Configuring Max M2 for DVB-C Reception in MLD (Linux)/TVHeadend

Configuring Max M2 for DVB-C Reception in MLD (Linux)/TVHeadend

Issue

After installed the Digital Devices Max M2 card on MLD (a Linux distribution for VDR). The drivers load successfully, but both tuners are detected as DVB-S instead of DVB-C. The goal is to switch the reception type to DVB-C.

Step 1: (Optional) Install the Latest DDDVB Drivers

If you’re unsure whether the driver package from MLD is up to date, install the latest Git head version from Digital Devices:

curl -s http://linuxsupport.digital-devices.eu/dddvb_build.sh | bash /dev/stdin -g
  

This ensures full support for hybrid tuners (DVB-S/T/C).

Step 2: Set Delivery Mode for Cable/Terrestrial Reception

The Max M2 supports different delivery system configurations through the delmode driver option.

Edit or create the following configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/ddbridge.conf
  

Add this line for Cable/Terrestrial only:

options ddbridge delmode=1
  

Alternative setting (for mixed SAT + Cable/Terrestrial environments):

options ddbridge delmode=2
  

Save and reboot the system (or reload the module):

sudo rmmod ddbridge
sudo modprobe ddbridge
  

Note: Some applications (e.g., TVHeadend) may require delmode=2 to correctly detect DVB-C tuners.

Step 3: Understanding Max M2 Input Configuration

The Max M2 features a flexible input design supporting both Satellite (DVB-S) and Cable/Terrestrial (DVB-C/T) signals. Signal routing depends on how the physical inputs (CON1 and CON2) are wired:

Possible Signal Combinations

1. Cable/Terrestrial + Cable/Terrestrial – splitter on CON1 feeds both tuners.
2. Cable/Terrestrial + SAT – CON1 feeds both tuners for cable, SAT cable connected to CON2 for tuner 2.
3. SAT + SAT – both tuners receive SAT directly (each input separate).
4. SAT + DVB-C/T – not possible, since CON2 cannot handle DVB-C/T.

“Tuner 1: SAT + Tuner 2: Cable” is not supported due to hardware routing.

Reference

• Input configuration guide:
  https://download.digital-devices.eu/download/dokumentation/max_m2/inputs_en.html
• Latest driver builds:
  https://github.com/DigitalDevices/dddvb

Summary

1. Install or update DDDVB drivers.
2. Configure delmode=1 (or delmode=2 for hybrid).
3. Reboot or reload the driver.
4. Ensure the correct physical input (CON1) carries the cable signal.