Simple 1st box for a newbie

[Mr Potato Head]

Im looking for a simple cable box to tackle as im a newbie, can anyone suggest an appropriate model? Also, although im sure all the answers are on this forum somewhere, could someone explain what ird, jtag etc actually is and the basic process of unlocking these boxes? I dont have the knowledge to even enter the correct key words in the search lol, im a total newbie! Thanks

[blakey_8]

Hi mate, welcome to the forum .

A Eurovox, Starview or DBox would be a good starting point, you can buy them already set up and ready to plug in. An IRD is a number that identifies your box, it is matched with what's known as a Box Key. These are the numbers that you would program to a card called a MOSC (these need to be unlocked using an UNLOOPER before they can be programmed) so that the box recognises the card and allows you access to all the channels. A Jtag is a device used to retrieve the BK from boxes without a card, however, only certain boxes can be Jtagged. You need to do some detailed reading if you want to start getting more involved with cable modding, everyone on this forum (including me) will answer any questions you have and guide you through the best that we can .

[Mr Potato Head]

Aha, so the ird is a unique identitly number such as the imei of a mobile phone? Would the box key be the pass key most boxes seem to have for pay per view etc?
Is the unlooper used to retrieve a locked genuine card? if so i should be able to avoid this step by using a fun card right?
Im sure i have a fun card and programmer from a previous venture, presuming i have the ird and box key what is the next step?
When you say you can buy boxes already set up, do you mean they already have their talk back cut? is this the only mod the actual box requires? and the rest is just a matter of programming a card?
BTW, thanks for the super fast detailed response, ive learnt more from your response than 45 mins of hit and miss forum searching

[reddiesel]

Read the funcard tut in the sticky at the top of cable tv chat, the files are all in our downloads section, if your in ex cw or tw area you may need to set net id with a funcard, the tut for that is in the same place, if your pure ntl no need, the tut for cutting talkback is in downloads also.
The eurovox, starview type box that blakey mentioned are ones that you can buy that are just flashed with firmware, they dont use a card.

[Mr Potato Head]

Thanks for that, ive read the tutorials but they dont seem to answer any of my questions and your post presents new ones lol. Are ex, cw or tw service providers? Do the eurovox, d-box or starview need any mods such as cutting talk back or are they un-detectable?
Please read my previous post, it would really help if someone could answer these questions for me. Thanks

[aidso]

Get a EuroVox 1000SL. Get a laptop/computer with a serial port (yes you can use USB cables but with some operating systems its fiddly).
Download a certain toolbar which you will find in the stickies of the forum. Download the firmware for the box from said toolbar. Flash the box.
Either do a deep scan for channels or upload a CDF (Channel file) from someone in your area (again theres a sticky where people have uploaded their own. Choose one close to you). Power off and on box and bingo your flying.

[humforce]

Originally Posted by Mr Potato Head

Im looking for a simple cable box to tackle as im a newbie, can anyone suggest an appropriate model? Also, although im sure all the answers are on this forum somewhere, could someone explain what ird, jtag etc actually is and the basic process of unlocking these boxes? I dont have the knowledge to even enter the correct key words in the search lol, im a total newbie! Thanks

you only need {ird boxkey mosc unlooper} if you use ex virmin box

{starview eurovox dbox} these have there own software

so the easiest route is one of the above.

[Mr Potato Head]

Thanks for the ideas guys, these simple boxes are just what im looking for EuroVox 1000SL has been mentioned, would this be one of the best choices for me? How do people feel about the Starview 4 usb? it looks to be a very convenient method of loading software and i like the hdd feature, any thoughts on the quality of the product? Thanks

[Andy20]

Hi,

If your looking for a box with a HDD (or at least has the ability for you to input one) I would recommend the Eurovox 5100 PVR. They cost about £105 -£150 depending on if you get one with the HDD supplied.

The Eurovox's are very easy to use and to update when things change. In my opinion I would stick with these as they are so simple. If you search "Lincsats Nick Nacks" on google you will find a site that sells the boxes. Its connected to one of the moderators on this site, so you know you will get good service and support going forward! I would post a link but I am new to this site and you need 10 posts to be able to add a link in.


Would also get the null-modem cable for £2 so you can connect the box to your PC.

When I first started I got loads of information from site like yourself and was confussed with the IRD, unloopers, what cards to use, what programs to use, etc. With the boxes from eurovox you dont need to worry about all this............ Great for a new starter.

Hope this helps

[tommy2426]

thanks Mr Potato Head, i've just joined the site myself and these are the same questions i had in mind, thanks guys for your comments, and hopefully i can take it from here, no doubt i'll be pestering you guys for a little while until i find my feet, cheers