GrabBee-HD

GrabBee-HD

[Dave Kimble]

I have just bought an HDMI to USB-2.0 grabber called "GrabBee-HD".
http://www.greada.com/grabbeex-hd.html
Motherboard photo: http://www.davekimble.org.au/computers/GrabBee-HD.jpg
Inside it has chips labelled "Sigma PL330B-CPE3" and "iTE IT6604E".
Note that it compresses the video with H.264 .

I knew it probably wouldn't have drivers for Linux, but it does have 
Windows drivers on CD,
so since I run Ubuntu-VirtualBox-WinXP I thought it might well work one 
way or another.

On Ubuntu 14.04, the USB device is picked up:
$ lsusb -v -d 0658:1100

Bus 001 Device 007: ID 0658:1100 Sigma Designs, Inc.
Couldn't open device, some information will be missing
Device Descriptor:
   bLength                18
   bDescriptorType         1
   bcdUSB               2.00
   bDeviceClass            0 (Defined at Interface level)
   bDeviceSubClass         0
   bDeviceProtocol         0
   bMaxPacketSize0        64
   idVendor           0x0658 Sigma Designs, Inc.
   idProduct          0x1100
   bcdDevice            0.00
   iManufacturer           1
   iProduct                2
   iSerial                 3
   bNumConfigurations      1
   Configuration Descriptor:
     bLength                 9
     bDescriptorType         2
     wTotalLength           46
     bNumInterfaces          1
     bConfigurationValue     1
     iConfiguration          4
     bmAttributes         0x80
       (Bus Powered)
     MaxPower              500mA
     Interface Descriptor:
       bLength                 9
       bDescriptorType         4
       bInterfaceNumber        0
       bAlternateSetting       0
       bNumEndpoints           4
       bInterfaceClass       255 Vendor Specific Class
       bInterfaceSubClass      0
       bInterfaceProtocol      0
       iInterface              4
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x02  EP 2 OUT
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x04  EP 4 OUT
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x81  EP 1 IN
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x83  EP 3 IN
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
====

but it is not recognised as a video capture device by VLC.
/dev/dvb/ , /dev/v4l/ , /dev/video0 do not exist.

So I fired up VB-WinXP and installed the Windows drivers and software, 
and restarted.
Then plugged in the device, which should connect the device to the 
driver, but it didn't.
Starting the Grabbee-HD software gives "No video capture device is 
connected!"
Then I realised the USB device has to be passed through the VB interface,
VB-Manager > USB > Add > "no devices available".

So because Ubuntu doesn't properly recognise the device, it can't pass 
it on to VB and XP.

Is there any chance of getting this going on Ubuntu 14.04 natively?

GrabBee-HD

[Dave Kimble]

I have just bought an HDMI to USB-2.0 grabber called "GrabBee-HD".
http://www.greada.com/grabbeex-hd.html
Motherboard photo: http://www.davekimble.org.au/computers/GrabBee-HD.jpg
Inside it has chips labelled "Sigma PL330B-CPE3" and "iTE IT6604E".
Note that it compresses the video with H.264 .

I knew it probably wouldn't have drivers for Linux, but it does have 
Windows drivers on CD,
so since I run Ubuntu-VirtualBox-WinXP I thought it might well work one 
way or another.

On Ubuntu 14.04, the USB device is picked up:
$ lsusb -v -d 0658:1100

Bus 001 Device 007: ID 0658:1100 Sigma Designs, Inc.
Couldn't open device, some information will be missing
Device Descriptor:
   bLength                18
   bDescriptorType         1
   bcdUSB               2.00
   bDeviceClass            0 (Defined at Interface level)
   bDeviceSubClass         0
   bDeviceProtocol         0
   bMaxPacketSize0        64
   idVendor           0x0658 Sigma Designs, Inc.
   idProduct          0x1100
   bcdDevice            0.00
   iManufacturer           1
   iProduct                2
   iSerial                 3
   bNumConfigurations      1
   Configuration Descriptor:
     bLength                 9
     bDescriptorType         2
     wTotalLength           46
     bNumInterfaces          1
     bConfigurationValue     1
     iConfiguration          4
     bmAttributes         0x80
       (Bus Powered)
     MaxPower              500mA
     Interface Descriptor:
       bLength                 9
       bDescriptorType         4
       bInterfaceNumber        0
       bAlternateSetting       0
       bNumEndpoints           4
       bInterfaceClass       255 Vendor Specific Class
       bInterfaceSubClass      0
       bInterfaceProtocol      0
       iInterface              4
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x02  EP 2 OUT
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x04  EP 4 OUT
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x81  EP 1 IN
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
       Endpoint Descriptor:
         bLength                 7
         bDescriptorType         5
         bEndpointAddress     0x83  EP 3 IN
         bmAttributes            2
           Transfer Type            Bulk
           Synch Type               None
           Usage Type               Data
         wMaxPacketSize     0x0200  1x 512 bytes
         bInterval               3
====

