Question of the day! Which card?

[linuxman]

Ok, so I got everything working with the dish and LNB setup using MyTheatre, but wanted to start a different thread because of one major issue with my Skystar 2 card. MyTheatre and most other DVB software programs have to be disabled to 1 CPU for them to work properly with the Skystar 2 card.

From what I have read, the issue is with all the Skystar 2 drivers. Technisat has not upgraded their drivers to take full advantage of newer Core 2 Duo computer motherboards and processors. Even if they did update the drivers, someone would have to patch them to make the Diseqc and motor controls available again.

Currently using Elecard to decode HD, but some of the feeds are stuttering pretty badly.

I have a new computer Intel E4500 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Duo in a D946GZISSL motherboard 800 Mhz FSB with an Nvidia 6600 PCIe 256Mb RAM video card. Currently 1 GB DDR2-667 Memory. I can bump that up when I need to for just a few bucks from my local supplier. Windows XP Pro.

I have been told that is equivalent to a 3.2 or 3.4 Ghz single chip processor which should be enough horsepower.

Since I started this post (about 2 hours ago) I called my vendor to see if I could return this computer for a few more horses. So I now have another new computer Intel E6550 2.33 Ghz Core 2 Duo in a DG33FBC motherboard 1333 Mhz FSB still using my Nvidia 6600 PCIe 256Mb RAM video card. Currently 2 GB DDR2-667 Memory. I can bump that up to 8 GB if necessary if I need to for just a few bucks per gig. Windows XP Pro.

I have been told that is equivalent to a 3.8 Ghz single chip computer which should be enough horsepower for anything out there.

I am going to try it with the Skystar 2, but I don't think it will improve much because the SS2 won't allow full benefit of all this hardware.

Here is what I want in the way of a card.

1.Works with all software, not just software made for the card.

2. Comes with a USB remote control that works with pretty much all the DVB software. None of this you have to download this package, and cross breed it with this package and buy this adapter etc. crap.

3. Has drivers to allow for diseqc 1.2 motor control, and diseqc 1.1, 1.2 etc.

4. Would be nice to have 8psk/DVB-S2 capabilities.

5. Would be nice to have hardware blindscan. If not hardware, is there a software blindscan package?

What about this new Technotrend card? Anyone have one? Tell me about it.

Thanks for reading the long post and I appreciate anyone's input.

Oh and BTW, I have read most of the threads in this section starting last year at Christmas when I got this card, but most of the threads get way off the subject after about 4 or 5 replies.

 

[Anole]

When I went looking for cards a few years ago, I selected the "best" of the independent software (as far as I could),
then looked at those software sites to see which cards they supported.
Still got bit in the butt a little, but not so bad.
Of course, your shopping list is years later, and far more complicated, but the idea still may work.

 

[linuxman]

When I went looking for cards a few years ago, I selected the "best" of the independent software (as far as I could), then looked at those software sites to see which cards they supported.

As far as software, I have narrowed it down to two. MyTheatre and DVBDream.

MyTheatre has the best motor and diseqc controls by far than anything else I have have seen.

On the other hand I like the latest DVBDream interface better. You get more information about the stream you are viewing and CPU usage. There may be a plug-in or setting in MyTheatre that does the same thing, just haven't had time to look.

 

[Anole]

Funny, those are the same two I came up with years ago.
Actually, MyTheatre first, then when I went looking for #2, I think DVBdream had matured enough to take that spot.
All the rest were just... all the rest... nothing outstanding to report.
I'd hoped maybe things had changed.
Perhaps I'm not so out of date after all.

I thought maybe DVBviewer might be something to look into.
Apparently you weren't so impressed?

Do review TSreader. Everyone seems to go gaga over it.
And don't forget to bring your $100 to the party.

 

[linuxman]

I thought maybe DVBviewer might be something to look into.
Apparently you weren't so impressed?

I have been using DVBViewer for the past year, and I like it very much.

Two things about it.

1. Very little diseqc support, and no motor support that I could find. (It is produced for Technisat primarily, and they don't do diseqc and motor according to them.)
2. The support board is limited. The good stuff is in German which I can't speak or read.

Do review TSreader. Everyone seems to go gaga over it.
And don't forget to bring your $100 to the party.

I tried the lite, and couldn't get my head around it. I did speak to someone on the phone today who said that VLC does play whatever stream is produced by TSReader. I had been under the impression that the output of TSReader was being dumbed down so to speak so that VLC could play something a little easier to display. Apparently not according to my source.

What about the Twinhan AD- SP400 (1041+4046)? It is supposed to do DVB-S and DVB-S2

Anyone tried this card?

 

[brentb636]

I've been using TSREADER ( the 99$ version ) for all the HD and 4:2:2 feeds . Streaming to VLC, it has been pretty much flawless. For the regularly defined channels, I've been using DVBDREAM . Several versions ago ( it is currently at "i" ) it was rewritten to support multiple core cpu's, a big advantage on the HD or big datastream tp's . I never liked MyTheater, mostly because I had real FTA receivers for the SD channels, and only wanted the DVB PCI for the "non-mainstream" signals. I'm working with a skywalker-1.



Brent

 

[linuxman]

I've been using TSREADER ( the 99$ version ) for all the HD and 4:2:2 feeds . Streaming to VLC, it has been pretty much flawless.

I wouldn't mind doing that for streams that won't play flawlessly inside of one of the other programs, but I am looking for more like a Home Theater experience. leave everything in full-screen mode, and click the remote.

