Oyster Digital - recommendation for CAM or Dreambox

[guybiker]

I have an Oyster digital system built into my campervan. It is made by Ten Haaft in Germany and automatically searches and locks onto the desired sat. Documentation in English is not extensive. It has the option of a CI interface, which I guess one can insert a CAM. It also caters for a secondary digibox. I presently take the digibox from the house when touring along with my card and run the two receivers in the van.

I am now looking into alternatives, and was on the verge of buying a Dreambox, or then I heard about a T-Rex Cam (4.6?). At the end of the day I guess the cost is going to be roughly the same and the dreambox works on 12V. But as beginner would much appreciate comments on ease of use and maintenance of the two different approaches (CAM versus Dreambox). Bearing in mind when we go away it can be for two months and internet access sporadic.

All comments gratefuly received.

Guy

[Mickha]

Are you considering the dreambox or T-Rex 4.6 Cam because they have the ability to mimic a digi box and can read a S*y card, or are you just interested in viewing other channels?
Another Cam that can do all this is the Diablo Cam, which is cheaper, although you would need a Cas 2 or 3 programmer, has more support than the T-Rex 4.6 super, and is currently opening more channels.
If you opt for a Cam you will need to check if they are compatible with your receiver.
If using your official S*y card you will need to return it to your original box to catch the stay alive signal every 4-6 weeks, although I understand that the dreambox is capable of mimicking this action.
The dreambox is capable of doing a lot more than either of the Cams, but at the moment the new T-Rex 4.6 and Diablo Cams can open Premiere.

[BGonaSTICK]

Are you saying that the Diablo CAM also supports a genuine Sky card Mickha?

[Mickha]

From what I've read, there are separate files for the Diablo and S*y cards, so I'm not sure if a Diablo file can open both the S*y card and other packages, like the T-Rex/Dragon, also I don't know if it can interpret the stay alive signal.
I haven't got a Diablo, I wrongly went for the T-Rex 4.6, but there is a lot more support for the diablo so maybe in the future it will do everything !!!!!!!

[guybiker]

I think you are answering my question exactly. Sounds like I am best going the Dreambox route. Technical information on the Oyster set up is not strong. Many thanks for the input.

Guy

[BGonaSTICK]

You're right. The Oyster system is very clever, very expensive to buy and even more expensive to fix. I think it has a separate control box which is best left alone if you going to continue using it. I think it comes as standard with a cheap and nasty digital receiver which is setup in German by default. I'm not sure if this box is required to command the Oyster black box or not...

:?

The rumour is that Sky UK will be rolling out a new card issue in the near future (Sky have advanced plans for Sky Italia to do just that) which will probably put paid to Sky cards in Dreamboxes - so bear this in mind before you buy.

Then again some of these rumours either don't materialise for one reason or another, or are just so much hot air.

Based on how long the current cards have been active, we must surely be due for a swap soon though.