but it is not recognised as a video capture device by VLC.
/dev/dvb/ , /dev/v4l/ , /dev/video0 do not exist.

So I fired up VB-WinXP and installed the Windows drivers and software, 
and restarted.
Then plugged in the device, which should connect the device to the 
driver, but it didn't.
Starting the Grabbee-HD software gives "No video capture device is 
connected!"
Then I realised the USB device has to be passed through the VB interface,
VB-Manager > USB > Add > "no devices available".

So because Ubuntu doesn't properly recognise the device, it can't pass 
it on to VB and XP.

Is there any chance of getting this going on Ubuntu 14.04 natively?


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Re: GrabBee-HD

[Steven Toth]

Ok, no nobody jumped in the first time around..... my turn I guess... :)

Comments below.

On Thu, Oct 16, 2014 at 5:18 PM, Dave Kimble <dave.kimble@riseup.net> wrote:
> I have just bought an HDMI to USB-2.0 grabber called "GrabBee-HD".
> http://www.greada.com/grabbeex-hd.html
> Motherboard photo: http://www.davekimble.org.au/computers/GrabBee-HD.jpg
> Inside it has chips labelled "Sigma PL330B-CPE3" and "iTE IT6604E".
> Note that it compresses the video with H.264 .

I've worked on drivers for those two chips in the past. I have a large
amount of experience with these parts.

>
> I knew it probably wouldn't have drivers for Linux, but it does have Windows
> drivers on CD,
> so since I run Ubuntu-VirtualBox-WinXP I thought it might well work one way
> or another.

Correct, no Linux drivers.

>
> On Ubuntu 14.04, the USB device is picked up:
> $ lsusb -v -d 0658:1100
>

<snip>

>
> but it is not recognised as a video capture device by VLC.
> /dev/dvb/ , /dev/v4l/ , /dev/video0 do not exist.

Correct. Linux has no support for that device. :(

>
> So I fired up VB-WinXP and installed the Windows drivers and software, and
> restarted.
> Then plugged in the device, which should connect the device to the driver,
> but it didn't.

That's odd. It suggests an (off topic) windows related driver problem,
or a virtual machine issue.

> Starting the Grabbee-HD software gives "No video capture device is
> connected!"
> Then I realised the USB device has to be passed through the VB interface,
> VB-Manager > USB > Add > "no devices available".
>
> So because Ubuntu doesn't properly recognise the device, it can't pass it on
> to VB and XP.

I don't think the virtual machines work that way, at least not in my
experience. I've always been able to do what you want to do on various
platforms. Sorry, I can't really help you debug Windows / Virtual
machine issues.

>
> Is there any chance of getting this going on Ubuntu 14.04 natively?

Unlikely. Sigma are generally GPL unfriendly.

I've done drivers for this chip on OSX before, mostly as a R&D
exercise, so I'm highly familiar with it. The chip is a monster to
write for, kinda nasty to be honest - not very straightforward.

I think you're out of luck.

- Steve

-- 
Steven Toth - Kernel Labs
http://www.kernellabs.com

Re: GrabBee-HD

[Dave Kimble]

Thanks for your reply.
Your feeling that VB-WinXP would be the problem sent me back to that.
So I found that VB picking up USB 2.0 devices requires the Extension 
Pack installed with ehci controller enabled , and that cured that 
problem, and the device now finds it's XP driver.

The grabber software loads OK and asks for the signal information. Since 
the software goes with this particular device, I am surprised at this - 
it should know it already, shouldn't it?

Although the software's input is the device's output, it also seems to 
depend on the device's input, i.e. the HDMI stream.This stream comes via 
satellite dish and decoder box, and is picking up Freeview channels in 
Australia.

