Newbie wants to learn

[watchinthewheels]

Hi guys I have recently bought a dreambox 2 in the hopes of being able to do more with my cable than with a standard box. It was when I was researching how that I came across a bit of a problem, my knowledge of cable is practialy zero. Is there any chance you could explain simply to me a few of the basics.

For instance, what state is the data in coming down the cable, is it encrypted, if so how, does that encryption vary depending on the channel type (for instance is sky sports more heavily encrypted than say bravo?). What exactly does the box at the end do? obviously it processess the signal somehow but how? Also what is the use of the smartcard, why is it even there, couldnt the box bemade to do whatever the card currently does? Is the cable a two way street or does the data come down like an analogue broadcast only?

sorry for the number of questions, but im really interested in this and I guess if anyone knows you guys will. I am pretty good with tech normaly, and was quite ashamed of myself when I got so out of my depth so quickly when trying to set up my box

Anyway, thanks in advance for any replies. Hopefully I will know a bit more about this stuff soon.

[jimbo]

customary to introduce urself in that section.

[watchinthewheels]

ehhh ok then, hi im watchinthewheels. Im a noob and im confused That pretty much sums it up, hi all.

[jimbo]

hi welcome wrong forum but have posted link in dbox forum, but here it is again BigMAQ.co.uk | All Things Good and FREE!!! toolbar gives full tutrial and fixs.