Dreambox 7020 and stuff!??

[vipersport]

Hi folks,

Firstly, let me say "HI EVERYONE!" as this is my first post.
Secondly, and I think this can NEVER be overstated, is that I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT SATELLITE SYSTEMS!
I managed to install my Skybox and dish a couple of years ago, but that's it (Oh, and I also finally got the Sky remote to turn the TV volume up tonight, thanks to a FAQ discovered earlier!)

Right then, my question(s) is (are!) this (these!!):

I'm in the south of France, and want more channels than the Sky freeview stuff. I've been reading a lot of forum posts this evening, and the Dreambox 7020 keeps coming up a lot.
Do you need to buy satellite cards for this, or does it come with decoding software? (I say cards, as I'm hoping to get a motorised system up and running)
There is a lot of talk about downloadable patches, am I right in assuming these are for decoding the signal?
I understand that Sky can't be obtained without the Sky Digibox, but what about the free Sky channels I'm currently getting (via a card)? Would I have to retain the Skybox?

I know this is a lot of info to ask, but you guys seem to be better informed than those on the French satellite forums!
Just to top it off, what motorisation system would you suggest, and do I have to go outside and press buttons to change satellites, or does the beastie do it via the channel remote?!

Thank you very, very much!

[gameboy]

Have you checked the different forums here?

Most of the answers can be found in the 'stickies' at the top of each section.

Have a look around and see what you can find.

You may be surprised at how much you find...

Happy New Year

[Rob]

Welcome vipersport, what sort of channels are you after, and yes the beastie does it via remote control.

[vipersport]

Bloody hell, that's what I call rapid response!

OK, I'll go through the rest of the forums a bit slower, but it's a bit tricky to find what I'm after, not knowing what what I'm after! Anyone seen a sticky titled "You don't need a card with a Dreambox, you just download the patches, and by the way use the XSF200AAA SuperMotor with it" anywhere?! I thought that was quite funny!

As far as channels go, I want something for my lovely wife to watch while she's looking after my two baby girls all day, kids programs, and as much sport (golf) and movies for us when I get back from slogging my guts out building houses all day!

Et voila!

[vipersport]

OK, she's left now! Edit the last post to "Her who controls my life"!

[gameboy]

You don't need a card with the DreamBox 7020 as it can do all the decoding work using software patches.

You can if you want use a card as it has a card reader and slot for CAMs.

The reason I asked you to check the forums is this information doesn't explain the complex nature of DreamBox receivers.

They are simply computers with tuners attached that run on the Linux OS and have a steep learning curve. Reading about them may encourage you or put you off wanting one.

Hope this helps.

[T_G]

Welcome to the forum Viper
Dreambox is a good thing and bloody good toy. But you need to fiddle with it at the beginning, and it may take a while until you get to grips with it. But once it is up and running it is great. If I was you i would look at the possibility of having two separate setups: One fixed dish and digibox on 28 east or whatever your missus likes to watch, and another motorised connected to dreambox. That way you will have both worlds without getting calls from the wife on what to do with the box as ther eis no picture!

To get some ideas read the Idiot Guide. Even though a lot of it is for the earlier versions of 5620 and 7000 it still is basically the same.

[vipersport]

Just checking for it now.....

[Rob]

and I think this can NEVER be overstated, is that I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT SATELLITE SYSTEMS!

If that is right I don't think the Dreambox is the ideal receiver for you.
It has a very steep learning curve.
Try something a lot more simple like the Technomate, great results - not so much hassle.

[vipersport]

If that is right I don't think the Dreambox is the idea receiver for you.
It has a very steep learning curve.
Try something a lot more simple like the Technomate, great results - not so much hassle.

Just like to agree there Rob! Probably best to learn to walk first!
On your system spec, you've said you're using a Technomate patched receiver. Explain the patch - i.e. do you still have subscriber cards etc, or are you having to update codes and things all the time?
Thanks!

[Rob]

The patch is an electronic update that is used to open scambled channels.
It is resonable easy to download and install these patches, but as with all things there is still a bit of a learning curve.

Have a look in "Receiver Reviews" for a review by the_wizzz called "My through review of Technomate receivers.............."

Patches can be renewed every time the codes are changed which can be anytime ( a week, a month or longer).

Good luck
Rob

[T_G]

Maybe this is good advice. But the argument for the Dreambox is a strong one: If I managed, anybody can!!

[vipersport]

T_G, what would you say is complicated about the Dreambox?
I have no Linux experience, but know my way round computers (spent two years doing Software Engineering), and enjoy "tinkering" with XBOX's and things.
What sort of initial prob's did you encounter? (or point me in the direction of a sticky on the subject please?!)

Cheers!

[vipersport]

ROB,

I'm almost sold on the Technomate, having just found a guy (on Ebay ) who'll send me the full kit, with the TM-1500 CI+ SUPER receiver, for 260 quid. But now, having read the review by the_wizz, and checking out some other sellers' websites, I'm torn between the above, and the TM 7755 2VA 2CI. What's the difference in useability? Does this just have more bits on it that will become useful later on, when I've progressed up the Sat-Junkie ranks??
Also what's the deal on unofficial cards? Is this where I'll need to buy programmers, and Dragon cards and things?!

Thanks in advance, again!!