Almost all of the options produce the error: "Sigma Designs USB Device 
device does not active or error !" [sic]
The best combination of options produces a good picture, but it moves 
very slowly and after a few seconds freezes.
XP cannot then terminate the process, and neither can VB > Close.
So I have to VB > Reset
Then Ubuntu loses the device from lsusb and it needs too be unplugged 
and plugged in again, and VB-WinXP started again.

Any assistance would be welcome - as you can probably tell, I really 
don't know what I'm doing.

Dave

On 17/10/14 07:40, Steven Toth wrote:
> Ok, no nobody jumped in the first time around..... my turn I guess... :)
>
> Comments below.
>
> On Thu, Oct 16, 2014 at 5:18 PM, Dave Kimble<dave.kimble@riseup.net>  wrote:
>> I have just bought an HDMI to USB-2.0 grabber called "GrabBee-HD".
>> http://www.greada.com/grabbeex-hd.html
>> Motherboard photo:http://www.davekimble.org.au/computers/GrabBee-HD.jpg
>> Inside it has chips labelled "Sigma PL330B-CPE3" and "iTE IT6604E".
>> Note that it compresses the video with H.264 .
> I've worked on drivers for those two chips in the past. I have a large
> amount of experience with these parts.
>
>> I knew it probably wouldn't have drivers for Linux, but it does have Windows
>> drivers on CD,
>> so since I run Ubuntu-VirtualBox-WinXP I thought it might well work one way
>> or another.
> Correct, no Linux drivers.
>
>> On Ubuntu 14.04, the USB device is picked up:
>> $ lsusb -v -d 0658:1100
>>
> <snip>
>
>> but it is not recognised as a video capture device by VLC.
>> /dev/dvb/ , /dev/v4l/ , /dev/video0 do not exist.
> Correct. Linux has no support for that device. :(
>
>> So I fired up VB-WinXP and installed the Windows drivers and software, and
>> restarted.
>> Then plugged in the device, which should connect the device to the driver,
>> but it didn't.
> That's odd. It suggests an (off topic) windows related driver problem,
> or a virtual machine issue.
>
>> Starting the Grabbee-HD software gives "No video capture device is
>> connected!"
>> Then I realised the USB device has to be passed through the VB interface,
>> VB-Manager > USB > Add > "no devices available".
>>
>> So because Ubuntu doesn't properly recognise the device, it can't pass it on
>> to VB and XP.
> I don't think the virtual machines work that way, at least not in my
> experience. I've always been able to do what you want to do on various
> platforms. Sorry, I can't really help you debug Windows / Virtual
> machine issues.
>
>> Is there any chance of getting this going on Ubuntu 14.04 natively?
> Unlikely. Sigma are generally GPL unfriendly.
>
> I've done drivers for this chip on OSX before, mostly as a R&D
> exercise, so I'm highly familiar with it. The chip is a monster to
> write for, kinda nasty to be honest - not very straightforward.
>
> I think you're out of luck.
>
> - Steve
>

Re: GrabBee-HD

[Steven Toth]

On Fri, Oct 17, 2014 at 3:29 AM, Dave Kimble <dave.kimble@riseup.net> wrote:
> Thanks for your reply.
> Your feeling that VB-WinXP would be the problem sent me back to that.
> So I found that VB picking up USB 2.0 devices requires the Extension Pack
> installed with ehci controller enabled , and that cured that problem, and
> the device now finds it's XP driver.

Ahh good to know, thanks for the feedback. I generally don't use VB, I
go with VMWare on multiple platforms.

>
> The grabber software loads OK and asks for the signal information. Since the
> software goes with this particular device, I am surprised at this - it
> should know it already, shouldn't it?

Yes.

>
> Although the software's input is the device's output, it also seems to
> depend on the device's input, i.e. the HDMI stream.This stream comes via
> satellite dish and decoder box, and is picking up Freeview channels in
> Australia.
>
> Almost all of the options produce the error: "Sigma Designs USB Device
> device does not active or error !" [sic]
> The best combination of options produces a good picture, but it moves very
> slowly and after a few seconds freezes.
> XP cannot then terminate the process, and neither can VB > Close.
> So I have to VB > Reset
> Then Ubuntu loses the device from lsusb and it needs too be unplugged and
> plugged in again, and VB-WinXP started again.

