Box Required for Intelsat reception

[Menorca Man]

One obvious solution given you have a 1.3 metre dish is get a paid for Sky subscription - it won't bring back BBC in any shape or form but if you get Sky HD it will bring back (so I am told) ITV2, 3 &4 in HD only and possibly some other HD channels, but not BBC1-4HD and probably not ITV1HD or Channel4HD because they are on the 'dodgy' system discussed above. All the subscription non-Freeview Sky channels are on the Pan European beam and our signal strength/quality is actually much better since the new Astra 2E satellite came online.

The cheapest Sky HD package that allows you to watch Channel 5 since it became encrypted is Entertainment Extra+. I recently upgraded from Entertainment Extra to Extra+ for another £5 per month. Apart from Channel 5HD, this also gets you access to quite a lot more HD content but none, as you rightly say, of the BBC, Channel 4 (UK) or ITV1 channels.

 

[BLUEPLATINUM]

I personally think that the BISS encryption is there solely so that the broadcasters can "tick the box" that says they are making the effort to protect the content. The BBC is not going to invest in changing anything when they can't even find the money to roll out HD to all regions or fund more than one (occasionally two) proper red button streams.

 

[Fisty McB]

I suppose it depends how they get the new keys to the appropriate receivers at transmitter & relay sites, but if the BBC & Arqiva were to roll key changes on a more regular basis than present, e.g. every 4 to 6 weeks or even sooner, then they would likely deter use from pretty much everyone but very determined enthusiasts given how long it currently takes to extract the relevant BISS keys.

 

[dvdfilm]

I personally think that the BISS encryption is there solely so that the broadcasters can "tick the box" that says they are making the effort to protect the content. The BBC is not going to invest in changing anything when they can't even find the money to roll out HD to all regions or fund more than one (occasionally two) proper red button streams.

Of course,people often forget that the main investment is not simply changing the equipment,but paying for the actual licence of an encryption provider,and tandberg doesn't come cheap.
If keys don't always go widespread public there is a chance this 'status quo' can continue

 

[Analoguesat]

Ive split the BBC 3 discussion off this topic as its well off topic. Its now here:

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/threads/bbc3-discussion.160994/

 

[Martillo]

I personally think that the BISS encryption is there solely so that the broadcasters can "tick the box" that says they are making the effort to protect the content. The BBC is not going to invest in changing anything when they can't even find the money to roll out HD to all regions or fund more than one (occasionally two) proper red button streams.

I think you have a point about 'ticking the box'. It makes it difficult and technically they are protecting the content - hopefully that is not wishful thinking!

As pointed out by dvdfilm there is also the cost of changing the system to consider. As dvdfilm has also mentioned, the current frequency of change may remain at 4 months-ish if it does not go any more public than it is, so for that reason:- PM me if you need the new one ;)

 

[timo_w2s]

I think you have a point about 'ticking the box'. It makes it difficult and technically they are protecting the content - hopefully that is not wishful thinking!

I used to think the exact same about the Swiss SRG channels as they where widely hacked but I thought they didn't care much as they had ticked the box and the channels where encrypted for the majority. Anyway, they upgraded their encryption and issued new cards quite a few years ago now (sent out for free), so there went my theory...

 

[Analoguesat]

So its broken already.

And as its already leaking out the changes will probably become more regular than they have been. It wont take much for folk to get fed up of the interruptions.

Once a fortnight would be enough, especially if the keys got changed Friday afternoon.....

 

[BLUEPLATINUM]

I used to think the exact same about the Swiss SRG channels as they where widely hacked but I thought they didn't care much as they had ticked the box and the channels where encrypted for the majority. Anyway, they upgraded their encryption and issued new cards quite a few years ago now (sent out for free), so there went my theory...

I am not familiar with those particular channels, but these "channels" are really feeds aren't they?

Sent from my GT-I9205 using Tapatalk

 

[BLUEPLATINUM]

So its broken already.

And as its already leaking out the changes will probably become more regular than they have been. It wont take much for folk to get fed up of the interruptions.

Once a fortnight would be enough, especially if the keys got changed Friday afternoon.....

Why do you say that? Googling the key returns nothing.

Sent from my GT-I9205 using Tapatalk

 

[Analoguesat]

Why do you say that? Googling the key returns nothing.

Sent from my GT-I9205 using Tapatalk

Martillos last line in his post

the current frequency of change may remain at 4 months-ish if it does not go any more public than it is, so for that reason:- PM me if you need the new one

 

[trigger]

Hi
Obviously the channels/feeds we are talking about are currently on a relatively insecure encryption and keys do become available.
As said previously, the provider ticks the box and does the necessary to stop the majority viewing the content. That said I'm sure that the provider is well aware that their content can be viewed by the few with the correct equipment and information.
I have no idea of what contracts there are in place between the supplier and the encryption provider but that contract will or should have an end date. At the end of this contract then yes the broadcaster may choose to use a more secure method of encryption, cease broadcasting or may continue on as before.
As said certain channels using this encryption have been available for years and at some point (probably end of their current contract) upgraded making them unavailable without the correct subscription.
So who knows how long these channels/feeds are contracted for and when that end date might be. As far as changing codes every few weeks or days then surely this would be in the contract and may not be able to be changed without negotiation and or additional cost.
As seen recently the BBC have tentatively made the decision to cease BBC3, but if this goes ahead then this would not be until Autumn 2015 (18 months away). This is probably as they have contracts with content suppliers, broadcasters etc and cannot stop broadcasting the channel until then.