[Rob]

Can't really tell you the different between them as I don't have either. The 1500 has a magic card reader which should read any card, and one cam slot.
The 7755 has two viaccess slots and two cam slots, what you chose is up to you.
The 1500 is better for patches, but the 7755 can be used for card sharing now which is something new. The 1500 will soon be able to card share but not yet.
And before you ask card-sharing is being able to read somebody else's card via the internet to unscramble channels.
As for cards and cams you had better ask someone else because I don't use them, the patch does me fine.

Is the £260 a complete kit as it does sound a bit expensive, they were selling them for £200 a couple of months ago.

[vipersport]

Hi Rob,

The 260 quid is the complete system, with delivery (40 quid) to my remote? location!!
Why haven't you updated to the 1500 system? or is your's just as good?

[T_G]

T_G, what would you say is complicated about the Dreambox?
I have no Linux experience, but know my way round computers (spent two years doing Software Engineering), and enjoy "tinkering" with XBOX's and things.
What sort of initial prob's did you encounter? (or point me in the direction of a sticky on the subject please?!)

Cheers!

Look, when I started there was only one guy here with a dreambox, and that was Rolf with a 7000. All the potential problem issues have been dealt with in the idiot guide, furthermore there are real specialists around now that will be able to help (PCD for instance. I do not have any special skills in computers, Linux etc. You don't really need to know Linux either. If you know how to setup a home network that is a help, but also explained in the Idiot guide.

It is important you choose what you like, don't be put off by a little bit of trouble at the beginning, whatever receiver you will get.

P.S I also started with an Amstrad and a 90 cm dish!

[Rob]

Hi Rob,

The 260 quid is the complete system, with delivery (40 quid) to my remote? location!!
Why haven't you updated to the 1500 system? or is your's just as good?

I see about the extra cost now and with the complete system it does make it handy.

Why haven't I updated to the 1500, it's a personal thing really and one day I probably will but I get nearly all the Russian channels for the wife, as well as film, prem football, porn, and lots of entertainment channels with just the patch.
Now with the possibility of channel sharing as well I should get even more, which is not bad with a £70 fta box.
The 1500 is better as it is the same box but with the extra bonus of the magic card reader and a cam slot for only £30 extra.
Also have only had this receiver since last May.

[vipersport]

Right then, great arguments from both sides really!
My final questions:
Why, in layman's terms, is the Dreambox better (assuming this is why it costs more) than the Technomate 1500?
With the CAM slot on the Techno 1500, is this for "replica" cards (i.e. those that some may call "not legal") and where do I get these from?

Thanks guys!

[vipersport]

Hi folks,

Can someone either tell me if I'm near the mark on this, or correct me where possible, PLEASE?!!

I buy a receiver, with embedded CAMS (Multikrypt?) which allows me to watch a load of channels (pay channels, or just FTA?)? I can also buy an additional CAM (if its not one of the embedded ones), and via the additional CAM slot on the receiver, now receive further channels? I can also, using the receivers card reader, buy pre-programmed cards, that will get me more channels? If I so desire (and this is the bit I'm not clear on) I can buy blank cards, that are compatible with the embedded or additional CAMS, and program them (with a programmer) with software frome Romanian Satellite Thingy website, and get further free channels?
Or do I just need to UL the patches into the receiver?!!
By the way, I'm using a Technomate 1500CI motorised system (with Multikrypt) as a basis for my questions, and am really keen to buy it!!
Please help!!

[T_G]

My final argument: If you get a dreambox I will make you a member of the Idiot Guide, what you say, eh? Eh??

[rolfw]

Forget the Dreambox, really really don't think it is your thing, go for the technomate and then do a bit of reading on how to update the patch with a serial cable, as you will need to do this periodically, it isn't difficult, but attention needs to be paid to the procedure.

You can obtain a degree of channels using the patch only, you can use official cards and other cards as required, but with regard to the channels obtained by unofficial means, they could all disappear tomorrow, so you need to keep reading.

[vipersport]

My final argument: If you get a dreambox I will make you a member of the Idiot Guide, what you say, eh? Eh??

Judging by my apparent lack of knowledge, I'd make a better subject for the guide!! Waddaya reckon? I can see it now "Noob buys Dreambox, noob buggers up Dreambox, noob sells Dreambox - How to avoid this happening to you!" Classic reading material I think!
Anyone want to sponsor me?!

[vipersport]

Hi folks,

Can someone either tell me if I'm near the mark on this, or correct me where possible, PLEASE?!!

I buy a receiver, with embedded CAMS (Multikrypt?) which allows me to watch a load of channels (pay channels, or just FTA?)? I can also buy an additional CAM (if its not one of the embedded ones), and via the additional CAM slot on the receiver, now receive further channels? I can also, using the receivers card reader, buy pre-programmed cards, that will get me more channels? If I so desire (and this is the bit I'm not clear on) I can buy blank cards, that are compatible with the embedded or additional CAMS, and program them (with a programmer) with software frome Romanian Satellite Thingy website, and get further free channels?
Or do I just need to UL the patches into the receiver?!!
By the way, I'm using a Technomate 1500CI motorised system (with Multikrypt) as a basis for my questions, and am really keen to buy it!!
Please help!!

How did this end up on here? I posted it as a seperate question! Damn Mods messing with my posts! GRRRRRR!

[vipersport]

It's amazing what you find when scrolling through hundreds of forum posts. Can I suggest a sticky with this link hxxp://www.duwgati.com for all noobs, as this has answered my above question completely!!