Receivers With Ethernet Port - What Can I Do With It?

Originally Posted by Stephen Dedalus

Hi, first post, sorry it’s typical newbie stuff.

Thing is, my 7-yr old receiver/recorder just died, I’m looking to replace it as cheaply as possible.

Since I’ve noticed there are a number of receivers with Ethernet ports available now, including the relatively cheap Opticum 7000 CXE, I was wondering what I could actually do with one of those things.

Could I just plug the receiver into my home network, and record a sat DV stream onto one of my computers’ hard drives while I’m watching it on the telly? Reversely, would I be able to stream video and music from the computer to the TV set via such a receiver, or not?

Incidentally, I’m a Mac user who doesn’t know anything about Windows or Linux or embedded systems in home electronics devices. I’m basically used to devices connected via Ethernet recognising each other automatically, is this too much to expect from a sat receiver?

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Stephen Dedalus

Thanks.

I’ve read up on the Dreambox 7000 S a bit more, it does appear the machine would indeed fit the bill.

It’s tricky with some of those cheapo brands, they never seem to tell you what technology is actually being used. Saw this rather pricey TechniSat machine the other day, turns out you had to install proprietary software to get any sort of connectivity going.

Looks like I’ll be going for a used DB, at the moment.

Originally Posted by aileen

May I ask where above 'computer' is mentioned: Does anyone know if that applies to a Mac. as well as a PC? TIA

Originally Posted by HB13DISH

I can only give you information about what my Dreambox 7000S can do, which has an Ethernet interface.
1 - Connect to the PC and transfer recorded files from the receiver and PC, and vice versa (but only files that the receiver can recognize)
2 - Connect the receiver to the internet, using a router. Making it possible to receive e-mails, browse the internet, connect to other servers, etc.
3 - Control the receiver from the PC using web browser interface.
4 - I have HDD inside the receiver, so I can record programs directly with it.
5 - Stream video to the internet.

I hope that you can work out if these functions would help you with what you are requesting.

Originally Posted by aileen

Thanks. The above mentions 'Connect to PC etc.' I assume it means just to the Internet. ? There is often a problem that different platforms either 'Do' or 'don't' apply under various uses. I am tempted to look at Linux for viewing purposes. As Mac SW is based on Unix I am not sure if I will need to purchase a PC (YUK and spit on the floor) Before I do I need to understand, generally, by looking for any info which confirms, or otherwise, if Sat TV is platform specific in all or any areas or not: as regards Sat TV (Am relatively new to subject) Hope that explains

Originally Posted by HB13DISH

Thanks aileen.
I think that you will need a PC (the simplest and cheapest will do, but the o/s software would be the most expensive part) in order to flash the Linux sat receiver with a good image, as the original software that comes by default is not of much help, and using the RS-232 interface on the back of the receiver and a PC loader software called DreamUp.
Weather you purchase a PC or borrow it, it is entirely up to you.
You will also need it in order to make the connection setup to the internet, using a router (not sure if this can be done without a PC).
A 7020S has a USB keyboard interface which will make inputting data a lot easier than using the remote.
Adding HDD will enable you to record and play recorded programmes.
If anyone has a way to skip the use of a PC, please enlighten us.