Noob looking for some info

[dmarook]

Hello Everyone,

I know a little about PC and have been assembling them for a number of years. I am a total NOOB when it comes to Sat TV on PC. I have an HTPC (C2D) running Win 7 (32bit) and have had some play around with vermin successfully using DVBDream. I will be moving to a non cable area soon and have to look into sat tv on my htpc. Cost is an issue. I am not planning to get Multi LNB or motorised system to begin with but just want to try stuff with a fixed sly dish for starters. I would be grateful if I could have some info for my setup and answers to my following questions.

1) Which HD sat card should I get? I have been looking in to Skystat HD 2. Is that compatible with Win 7? (willing to downgrade OS if absolutely necessary). Is there any others I should look into? What are good option for multi tuner cards?

2) Do I need any kind of card for Freeview or is it sort of plug and play?

3) Emulater + vplug - any good for sat viewing?

4) CCam + CS..ring - how difficult is it to get going without anything to share in the begening? Willing to consider running a linux server if it helps.

5) Is it at a;; possible to run a totally card less system by using emulators and sharing only?

6) I've heard about changes coming to sly aimed at stopping CS. Is it true, when is it happening, and is it worth considering a STB like DBox?

Thanks for any help in advance. Looking forward to some interesting times playing around with my HTPC again.

[Rick]

Hi there and welcome. I'll try and answer your questions in the order that you posted them.

1. IMHO the SkyStar is the best on the market, I have one myself and the quality is very good. I don't see why it wouldn't be Win 7 compatable, you can check on the Technisat website for drivers etc.

2. You don't need a card for any Free To Air channel, the Free To View channels from Sky still require a card, these are a £20.00 one off payment to sky.

3. I use DvbDream

4. Please take a moment to read the forum rules, which includes No Technical Card Sharing Discussions. But be preapred for several hours/days with Mr Google. Then alot of frustration and hard work until you figure it out. I wouldn't even think about tackling a PC based server until you have mastered a reciever. But with a single fixed dish on 28e who would you share with ?

5. No Technical Card Sharing Discussions.

6. No Technical Card Sharing Discussions.

Hope that helps abit

[dmarook]

Thank you for your response. Sorry about not being more careful about forum rule issues. When I get to the point where I have no other options than a SAT I guess google will show me the way. In the mean time theoretical research continues....

[Rick]

Originally Posted by dmarook

Thank you for your response. Sorry about not being more careful about forum rule issues.

No worries just bear it in mind for future posts