Urgh.

>
> Any assistance would be welcome - as you can probably tell, I really don't
> know what I'm doing.

Probably best to validate the hardware and software on its intended
platform and check that everything functions properly. Who knows,
maybe you've got a buggy build or a flakey stick. You may be confusing
one set of problems for VB related when in fact they're something
else.

- Steve

>
> Dave
>
> On 17/10/14 07:40, Steven Toth wrote:
>>
>> Ok, no nobody jumped in the first time around..... my turn I guess... :)
>>
>> Comments below.
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 16, 2014 at 5:18 PM, Dave Kimble<dave.kimble@riseup.net>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I have just bought an HDMI to USB-2.0 grabber called "GrabBee-HD".
>>> http://www.greada.com/grabbeex-hd.html
>>> Motherboard photo:http://www.davekimble.org.au/computers/GrabBee-HD.jpg
>>> Inside it has chips labelled "Sigma PL330B-CPE3" and "iTE IT6604E".
>>> Note that it compresses the video with H.264 .
>>
>> I've worked on drivers for those two chips in the past. I have a large
>> amount of experience with these parts.
>>
>>> I knew it probably wouldn't have drivers for Linux, but it does have
>>> Windows
>>> drivers on CD,
>>> so since I run Ubuntu-VirtualBox-WinXP I thought it might well work one
>>> way
>>> or another.
>>
>> Correct, no Linux drivers.
>>
>>> On Ubuntu 14.04, the USB device is picked up:
>>> $ lsusb -v -d 0658:1100
>>>
>> <snip>
>>
>>> but it is not recognised as a video capture device by VLC.
>>> /dev/dvb/ , /dev/v4l/ , /dev/video0 do not exist.
>>
>> Correct. Linux has no support for that device. :(
>>
>>> So I fired up VB-WinXP and installed the Windows drivers and software,
>>> and
>>> restarted.
>>> Then plugged in the device, which should connect the device to the
>>> driver,
>>> but it didn't.
>>
>> That's odd. It suggests an (off topic) windows related driver problem,
>> or a virtual machine issue.
>>
>>> Starting the Grabbee-HD software gives "No video capture device is
>>> connected!"
>>> Then I realised the USB device has to be passed through the VB interface,
>>> VB-Manager > USB > Add > "no devices available".
>>>
>>> So because Ubuntu doesn't properly recognise the device, it can't pass it
>>> on
>>> to VB and XP.
>>
>> I don't think the virtual machines work that way, at least not in my
>> experience. I've always been able to do what you want to do on various
>> platforms. Sorry, I can't really help you debug Windows / Virtual
>> machine issues.
>>
>>> Is there any chance of getting this going on Ubuntu 14.04 natively?
>>
>> Unlikely. Sigma are generally GPL unfriendly.
>>
>> I've done drivers for this chip on OSX before, mostly as a R&D
>> exercise, so I'm highly familiar with it. The chip is a monster to
>> write for, kinda nasty to be honest - not very straightforward.
>>
>> I think you're out of luck.
>>
>> - Steve
>>
>



-- 
Steven Toth - Kernel Labs
http://www.kernellabs.com
+1.646.355.8490

Re: GrabBee-HD

[Steven Toth]

> So I think this is going to be a very poor toy.

Its the kind of thing I usually like to throw into my collection for
the long winter nights. If you can give me a url that I can purchase
this from then I may pick a unit for future tweakery.

- Steve

-- 
Steven Toth - Kernel Labs
http://www.kernellabs.com

Re: GrabBee-HD

[Dave Kimble]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/190-6601431-1833600?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=grabbee-hd 
$99.95
I got mine on eBay for $76 from Hong Kong.
Now going cheap :-)

Just thinking aloud:
My PCs are all mini-ITX in very small cases, so PCI card solutions are 
not suitable.
The decoder box is UEC DSD4121 using VAST (DVB-S2) with AV and HDMI outputs.
There's a UEC upgrade kit to use the USB port with an external HDD to 
record for $65.
Might try that next.
Other options?

Dave



On 18/10/14 08:34, Steven Toth wrote:
>> So I think this is going to be a very poor toy.
> Its the kind of thing I usually like to throw into my collection for
> the long winter nights. If you can give me a url that I can purchase
> this from then I may pick a unit for future tweakery.
>
> - Steve
>