Fixing Channel Order Problems with ChanSort: Troubleshooting Guide

Fixing Channel Order Problems with ChanSort: Troubleshooting GuideChanSort is a powerful, free Windows tool for editing TV channel lists exported from many brands and models of TVs and set‑top boxes. It lets you reorder channels, rename them, change favorites and lock flags, and then save the modified list back to the device. When it works, ChanSort saves hours of tedious manual editing. But users sometimes face channel order problems — missing channels, wrong numbering, duplicate entries, or changes that don’t apply to the TV. This guide walks through common issues, how ChanSort operates, and step‑by‑step troubleshooting to get your channel list reliably fixed.

How ChanSort works (brief technical overview)

ChanSort reads a channel list file exported from your TV (often via USB) and parses the format specific to your TV brand and firmware. Internally it builds a structured list of services (TV and radio), each with attributes such as:

• logical channel number (LCN)
• original index/position
• service type (TV/radio)
• network identifiers (channel ID, transport stream IDs)
• names, favorites, lock flags

When saving, ChanSort writes the edited entries back into the exact format expected by the TV. Because TVs use different storage formats and validation rules, successful import/export depends on using a supported file format and matching the TV’s expected structure.

Common problems and quick causes

• ChanSort can open a file but saved changes don’t show on the TV.
  • Cause: TV rejects modified file due to checksum/CRC mismatch, wrong file name, or firmware checking.
• Some channels disappear after saving.
  • Cause: Wrong service mapping, duplicate network IDs, or the TV rebuilds its internal list during import and omits channels it can’t match.
• Channel numbers (LCNs) revert or conflict.
  • Cause: TV enforces its own numbering rules on import or uses hidden/virtual entries.
• Duplicate entries appear.
  • Cause: Mixing different tuning sources (satellite transponders, cable frequencies) that the TV treats as separate services.
• ChanSort shows unrecognized format or fails to load.
  • Cause: Unsupported TV model/firmware or the exported file is compressed/renamed.

Before you start — preparations

1. Back up original files: Always keep the exact original file exported from the TV on your PC and on a second USB stick if possible.
2. Check ChanSort version: Use the latest stable ChanSort build; newer builds add support for more formats and fix bugs.
3. Note TV model and firmware: Write down the exact model number and firmware version — some issues are firmware-specific.
4. Use a clean USB stick: Format as FAT32 (most TVs expect FAT/FAT32), avoid exFAT/NTFS unless your TV supports it.
5. Use the TV’s export function correctly: Follow the TV manufacturer’s instructions so the file is generated in the expected location and name.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Confirm file format is supported
   • Open ChanSort and load the exported file. If ChanSort lists the model/format at the top, it recognizes it. If not, save the file name and format and check ChanSort’s supported formats list (in-app or online).
2. Compare original vs. expected filename
   • Many TVs require a specific file name (e.g., “tv_channellist.bin” or “STB_00001_0001.dat”). ChanSort usually preserves the name when saving — don’t rename unless you know the TV requires a change.
3. Edit conservatively and test
   • Make a few simple changes (swap two adjacent channels) and save to USB. Import to TV and verify. If that works, proceed with larger edits. This isolates whether the problem is with specific entries or the overall file.
4. Check for checksum/CRC issues
   • Some TVs validate checksums. ChanSort supports many formats with correct checksum handling, but if the TV refuses the file, try using ChanSort’s “Save as” options for different variants or use a different ChanSort build. If available, enable any “calculate CRC/repair” options in ChanSort.
5. Preserve internal IDs where needed
   • For some TVs, changing the logical channel number while also altering the underlying service ID or frequency confuses the TV. When moving channels, avoid changing network IDs unless you understand them. Use ChanSort’s Move/Insert functions rather than copying and pasting entries between source files.
6. Rebuild the TV’s channel database
   • After importing the modified file, perform a channel scan or “Update channels” on the TV. Some TVs expect you to run an update so they reconcile imported entries with current tuning data.
7. Resolve duplicates and missing channels
   • If channels vanish after import, check whether they exist on multiple frequencies or were marked as deleted in ChanSort. Restore entries from the original file if needed. For duplicates, identify which entries share the same service ID — keep the one with correct frequency/TSID and remove the others.
8. Use intermediate tools or converters
   • Some users convert format A → ChanSort-supported format B using community converters, edit in ChanSort, then convert back. This can work but increases risk; only use trusted converters and keep backups.
9. Test on another USB stick or TV
   • If possible, try the saved file on a friend’s TV of the same model or a different USB stick to rule out TV-specific or USB-related problems.
10. Firmware quirks
    • If everything looks correct in ChanSort but the TV misbehaves, search for firmware-related issues (manufacturer forums, changelogs). Updating TV firmware sometimes fixes importer bugs — but read release notes and back up settings first.

Example workflows (two common scenarios)

Scenario A — Reordering a cable provider list:

1. Export channel list to USB via TV menu.
2. Load file in ChanSort. Verify channels show with LCNs.
3. Use “Move up/down” to reorder and set favorites as needed.
4. Save to USB (keep original filename and structure).
5. Import on TV and run a channel update if required.

Scenario B — Removing duplicates after rescanning satellite:

1. Export both old and new lists.
2. In ChanSort, compare entries and identify identical service IDs or frequencies.
3. Delete duplicate entries that reference outdated transponders.
4. Save and import, then perform a scan to let the TV reconcile services.

Advanced tips

• Lock and favorites flags: Some TVs use bitmasks. ChanSort exposes these; set them carefully and test parental locks separately.
• Batch renaming: Use ChanSort’s find/replace or CSV export to edit names outside ChanSort, then re-import the CSV only if your ChanSort build supports it.
• Multiple countries/providers: ChanSort can maintain multiple lists (e.g., terrestrial + satellite). Keep them in separate files and import selectively to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use the “OriginalOrder” view: It helps to restore the original sequence if something goes wrong.
• Read-only TV databases: Some models won’t accept any external list; for those, ChanSort can still be used to examine lists but not to write back.

When to ask for help (what to provide)

If you need specific help, provide:

• TV brand, exact model, and firmware version
• The exported file (zipped) or at least its filename and size
• A short description: what you changed in ChanSort and what the TV did after import
• A screenshot of ChanSort showing problematic entries (if possible)

With those details it’s often possible to identify format mismatches, checksum failures, or firmware quirks and give precise steps.

Final checklist before importing edited list

• [ ] Keep original exported file backed up
• [ ] Use FAT32 USB stick and correct filename
• [ ] Make a small test edit first
• [ ] Confirm ChanSort shows correct model/format
• [ ] Save using ChanSort’s recommended options
• [ ] Run a channel update/scan after import on the TV

If you want, provide your TV model and the exported file name (or paste ChanSort’s format label shown when opening the file) and I’ll give tailored steps for that model.