**noob alert** how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! - Techwatch: Satellite TV forums, FTA, Cable, Hardware, & Tech forums

ST · 31-05-06, 01:43 PM

Hi guys

First post...* :?

I'm trying to find out what do I need to do to get TV Cabo. I'm in the West Lancs area and already know of a decent installer that will supply the dish.

Apparently I'll need to get hold of a receiver (and a card?) but have no idea which, where, etc...

Any kind souls willing to help me out?

Many thanks!

ST

BGonaSTICK · 31-05-06, 03:13 PM

Hi ST. Welcome m8

If you could answer these questions, we'll be able to give you better advice. We'll assume from your comments that you're OK on the external parts and fitting etc. For Hispasat 30W, a smallish 60-70cm dish would suffice.

How much do you want to spend on the receiver? What's your budget, preferred and maximum?

Do you want a standard set-top box, or would you consider a PCI card?

What else do you want it to do, now or in the future? Might you want to view more than one satellite, and if so, how many?

Do you want a legal solution, or are you prepared to venture further?

How technically adept are you? If you go the latter route, it can get a little tricky (at least to start with) even with our support.

If you don't go for the official subscription, are you prepared to spend the time tinkering around to keep your kit working?

Getting an official subscription card is the only way to guarantee reliable reception of your channels.

STICK

ST · 31-05-06, 07:27 PM

Thanks for replying.

Right, here goes...

Id prefer a STB. I'm assuming the PCI card would imply a PC working as a STB. If correct I wouldn't go for that option.

I believe there are boxes that now come with an USB interface that, presumably, would be the best way for firmware upgrades, etc. This would be the way I'd go for if, budget-wise, they're not priced at prohibitive levels.

In any case, I'd also appreciate a pointer on what to expect if I have to do this on a budget!

In terms of future proofing, I just need a bog standard, idiot-proof setup. It's just for language purposes anyway.

Quote:

Do you want a legal solution, or are you prepared to venture further?

Well, I'd be prepared to venture further...

Quote:

How technically adept are you? If you go the latter route, it can get a little tricky (at least to start with) even with our support.

I like to think I'm OK with technology in general. Reading through forums and searches on this stuff though I must admit it's quite confusing. It will be a bumpy start I'm sure, but after a while I'd cope quite well.

Quote:

If you don't go for the official subscription, are you prepared to spend the time tinkering around to keep your kit working?

Yes.

Quote:

Getting an official subscription card is the only way to guarantee reliable reception of your channels.

Are those available here in the UK or have they to be sourced in Portugal?

Thanks again.

BGonaSTICK · 31-05-06, 07:58 PM

OK, an STB then

Sort of taking these back to front, the signals are sprayed all over Europe from a single satellite, but the cards are only for domestic use in the country for which the viewing was intended (licenced), and are therefore only issued to addresses there.

There's usually no good reason though, that if you have contacts there, they can't send you one for use in the UK. Dealers will also provide that service for you, but charge a handsome profit for their trouble

If you just want satellite for language purposes, you could always consider just getting the Free To Air stuff. Not sure how much there is FTA in Portuguese though?

OK, that's covered the legal side.

On the not-so-legal front, TV CABO is encrypted with 'Nagravision 2', a system which has been blown wide open of late. Hacks and patches are rife, and available on many platforms now.

I can't guess your budget, but lets take just about the cheapest option, the Technomate TM-1000D for starters.

Intended as an FTA STB, it can now be patched to receive many packages including (at the moment) TV CABO (I think - I can check if you want). It can also do Digital + on the same satellite - Hispasat and Premiere on Astra 1 amongst others.

The USB stuff you mention is sort of top-end.

You're talking about a Linux receiver more likely than not, starting at around £250 (Relook) and then maybe £400 for a Dreambox DM-7020, and then up to £600+ for a top of the range Dreambox twin tuner PVR hard drive.

