<![CDATA[Satellite TV support forum & Digital TV support forum. - Blogs]]> http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/ en Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:37:19 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Satellite TV support forum & Digital TV support forum. - Blogs]]> http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/ Fibre optic LNBs the future? http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/77-fibre-optic-lnbs-future.html Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:05:49 GMT At the recent CAI trade show in the midlands, there were several fibre optic head end systems on display, mostly for use in larger systems, but still of interest. Of most interest was a prototype from Global Invacom, a fibre optic LNB, requiring a 12v supply at the dish, but otherwise only a... At the recent CAI trade show in the midlands, there were several fibre optic head end systems on display, mostly for use in larger systems, but still of interest.

Of most interest was a prototype from Global Invacom, a fibre optic LNB, requiring a 12v supply at the dish, but otherwise only a single fibre back to the distribution point in the house/apartment block.

The beauty of fibre optic over coax cable is the practically non-existent loss, less than 1db over 100m.

This particular system can provide multiple feeds from a small switch, and by cascading, I believe that the system shown could provide 48 feeds or even more, ideal I would have thought for our big dish members in Astra fringe reception areas.

this was only a prototype, but a working prototype, so keep a lookout for the finished product, was advised that it should be available in both LNBF and C120 format.

More ]]> rolfw http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/77-fibre-optic-lnbs-future.html Dreambox and Home Cinema http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/mhku/69-dreambox-home-cinema.html Sat, 10 May 2008 20:29:19 GMT This evening I managed to watch my Dreambox 7020s through a projector and home cinema. *Ingredients* Dreambox 7020s Dell Dimension 2400 P4 2.8ghz 1gb Panasonic AE500 Projector Method This evening I managed to watch my Dreambox 7020s through a projector and home cinema.

Ingredients

Dreambox 7020s
Dell Dimension 2400 P4 2.8ghz 1gb
Panasonic AE500 Projector


Method

To do this I connected a Dell Dimension 2400 with 1gb of RAM to a Panasonic AE projector (720p), using the DVI output from an N-Vidia 6200 graphics card (it's the best old school pci graphics card available).

The Dell has a wireless dongle to connect it to my home network and I opened Firefox, pointing at the IP address of my Dreambox. I clicked on the VLC button in the Enigma Web Interface to open the stream from my Dreambox using VLC.

The soundcard in the Dell was connected to my AV Amp using an optical cable.

The attachments below show the picture on the projector screen above a 32" CRT TV.

So, what was it like?

Pros

Easy to setup
Worked with a small amount of tweaking

Cons

Sound quality was awful- not sure if this was a limitation of VLC or the sound card.

Using Dual View on the graphics card caused the picture to freeze.


Conclusion

The PC settings need more careful tweaking to optimise the sound and picture quality but the results were pretty good given the low spec of the PC and graphics card.
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]]> mhku http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/mhku/69-dreambox-home-cinema.html actuator VS DiSEqC motor http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/tears-of-eos/68-actuator-vs-diseqc-motor.html Mon, 05 May 2008 11:48:09 GMT Actuator with controller, DiSEqC motor also need positioner/ V-box.

And I never see any guys talked about polar mount. It's also a necessary part of home system. ]]> Tears of Eos http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/tears-of-eos/68-actuator-vs-diseqc-motor.html Help Build the Satellies.co.uk Mini City http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/46-help-build-satellies-co-uk-mini-city.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:30:46 GMT Want to help us build our Mini City?

[url+http://lightning.generator.free.fr/linkmyminicity.php?town=satellitesuk]Build the SatelliteUK MiniCity[/url]

Click on the link above once a day, every day, it will either increase population, build industry, improve transport or security, or clean the environment. :)

Let's try and get the city to number one. :) ]]> rolfw http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/46-help-build-satellies-co-uk-mini-city.html Kitchen Strainer WIFI Range Extender http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/41-kitchen-strainer-wifi-range-extender.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:49:17 GMT *intro *Uni-Directional WIFI Range Extender Easily receive WIFI signals from far away using a standard USB WIFI adaptor and a bit of ingenuity. This Simple idea requires no modifications to a USB WIFI adaptor or your computer. A simple way to increase the signal strength and range of your WIFI.... intro Uni-Directional WIFI Range Extender
Easily receive WIFI signals from far away using a standard USB WIFI adaptor and a bit of ingenuity. This Simple idea requires no modifications to a USB WIFI adaptor or your computer. A simple way to increase the signal strength and range of your WIFI. Plus it works with all USB WIFI adaptors. So you can use your neighbours wifi connection for free :).

step 1 Tools and Parts Needed
You need only a few parts for this project and they all are pretty cheap except for the USB WIFI adaptor. But even they only cost around £10 now.

