sensitivity: between –25 and -65 dBm
Front Panel
Display: 1 LED indicates standby (red) or
running(green) status
IR Sensor: 38KHz
CA card slot: 1
Rear Panel
HDMI: High Definition Media Interface
V1.4 480P/I, 576P/I, 720p,
1080i,1080p, 2160p
RCA output: CVBS Video & L/R Audio out
SPDIF: Output Format: PCM?DD
USB Connector: "Number: 3 2 * USB 2.0+1*USB
3.0 Type: Host
Micro SD card connector: 1
Ethernet Type: 10M/100M Number: 1
Power Supply
External power supply: 12V*2A
More info is over at the Fridge FTA web site:
7 Replies
·
4494 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Anybody been following the Tournaments? I've been watching all weekend on the various ESPN's...
1128 Replies
·
100774 views
Last weekend I got in on a MLB game top of the 8th 1-1, first thought was extra innings... 
and it actually went extra after the 9th.
Catching a little of the AUSL, something to watch when I can't get into anything else.
and it actually went extra after the 9th. Catching a little of the AUSL, something to watch when I can't get into anything else.
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
112 Replies
·
2730 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
So...DirecTV advertises the Choice package with 95+ bonus channels for Satellite customers. You don't want 90+ of the 95...
Excluding PPV, premium networks, infomercial, shopping, religion, and non-English programming, there are 7 channels on satellite that are not on streaming:
NFL Network, MavTV, FE TV, Free Speech, NASA, INSP, and Pursuit. I'm pretty sure a couple of those are public interest that they have to carry to meet an FCC quota on satellite.
I hope they get called out for this advertising because that is ridiculous. One big network, NFL, will probably get added to streaming when their next agreement comes up, and the rest are likely very low viewership.
What about streaming, what do you get extra with the Choice package that isn't on Satellite:
Two stations - one of which is an internet TV - Fox Weather, and Heros & Icons (a diginet). Nothing special here to look at either.
If they cleaned up a couple of their agreements, added a few public interest stations to streaming, they could probably have their lineups match. It's close now, if you take out all the garbage on satellite that they earn money on. If they can sell infomercials on satellite, why can't they on streaming, seems like a miss. A bigger miss, including those stations in the "bonus channels just for satellite customers." Pretty sad marketing right there.
Attached is a comparison sheet of satellite vs streaming for the three main packages if anyone is interested.
MOD EDIT: See Post #3 for an up to date list of what channels are available on sat but not on streaming/internet, see Post #21 for an up to date list of what's available in the app for streaming customers, but not for sat customers.
Excluding PPV, premium networks, infomercial, shopping, religion, and non-English programming, there are 7 channels on satellite that are not on streaming:
NFL Network, MavTV, FE TV, Free Speech, NASA, INSP, and Pursuit. I'm pretty sure a couple of those are public interest that they have to carry to meet an FCC quota on satellite.
I hope they get called out for this advertising because that is ridiculous. One big network, NFL, will probably get added to streaming when their next agreement comes up, and the rest are likely very low viewership.
What about streaming, what do you get extra with the Choice package that isn't on Satellite:
Two stations - one of which is an internet TV - Fox Weather, and Heros & Icons (a diginet). Nothing special here to look at either.
If they cleaned up a couple of their agreements, added a few public interest stations to streaming, they could probably have their lineups match. It's close now, if you take out all the garbage on satellite that they earn money on. If they can sell infomercials on satellite, why can't they on streaming, seems like a miss. A bigger miss, including those stations in the "bonus channels just for satellite customers." Pretty sad marketing right there.
Attached is a comparison sheet of satellite vs streaming for the three main packages if anyone is interested.
MOD EDIT: See Post #3 for an up to date list of what channels are available on sat but not on streaming/internet, see Post #21 for an up to date list of what's available in the app for streaming customers, but not for sat customers.
220 Replies
·
30365 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
67107 Replies
·
2662296 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8ErY6s7b8WI
Direct YouTube Link - Apple Intelligence: Siri AI Revolutionizes Your Devices! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8ErY6s7b8WI
Direct YouTube Link - Apple Intelligence: Siri AI Revolutionizes Your Devices! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
2 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL5XFOpX4_A
Direct YouTube Link - Tech News Weekly 441
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL5XFOpX4_A
Direct YouTube Link - Tech News Weekly 441
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
3 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CRhynF2RE20
Direct YouTube Link - Home Theater Audio: JBL SCL-6 Speaker Custom Build! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CRhynF2RE20
Direct YouTube Link - Home Theater Audio: JBL SCL-6 Speaker Custom Build! #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
3 views
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
0 Replies
·
17 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so... 
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...
5389 Replies
·
334599 views
Pork shoulder, refried beans, cheddar and chopped green chile burrito with a pint of pale ale.
Its nice being able to have a pint with lunch during the week or whenever. I've been enjoying the retired life.
Its nice being able to have a pint with lunch during the week or whenever. I've been enjoying the retired life.
Congrats! I love retirement, no wake ups, no e-mails...Pork shoulder, refried beans, cheddar and chopped green chile burrito with a pint of pale ale.
Its nice being able to have a pint with lunch during the week or whenever. I've been enjoying the retired life.
View attachment 191651
Leftovers for lunch, bacon wrapped salmon fillet from Saturday and a KFC thigh from Friday, Tea.
I had a very unusual but delicious 1/4lb hotdog with cream cheese, raspberry preserves and chopped Hatch green chile. It is an unlikely combination but it works.
New low power station has been granted by the FCC and the new call leter is K33OB-D on RF ch. 33.
Will run at 15 KW ERP, this one runs from the Westside same location as KWPL-LD a HC2 owned station.
It's going to be aimed at eastern part of Albuquerque, so it's tightly focused beam pattern.
This new station is owned by Digital Network and what kind of programmings is unkown at this time.
Will run at 15 KW ERP, this one runs from the Westside same location as KWPL-LD a HC2 owned station.
It's going to be aimed at eastern part of Albuquerque, so it's tightly focused beam pattern.
This new station is owned by Digital Network and what kind of programmings is unkown at this time.
10 Replies
·
154 views
Yeah, there are some diginets like Heartland, Retro, The Family Channel diginetworks that we already have here in this market and we don't need duplicates, but bring the new diginets on like the Rev'n, Karate Acton movies, different kind of music videos on the new station. 
Yeah, there are some diginets like Heartland, Retro, The Family Channel diginetworks that we already have here in this market and we don't need duplicates, but bring the new diginets like Revn, Karate Acton movies, different kind of music videos on the new station.
I watch MovieSphere Gold channel a lot. Many recent movies on that digitnet
Yes that's a good channel MovieSphere, only thing is the missing CC on it. 
