Thread: unencrypted DSS channels?

I am trying to decide between two PCI receiver cards. One has DSS support and the other (which is cheaper) doesn't. Are there any unencrypted DSS broadcasts that are even worth looking for? Dish Network only has a couple FTA (NASA and Angel One), and I am assuming the FTA DSS broadcasts (if any) are about the same. I don't want to spend more money on a card with extra features that I won't even use.

DSS is used by DirecTV. There may be a few unencrypted banner or promo channels up there, but probably nothing worth spending extra money on.

A DVB-S2 capable card would be my choice.

The last time I checked with my Twinhan 1020a, all audio on Directv was not encrypted.

How many FTA channels are there that use DVB-S2? I am a poor college student and would rather buy a cheaper Twinhan 1020a or 102g. The 1020a has the DSS support, while the 102g does not. I have found some cheap ones on ebay and would rather buy one of these cheaper ones to use until I graduate (next May) and have more money for nicer equipment. So, unless DVB-S2 is going to be standard among all FTA channels within the next year, I would rather just upgrade to DVB-S2 capable equipment later and buy cheap now

Originally Posted by photoman76

The last time I checked with my Twinhan 1020a, all audio on Directv was not encrypted.

When was the last time you checked? And when you say audio do you mean radio/music channels? I think it would definitely be worth if I could pick up a bunch of music..

I just checked 101. All audio is FTA, including channel audio and XM music channels. I'm using TSReader with DSS to DVB Converter plugin on a Twinhan 1020a.

Originally Posted by photoman76

I just checked 101. All audio is FTA, including channel audio and XM music channels. I'm using TSReader with DSS to DVB Converter plugin on a Twinhan 1020a.

If the 1020a supports DSS, why do you need a DSS to DVB converter? and since there is such a thing, would I be able to buy the cheaper twinhan 102g and just use that kind of converter? and a reminder...the 102g does not have DSS support.

The plugin is needed to make TSReader work with the DSS data. The Twinhan 102g won't be able to lock the DSS signals. Also apparently there are different versions of the Twinhan 1020a card and some will not lock DSS signals. More discussion here:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-air...tv-stream.html

Ok, so why is it that none of the XM stations are encrypted? I find it sort of odd that Directv wouldn't encrypt them or XM wouldn't require Directv to do it. Is it a mistake on Directv's end? I would hate to buy the 1020a for all these XM stations if they are going to all be encrypted in a month and then it would serve me no more purpose than a cheaper 102g. However, if the XM stations are never encrypted, then I would be more willing to spend a few extra dollars on the 1020a.