Difference in Linux and non Linux

[skronk]

Being doing a pile of reading and fail to see the difference.

Surely both pick up satellite transmissions?

Can someone please explain.

I understand non Linux are cheaper, but what do they FAIL to do that the other box can ?

Thank you

[G77]

linux = open source, lots of different firmwares + addons that joe blogs can make

non linux = closed source, more faffy firmware which the manufacturers make

[Mickha]

Can you please provide some examples of receivers you're considering so that we can make accurate differentials.

Basically most linux receivers run on open software, think of the receiver as a PC running a linux based OS, you can load other software, written by fellow enthusiasts, to get the receiver to do numerous tasks.
Unfortunately this also usually means that as you gain something you also lose something, it's a learning process, and you're the tester finding the software bugs.
Of course some, like the Dreambox range, now have so much support that the choices seem endless, as are the added utilities.

Linux based receivers require a lot of patience, and work, as you're learning to use them, but once correctly set up they can act like a home entertainment centre.

Have a read through the sticky threads, in the Dreambox, and other linux receivers, sections, it might give you more of an idea regarding their capabilities.

[skronk]

Originally Posted by Mickha

Can you please provide some examples of receivers you're considering so that we can make accurate differentials.

Basically most linux receivers run on open software, think of the receiver as a PC running a linux based OS, you can load other software, written by fellow enthusiasts, to get the receiver to do numerous tasks.
Unfortunately this also usually means that as you gain something you also lose something, it's a learning process, and you're the tester finding the software bugs.
Of course some, like the Dreambox range, now have so much support that the choices seem endless, as are the added utilities.

Linux based receivers require a lot of patience, and work, as you're learning to use them, but once correctly set up they can act like a home entertainment centre.

Have a read through the sticky threads, in the Dreambox, and other linux receivers, sections, it might give you more of an idea regarding their capabilities.

Michka ,

Thanks for reply.

I do not have a prefernce for receiver.

I would like twin tuners, both sat as I have a twin freeview box and a hard drive if economic, or the ability to plug one into usb with no hassle. Other half records anything with a pulse. Comes in hand on Skye in the bleak midwinter.Not really that interested in CS as such but the ability to have a cam that would open some channels would be high on the list. The problem is which cam. Sub to Tring or Al Jazeera for sport, but sub must also include films/entertainment/drama for Mrs. Skronk

Would spend around £300 -£400 to get the right thing. Don't want to buy cheap and then find I enjoy, so upgrade in no time. By the same token don't want a sledgehammer to crack a nut !

Any info greatly appreciated.

[Mickha]

Ian, from Southern Satellite, might be able to help, as there are so many new peoducts it's impossible to keep track.
The VU+ Duo seems popular, at the moment, and seems to fit most of your needs, but no doubt there are a lot of other receivers capable of doing what you want.

[Rick]

I'd agree with Mickha that the VU+ Duo seems to fit the bill quite nicely for you.

[TheCoder]

Originally Posted by G77

linux = open source, lots of different firmwares + addons that joe blogs can make

You mean semi-open source !

The important bits are mostly still closed source and the bits that are open source, 99.99% of people wouldn't know where to start attempting to modify. I doubt there's more than 50-100 people in the UK even half capable of modifying anything worthwhile

To a large extent, the "open source" label on dreamboxes and the like is a con meant to persuade people that they are somehow better than other boxes and can be fixed very quickly but in real life dreamboxes are often one of the last boxes to be fixed when there is a problem.

It wouldn't be so bad if people bought dreamboxes with the intention of learning how to "fix" them for themselves but sadly thats just not the case. Everybody just seems to leave the job to the usual crew so the reality is there's no real difference between opens source and closed source boxes !!!

[richard1190]

Be that as it may but it can take some time(we are not all einstein)to get the hang of it looking for the corect files etc and of cource if someone showed you it would be a lot quicker but the people who supply(dodgy lot)the ready to use boxes are a closed door and will let you know nothing so therefore you have to take the time and lots of time and patience to get the know how

[TheCoder]

Originally Posted by richard1190

..... so therefore you have to take the time and lots of time and patience to get the know how

It would be nice if people actually did take take the time to learn and aquire the 'know how' but sadly thats rarely the case. The majority just want a link to an image that works and a tutorial on how to load it up. Thats really no different to what you may have to do with a closed source box !

Generally, closed source boxes are actually easier to own and operate simply because working images are made available and the are usually very easy to load. Open source boxes, on the other hand, tend to be relatively complex simply because there is often no direction to the code. Too much is added that makes the boxes a jack-of-all-trades but a master of few !

[brian]

Originally Posted by Rick

I'd agree with Mickha that the VU+ Duo seems to fit the bill quite nicely for you.

Yep, it's a pretty simple machine to set up and use - no compiling programs or command line prompts like some boxes.