FTA Setup in Italy

RoninBlackSoul

Hi, I've been trolling around last fews days trying to get decent consistent info of what I want to setup. I over here in southern Italy working trying to get some decent satellite channels for me and my wife since we can't stand the Italian programming. I bought a Metronic Catalysta FTA Kit (80cm dish, IRD, cables..etc). It works fine but I want more.

Basically I want spanish progrmaming for my wife and myself english but I can deal with watching spanish most of the time. I got it narrowed down to 3 birds I want to be on, Astra 19.2E, Hotbird 13E, & Hispasat 30W. I'm currently on Astra and somewhat content with the decent channels. I have another lnb with 6 degree bracket so that I can get the hotbird at the same time. Then a motor in the near future.

The problem I want to get a new reciever but I have no idea on what are some of the better entry level units. My budget is up to 200 euro. The Technomate 1500CI Super caught my eye but I want to be sure if there are other comparable units out there. I was initially going to buy an Viewsat but I don't know how it would fare with encryption since being a NA based equipment. Just looking for something powerful but doesn't cost to much.

Next thing is I would like to be able to get premium channels (Digital+) by reprogramming the receiver and/or cam/smartcard. I would rather prefer the unit does most of this and I just edit the files then upload.

CAMs? No i've been trying to find FAQ's & How-To's on this works but never really found anything. I get the general principle but just lost in areas. Which are some of the better ones that is more adaptable? I see Matrix Reloaded, Reborn, Revolutions, Magic cam, Dragon... I'm lost as to whats going on. Do they require a smartcard along with or its just an add-on? If you got a laptop with pmcia, is that all need to program them or a programmer is also needed?

I want to get a good setup that will last me at least a year with a little more than just FTA channels permitting on the type of encryption. Some good advice or good pointer in the right direction is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Topper

to the forum RoninBlackSoul

OK thats a lot of things to sort out but I'll start the ball rolling.
Go with the Technomate unless you are confident there is some unofficial firmware for your Viewsat. It is cheap enough and quite versatile. It works with a patch with a cam and can be used with official subs cards I understand, there is a full review of the stb if you do a search for it. Someone else will post re motors and cams I am sure

War does not determine who is right, it determines who is left!

Formerly toppervte33h
whose six pack has turned into a keg

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