Nagra 3 FAQ

[PerryCox]

I thought I'd knock up a quick post about the impending N3. Basically, it's a reference post for when someone asks a question that's been answered before, or when someone is contemplating buying a box. I know there's masses of information about N3 on the forum already, but nothing a newbie can be pointed to that makes much sense. Better to show them this thread than flame them for being a newbie (after all, the search function is only of use if you know what you're searching for).

What is this Nagra 3?

Nagra 3 is an encryption system used the world over, and soon to be used in the UK by Virgin Media. It is currently secure, meaning you cannot get free Virgin TV from a "chipped" box, modified box, or from a 3rd party reciever (Eurovox, Starview etc.).

So when will it be here?

The only people who know this for sure are Virgin Media, and they won't tell you. It's already in place in some regions, and at the time of writing, new cards are being issued in other parts of the country. The only way of knowing when it will be implemented in your area is when cards start getting issued in your area. The majority opinion is that the whole of the UK will have changed over to Nagra 3 encryption by easter 2010.

Which boxes will be unaffected?

The only boxes that will be unaffected are the legitimate ones, rented from Virgin Media and with a paid for subscription. EVERY other box will become redundant. There is currently no box capable of viewing channels encrypted with Nagra 3 (other than Virgin Media's STB's)

So Virgin STB's will still work?

Only if you have a valid, paid, subscription.

What about cable tuners in PCs/HTPCs?

They will not work, and currently there is no way of making them work even with a paid subscription card.

So what use will my box be now?

It will be able to pick up any unecrypted channels. Please be aware that this does not mean Freeview channels, just unecrypted. Currently, the only channels that are broadcast unencrypted are channels 1-5. If this isn't enough for you, suggestions of what to do with your box can be found here

N1 got hacked, N2 got hacked, so will N3 be hacked?

Nothing is impossible, however, given that N3 has been in existence for some years now without compromise, and is regarded as highly secure by many people, it's safe to assume that it's not going to be hacked soon. It is far more secure than previous versions, and there isn't the incentive to hack N3 that was there for N2/N1. So whilst it is possible it will be hacked, don't hold your breath.

There must be some way around it!

There are ways, such as card sharing, but this forum does not allow discussion about it. A sensible post about paying for card sharing can be found here. If you want to know more about these methods, Google "card sharing" or "IKS".

I've read on the internet that it has already been hacked/they are waiting for it to roll out nationwide before releasing the fix/someone has hacked it/putting your card on the left breast of a virgin for 10 minutes will decrypt SkySports 1. Is it true?

No. N3 is secure, and in the event of it being hacked, it is unlikely that the fix will become public knowledge. If you find something which you think is new info, wait a week and see if the forums are lit up with talk of it. If not, it's probably just another rumour.

My box went off this morning! Is this N3?

If you haven't received a card yet, then no. If you have, then possibly, but then again it could be one of the many other reasons boxes go off.

Which box should I buy?

Any, because if you think you should spend money on a box after reading the above, it doesn't really matter, you'll probably struggle to plug it in anyway.

[cheltenhamboy]

Nice post Perry
Just need a mod to make it a sticky!

[martin-f]

a lot more info here

Nagra 3 - Where we stand

[PerryCox]

Originally Posted by martin-f

a lot more info here

Nagra 3 - Where we stand

I hadn't seen that, yet it's like I've virtually copied it word for word!

Mine's tailored to the UK situation, and is a little more concise (or has less info).

Ah well, it passed an hour

[martin-f]

lol i only posted it 6 weeks ago well your trying i am not going to close this one don't want to upset you again

[PerryCox]

You've no need to close this one mate, I wrote it in simple terms, so it's easily understood by all.

[jack08]

Originally Posted by PerryCox

You've no need to close this one mate, I wrote it in simple terms, so it's easily understood by all.

you joking arnt you these guys never understand this lmfao think its going to get cracked all sorts they keep making silly threds to like will my starview work with nargra3 all that crap

[Nivida]

nice post @perry ..when will u be posting the n3 FIX .lol

[PerryCox]

Originally Posted by Nivida

nice post @perry ..when will u be posting the n3 FIX .lol

There's more chance of a technical discussion on Techwatch than of me hacking N3.

Well, I suppose, theoretically I might hack N3, so maybe the odds are roughly the same? Still very, very low odds mind.

[optiplex007]

Originally Posted by Nivida

nice post @perry ..when will u be posting the n3 FIX .lol

You just don't get it do you. There is not going to be a N3 fix this side of a sighting of the devil ice skating to work.