If you want to go that route, maybe a second-hand Dreambox DM-7000 for £275 - £325 depending on HDD option. Tougher to learn than just patching a 'standard' STB, but ultimately flexible and powerful.

I suggest digesting that lot, doing a bit of digging, and then come back with any more questions. There's a fair bit of stuff to read here on the forum. The search function is very good.

We're only too glad to help you decide what to do.

One thing is for sure, once you get into this at any level - you won't regret it

STICK

ST · 01-06-06, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Intended as an FTA STB, it can now be patched to receive many packages including (at the moment) TV CABO (I think - I can check if you want). It can also do Digital + on the same satellite - Hispasat and Premiere on Astra 1 amongst others.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into it. By all means please check that TV Cabo is still available.

Just a quick doubt: how does one go about patching a STB? Is a PC required?* :?

BGonaSTICK · 01-06-06, 07:56 PM

TV CABO is definitely available at the moment, but I'm only 80% sure it's in the current Technomate patch. If it isn't, it will be soon.

I'll check later if I get a chance.

Patching an STB will require a PC with either a serial port or a USB-serial converter lead and you will also need a null modem cable (only a couple of quid).

The loader software and patch itself can be downloaded off the 'net.

We can guide you

HTH

ST · 02-06-06, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Patching an STB will require a PC with either a serial port or a USB-serial converter lead and you will also need a null modem cable (only a couple of quid).

Great. I'm getting a new laptop soon so I'll make sure it's spec'ed properly.

Quote:

The loader software and patch itself can be downloaded off the 'net.

We can guide you

Guidance needed and highly appreciated!

Jimdefruit · 02-06-06, 08:10 PM

Hi ST,

Welcome to the forum. Are you interested in just Portugese or languages in general. They are all out there and available if you choose the right receiver.

If you go for the patched receiver route, there may be times when you cant clear encrypted channels.

The linux based receivers like the Dreambox have the ability to download updates direct from the internet. They also have quite a lot of tricks up their sleeve and 'friends' can help you on line.

More money but worth it in my opinion.

ST · 06-06-06, 05:00 PM

Hi Jim

Stick mentioned the Technomate TM-1000D receiver. A quick froogle came up with £70+. Any suggestions around the £100 mark?

I'd prefer to steer clear of linux, at least for now.

ops:

Thanks

Jimdefruit · 06-06-06, 05:25 PM

Thats ok ST, but just because its linux doesn't mean you have to know anything about programming.

Its a bit like using Windoze where you dont need to know how it works to use it.

I dont really know much about Technomates (the words writing and pinhead spring to mind) but I believe the 1500 super is supposed to be good.

Stick will probably send me down in flames so listen to his words of wisdom.

31-05-06, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
ST Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! Hi guys First post...* :? I'm trying to find out what do I need to do to get TV Cabo. I'm in the West Lancs area and already know of a decent installer that will supply the dish. Apparently I'll need to get hold of a receiver (and a card?) but have no idea which, where, etc... Any kind souls willing to help me out? Many thanks! ST

31-05-06, 03:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Super Murderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 10,633 Thanks: 3 Thanked 64 Times in 37 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! Hi ST. Welcome m8 If you could answer these questions, we'll be able to give you better advice. We'll assume from your comments that you're OK on the external parts and fitting etc. For Hispasat 30W, a smallish 60-70cm dish would suffice. How much do you want to spend on the receiver? What's your budget, preferred and maximum? Do you want a standard set-top box, or would you consider a PCI card? What else do you want it to do, now or in the future? Might you want to view more than one satellite, and if so, how many? Do you want a legal solution, or are you prepared to venture further? How technically adept are you? If you go the latter route, it can get a little tricky (at least to start with) even with our support. If you don't go for the official subscription, are you prepared to spend the time tinkering around to keep your kit working? Getting an official subscription card is the only way to guarantee reliable reception of your channels. STICK __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

