ClearStream Model M8 Quick Start Manual - User Manual

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Quick Start Guide

Version 1.10

www.triotechgroup.com/
www.triotechgroup.com/contact-sales
www.triotechgroup.com/contact-support

@clearstream2013

/clearstream.freeTV

Model M8

Statements

This manual is provided “as is” without warranty of  any kind, either expressed
or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall we, its di-
rectors, officers, employees or agents be liable for any indirect, special, inciden-
tal, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of
business, loss of use or data, interruption of business), even if we have been
advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in
this manual or product.  Specifications and information contained in this manual
are furnished for information use only, and are subject to change at any time
without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by us. We as-
sume no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear
in this manual, including the products and software described in it. No part of
this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated
into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by
the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of
us. Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is re-
paired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is au-
thorized in writing by us; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or
missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be
registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are
used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without
intent to infringe.

Preface

Thank you for purchasing the Clearstream Media Unit. This quick start guide
will help you get the most out of your new media unit. Please read it carefully
before using and keep it for future reference.

Product specifications, size, and shape are subject to change without notice, and ac-
tual product appearance may differ from that depicted herein. All trademarks and brand
names are the properties of their respective holders.

reserved.

Contents

Chapter 1 System Introduction

1.1 Key Features

1.2 System Environment

1.3 Package Contents

Chapter 2 Connecting Your System

2.1 Cabling Your System

2.2 Powering On/Off

2.3 Check Your Network Connection

2.4 Configure Your Network

2.5 Calibrating Your System

3 0 Using Your Remote Controller

Chapter 4 System Overview & Using Video Addons

4.1 Video Addons

4.2 Main Playback Screen

4.3 Using Live TV Addons

4.4 Movie & Recorded TV Addons

Chapter 5 Clearstream Maintenance

5.1 Help & Support For Your Clearstream

5.2 Troubleshooting

Chapter 1 System Introduction

1.1 Key Features



Android or Linux operating system with ARM Multicore Processor



Multiple format support including VC-1, H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-1,
MPEG-4, DIVX



Video formats include avi, mpg, vob, mkv



Audio Formats include MP3, WMA, AC3, DTS and AAC



Support for SD/SDHC/MMC cards



Four USB 2.0 host connectors



RJ-45 Ethernet cable and wireless network connections



Infrared remote controller

1.2 Environment for System

Operation: Temperature limitation: 0-40˚C; Humidity: 20-80%

Storage: Temperature limitation: -20-50˚C; Humidity: 10-90%
It is recommended to not operate the unit in an enclosed space or to stack
the unit directly on top of another heat producing device.

1.3 Package Contents

Accessories

Power Adaptor 3Pin UK

HDMI Cable

Ethernet Cable

User Manual

Remote Controller

Chapter 2 Connecting Your System

2.1 Cabling Your System

Connect the HDMI cable supplied into the interface marked HDMI on

your media unit and the other end into a HDMI socket on your TV.

Connect your Ethernet cable from the media to a free port on your
router/modem.*

It is highly recommended that you plug the power supply into the unit
last of all.



It is

strongly recommended

that you use an Ethernet connection rather than a

wireless connection to your router. If the cable will not reach the location of your
router, then a longer cable can be purchased, or a powerline Ethernet adapter
that will use your household electrical wiring to establish the connection can be
purchased via our website www.triotechgroup.com.

If you do decide to use a wireless connection, configuration details are give in section 2.4

Time Display

On/Off Button

Rear View

Chapter 2 Connecting Your System

Power

Adapter

The ports on your unit may differ in terms of location/order on the unit.

Wi-fi

Antenna

Ethernet

Network Cable

HDMI TV Connection

Router/
Modem

2.3 Check Your Network Connection

If you are using a wired Ethernet connection, your network should be automatically
configured. To check you are online, check the system time in the top right of the
Home Screen. If it is correct then you are already connected and able to watch
some TV.

Should your time be incorrect, please follow the procedure in the next section to
connect your Ethernet or Wifi network.

2.2 Powering on/Off

Once your unit is plugged in, the on/off button on the front of the unit will turn red.
You can switch the unit on and off by either pressing the button or using the
power button on your remote. By selecting the appropriate HDMI source on your
television remote, you should see Clearstream Home Screen as below.

After a minute or so, you will see the Home Screen appear.

2.4 Configure your Network

Access the Android settings Icon under Programs from your TV menu. You will
then be able to select either an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Follow the on
screen prompts to enable the selected connection. Which ever connection you
choose, please make sure the BLUE toggle switch in the top right of the menu
is set to on by using the remote.

2.5 Enabling SMART DNS Service for access to ITV/BBC iPlayer.

If you require access to the full BBC iPlayer or ITV player catch-up services,
you will need to configure a smart DNS service such as Unotelly or Overplay.

