Another newbie trying to work out his first setup!

linus1

Another newbie trying to get his head around the world of satellites...

I am fed up with cable TV and wondered about getting a satellite setup instead. It was really only a half thought, but as I read through this forum, it struck me how many people talk about this as an addictive hobby. That made me sit up and pay attention, and I am quite keen now to give it a go...

Rather than just post a load of questions that have been asked 100s of times already, I went off and have spent the last week trying to find what I needed to know. I found a couple of web sites that explained what you can pick up from what satellite, what encryption each service provider uses etc. A week ago I didnt really understand CAMs, cards, or even know what an LNB was, but I think I am starting to get my head round it all.

Anyway, I still need a little help. I am happy to go of and read up on stuff, I just need pointing in the right direction really.

I am interesting in receiving Freesat/FTV channels and possibly DigitAlb or similar. I know I need a motorised dish, and I believe an 80cm diseqc one would be suitable. I have read good things about technomate receivers, and have been looking at both the 5400 and 6900 (I would like the HD option if i can afford it). I also like the idea of being able to record to USB stick (i realise this isnt the best way of recording TV but I'd like to have the option there). I have seen starter kits for around £180 which includes a patched TM 5400 with dish, mount and cabling, which might be a good package to get me up and running. I know patching a receiver means loading software on to it to view certain channels, but in addition, am I right in understanding I would also need a programmed smartcard or a conax compatible cam? For example, both the 5400 and 6900 have at least 1 smartcard reader and 1 CI slot. Would I be best off looking to use a programmed smartcard (would need to be m2 or titanium i believe for conax enc.), or would i be better off getting a cam or multicam? If I use a multicam, wouldnt I still need to get a programmed smartcard? This is the part I cant get my head around. If someone could clarify, I am happy to go off and read up some more. Oh, and if I did go for the 6900, any recommendations on dishes?

many thanks,
Linus

bigtee

Hi n welcome Linus1

I think you have done quite well to be as up to speed as you are.

The TM 5400 is a good receiver by several accounts though a newer version (said to be preferable) of it is now out i.e. the TM 5400 Super. Obviously, neither of this is HD so that if HD is important, perhaps you should be looking at the 6900 or even 6800.

WRT CAMs and card slots: if you get any of the above receivers, you don't really need a separate CAM for cards as the inbult CAMs are multicrypt or will be so when patched. Some people in the hobby buy programmable CAMs to work in their own right without a card and to do the same function as patching (some times better). Having a card slot and a CAM slot means you can use both an official card and a CAM or two official cards (one in the card slot and one in a CAM that goes into the CI slot) at once.

If you buy a programmable CAM to use in its own right, then you need a programmer; tbh, I don't know much more about programmable CAMs than I have said. If you want a CAM to simply use another official card, then it is indeed better to opt for a multicrypt CAM that can accept cards of different encryption systems.

linus1

thanks for the quick reply bigtee, i did read it a week ago but just havent had any time to reply, or to do any more research into satellites.

if i understand you correctly, patching the box makes to open for use with legitimate cards, which you might be able to use on the receiver otherwise? a programmed CAM would in theory allow viewing of channels without a card? i have seen a few comments about multicrypt CAMS - diablo, dragon, matrix reloaded - i need to do some more reading on these when i can find some time.

I'm wondering in the meantime whether to go and get myself setup with a dish and receiver in the meantime, maybe this will help me understand the world of satellites a bit better, and work out what exactly I want to be able to watch. I do like the idea of getting a HD receiver and being able to watch the HD channels on Freesat - My HD TV is wasted on Virgin Media.