31-05-06, 07:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Super Murderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 10,633 Thanks: 3 Thanked 64 Times in 37 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! OK, an STB then Sort of taking these back to front, the signals are sprayed all over Europe from a single satellite, but the cards are only for domestic use in the country for which the viewing was intended (licenced), and are therefore only issued to addresses there. There's usually no good reason though, that if you have contacts there, they can't send you one for use in the UK. Dealers will also provide that service for you, but charge a handsome profit for their trouble If you just want satellite for language purposes, you could always consider just getting the Free To Air stuff. Not sure how much there is FTA in Portuguese though? OK, that's covered the legal side. On the not-so-legal front, TV CABO is encrypted with 'Nagravision 2', a system which has been blown wide open of late. Hacks and patches are rife, and available on many platforms now. I can't guess your budget, but lets take just about the cheapest option, the Technomate TM-1000D for starters. Intended as an FTA STB, it can now be patched to receive many packages including (at the moment) TV CABO (I think - I can check if you want). It can also do Digital + on the same satellite - Hispasat and Premiere on Astra 1 amongst others. The USB stuff you mention is sort of top-end. You're talking about a Linux receiver more likely than not, starting at around £250 (Relook) and then maybe £400 for a Dreambox DM-7020, and then up to £600+ for a top of the range Dreambox twin tuner PVR hard drive. If you want to go that route, maybe a second-hand Dreambox DM-7000 for £275 - £325 depending on HDD option. Tougher to learn than just patching a 'standard' STB, but ultimately flexible and powerful. I suggest digesting that lot, doing a bit of digging, and then come back with any more questions. There's a fair bit of stuff to read here on the forum. The search function is very good. We're only too glad to help you decide what to do. One thing is for sure, once you get into this at any level - you won't regret it STICK __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

01-06-06, 07:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Super Murderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 10,633 Thanks: 3 Thanked 64 Times in 37 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! TV CABO is definitely available at the moment, but I'm only 80% sure it's in the current Technomate patch. If it isn't, it will be soon. I'll check later if I get a chance. Patching an STB will require a PC with either a serial port or a USB-serial converter lead and you will also need a null modem cable (only a couple of quid). The loader software and patch itself can be downloaded off the 'net. We can guide you HTH __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

02-06-06, 08:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,775 Thanks: 10 Thanked 113 Times in 105 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! Hi ST, Welcome to the forum. Are you interested in just Portugese or languages in general. They are all out there and available if you choose the right receiver. If you go for the patched receiver route, there may be times when you cant clear encrypted channels. The linux based receivers like the Dreambox have the ability to download updates direct from the internet. They also have quite a lot of tricks up their sleeve and 'friends' can help you on line. More money but worth it in my opinion. __________________ Dreambox 800 HD; Dreambox 7000s + VBox + Channel Master 1.2 with 36v actuator CM120 feedhorn and Invacom .3 LNB Skystar 2 PCI card with links to my Dreambox If you like what you see here, tell your friends.


Technology Forums: FTA, Satellite, Cable, Home Media, Hardware & Computers \| Home \| Forums \| News \| Blog \|

06-06-06, 05:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
ST Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! Hi Jim Stick mentioned the Technomate TM-1000D receiver. A quick froogle came up with £70+. Any suggestions around the £100 mark? I'd prefer to steer clear of linux, at least for now. ops: Thanks

06-06-06, 05:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,775 Thanks: 10 Thanked 113 Times in 105 Posts	Re: noob alert how to get TV Cabo in the UK : help! Thats ok ST, but just because its linux doesn't mean you have to know anything about programming. Its a bit like using Windoze where you dont need to know how it works to use it. I dont really know much about Technomates (the words writing and pinhead spring to mind) but I believe the 1500 super is supposed to be good. Stick will probably send me down in flames so listen to his words of wisdom. __________________ Dreambox 800 HD; Dreambox 7000s + VBox + Channel Master 1.2 with 36v actuator CM120 feedhorn and Invacom .3 LNB Skystar 2 PCI card with links to my Dreambox If you like what you see here, tell your friends.