Always back up your original firmware using a hardware programmer (e.g., CH341A) before flashing any modifications.
While major players like Qualcomm and MediaTek dominate the smartphone spotlight, MStar has long been the silent giant powering millions of budget smart TVs, TV boxes, and car infotainment systems. Because these devices often receive infrequent—or non-existent—software updates, the ability to manually dissect and modify their firmware is crucial. This is where the mstar-bin-tool enters the picture.
Have you used the mstar-bin-tool for a project? Share your experience in the comments or contribute to its development on GitHub. mstar-bin-tool
The (primarily hosted by dipcore on GitHub ) is an essential open-source utility for developers and enthusiasts working with MStar-based firmware. It is specifically designed to handle the .bin firmware files commonly found in Android Smart TVs and LCD controllers. 🛠️ Core Capabilities
python3 mstar-bin-tool.py -i firmware.bin Always back up your original firmware using a
./mstar-bin-tool -x firmware.bin -l logo.bin # Edit logo.bin after conversion ./mstar-bin-tool -c -l new_logo.bin -o custom_firmware.bin
mstar-bin-tool parses the header and offset table, then extracts each section as a separate file. This is where the mstar-bin-tool enters the picture
Many MStar-based Android TVs come with bloatware, spyware, or region locks. By unpacking the firmware, you can remove unwanted APKs or modify build.prop settings before repacking and flashing.
Extract individual components: