A 2x DVB-S2 receiver for the relative beginner - Linux or not?

Afternoon all

As some of you might have noted from other threads, I 'm just getting back into the satellite reception arena, and the cheap Icrypt Rx that I bought to get things started looks like it's dying already.

Therefore I'm looking (sooner than I expected!) for something quite a bit advanced and then capable of enhancement after I get more familiar with it.

I've already looked at quite a few threads here and on other forums, and am getting rather confused as to what I should consider purchasing - both in terms of the brands and the specific receivers - and so I'm asking for help in choosing something that should meet my needs.

Currently the basic spec requirement would seem to be:
- 2x DVB-S2 tuners (and maybe another one later but that's not critical, and not worried about DVB-T/T2)
NB - 4K capability might be useful, but I'm likely to get an earful from SWMBO if I buy another TV in the near future, and even when I do I will be limited to something around a 42" or very slightly above screen size due to where the set is located (a projector and screen combo would also not be in the possible mix). Therefore 4K capability would be nice but not essential.
- Fast multicore processor with decent amount of RAM and a lot of channel memory capability
- at least 1 CI slot - and should I go for Rx that has CI+ capability (with plug-in CAM) - plus SMART card slots?
- External +0/12V switch capability (am limited to a small number of cables to the dish locations so will need to be able switch between this Rx and others/the current TV which has Diseqc 1.0 support)
- Ability to be use the multiple NAS on my home network

- DECENT long-term hardware reliability and manufacturer f/w & s/w support as I am not intending to buy another decent spec Rx in the reasonably foreseeable future unless there is no alternative because I will be income limited in the near future due to pensions.
NB: learnt that hard lesson with my old Echostar & TM Rx's.

Plus, obviously:
- Diseqc 1.0/1/1.1/1.2/USALS control
- 1GB Ethernet (rest of the house is already that) but not worried about WiFi
NB: we have a virginmedia fibre connection to the house, currently running at 70Mb/s and a recent ASUS 1Gb/s router controlling the LAN.
- Internal HDD - no problem for me to fit the size I want but it would be at least 2TB, plus external USB &/or ESATA storage as well
- HDMI & 2+ USB ports

Budget - anywhere from around £150 to £300ish (max!)

Seems to me that most of the above could be met by a number of Rx's with the as-delivered internal OS - Linux or not , but thinking to the future I would like to add a lot more capability as time goes by - particularly Linux-based and IPTV connectivity.
NB: streaming to multiple devices and/or external to the house network is unlikely in the foreseeable future but I would like to be able to access web-based content in due course. There is no MediaPC near the TV etc. at the moment but I might well get one in the near future.

However, as I said at the start, I'm relatively new to the current technology scene in sat/iptv boxes, and will have to learn Linux from scratch.

Therefore can anyone suggest some Rx's that might meet the majority of the basic requirements and have the desired capability-expansion that I need - and yet be straightforward to operate in basic sat reception mode in the as-delivered to me condition?
PS: if that would mean a Linux-based box, then which "varieties" would you suggest and which would be good images to have pre-installed?

I know that's a load of big questions with a whole variety of possible answers - but I would really appreciate some help and guidance from you folks.

Thanks in advance

John

A Solos2 ticks most of your boxes, not sure about the 12V switching though. Mine is flashed with OpenVix (not sure what it came with). Am very happy with it

HB

Thanks for the suggestion - looks quite good, although, having now checked, it does not seem to have a 12V switch o/p, as you suggested that it might not.

Will put it on the list nevertheless.

Edited: just finding out that VERY few current receivers have a 12V output, so might well have to still keep the existing Icecrypt 3250 as part of the system because it does have that output - which could be used to switch one of the lines to the "bigger and better one" which I am looking for now. OTOH, means that I will have to get resolution to the current Diseq problem which the Icecrypt has - will need to talk to the supplier (Turbosat - which has been strangely quiet over the matter for the last 2 days)

Thanks again.

John

PS: just realised that I did not include blind search as one of the essential basic requirements!

jeallen01 said:

PS: just realised that I did not include blind search as one of the essential basic requirements!

Click to expand...

Here's the solo2 (openPLI) 'blind' menu.

4wd

Thank you very much because the image is very helpful.

John

PS. I think I have found ways to get around the lack of 0/12V switching capabilities by careful configuration of LNB connections and use of (probably) a Smart Priority Switch to change between the existing Icecrypt and the proposed new Rx.