This service will give you a valid UK network address so you can access these
Addons without having to connect via a VPN etc.

To find out more, go to the ONDEMAND section on our website at
www.triotechgroup.com/ondemand, or go to the HELP icon from the Video
Addons tab on your Home screen and look at the FAQ section.

You will find all you need here to sign up to a service and details on how to
configure your unit in just a few minutes.

3. Using your Remote Controller

You will then go through a process of moving the

RIGHT ANGLE

with the remote

cursor buttons until it’s fits square in the top left of the screen. The same process is
carried out in the bottom right of the screen, followed by selecting where the subtitles
should appear. Finally you will see a square in the centre of the screen. Use the

LEFT/RIGHT

buttons on your remote to make it a perfect square and press return.

You can exit the menu back to the home screen using your

BACK or RETURN

button on your remote Your TV screen is now calibrated. A video of how to do this is
in the HELP section from the Video Addons tab.

2.6 Calibrating Your Screen

If you find that some of the text is missing in the corners of your Home screen, your
system needs to be calibrated to your TV. To do this, from the Home screen, go
RIGHT to:

SYSTEM—> SETTINGS .

Then select :

VIDEO OUTPUT - VIDEO CALIBRATION

as shown below.

After a minute or so, you will see the Home Screen appear.

Please refer to the

REMOTE KEYCARD

sheet that came with your unit for details

on how your particular remote functions. All remote guides can also be found online
by going to www.triotechgroup.com/remotes.

Your Clearstream model is based upon an award-winning free and open source
(GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. It was
designed for network playback, so you can stream your multimedia from anywhere
in the house or directly from the internet using practically any protocol available.
This software is provided pre-configured and at no charge with your system.

In addition to this, we have also provided our unique Clearstream management
software that provides automatic updates when required, directly to your unit each
time you switch on. It also provides several tools to check Internet speed, maintain
your system and a RECOVERY option which will download and install a default
image to your unit to bring it back to the state when purchased.

4. System Overview

4.1 Video Addons

Some popular Addons have been pre-installed on your unit. The shortcuts to
some of these can be found on the main HOME screen. All of the Addons
can be accessed from the tab marked

Addons

on the

HOME

screen, under

VIDEOS

ADDON SHORTCUTS

— Navigate with

arrows on remote and press OK
The BORDER around the items indi-
cates which is currently selected

ALL ADDONS

— Select the

ADDON

Tab below ‘VIDEOS’ on the HOME
screen

and press OK to see all of

the Addons Installed

4.1 Video Addons Cont..

There are literally hundreds of video addons available that provide Live TV,
Movies, TV Catchup , Radio and much more.

For UK Live TV

Live UK TV. Usually in higher resolution than Filmon. Our first
choice for live TV and written in house. You will find the Expat
TV icon on your Home screen, and in the Video Addon’s section.
14 Day Catchup for UK Soaps and Quiz shows is available
within the Expat addon via the Soapbox and Quizbox icons.

The FTV Guide offers a familiar and easy way to view and plan
your live TV schedule. As well as showing what is currently
being broadcast, it offers program detail on each channel
programming for the next three days. Once you have selected a
channel, simply use the menu button on your remote to toggle
between full screen and picture-in-picture to change channel.

Catch up on BBC channel
broadcasting, showing the
last 7 days programming
plus more

Free content from your
favourite ITV channels,
available anytime.

Lots of Addons that provide literally thousand of Movies and TV shows, available on
demand. Classic Movies and shows from yesteryear to the latest episodes from yesterday.
Many in High Definition. For tips and details on how to use Addons, please go to:
www.triotechgroup.com/quick-tips or go to the HELP icon from the Home screen.

A traditional TV 7 Day Catchup solution. Watch programming
you have missed from the last 7 days across 24 TV Channels.

TV and Movies On Demand Addons

UK Catchup Services

Currently, a Smart DNS service is required for the ITV Player Addon to work. Please see
page 6 of this guide or go to www.triotechgroup.com/ondemand for details.

4.2 Main Playback Screen

The main video playback screen is the same regardless of which addon you are
using. This can be accessed by pressing the

MENU

button on your remote.

Here you can adjust settings such as audio offset, aspect ratio and subtitles.

Note: This is not available whilst using the FTV TV Guide.

FFWD/REWIND*

VIDEO OPTIONS

Aspect Ratio, Filters

AUDIO OPTIONS

Audio Offset, Boost

SUBTITLES

CREATE BOOKMARK

FFWD/REWIND are currently not supported for streaming

. Instead, use the

RIGHT

arrow on your remote to skip forward 30 sec, and the

arrow to skip

forward 10 Mins.

