>FAQ
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Q: Is ISTAR Mini a Networked Media Tank (NMT) based player?
A:
Yes, our ISTAR Mini player is part of the NMT program and ISTARHD Inc. is a customer of Syabas.
Q: How long does it take for new Syabas NMT features to show up in firmware updates for the ISTAR Mini?
A:
There should be no significant delay because ISTAR Mini is part of the
NMT program and Syabas is a highly-reputable software provider.
Q: Does HDMI 1.3
generate any real advantage over HDMI 1.1 for ISTAR Mini?
A:
Not at this time. HDMI 1.3, implemented using the SIL9134 transmitter brings CEC,
better lip-sync, bit-stream audio output, and deep color over previous
version. Deep color adds no visible improvement on current 8-bit source material and Sigma's 24-bit hardware decoder. Bitstream audio output, however,
is dependent on software implementation. Currently Syabas NMT has
not implemented this feature. CEC and lip-sync depend not only on
software but also require both sides of the link to be functional.
Q: Are all HDMI 1.3 devices the same?
A:
No. HDMI 1.3 devices using SIL9133/9132 don't support bitstream audio
output while HDMI 1.3 device with SIL9134 (such as ISTAR Mini's HDMI 1.3 version) does.
Q: Why does ISTAR
Mini provide HDMI 1.3 if it generates no real benefit now?
A:
In our experience, using HDMI 1.3 may improve handshaking/HDCP interpolating between the player and display in some cases. Secondly, equipping our hardware with this capability could push Syabas to provide bitstream audio output over HDMI in a future release of the NMT middleware. (However, we cannot provide an ETA for this feature.)
Q: Does ISTAR Mini
have fan?
A:
Yes, but the fan is disabled by default. In most cases, passive cooling will be sufficient, but you can easily enable the fan by plugging in the 2-pin power on the mainboard.
Q: Is there room for a hard drive inside the ISTAR Mini's case?
A:
No, the ISTAR Mini does not provide room for an internal HDD.
Q: Why doesn't
ISTAR Mini provide space for internal HDD?
A:
As a portable streaming device, the design philosophy behind the ISTAR Mini was
to pack a lot of functionality into the smallest footprint possible. Also, heat generated by an
internal HDD could affect the life span of the Sigma media processor. The upcoming ISTAR model H10 will provide space for an internal HDD.
Q: What is the
difference between Sigma Design SMP8635 and SMP8634?
A:
The chips are identical except that the EM8634 adds Macrovision
protection on NTSC/PAL Composite, S-Video and YPbPr Outputs and thus
can legally perform AACS/BD+ decoding. The EM8635 cannot legally support this content.
Q: What is ISTAR
shipping policy?
A:
All orders will be shipped within two days via FedEx for US 48 states
and via USPS Express for International orders. If the product is out
of stock, the google checkout/buy button will be disabled.
Q: Will ISTAR charge
my credit card before shipping my order?
A:
No. ISTAR will not charge your credit card until your order has been shipped
and a tracking number is provided. Please do understand that Google checkout
performs a pre-authorization step; this is different from actually charging
your credit card.
Q: What is ISTAR's
warranty policy?
A:
ISTAR provides a lifetime warranty on all of its products. Customers will never be charged a
restocking fee when exchanging a unit for the same model. However, shipping charges are always non-refundable. For details, please refer to our RMA
policy.
Q: Does the ISTAR Mini support online firmware updates?
A:
Yes, ISTAR MINI supports online updates for firmware versions newer
than 080320.
Q: What is the difference between NMT file and firmware?
A: Firmware is the OS(operation system) for ISTAR Mini NMT player just like MS Windows for your computer. It resides in the player internal flash memory.
NMT application file is a software on top of the OS. NMT enable your ISTAR NMT player to become a NAS and other functions like bittorrent.
It is required to have an internal HDD connected to ISTAR in order to install NMT. Because NMT software is stored on HDD and NMT function provide no value without an internal HDD.
Q: How to install NMT application file on ISTAR Mini NMT player?
A: HDD connected via eSATA or SATA is treated as internal HDD by ISTAR Mini player.
An NMT Install Wizard will show up in the SETUP-MAITANENCE section when ISTAR Mini detects the presence of an internal HDD.
Please follow the instruction of NMT Install Wizard. It will format your HDD into ext3.
HDD connected via USB is treated as external device thus you will not be able to install NMT. (NMT Wizard won't show up)
To update firmware, you could either using Internet, USB device, and eSATA/SATA HDD via browsing the file category-select the update.htm.
Q: What to do if unit failed during a firmware upgrade?
A:
To recover from firmware update failure with fail-safe kernel, you could download the recovery file from here (instruction within):
www.istarhd.com/downloads/recoveryHDMI13.zip (for ISTAR 1.3)
www.istarhd.com/downloads/recoveryHDMI11.zip (for ISTAR 1.1)
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