alexy314

For the legacy kernel it should be set via kernel command line (from boot.cmd or armbianEnv.txt). Mainline kernel uses simplefb driver and framebuffer is set up in u-boot (using EDID or saved environment).
While the legacy kernel will obviously never get a DRM/KMS driver, linux-next (mainline) got the driver a couple of days ago, though Banana Pi didn't get the DT bits so it will need additional patching later.

There is no KMS driver for this hardware yet, it may be added to the mainline kernel in 3-6 months from now.

Thank you very much for the kind and timely response. Guess I'll look into http://docs.armbian.com/Developer-Guide_Build-Preparation/ first. Previously I've had some experiences with cross-compiling kernels and hacking some sunxi-based TV boxes. So I guess I would be able to make my own image. Thanks for explaining the situation and hopefully Armbian will get better and better.
 
Regards,
Aleksey
 

We stop to provide Debian Jessie image because it was a complex job to fix all upstream problems when making a desktop. You can make both Debian versions (Jessie and Stretch) on your own with build tools, but there is no support. Jessie might be broken, while on Stretch there are still some issues to fix - wireless networking is possible broken.
 
I can make you a Debian Stretch desktop test image with a modern kernel if you don't have gears to do it on your own?

Armbian ubuntu image has libvdpau-sunxi which enables HW-accel video playback.
Although it has limited decode format support. See: http://linux-sunxi.org/Cedrus#Supported_codec_matrix

You might run into one known bug. If you are trying to install image with kernel 4.x and you don't use latest Armbian image, system might not boot if you had and old kernel before ... which is quite common and almost sure with yours.
 
http://forum.armbian.com/index.php/topic/64-cubietruck-hangs-at-boot-with-debian-38-wheezy-404/

I've swapped multiple cards with no avail... Although I can boot with lemaker official image, it's a bit unstable. Hangs from time to time.
Power supply is fine with an 5V-3A adapter.
 
I've contacted the vendor and prepare to send it back for repair.
 
Anyways, thanks for your help!