BFBS Cyprus Re-visited

[geoffreys]

Hi All. There was considerable discussion on here earlier this year about BFBS TV transmissions from various (British) bases in Cyprus. The overall conclusions were that the video component of their UHF transmissions were all encrypted (Pace Crypto), and used low power, vertically polarised; different channel numbers are used from each base.

As it is virtually impossible to get hold of a BFBS decoder unit reception for those of us who nevertheless are near a base and can get a signal OK is not possible, only sound.

On other websites there are suggestions that at each base the signals are also transmitted in the clear, on a different channel.

Earlier this year I carried out some basic tests with a mobile TV and aerial, but was not able to confirm this due to nosey SBA Security!

I wonder if anyone reading this actually gets BFBS in Cyorus in the clear? If so can we have some details please?

Alternatively if anyone receiving BFBS inCyprus WITH a decoder reading this could tell us if a smart card or PIN number, whatever, is needed - or is it possible to buy/use a decoder and obtain a picture without a card or PIN??

Regards and Thanks in Advance,
Geoff

 

[Penryn]

I have an old decoder, Pace Cryptoworks IIRC, which I used when I lived in Nicosia. It decoded for about a week before they changed or introduced a code. this was back in in 96/97. Maybe you could get it to work but why bother. Get a 4.2 like I did from Iceman. Gets 2D a treat!

 

[geoffreys]

I have an old decoder, Pace Cryptoworks IIRC, which I used when I lived in Nicosia. It decoded for about a week before they changed or introduced a code. this was back in in 96/97. Maybe you could get it to work but why bother. Get a 4.2 like I did from Iceman. Gets 2D a treat!

Thanks for that response. Regards the Pace I'll drop you a private message. I did enquire of Iceman about a 4.2m, and the price was very reasonable for a dish that size. The problem was that he was unable, due other commitments, to install it for me, and unless you have seen one assembled they are difficult to assemble correctly yourself - and I gather they are VERY heavy which would entail use of a crane to hoist it onto my roof (which is higher than most). Adding in the costs of the crane plus 4 assistants needed meant total cost would be increased to that of other suppliers of similar size dishes who could install. The Iceman supplied dish sounded to have excellent performance by the way, as you and others confirm. Bottom line for me, however, is I don't wish to invest so much cash anyway!
Geoff

 

[Coca-Cooper]

You never know who monitors these forums . . . . . If members start "publicly announcing" they are able to receive BFBS in the clear, there's a chance the signal strength could be turned down (or worse!) to satisfy the likes of LTV 'O'-red

 

[geoffreys]

You never know who monitors these forums . . . . . If members start "publicly announcing" they are able to receive BFBS in the clear, there's a chance the signal strength could be turned down (or worse!) to satisfy the likes of LTV 'O'-red

Fair comment. However if they turn down the power anymore then no one will be able to receive it, including those the transmissions are intended for!
The power is currently so low that only those (like me) living VERY close by can even receive a signal at all, never mind decode it. I am about 600 metres from one of the BFBS transmitters and have to use a hi-gain yagi plus a 40 dB amplifier just to get a signal. There are married staff quarters near to me, they have to use similar equipment.
Picking up BFBS, when they don't want us to, is no different to picking up SKY TV outside the UK.
Bottom line is that radio waves are no respecter of borders.
Geoff

 

[Zorba]

Well,its not illegal to receive a signal thats transmitted un encrypted.Anyway,BFBS is still available from Ypsonas to Pissouri from the "free" unecrypted signals from Akrotiri and Episkopi in Limassol.And now that the humidity has gone I can get it in Limassol (near the football stadium)thanks to Simon(the skyman).Usually a six foot aerial and a 30db mast amplifier does the trick.Picture quality not as good as Sky digital of course,but watchable.In fact I'm watching Man U Blackburn right now.Cheaper than a CY3,100 3.7m dish.
Ps Geoff is there anybody near you that does get unscrambled bfbs?

