Hi all advice needed!!

[sazkat2]

Hi sorry about all the questions I have read some posts but am sooooo confused! I want to by my partner a system for xmas and don't know where to start. I was looking at Technomate or manhatten plaza.

He wants to watch the football so I need to make sure the system will allow it.

1) I don't understand what patching is or what it does can someone explain? Do systems not pick up certain channels without a patch? Is it best to buy one allready patched?

2) What size dish do I need?

3) Was looking at 5200 d and a plaza ST100. Which one is best to get?

4) Is there anything else I need other than a dish and the system to set it up?

Sorry again for all the questions your help is really appreciated.

Thanks

Sarah

[Robbo]

Hi Sazcat,

Welcome to the forum.

Patching is unnoficial firmware on a receiver that enables it to decode scrambled channels without an official subscription to a provider. It is unreliable as what is available varies all the time. But it is a bit of fun and bonus for satellite hobbyists. It is very easy to patch yourself (well for the TMs it is anyway)

To be able to watch the programmes you want reliabliably it is necessary to subscribe to a TV package provider.

As far as I know (I don't follow football) the DigitalB supersports package on 16E is the one to go for at the moment for footy. It costs about £150 for a year.

The TM5400CI+ would be a better choice as it has a slot for a card and a CAM, so it would be able to handle almost any official subscription card. (Not Sky though)

To set it up bascically you need a Dish (80cm-1m), cable, wall bracket and receiver.

Have a look on the sponsors site

www.southernsatellite.co.uk.

or give him a phone call, I am sure he would be happy to help you get the right kit.

Robbo

[sazkat2]

Thanks for that. I think i will go for the 5200d usb but what do I need to patch this? Do I need a cable or usb?

Thanks

Sazkat2

[Robbo]

Originally Posted by sazkat2

Thanks for that. I think i will go for the 5200d usb but what do I need to patch this? Do I need a cable or usb?

Thanks

Sazkat2

A USB key drive or a null-modem cable will work apparently, I have never used the USB, but confirmed working by joshjess, but you may have to download the latest firmware first from the Technomate website. So you will initially need a lead as well. Amazon or ebay sell them for a few quid. I think one of the mods on here 'lincsat' has them in his nick nack shop as well.

Although I would advise that if it is for football, a receiver with a card slot such as the 5300 or the 5400 would make the system more future proof. This because the encryptions are probably changing soon and an official subscription may end up being the only way to get some decent football.

Robbo

[bigtee]

Welcome Sazkat

Please note, the suggestion is to buy the 5400 though the 5200 is also a good beginner's receiver. The 5400 has the advantage that it can take a card in case you/your partner want(s) to subscribe for the footy.

Best wishes