Eurovox Frequently Asked Questions...

[ryanrandom]

Here is an FAQ which I have compiled together to make it easier for the newcomers who can't be bothered to search to find out information.

If you've got any suggestions for more FAQs please either PM me or post below and I'll add them on...

Please search this page to find what you are looking for...

Quick Links
Guide to Updating A Eurovox
Downloads Section
Lincsat's Nick-Nacks
Guide to Setting up and Scanning
Guide to Identifying a Clone Eurovox

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applies to Eurovox 1,2,Max,MaxV,EX1000,EX5000

All information is provided for educational purposes only.

We do not promote, or support the use of Eurovoxes for any illegal activities what-so-ever.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is a Eurovox?
A Eurovox is a digital cable receiver/set top box.

What does a Eurovox do?
A Eurovox allows the user to receive channels from a cable feed. Firmware is available for the Eurovox which allows for it to be used to illegally view Pay Television channels.

How does a Eurovox get its Signal?
A Eurovox gets its Signal through a CABLE feed. Such feeds include V!rgin Media, however it is against their terms and conditions to connect such equipment to their network.
You cannot connect a Eurovox to a Satellite Dish or Aerial to receive a signal.

Do I need a Subscription Card or Similar to receive Channels?

No, the Eurovox firmware does everything automatically.

Are Eurovoxes detectable by the Cable Company?
No, they are Undetectable. They do not have any ‘talkback’ and are solely receivers. The only way in which they can be detected is if a Cable Company Employee sees it.

Is the Eurovox easy to use?
Yes, the Eurovox features a simple and easy to use channel interface, including a remote. Once set up the boxes run well and are reliable.

Do Eurovoxes need ‘updating’ or ‘flashing’ often?
A Eurovox will only need updating when there is an encryption/keyroll change, or if there is a firmware update.

Is it easy to ‘update’ or ‘flash’ a Eurovox?
Yes, updating a Eurovox is a pretty simple procedure when you have all of the correct cables to do so.

How do you ‘update’ or ‘flash’ a Eurovox?
Follow the easy to use guide which I wrote not so long ago, which is available by clicking here.


Where can I find firmware for the Eurovox?
You can find firmware by searching on the internet or if you are an established member you can access the downloads section. This is available in Techwatch>UK Cable>Private FTA>'Some Download Links' Sticky.
Enjoy.

How long does a scan for channels take?
Initially, a scan for channels can take anything between 5 minutes and 30 minutes.

What is the optimum signal level/quality?
For the best viewing experience, 80% is typically the best for viewing. If it is significantly higher or lower then you may experience blocking of the picture and sound.

Will I receive ‘On Demand’, ‘Interactive’ or ‘FilmFlex’ services through a Eurovox?
No, you will not receive these services, as the box is purely for Television and Radio only.

Will I be able to order Pay Per View events through the Eurovox?
No, You will not be able to order these events, however you may find a channel once searching on which these events are viewed. For example, if there is a boxing match on, this channel will be displaying the feed without the requirement to pay.

Will my Eurovox channels be sorted out automatically?
No, your channels will not be sorted out, however there is an autosort function. This does not work too brilliantly and therefore we recommend that you either: Sort them yourself using software or the Remote control.
Or Download a CDF file for your area to load onto the box.

What sort of cabling is required to install a second Eurovox in my home?
You would require high quality Coaxial cable, which is either specifically designed for Cable or Satellite. Aerial Cable will not suffice. Try to avoid any sharp bends in the cable. You should terminate the cable with F-Plugs.

I have the Free Television package by V!rgin Media as I take out their Telephone package, does this mean I can use a Eurovox?
Yes, you would need to get a cable splitter kit, which you can purchase on the internet (fleaBay) or in an electronics retailer such as Maplins. You should keep your V!rgin V Box connected to the Cable and Power.

I’m not a subscriber but have a Cable feed in my house, will it work with a Eurovox?
If this cable feed is a ‘live’ feed, then yes. A way to figure this out is to connect it directly to your television (using an F Plug adaptor) and scan for channels. If you pick up any, then this feed should be live.

I have broadband from V!rgin Media, will the cable feed work with a Eurovox?
Yes, please see two above questions.

I have broadband which is provided through Telephone Cables and a Modem, will I be able to use the Eurovox with this?
No, you can only use a Eurovox with a cable feed.

I receive my Television through a rooftop aerial and the Freeview service, can I connect my Eurovox to this cable and use it?
No, you can only use a Eurovox with a cable feed.

I receive my Television through a Satellite dish using FreeSat, can I connect my Eurovox to this cable and use it?
No, you can only use a Eurovox with a cable feed.

How do I set up a Eurovox and scan intially?
Please see the attached guide on how to do so. Click here to download it.