Fair comment. However if they turn down the power anymore then no one will be able to receive it, including those the transmissions are intended for!
The power is currently so low that only those (like me) living VERY close by can even receive a signal at all, never mind decode it. I am about 600 metres from one of the BFBS transmitters and have to use a hi-gain yagi plus a 40 dB amplifier just to get a signal. There are married staff quarters near to me, they have to use similar equipment.
Picking up BFBS, when they don't want us to, is no different to picking up SKY TV outside the UK.
Bottom line is that radio waves are no respecter of borders.
Geoff

 

[geoffreys]

Well,its not illegal to receive a signal thats transmitted un encrypted.Anyway,BFBS is still available from Ypsonas to Pissouri from the "free" unecrypted signals from Akrotiri and Episkopi in Limassol.And now that the humidity has gone I can get it in Limassol (near the football stadium)thanks to Simon(the skyman).Usually a six foot aerial and a 30db mast amplifier does the trick.Picture quality not as good as Sky digital of course,but watchable.In fact I'm watching Man U Blackburn right now.Cheaper than a CY3,100 3.7m dish.
Ps Geoff is there anybody near you that does get unscrambled bfbs?

Well you are lucky Zorba. It looks to me, then, that BFBS is in the clear around Akrotiri and Episkopi, but from Dhekalia and Ayias Nic it is encrypted. I restarted this thread to find out if anyone was receiving BFBS in the clear around Dhekalia and/or Ay. Nic but so far I have had to replies.

Neither can I get hold of a decoder, OR details of how I can receive it/decode it using commercially available equipment.

From Ay. Nic. (the one I live close to) I get good encrypted signal using hi-gain antenna + 40 dB masthead amp meaning I get the sound fine, but no picture.

Any clarification from anyone on here would be most appreciated.
Geoff

 

[mshelley]

Dhekelia unscrambled signal is on UHF 56 or 57 - not sure which cos I get interference (transmitter at north of Garrison) and 68 (transmitter on seafront near Cessac and Offficers Club)

Receivable in Oroklini village quite well (the north transmitter I think works best), Oroklini seafront (where I am) not so good - but have to use the sea-front transmitter - 68 - cos the other one has to much cross interference from a Turkish channel on the same frequency, but horizontal. Pyla village is a problem 'cos of the big hill in between the garrison and the village.

 

[geoffreys]

Dhekelia unscrambled signal is on UHF 56 or 57 - not sure which cos I get interference (transmitter at north of Garrison) and 68 (transmitter on seafront near Cessac and Offficers Club)

Receivable in Oroklini village quite well (the north transmitter I think works best), Oroklini seafront (where I am) not so good - but have to use the sea-front transmitter - 68 - cos the other one has to much cross interference from a Turkish channel on the same frequency, but horizontal. Pyla village is a problem 'cos of the big hill in between the garrison and the village.

Thanks for that info Mshelley. Ch 68 is what it transmits on near here from
the Ayios Nicholas Base, scrambled. I recall from previous forum exchanges
that Dhekalia transmits on Ch 56, but that it was also scrambled, if in the
clear I'll have a go at receiving it.

Best Regards,
Geoff,
Vrysoulles.

 

[ianwedge]

Hi Geoff I spoke so a person in Larnaca last week who can supply necessary box to receive these transmissions, email me on private thread for details.​

I am moving to Ayia Napa in April and a 4.2m dish is a must for good 24/7 reception.​

 

[geoffreys]

Can anyone advise what encryption system is used on the BFBS TV UHF transmission/s?
Cheers,
Geoff

P.S. For Ianwedge - still awaiting a reply to my private thread message/s, in response to yours to me a while back.

 

[Zorba]

The analogue boxes use cryptovision,the satellite boxes use cryptoworks.
I know someone who knows someone who has some pace cryptovision receivers(legal) but cannot decode B*bs.All that is required is the decoding chip,or a copy of a working one.thats all I know.

 

[geoffreys]

Thanks for that info Zorba.
Regards,
Geoff

 

[solly]

new satellite eutelsat w3a is call large satellite to all coverage europe

will be repease old satellite w3 on 6 e

the service wlll be start in may 04

bfbs pakege will be receiver in cyprus on 1 m

regards

solly

 

[Zorba]

the service wlll be start in may 04

bfbs pakege will be receiver in cyprus on 1 m

regards

solly

already receive it on 1m dish in Cyprus,but scrambled.
Do you mean it will be free??