FAQ
TL;DR: If your Ariva 253 bricked after V1.33B5, a PLN 7 RS232 adapter lets you reload firmware; “child’s play” per an experienced user. Skip repeat shipments and recover at home. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315008]
Why it matters: It cuts downtime and avoids paid service when a firmware update soft-bricks the receiver.
Quick facts:
- Software reloads go through the RS232 port; search “Ariva ASH” for step-by-step recovery notes. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #17269576]
- RS232 USB–serial converter costs approx. PLN 7, enabling DIY recovery instead of shipping. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315008]
- One service case: “flash cleaning” cost PLN 60 with >2 weeks turnaround reported. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17314218]
- A brick was reported right after updating from V1.33B2 to 20180528 V1.33B5. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17266770]
- Another repair involved a resistor replacement, with user settings preserved. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17327645]
Quick Facts
- Software reloads go through the RS232 port; search “Ariva ASH” for step-by-step recovery notes. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #17269576]
- RS232 USB–serial converter costs approx. PLN 7, enabling DIY recovery instead of shipping. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315008]
- One service case: “flash cleaning” cost PLN 60 with >2 weeks turnaround reported. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17314218]
- A brick was reported right after updating from V1.33B2 to 20180528 V1.33B5. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17266770]
- Another repair involved a resistor replacement, with user settings preserved. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17327645]
How do I unbrick an Ariva 253 that won’t boot after 20180528 V1.33B5?
Use the A253Combo_EromUpgrade tool over RS232 to reload firmware. Three-step how-to:
- Connect an RS232 converter to the PC and the receiver, with power off.
- Launch A253Combo_EromUpgrade and select the correct firmware file.
- Click Start, then power on the receiver and wait for completion.
This process revives units that fail to start after firmware issues. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315710]
Which loader should I use for serial recovery on the 253?
Use A253Combo_EromUpgrade.zip for the Ariva 253. Earlier mentions of A153 loaders were corrected by the poster. Match the loader to the 253 model, then select your desired firmware .abs file in the program. This aligns the tool with the receiver’s bootloader expectations. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315710]
What if the Ferguson upload tool won’t connect or errors out?
Try a compatible loader from other STB brands. Members report using uploaders from Amiko, Openbox, or Cryptobox when the factory tool fails to handshake. Keep the RS232 link stable and retry. This workaround often completes the flash when the official utility stalls. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #17317655]
Do I need a special cable, and what does it cost?
Use a basic RS232 converter between your PC and the receiver. One experienced member states it costs about PLN 7 and called the process “child’s play.” This low-cost adapter enables full firmware reloads without opening the unit. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315008]
What does “ASH” refer to on Ariva, and how do I proceed?
“ASH” is the community shorthand for the Ariva boot/recovery state used during serial reflashing. When the box won’t boot, reload software via the RS232 port and follow guides found by searching “Ariva ASH.” This path restores firmware without hardware modifications. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #17269576]
How long does official service take, and what might it cost?
One documented case shows a “flash cleaning” repair costing PLN 60. The user reported more than two weeks between shipment and return. The unit came back running, but failed again a few days later. Plan for potential downtime and shipping costs if you choose service. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17314218]
Is the 20180528 V1.33B5 update risky on some units?
A user reported a brick right after moving from V1.33B2 to V1.33B5. The receiver rebooted, powered off, and never returned. Toggling the rear power switch did not help. This illustrates a failure edge case after that update path. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17266770]
Should I wait before installing new firmware on the 253?
Yes. One experienced member advises waiting until others install and confirm stability. “You can’t avoid it. The only way out is to patiently wait for others to upload and release.” This reduces the chance of hitting early firmware issues. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #17279788]
Can a bad channel list brick the Ariva 253?
Yes. “Most often it spills after a badly loaded channel list or wrong list,” reported a seasoned user. The receiver otherwise handles typical use robustly. Always import compatible lists for your exact firmware branch. If in doubt, clean-scan and back up channels first. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315710]
Which firmware do power users recommend if V1.33B5 causes trouble?
A veteran user recommends the tuned A253Combo_20160601_1.30B8_patch. He notes it “gives you really great possibilities.” Use serial upload if the box fails to boot, and test stability before adding custom lists. Keep backups to roll back quickly. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315739]
Will a patch improve EPG with a CI+ CAM (e.g., CP module)?
EPG content and schedule come from DVB EIT tables broadcast by the provider. Firmware patches rarely change broadcaster EIT behavior. CI+ CAM usage does not add EPG data. Ensure correct time, scan per transponder, and allow data to populate. Results vary by operator. [ETSI, 2019]
Can I identify the CPU without breaking the seal?
It isn’t necessary for recovery. A knowledgeable member said not to worry about the processor and to proceed with the recommended loader and firmware. Focus on using A253-specific tools and images for the 253. [Elektroda, berthold61, post #17315739]
What does the official service actually do to fix a soft-brick?
In one case, the service performed a flash cleaning and returned the unit running the same firmware version. This resolved the immediate boot issue, confirming that bootloader and firmware reloads fix software corruption. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17314218]
Could the repair involve hardware parts?
Yes. A user reported a service note indicating a resistor replacement. After that repair, the unit returned with all personal settings and favorite lists preserved. Hardware faults can mimic firmware failures. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17327645]
thank you for the information, but the decoder has already left for the site, I hope that "they will not let me go with the bags", in the meantime I will calmly look for a cable although I am more willing to let go of further updates, which were more often problematic than they brought specific and noticeable effects ...
I thought that the problem is the bigger, and the manufacturer only allows updates or modifications to the channel list via usb or cable ... I wanted time - which unfortunately was the biggest mistake on my part (one month has passed since the first shipment) ... Well and I didn't think that after a visit to the site it would fall out again so quickly. I am asking for further instructions 