How would I set up a Eurovox to work with a V!rgin V Box on the same feed?
Please see the image below for a rough idea...

This post is now full

[ryanrandom]

I heard that all of the Eurovoxes went off in April 2008, why was this?
The Eurovoxes and other Cable boxes ‘went off’ in April 2008 for a short time as the Cable Company (V!rgin) changed what was known as a keyroll. This meant that the Eurovox needed a new firmware update. After this, all was fine and the boxes continued working as planned.

Will the Eurovoxes ever stop working to decode Cable Television channels?
Yes.
The Cable Companies can potentially change their encryption at any time, rendering the boxes as useless. It is possible that the development team will hack the new encryption, putting them back into action.
There is no date for the above event, and it is not expected to be soon.

Can I receive High Definition channels on my Eurovox?
No. The Eurovox range does not currently include a High Definition receiver. Although you may pick up a High Definition channel (BBC HD), you will not be able to view it.

Will a High Definition Eurovox Cable Receiver be coming soon?
This is currently unconfirmed, but at the moment there is little demand for a HD Eurovox. This is due to there only being 1 HD Channel available, this being BBC HD. If there is a wider range of HD Channels available in the future, then this is likely to be considered.

What is the White Box on my wall into which the cable comes into?
This is known as an isolator box and is installed where the cable feed comes into your house. It acts as sort of Surge Protection and prevents power surges from damaging cable equipment.

Do I need one of these ‘Isolator boxes’?
Although it is not strictly necessary, it is recommended that you do use/install one of these wherever cable enters your household.

What is the Brown Box on my wall outside the House?
This is known as a Drop box and is installed where the cable feed comes up from the Ground. It is often connected to a Black underground box which is in the pavement, connecting you to the rest of the street and in turn, the Cabinet at the end of it. This is where cables are split to go to different entry points around your home.

What is the Green Box at the end of my street (or somewhere like that)?
This is known as a Cabinet and contains all of the connections for your neighbourhood or street. The cable from your drop box will go underground to this cabinet and be connected to the Cable Company’s network.


Can I install as many Eurovoxes in my home as I like?
Yes. As long as cables are terminated and ran correctly you can use as many around your home as you wish. Due to signal deterioration over long runs of cable however, you may find it useful to put a Cable Signal Booster into the mix to ensure good viewing. You may want to be careful about Noise on the network however.

I’ve picked up a channel telling me that I am viewing it using an illegal set top box and should ring V!rgin Media confidentially, what should I do?
This is just V!rgin using scare tactics and should be ignored. Hell, delete the channel if you have to. There is no way that you can be detected, as mentioned previously.

How do I edit my channel listings on the computer?
It is recommended that you use the Firmware UFL to download/upload CDF files to your computer. Once you do this you can open the CDF in a software package called ‘Voxer’, which will allow for you to sort Radio and TV channels, including names, favourites and locks.

Hang on, my Eurovox doesn't have a socket for an F-Plug, it has a standard Aerial type socket, what's going on?
In order to connect the cable feed, you need to get an F-Plug adaptor. This is included with most Eurovoxes, and simply screws onto the F-Plug. It is more common to terminate with an F-Plug and use an adaptor than to terminate the cable with the Aerial type plug, and is probably better at preventing signal loss.
F-Plug Tutorial
F-Plug Video



What's all this about Symbol Rates and what do I need to know?
The Symbol Rate isnt something that you really have to understand. All that you need to know is that you have to have the correct one for your area.
You enter these during the initial scanning process of your Eurovox.
The Symbol Rate for NTL areas is 6.887 mbaud.
The Symbol Rate for Telewest and Cable & Wireless areas is 6.952 mbaud.
(Yes, we know that it's all V!rgin Media nowadays, just choose the previous providor for your area!)



What is the current/most up-to-date Eurovox?
The two Eurovoxes which are being produced are the EX1000SL and the EX5000PVR.
The EX1000SL is a Slimline Eurovox featuring reliable technology and improved picture quality over its predecessors.
The EX5000SL offers standard Eurovox functionality, however with the addition of Recording Facilities. It works using a hard drive which can be installed through the front of the unit. (See below for further information).

For appearances sake:


What can I expect to pay for a Eurovox?
EX1000SL approximately £85 to £95 new.
EX5000PVR approximately £105 to £125 new.
Max V approximately £60 to £95 used.
Max approximately £50 to £85 used.
1/2 Quite a rarity.
The above prices are estimates.

Can I use the EX5000PVR just like a V+ or Sky+ box?
Yes and No. The 5000 allows for you to record a channel however as it only has the one tuner you are only able to record one at a tome. When recording, you have to watch this channel or one on the same transponder. You can set programmes to be recorded, however cannot use technology such as series link.