1 - Metal Strainer/Steamer
1 - USB WIFI Adaptor
1 - USB Extension Cable (about 10ft long)
½” Drill Bit , Glue
2 - Tie wraps

step 2 Drilling the Strainer
Remove the Center Post (If your's had one) and drill a 1/2" hole as that is perfect size to fit the usb extention.

step 3 Glue and Tie Wrap

Insert the Female end of the USB extention (the part that doesnt connect to your computer) into the hole you just drilled.
Then just apply the glue and let it sit for 24 hours. This Creates a strong bond between the plastic and metal. I used some tape to help hold the connecter in place while the glue cured. Be sure to apply glue to both sides of the connecter. Once thats dry the next day, tie wrap 2 of the metal "ears" so they wont fold in on themselves when you use it.

step 4 Finish
Just plug the USB WIFI adaptor into the socket on the dish and plug the other end into your computer. Enjoy boosted signal strength and improved distance. Fire up Netstumber or Kismet to really see the gain in power. This works even better than I thought it would. Be sure to leave your comments on how well it worked.
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]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/41-kitchen-strainer-wifi-range-extender.html Willy Spotted On Satellite http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/40-willy-spotted-satellite.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:19:47 GMT Two pupils who used weed killer to draw a giant penis on their school lawn can now see the naughty image from satellite photos posted on the internet. The unnamed pair of Year 11 pupils from Bellemoor School for Boys in Southampton, Hampshire, burnt the 20ft phallus into the grass as an end of... Two pupils who used weed killer to draw a giant penis on their school lawn can now see the naughty image from satellite photos posted on the internet.

The unnamed pair of Year 11 pupils from Bellemoor School for Boys in Southampton, Hampshire, burnt the 20ft phallus into the grass as an end of term joke two years ago.

Staff at the school re-seeded the area but the penis has turned up on satellite image search engines because the photo was taken before the new grass could conceal the appendage.

Staff, parents and pupils who log on can now see the image in all its glory.

The satellite image can be seen on Microsoft Virtual Earth.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "It was just one of those high school jinks."

"This was an act of vandalism that took place during the summer of 2005. Southampton City Council re-seeded the area and the grass was re-grown by the beginning of the new school term."
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]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/40-willy-spotted-satellite.html Satellite dish fun http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/38-satellite-dish-fun.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:06:08 GMT
Bored of your standard satellite dishes? Tired of dull views like these?

How about some changes for your dish?
DishShades provides a service for satellite dish personalization, which you can choose what decoration would you like, ever your very own. For extreme personalization, you can even paint it by yourself.

Have a look at some of the example customized satellite dishes below.

I know DishShades is not UK based but it demonstrates what your satellite dish could look like.
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]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/38-satellite-dish-fun.html How to Paint a Satellite TV Dish http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/37-how-paint-satellite-tv-dish.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:51:28 GMT All satellite dish TV antennae are available in similar colors. Subscribers may want to paint the satellite dish to match it with the color of their house, RV or motor home. If installed in the yard, the dish antenna can be colored to blend in with the surrounding plants. The objective here is to... All satellite dish TV antennae are available in similar colors. Subscribers may want to paint the satellite dish to match it with the color of their house, RV or motor home. If installed in the yard, the dish antenna can be colored to blend in with the surrounding plants. The objective here is to camouflage the dish so it does not stand out, which may affect the general look of a community or mobile home. Take the following steps to paint your satellite dish TV antenna without hampering signal reception.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need
  • Brush for painting
  • Good quality paint
  • Covering for the LNB
Step One

Identify the color in which the satellite dish needs to be painted. Look for a high quality outdoor paint that does not peel. Request that the DIY store salesperson recommend a quality paint.

Step Two

Buy non-glossy paint with a dull finish. Always go for non-glossy paints. Glossy, semi-glossy and metallic paints make the dish antenna extremely shiny, thereby increasing reflection of the signal to the LNB. This causes signal loss and will disrupt satellite TV reception.

Step Three

Paint the dish, taking precautions to protect the LNB from getting any paint on it.

Overall Tips & Warnings
  • Painting the dish can result in signal loss. If possible, avoid painting the dish.
  • If painting the satellite TV dish is necessary, save the LNB from being painted.
]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/37-how-paint-satellite-tv-dish.html Virgin makes EPG leap on BSkyB http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/36-virgin-makes-epg-leap-bskyb.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:29:19 GMT Virgin makes EPG leap on BSkyB

UK cable operator Virgin Media has craftily used its multichannel might to place a channel high on BSkyB’s satellite EPG.

Virgin Media owns or controls a slew of popular thematic channels, and it has cleverly moved its flagship Virgin 1 channels up the EPG list from a lowly and near-invisible 153 position to 121 – and perhaps more importantly onto the second page of Sky’s EPG listings. Virgin is especially happy given that it has invested in high-value shows like the Sarah Connor Chronicles, launching in a few weeks.

Virgin has seven core channels of its own (Virgin 1, Living and Living 2, Bravo and Bravo 2, Challenge and Trouble). These seven channels grow to 10 services when “plus 1 hour’ time-shift channels are included into the mix. Virgin Media is also a j-v partner with BBC Worldwide in another nine channels.

The change kicks in on Feb 20, and will be supported by on-air promos and other publicity.

As posted by satdude @ satellites.co.uk ]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/36-virgin-makes-epg-leap-bskyb.html Motors in motors http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/llew/9-motors-motors.html Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:28:13 GMT Just had delivery of a new car (Polo Sport), and I'm amazed at the number of electric motors that are used in the vehicle to cosset its occupants.

