The initial file is a plain text file. It defines the delivery system (e.g., terrestrial, cable, satellite) and lists specific frequencies or transponders to probe.
: The tool instructs the DVB adapter to step through the frequency range (e.g., 950–2150 MHz for Satellite or 47–862 MHz for Terrestrial) in defined increments. dvbv5scan initial file
Without a valid initial file, dvbv5-scan cannot begin operation because it does not internally store frequency plans for all regions. The initial file is a plain text file
Once an initial file exists (e.g., my_initial.conf ), run: Without a valid initial file, dvbv5-scan cannot begin
# Berlin, Germany - DVB-T2 initial file [CHANNEL] DELIVERY_SYSTEM = DVBT2 FREQUENCY = 514000000 BANDWIDTH_HZ = 8000000 CODE_RATE_HP = AUTO CODE_RATE_LP = AUTO MODULATION = QAM/64 TRANSMISSION_MODE = 8K GUARD_INTERVAL = 1/8 HIERARCHY = NONE INVERSION = AUTO
For advanced users: You can create a comprehensive initial file for an entire city or satellite. Collect all known frequencies and multiplex parameters from public sources (like ukfree.tv or lyngsat.com ), then create an .ini file with multiple [CHANNEL] sections.
Satellite (DVB-S2) example: DVB-S2 11919000 27500 3/4 8PSK H Notes: frequency in kHz (11919000 kHz = 11.919 GHz) or sometimes in Hz — check your dvbv5scan variant.