My Eurovox is displaying 'Please wait code updating', Why is this and What should I do?
This simply means the provider has changed the encryption keys and providing the box has been flashed with current working firmware it should update itself. The best way to do this is to go to $ky Sports 1and leave it until it clears, which is usually a few minutes - perhaps longer at weekends. Leaving your Eurovox watching a 'premium channel' when it is not in use will prevent the message from being seen very often.

This post is now full.

[ryanrandom]

What is a ‘clone’ Eurovox?
A clone Eurovox is a Set top box which is not an official Eurovox. It has been manufactured without permission and uses cheaper components. The boxes typically look the same from the outside however the insides of these boxes are often dramatically different. They usually do not take the main firmware and are unreliable.
Clone Eurovoxes are often much cheaper but it is worth investing in a Genuine Eurovox.

How can I tell if my Eurovox is a Clone?
Please check out the attached guide which will demonstrate how to identify a clone.
Click here to download it.

If I have got a Clone Eurovox, what can happen?
Cloned Eurovoxes are less reliable, however specialist 'clone' firmware is being released which allows you to continue using them.

How can I identify a Clone when buying from fleaBay for example?
- Clones tend to be quite low in price compared to genuine Eurovoxes.
- Email the buyer to ask them if it is genuine. If they say it is genuine and they send you a clone then you can ask them to send you a real one or can use PayPal Buyer protection or similar to force them to send you a genuine one or refund your money.

What are the advantages of a Eurovox over a Modded V Box, for example?
-You are guaranteed no talkback on the Eurovox.
-The Eurovox is arguably for someone who likes to fiddle here and there...
-The Eurovox has a strong development team who release updates within days of anything major happening.
NB: I may be slightly biased towards the Eurovox

My Eurovox won't power on, what can I do?
Firstly, check that your power cable is firmly plugged in at each end and it is switched on.
Check the fuse.
If all else fails then the box is likely to have blown it's power supply. To repair, you need to replace the capacitor 'Cap/C 14' with a part which can be purchased from Maplins. The replacement is a 10v 2200uf capacitor. The way to tell if this is the cause, the top of the capacitior will be slightlly rounded compared to its counterparts on the board.


What is the default PIN for my Eurovox?
The default Security PIN number is 0000.
The master PIN which overrides all others is 1004.

My Eurovox is now one hour out of sync with the time due to Daylight savings, how can I fix this?
Change the settings in the menu to the correct time (using GMT +1 and GMT). Then unplug the receiver from the mains for 30 seconds. After plugging it back in, your time should be correct and your episode guide too.

Can the Eurovox remote control control my television?
No, it cannot. It has an independent volume control.

Can I purchase a Universal remote control which will control a Eurovox?
Yes, you can… Potentially. The Eurovox is unlikely to be listed in the compatibility lists for these remote controls so you may have to ‘teach’ the universal remote, if possible.

Do you know of a reliable seller who can provide new Eurovoxes, Cable and accessories at great prices?
Yes. Our very own Lincsat runs a small business called Lincsat's Nicknacks. Not only does he sell pretty much everything you will need, he does a special offer for Techwatch Forums users.
Discount Offer for Techwatch Users
Lincsat's Nicknacks Eurovoxes Page

What type of cable do you recommend that I use to distribute the Cable?
You should use a high-grade Coaxial cable for use with Cable signals. Cable types that will work include RG6, RG59, and WF100, and must be relatively shielded. Always terminate with F-Plugs (Crimp or Screw On). To learn how to terminate an F-Plug, see the following : F-Plug Tutorial
F-Plug Video.

I've found some channels showing random things, such as Blue numbers or a BBC Show or a Movie, what are they?
These are the backbone channels which are showing On Demand content to people in your street or area. If you ever see them rewind or pause, then thats who-ever is watching them pausing them. As the Eurovox can't do On Demand services, you can only see what your neigbours are watching and not choose what you want yourself.

I have ran a cable into a different room and would like to terminate it into a socket... What do you recommend?
You have two main options for a Socket for Cable:
- Purchase an Isolator style box (rather large and unsightly) to go on your wall from fleaBay (Click here for Example)
- Purchase a screened F-Socket from somewhere such as Screwfix (Click here for Example - may need patress box if wall mounting.)
Just use one of those to ensure a professional finish.

Hey, I was told that I could get all of the pay TV channels with one of these boxes, so where's Sky One, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Sky Arts and Sky Real Lives?
Due to the 2007 Conflicts between $ky and V!rgin, these channels are no longer available on cable. Just because the Eurovox can get the V!rgin Channels doesnt mean it can magic back those...
Those Channels are hopefully coming back to V!rgin in February 2009 (or so we've heard).

With thanks to:
Lacutas
Gadgetfiend
Smoggy

This post is now full.

FAQs Continued Here

[lincsat]

OK, I've stuck and closed this post and now removed the replies as requested