is this all there is?

[pete_l]

Hi,
I'm building a DVB-S system in the UK. When I've got it configured, the
plan is to take it out to my house in Spain. The house out there has no
internet connection (or even a phone).
What I've got so far is a Skystar2 card in a PC, connected to a Diseqc box
that runs to 3 LNBs on a Trax88 dish. I've shaved some plastic off the LNB
holders and can receive Hotbird, Eutelsat W2 and Astra1* at 13, 16, 19
degrees respectively.
The software I am using is DVB-Dream and I have various plugins, e.g.
S2emu, that at least in theory would permit me to see what's available
on the encrypted channels - on a try before you buy basis.

Now, having spent a few days surfing around I've come to the conclusion
that there's practically nothing on any of these satellites that's worth
watching. So far as clear broadcasts go there are very few english language
stations (yes, I've found BBC World). I haven't found any FTA sport or
films and there seem to be a few dodgy pr0n stations that show the same
small repertoire of clips over and over again.
On the encrypted front, I've found loads of key files - which all seem to
be promoted as "latest keys": all with pretty much the same data and few
that actually decrypt anything (as at July 2006). This is either because
they address satellites outside my view, or simply because the keys are
obsolete.

So, here are my questions (at last!!!)

• Do others share my conclusions about english language FTA content?
• are there any encrypted "quality" channels on the 3 satellites I receive
  that I could check out given no internet access
• Is my hardware/software limiting me. Should I sell the PC card and get
  something like a Technomate (or other make) receiver?

Any thoughts, comments, spilling :-) corrections etc. are very welcome

Pete

[BGonaSTICK]

Hiya Pete, and welcome to the board

Well, as it happens, you join us at a pretty poor time for getting free stuff. In fact, I can honestly say that I've never known it this bad.

Now that I've totally depressed you, here's the upside: things WILL change!

We have been really spoilt of late, but if there's one thing that you must come to accept if you get into the 'unofficial decrypting game', it's that as far as getting freebies is concerned, whatever you get is a bonus!

I don't mean to get all heavy, but it's nice in a way that there is a hiatus at the moment. It kind of makes you more grateful when stuff does become available, and it surely will.

Now, on the practical side, there are a few bits open.

Have a look at the link in here.

That's a pretty good guide as to what's open at any one time, and it's pretty dire at the moment.

There are also a couple of reasonable sport channels FTA on Hotbird.

SportItalia on 12418 V 27500 is good, and Planeta Sport on 12597 V 27500 is also one of the better offerings.

Most English language stuff is 28.2E as you know, but when stuff is open there are normally plenty of movie channels with the original audio as an option.

To be honest, without an Internet connection you are really going to struggle to keep ANY keys up to date. It might be worth considering satellite Internet if there really is no other option

Right, let's cut to the chase. Realistically, and assuming no Internet access, the dark world of sat-hacking is pretty well closed to you. Even a programmable card like the Cerebro to open Premiere om 19.2E. I would recommend a legit subscription card or two.

If you like football and follow the Premier League, buy an ART Carte Sport card (the new red one). More football than you can shake a stick at and some other stuff too. Some poor quality audio on one or two channels, but at least it's in English. If you want to watch a few English Language movies, get a DigitAlb card too. Less footy, but plenty of movies, including porn. Both cards are around £150 a year each.

There is plenty of FTA European football. None with English audio, but hey - football is the international language! Check http://www.lj-sport.com/ for all the details.

To achieve the subscription card thing, you're going to have to dump your PC-based solution (or upgrade to a Skystar1 unless you really want to mess about with adding card-programmers etc. to your serial ports) and go for something like a Technomate TM-1500 CI+ Super. You should get away without having to buy a CAM, but you can always add a T-Rex if you have any problems. AFAIK both of these cards work in the card-reader slot of that box though. Pick one up for £100 new most places.

Hope that helps.

STICK

[pete_l]

Hi STICK,

Thanks for the detailed and considered reply. One thing I didn't make clear: about
internet access. There are internet cafes etc. to get updated files. However, I can't
get a spanish always on connection - which rules out all the solutions that need me
to update keys every hour. I did consider a duplex satellite internet system - 'til
I saw the price. Spain does have WiMax internet for those of us on the campo (countryside)
which sort-of works, but you wouldn't want to rely on it being up at any time.

Apropos your comment about "things WILL change", maybe the pessimist in me is afraid
you're right :-(

Pete

[BGonaSTICK]

OK, I understand your Internet provisioning better. I still think that much of the softcam stuff is just going to be more trouble than it's worth based on the 'Internet cafe model'.

Maybe something like the Cerebro card would be workable. You would need to put that in a CAM, as it gets a bit hot for a card reader slot. The files currently change on a much more reasonable schedule (weeks, ATM).

That too can change at the drop of a hat though. Good value at around £40 (??? I'm a bit out of date on that front) - will currently open the Premiere package. Mainly German language, with some football (not Premiership) and plenty of films, quite a few with English audio.

Oh, and it will definitely help if you can discover the inner-optimist to stay sane in the oft frustrating world of un-FTA satellite

HTH