This is not supported with live TV streams.

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP

SKIP TO
END/START

It is important to note that with the volume of content available through these Addons,
Triotech Media cannot be held responsible for either the reliability, suitability or legality of
some content in terms of copyright. Some content may be unsuitable for young children.
Viewer discretion is advised.

4.3 Using Live TV Addons

When using Live TV Addons, navigate to a channel thumbnail or list with the remote
arrows and press

OK/SELECT

on your remote

to select your channel. Please be aware

that Internet streams will take up to a few seconds to start, so repeated pressing of the
OK button before the stream starts may cause the unit to fail to play the stream
correctly.

To go back to your channel list, press the

STOP/RETURN

buttons, and then

RETURN

go back to the main menu screen.

Alternatively you can use the pre-installed FTV guide from the home screen to access
your Live TV schedule.

4.4 Using Movies/Recorded TV

When watching Movies or pre recorded TV, you can use the

PLAY/PAUSE

and skip

functions during playback. The PAUSE function is very useful if for example you are
experiencing stuttering or buffering on your connection. Simply press the

PAUSE

button

and give the movie or show 30 seconds-1 minute before pressing

PLAY

again. This

allows the units to download data in the background to give smooth playback. You can
use the UP/DOWN/LEFT & RIGHT remote buttons to skip forward & backward though
the program as detailed on page 11 of this guide.

Important: The PLAY, PAUSE & SKIP functions are unavailable whilst watching
LIVE TV and may result in an error on your system.

5.0 Clearstream Maintenance Addon

The Clearstream maintenance tool is designed to give you all the
tools and support you need to keep your unit up to date and
Functioning optimally. Here you will find all of the fixes, updates, and
version upgrades as well as diagnostic tools such as checking your
Internet connection. The Auto Update feature means that critical
updates will be applied automatically when you switch the unit on.

You will find the Clearstream maintenance Addon by using the

RIGHT

button on the remote from the main screen. You will find the

Icon under

PROGRAMS

You can also install new Addons on your system using the ADDON Installer icon
which is also available by selecting the PROGRAMS heading from the main
screen.

If an Addon is not functioning correctly, you can

RE-INSTALL it easily

by going to

the

RE-INSTALL

section within Clearstream Maintenance.

5.1 Help and Support For Your Clearstream

One of the key differences between our system and many others
is that  we understand how important customer service is.
In addition to the standard hardware warranty, we provide lifetime
technical support for your unit with online help, videos, & FAQ
sections etc.

For direct support, you can use the contact-us link to raise a
support ticket or ask a question at:
www.triotechgroup.com/contact-us

HELP

A series of Help Videos, latest news and quick tips are available directly from your
unit by accessing the

HELP

Icon . You can find this in the Video Addon section

from your menu.

You can also follow us on:

Twitter

@clearstream2013

Facebook

/Clearstream.freeTV

Website

www.triotechgroup.com

5.2 Troubleshooting

I have a ‘RED cross saying script failure’ at the bottom right of my screen

If all Addons are failing, it is likely you are not connected to the internet.
Check connectivity using the Clearstream maintenance NET TESTER tool
and reboot the media unit.

My video stream keeps pausing and saying ‘Buffering’

Some sources can be busy due to demand. Many issues can be fixed by
pausing the stream for 30 seconds or so before resuming to allow the stream
to buffer. (Not LIVE TV). If you still experience buffering then press the STOP
key and choose another source as they will vary in speed. Many videos are
available across different Addons as well, so give a different one a try.

I cannot connect to the Internet

If you are wired then check whether the Ethernet port is flashing and check
the router configuration is correct. If the problem persists, then switch off the
router and the Clearstream unit. Switch on the router first and wait until it is
fully active before switching on the Clearstream unit and try connecting again.

UK On Demand services are not working with script failure or URL not found

Please go to www.triotechgroup.com/ondemand to fix your Smart DNS.

One of my Addons is not working but the rest are fine

Try going to the re-install section of the Clearstream Maintenance Addon and

select the Addon to re-install it. Reboot the Clearstream and try again.

My media unit is not responding when using an Addon

If it does not respond within a couple of minutes, then reboot with the power

button on the remote.

I cannot enter my serial number into the Clearstream Maintenance Addon

The serial number is printed on the underside of the media unit, starting 201..

The number can be entered without spaces or dashes. There is no need to

use the S/N prefix when entering the number.

With the exception of Triotech Media authored Addon’s, all of the Addons are free
public domain software and as such we do not offer direct support should an individual
Addon stop working or malfunction. We will of course offer advice and fixes where we
can, which you can get via our website at

www.triotechgroup.com/support

All available fixes are available via the Clearstream Maintenance Addon.

Support for Addons

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