My Golf GTI (which I've had for 25 years) was the top spec model of its day, and has just the basics to get the thing running and road legal.

In the Polo, as well as the usual windscreen washers/spray pumps, engine cooling fan etc., motors control -

Electric windows
Door locking mechanisms
Power steering
Climate control
Mirrors
Headlamps

and no doubt other items I haven't got around to finding out about yet.

How does the poor old battery cope with all this stuff? It's still just the basic 44A job I had in the Golf... ]]> Llew http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/llew/9-motors-motors.html <![CDATA[Why Can't Most Of Us Write Clearly?]]> http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/catmar/8-why-cant-most-us-write-clearly.html Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:34:44 GMT What on earth do you write about. I'm sitting here at the keyboard with my excuse for a brain trying to do what seems the impossible, that is putting my thoughts down onto the monitor screen.

I really envy these people with a vocabulary as large as the Pacific and with the expertise to write a professional piece with absolutely no problems at all.

I look at quite a few blogs covering many topics and I would really like to write a masterful blog but I don't think it's in me. but you never know I might learn something and write a great blog read by thousands, but dont't hold your breath.

If there are any bloggers reading this excuse of a diatribe perhaps you could give a few tips and pointers which help you to write. ]]> catmar http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/catmar/8-why-cant-most-us-write-clearly.html Champions league http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/yeshi/4-champions-league.html Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:18:15 GMT Just been flicking through the telly and saw the adverts for next weeks Champions League.. I was really annoyed. Manchester United, Arsenal and the likes are all on sky sports. Why cant sky keep off our football.. its our game.. not some austrailian goon. Really gets on my wick. Wow... Just been flicking through the telly and saw the adverts for next weeks Champions League..

I was really annoyed. Manchester United, Arsenal and the likes are all on sky sports.

Why cant sky keep off our football.. its our game.. not some austrailian goon.

Really gets on my wick. Wow share with ITV, what do they get?? Liverpool game.. woopeee..

Anyway after that rant

Earlier today i started playing medel of honour 3.. how hard is this game compared to Vanguard.. in total on vanguard i died 7 times... but within 10 minutes of playing moh3 i died 5 times.. the gameplay is diferent..

At the begining i shot my sergant for being racist because i couldnt get the grenade through the window on training.. soon shown that plank... he died and i got to go on the truck to battle... from which i died.. ahmen..

I doubt im going to finesh this game off as quick :(

Its Very Very Very hard on the Wii.. ]]> Yeshi http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/yeshi/4-champions-league.html unlimited http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/3-unlimited.html Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:54:49 GMT how the hell can it be right to advertise an "unlimited" offer then stick a tiny asterix after it making you find and read the terms and conditions only to find that the offer has a shit load of limits and is about as far from unlimited as we are from the edge of the Universe.

Perfect example, 3 mobile. They offer "unlimited" internet use on their phone packages. Follow the little asterix and you're told that it's actually only 1gigabyte of internet traffic. T-mobile do the same thing except "unlimited" there means 1 gigabyte of traffic and then a whole host of things you're not allowed to do with your 1gb, such as instant messaging.

Orange advertise on one of their packages that you get unlimited text messages, like hell do you, you get a maximum of 3000. I know that's a ridiculous amount of texts and if you're sending that many you need to seek help, but it's still not unlimited is it.

oh and lets not forget the classic term "fair use policy". fair for who, certainly not the customer. How many telecomms companies now advertise "unlimited" calls and "unlimited" broadband and then add "fair use policy" on the end. It's only fair for the customer when these big companies are making shit loads of money, as soon as it swings in favour of the consumer they soon put a stop to it. ]]> chris http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/chris/3-unlimited.html Medal of Honour - Vanguard http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/yeshi/2-medal-honour-vanguard.html Sun, 16 Sep 2007 13:05:37 GMT Mrs got me the above game on my birthday 7th september 07, Today ive just completed the full game.. took a break for a few days midweek. i wouldnt say ive over played it as i have a daughter who watches Dora the Explorer and the mrs who watches the likes of corrie and Xfactor.. Im quite please... Mrs got me the above game on my birthday 7th september 07, Today ive just completed the full game.. took a break for a few days midweek. i wouldnt say ive over played it as i have a daughter who watches Dora the Explorer and the mrs who watches the likes of corrie and Xfactor..

Im quite please with myself the germans are dead. the tiger tanks are all blown up.. woopeee.

Just sent the mrs off to Game to go get me another.. (shes trading the other in). ]]> Yeshi http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/yeshi/2-medal-honour-vanguard.html Welcome to the New Satellites.co.uk Blog http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/1-welcome-new-satellites-co-uk-blog.html Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:03:42 GMT Chris has installed this integrated vBulletin blog, members of Regular Member status and above can make their own blog entries and reply/comment on others' entries.

Registered members who have been on the forum for more than a month and have five valid posts will also be able to post comments on others' blog entries only.

All members will be able to view the Blog entries. ]]> rolfw http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/blogs/rolfw/1-welcome-new-satellites-co-uk-blog.html