For the regularly defined channels, I've been using DVBDREAM . Several versions ago ( it is currently at "i" ) it was rewritten to support multiple core cpu's, a big advantage on the HD or big datastream tp's.

Yes DVBDream has come a long way, but I need a different card to take advantage of all the processing power. The Technisat drivers won't allow for that.

I never liked MyTheater, mostly because I had real FTA receivers for the SD channels, and only wanted the DVB PCI for the "non-mainstream" signals. I'm working with a skywalker-1.



Brent

Are the Skywalker-1 cards still manufactured?

I looked on Technotrend's website and don't see them listed.

I think for now, I would be happy if I could get a card that would fully utilize all the processing power I have purchased. 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 and work with my GBox V3000, and diseqc setup and a good working USB remote control.

The DVB-S2 cards are coming along with 8PSK and they are not too far in the future. So maybe a less expensive card now and the better one down the road.

Just looking for a step up from the Skystar2.

 

[vfrjim]

I have a Technotrend S2-3200 and very happy with it. Never tried to run a motor with it though and probably will never will. I use it exclusively with TSReader and it also works with ProgDVB Professional, but a little buggy at times. MyTheatre does not work with it though, at this time.

 

[linuxman]

I have a Technotrend S2-3200 and very happy with it. Never tried to run a motor with it though and probably will never will. I use it exclusively with TSReader and it also works with ProgDVB Professional, but a little buggy at times. MyTheatre does not work with it though, at this time.

Thanks Jim!

Well that rules that one out for at least the time being anyway.

That's what I was saying in my last post.

I might be better off just getting something like a Twinhan 1020A for now, and let the newer cards get supported in the major programs and allow them to work with my setup.

 

[starman345]

I might be better off just getting something like a Twinhan 1020A for now, and let the newer cards get supported in the major programs and allow them to work with my setup.

That makes sense, the 1020a has been around a long time and is well supported, no restrictions on motor usage, will tune both high and low sr unlike many others that are picky and it is cheap. I have the Skywalker 1 but really there isn't much DCII out there, at least itc stuff, and it also seems to be pciky with low sr signals.

 

[linuxman]

the 1020a has been around a long time and is well supported, no restrictions on motor usage, will tune both high and low sr unlike many others that are picky and it is cheap.

That's probably what I will do for now.

If anyone has a 1020a that they want to unload, just let me know. Otherwise I will be shopping tomorrow.

 

[Larry1]

The Twinhan 1020a does have problems with Diseqc switches. With MyTheatre if I do a scan, I either have to plug the LNBF in directly or cover the other LNBF or I end up getting the signals from all the LNBFs. Once the scan is complete, the card will reliably switch between diseqc ports without fail. It is just in the scanning it gives me problems. I have not tried my motor with the card. I also have a Nexus-S and it scans fine without disconecting the Diseqc. I use it in software mode only, and do not have a TV connected to the hardware video out.

 

[linuxman]

With MyTheatre if I do a scan, I either have to plug the LNBF in directly or cover the other LNBF or I end up getting the signals from all the LNBFs.

That's good to know!!

That might present a little problem with me since all 8 of my LNBFs are on my roof.

I research a little on the Nexus-S.

Thanks!!

 

[Anole]

The Twinhan 1020a does have problems with Diseqc switches.

I think all the Twinhan cards are a little shy on the diseqc capability, certainly for switches, and I don't know about motor.

The MyTheatre forum used to have a number of pictures documenting how to modify the cheapie diseqc switches to work better.
If you got some of the $1 (or less) switches at SatAVs BlackFriday sale, you should be all set to mod.
If I recall, -real- switches worked okay with Twinhan; I know I had some commercial units that didn't have any trouble.
And in spite of the documented problem, I would buy another Twinhan again if it did what else I wanted.
As a matter of fact, I've had three, and no other brands; they do seem to have a lot of universal support.

 

[Larry1]

The Nexus-S has a hardware decoder on board (which I do not use). It also has some issues with its drivers. I choose the Nexus-S as it was available to me. I am currently looking for a new card, but want one that does DVB-S2 for the RTN channels once G10R changes over. (pls see the G10R threads)

 

[linuxman]

I have an Ecoda switch followed by two DMSI diseqc switches controlling 8 LNBFs.

If there is any card that is short on diseqc capability, it is the Skystar 2.

It worked with my setup, and I am sure I can make the Twinhan card work too.

If I have to buy better quality diseqc switches I will, but not until I have proven that these won't work. If the card sends the commands and has enough voltage, the switches will work.

I do have a Geosat pro switch here that I can try if one of these fails to work.

 

[vfrjim]

Twist my arm and I will find my spare 1020A that has been out of service for the past year or so (I have 2 of them)

 

[digiblur]

Loving TSReader feeding VLC and MPC myself. I love how quickly I can just punch the numbers in and go that my STB found.

 

[linuxman]

Twist my arm and I will find my spare 1020A that has been out of service for the past year or so (I have 2 of them)

I'll send a PM in a minute or two, but can you feel the twist?

Hey Digiblur!

I've been reading all your posts about TSReader, and I talked to Stogie today. You guys are keeping my interest in that program alive.

 

[digiblur]

I'll send a PM in a minute or two, but can you feel the twist?

Hey Digiblur!

I've been reading all your posts about TSReader, and I talked to Stogie today. You guys are keeping my interest in that program alive.

I kept twisting Stogie's arm and he finally came around to see the cool things you can do with TSReader. I know he loves his 1020a card and TSReader now.