Viewing card problem

[anzo]

Hi there,

Just bought a Panasonic Sky Digitbox from Ebay. Unfortunately this box gives a note when I try to watch a FTV channel (like Five):

There is a problem with your viewing card. Ensure your Sky viewing card is correctly inserted. Call the broadcaster for assistance.

I have tried different cards, but they all give the same note. As I live in The Netherlands, I can't call Sky for this. Does anyone have a solution?

 

[rolfw]

Have you left the card in the box overnight? They will normally update on their own, providing they have been activated in the first place.

Unfortunately I can't remember which message is shown when one is activated, but not updated, the message you can see looks like the card hasn't been activated.

 

[benidormgary]

I have had a card that has taken 3 weeks to re-activate recently,although the norm is 24-72 hrs.Another one I had last month proved to be dead permanently(after a phone call to Sky),after leaving it in the digibox for about 5 weeks.

 

[anzo]

Thanks for the information guys, I will leave the card in the box some time in the hope it will play again.

 

[mariust5]

It's not the card , it's the box , it has an old software version .
Unplug from mains , leave 1 minute , when you plug back in hold Back Up button on the front of the box , after about 5 seconds all LED's should light up and a message on the screen UPdate... , after about 10-15 minutes it shoud switch to standby , give it a minute and turn on . Your problem should be solved . Good luck .

 

[anzo]

Thanks Marius, I did what you wrote and updating the software worked:
See the pictures I took... I compared the version of the Panasonic with the pace in the livingroom and it is the same one.

BUT....

The error message keeps coming and as you see, no card is detected.
So I am NOT amused. I get the slight impression I have received a faulty receiver from a UK seller called "moving :-bash pancake". Anyone any idea left?

 

[rolfw]

Does your other card work in the box?

 

[PaulR]

I know it's a silly suggestion but you have got the card in the correct slot haven't you?

 

[anzo]

*ROLFW: yes, both cards (FTV and subs) work in my Pace receiver and no, both cards don't work in the "new" Panasonic receiver. It still gives the same message.

*PAULR: I use the slot which indicates "Sky viewing card". I even tried the card upside down....

 

[rolfw]

Well the receiver is recognising that there is a card inserted, as otherwise you would get the (Please insert your viewing card) message. You could try another forced download and see what happens, but otherwise you are probably right and the card reader isn't working properly.

 

[mariust5]

Yeees , hmmmm , it looks like it's the box's card reader .
Try cleaning it , i used sand paper and cloth wrapped around the card with a bit of alcohol .
The reader's legs might be a bit lower than usual so on the top of the card put some cardboard so it pushes it down a bit . Watch the card reader screen when doing it , it should come up with the number .
Or just try moving it around a bit , in a bit , out a bit , you never know .
Ask the seller if they've tryed it with a card , they might know the trick .
Good luck .

 

[VincentVega]

When my Pace box went up poo creek I bought one from my local sat dealer and I got the exact same message. I called Sky and told them about the new box and they had to 'alighn' my old card with the new box. I was told to reboot the box after 10 or 15 mins which I did and it all worked fine.

 

[anzo]

*VincentMega: That's a bit difficult for me. I can't call Sky from abroad, that's a bit risky...

 

[BarMoo]

*VincentMega: That's a bit difficult for me. I can't call Sky from abroad, that's a bit risky...

I have never had any problems phoning from Berlin. I'd give it a go - you have nothing to loose;)

Card No. and Box Serial - get them to reset/intialise (i'd tell them you bought it off Ebay) - and hopefully you'll be as happy as VincentVega.

.

 

[spiney]

Digiboxes are all different inside, so each needs its own different software.

When a new software version operating system/epg comes along, current boxes are updated first (including older Pace models), but obsolete boxes have to wait a while. Also, the softwware for these may only be transmitted for a limited period. And, there seem to be particular problems with Panasonics.

If an older software version, yes you may well get error messages with a current card.

Try a forced software update.

 

[Kingsmill]

Have you left the card in the box overnight? They will normally update on their own, providing they have been activated in the first place.

Unfortunately I can't remember which message is shown when one is activated, but not updated, the message you can see looks like the card hasn't been activated.

Would that message be like the one I'm getting for Channel 4, 5, E4, More4

For Your Information

Five has developed an unmistakable personality disinguishing it from other national broadcasters in fundimental ways. Irreverence, wit and down-to-earth tone define our distinctive style.

Five call 08702 404020 to upgrade your subscription to receive this channel.

Yet I'm getting Film4

 

[rolfw]

Film4 is free to air, looks like the card may just need leaving in the box overnight.

 

[Kingsmill]

Film4 is free to air, looks like the card may just need leaving in the box overnight.

I'm hoping so. It was showing the wrong ITV1 region but that sorted itself out yesterday evening.

 

[BarMoo]

From my own experience, a virgin card from SKY does take some time to initialise (i.e. a new card sent by SKY by Post) - Channel4 is usually one of the last to come through for some odd reason.

An already initialised card in a new/different box is something else.

Normally, that takes seconds to minutes. I know that because that's the way its happened to me - both with my replacement Panny30 a year ago and my nEwBAY Pace 430N I received on Tuesday.

In fact, with my new Pace - all the channels were there before I could find the remote, hoped that it worked, got a second panic coffee and after I parked my pretty ass on the sofa Slight exageration - it was my second fag and first coffee, lol.

And the region came through straight away - since its the card that determins the region, not the box. Correct?

.