So I can't see these channels/feeds being majorly affected until outstanding contracts come to an end or are renegotiated.
But be aware, these contracts could end or be renegotiated tomorrow, next week, next month or even in five years time. Without that knowledge who knows how long it will last.
If your going to spend your money trying to receive these channels/feeds then be aware they might not last that long!!!

Hope this helps

 

[timo_w2s]

I may be wrong, but was under the impression BISS doesn't require a contract or licence as it's just a simple way of scrambling a channel, which is why it's a quick and easy way for hiding short term feeds.

 

[Lazarus]

I shouldn't set too much store by the Contracts issue >> Yes, whatever the fine detail, they will be binding in many respects, but equally it would be normal practice to insert caveats and codicils giving a degree of wriggle-room for the parties.

 

[Analoguesat]

As said previously, the provider ticks the box and does the necessary to stop the majority viewing the content. That said I'm sure that the provider is well aware that their content can be viewed by the few with the correct equipment and information.

When it was just a few hundred enthusiasts it wasnt a problem - (the same as with card sharing ~ 5 years ago). Now 27.5W has gone mainstream its a whole new kettle of fish.



I have no idea of what contracts there are in place between the supplier and the encryption provider but that contract will or should have an end date. At the end of this contract then yes the broadcaster may choose to use a more secure method of encryption, cease broadcasting or may continue on as before.
As said certain channels using this encryption have been available for years and at some point (probably end of their current contract) upgraded making them unavailable without the correct subscription.

All long term contacts contracts have break points / renegotiation clauses




As seen recently the BBC have tentatively made the decision to cease BBC3, but if this goes ahead then this would not be until Autumn 2015 (18 months away). This is probably as they have contracts with content suppliers, broadcasters etc and cannot stop broadcasting the channel until then.

Also very handy thats its just the the other side of the next General Election here in the UK ;)

 

[Martillo]

Interesting thoughts re. 'ticking the box', channels becoming unavailable, renegociation of encryption contracts etc. and the subject of contracts/licences for encryption services. Things will probably change but as has been said no-one knows when. We may as well enjoy what is available while it lasts - The Intelsat 907 satellite itself is apparently due for replacement in the not too distant future so everything could change then.

Martillos last line in his post
the current frequency of change may remain at 4 months-ish if it does not go any more public than it is, so for that reason:- PM me if you need the new one

Blueplatinum remarked that Googling returns nothing and that is correct, I have been literally scouring the internet since 27 Feb. 'Nothing' is not quite correct in fact, but the previous code and four previous to that which do appear are no good to man nor beast now. The authorities will no doubt know what is going on and it was inevitable with the demise of Astra 1N at 28.2 degrees and the new UK beam on 2E - people will always find a way around a problem if it is possible. Someone else gave me the code and I felt that others will no doubt want it, so why keep it to myself? I deliberately avoided the use of certain words in the post you quoted rather than lay it completely bare to the search engines - if you felt it was inappropriate you could always have moderated it out ;)

 

[trigger]

As said previously, the provider ticks the box and does the necessary to stop the majority viewing the content. That said I'm sure that the provider is well aware that their content can be viewed by the few with the correct equipment and information.

When it was just a few hundred enthusiasts it wasnt a problem - (the same as with card sharing ~ 5 years ago). Now 27.5W has gone mainstream its a whole new kettle of fish.

Mainstream might be an overstatement, but yes of course your right.


I have no idea of what contracts there are in place between the supplier and the encryption provider but that contract will or should have an end date. At the end of this contract then yes the broadcaster may choose to use a more secure method of encryption, cease broadcasting or may continue on as before.
As said certain channels using this encryption have been available for years and at some point (probably end of their current contract) upgraded making them unavailable without the correct subscription.

All long term contacts contracts have break points / renegotiation clauses

Yes but they probably come with penalties - which of course normally means payment by one of the parties. As we know one of the parties is trying to save money not go over budget.




As seen recently the BBC have tentatively made the decision to cease BBC3, but if this goes ahead then this would not be until Autumn 2015 (18 months away). This is probably as they have contracts with content suppliers, broadcasters etc and cannot stop broadcasting the channel until then.

Also very handy thats its just the the other side of the next General Election here in the UK ;)

True.

But I think that the last paragraph of my late night ramblings is probably the most important for those looking to get these channels from this satellite.

In a nutshell - if you spend your money trying to get these channels on this satellite then you may be disappointed very soon. Maybe it might last a while but be aware it won't last forever.

 

[dvdfilm]

Actually I'm quite pleased that after over a week the keys aren't available on google.
bbc and Arqiva could take this into account

 

[Hixxy1]

There's so much talk about this, the beeb will eventually lock down the feeds in the future. Either that or switch them off completely. I know it takes away the fun of being a satellite hobbyist, but the best thing I can suggest is using an ip service to stream the channels.

I've moved to Thailand and now have no choice but to stream if I have enough energy to to stay up late.

 

[Martillo]

Actually I'm quite pleased that after over a week the keys aren't available on google.
bbc and Arqiva could take this into account

I agree. We can but hope, although the situation will doubtless change eventually.

....In a nutshell - if you spend your money trying to get these channels on this satellite then you may be disappointed very soon. Maybe it might last a while but be aware it won't last forever.

Might as well watch it while we can, after that I'll be using the Technomate for something else and the iPlayer for BBC1/Radio 6Music

There's so much talk about this, the beeb will eventually lock down the feeds in the future. Either that or switch them off completely....

No doubt

I've moved to Thailand and now have no choice but to stream if I have enough energy to to stay up late.

We'll all be doing that eventually (streaming, that is)