Social Feed

glen4cindy

Last reply Apr 1, 2008 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

What is the benefit of a PC DVB Card

I have 2 STB's already so I don't know if I can loop thru 2 receivers to have all three on the same coax with the same dish, but, I have to ask.

What benefit is there to have it on your PC? I know you can record shows this way so you would have a PVR, but, what other benefits are there to having one of these cards in my PC?

There are lots of them on Fleabay so, one would be easy to come by.

Do they have enough power to move a SG2100 motor? Do they support an Invacom dual L and C LNBF?

Thanks!

10 Replies · 4676 views

Load Replies (10) Reply Legacy View

updatelee

Mar 26, 2008

the genpix skywalker-1 will tune DGII, but only zero-key stuff, much of what lyngsat lists as Free is accually encrypted. its just encrypted with a fixed key. when you subscribe they send the key down, when you desubscribe they dont remove the key, so you can still watch the channel.

4dtv wont let you subscribe a skywalker-1 so you cant watch those channels.

the skywalker has a voltage output of 850ma, so its one of the few that have more then enough power to move a motor, it gets its power from a seperate power adapter, not from the usb port.

the skywalker can also tune dss. and turbo-fec 8psk, there is occationally some truefta on DN, not allways though.

yapagaldil

Mar 31, 2008

updatelee said:
, much of what lyngsat lists as Free is accually encrypted. its just encrypted with a fixed key. when you subscribe they send the key down, when you desubscribe they dont remove the key, so you can still watch the channel.

could you explain this little more if you can.

Thanks

Stefan

Mar 31, 2008

yapagaldil said:
could you explain this little more if you can.

Thanks

It's pretty much what he said except the part of them "not removing the key". I think actually it's just that there's a certain key that's used for all fixed key signals and all DCII receivers either already know this key or get it whenever they're authorized for anything. I say this because there are some DCII receivers that seem to be able to get fixed key signals out of the box (dsr-4800). Also once your authorized for one fixed key signals you can get them all. Note however that in addition to what he said there are also some signals listed on lyngsat as "free" that aren't even fixed key. They are actually encrypted , and not with the fixed key we're talking about here, but they are authorized for "free" whenever you subscribe to other services. An example of this is American life TV which is not fixed key but is free on a 4dtv receiver as long as you subscribe to something. Bottom line is the DCII is a lot more complicated than DVB.

4dtv wont let you subscribe a skywalker-1 so you cant watch those channels.

They couldn't if they wanted to. These adapters are just a tuner that just so happens to be able to tune to and lock DCII signals. They don't have the mechanism needed to decrypted DCII signals nor do they have a unit authorization number which would be needed to subscribe. The only way to get that part of the puzzle is to buy a DCII receiver which has all of that in it. Furthermore 4DTV providers are only allowed to authorize 4dtv receivers anyway and aren't allowed to authorize any others like commercial DCII receivers or even starchoice receivers, but that's moot anyway with regard to the skywalker, genpix, or dvbtech adapters because as I said they don't even have the necessary mechanisms in them anyway.

Bottom line if your interested in receiving DCII, your best bet is just to pickup a 4dtv receiver and subscribe to at least a small package or something. The only alternative is to buy a used commercial receiver on ebay and for most people here this is not the way to go because they're expensive, very complicated to operate, and in the end there's very little you'll really be able to get with them. Also DCII is really an older technology and the trend is away from it and toward more modern methods like 8psk dvb-dsng and dvb-s2. That's probably why a lot of commercial DCII receivers have been showing up on ebay lately.

Anole

Mar 31, 2008

commercial receivers: one reptiles opinion

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, or expand on the matter if I don't cover it all , but . . .

From my reading, the commercial receivers need either a conversion table or a calculator to set them to a particular frequency.
Most are made to receive just one channel at a time.
They do not 'scan' at all, and are very unfriendly to use other than in their intended mode: single dedicated channel reception.
Many of the parameters must be input manually.

There is some discussion in another thread about obtaining the entire mux or wideband transponder with a commercial receiver, then feeding that to one or more computers to decode the individual channels.
If I'm not mistaken, the same can be done with some DVB receiver cards...
It's even possible to record an entire mux, and then play back a single channel from it later.
The bandwidth requirements are considerable, and I've not run across anyone touting the benefits of that approach.
(though, I'll admit I have not been keeping up with the subject)
But, if I found it desirable, I'd darn sure pursue the matter with a computer and tuner card, not a commercial receiver.

edit: one argument in their favor, is if they will receive some format we cannot get with a DVB card.
And of course, folks who use them in their daily work will be quite comfortable with commercial receivers.
I'll leave that discussion to another time.

dashaund

Mar 31, 2008

Holy cow! You guys are getting super technical about this, haha. It's pretty awesome though and very enlightening. For me, the primary advantage of having a PCI DVB card is the ability to open the door to much more content that you could with a STB. Yes, the STB have come a ways over the past couple of years, but you still can do more with a PCI card. As long as you have a fast computer (and I'm talking 3GHz P4 or more processor speed in some instances...my AMD 3400+ wouldn't cut it so I stepped up to a 2.67GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo) you can watch anything you come across. If you're a sports guy, a PCI card is a must have. Unless it's a small college or high school something, it's almost never in 4:2:0 SD anymore.

Stefan

Apr 1, 2008

From my reading, the commercial receivers need either a conversion table or a calculator to set them to a particular frequency.

Some receivers are tuned in L band frequency and some aren't. Many of them are. However I believe the DRS-4800 can be tuned using actual frequency as mine does. So, the answer is it depends. However, if tuning in L band is too complicated for someone they'd best stay away from commercial receivers anyway as they will likely find them difficult to operate.

Most are made to receive just one channel at a time.
They do not 'scan' at all, and are very unfriendly to use other than in their intended mode: single dedicated channel reception.
Many of the parameters must be input manually.

Correct. Also if there are multiple channels in a mux, the receiver will only decrypt the one it's tuned to, Though it may pass the entire mux out the digital transport stream output all other program streams will be encrypted. Also the desired channel must be selected using it's virtual channel number. All parameters must be input, including FEC rate.

There is some discussion in another thread about obtaining the entire mux or wideband transponder with a commercial receiver, then feeding that to one or more computers to decode the individual channels.
If I'm not mistaken, the same can be done with some DVB receiver cards...
It's even possible to record an entire mux, and then play back a single channel from it later.
The bandwidth requirements are considerable, and I've not run across anyone touting the benefits of that approach.

Are we talking DCII here? My comments above were with regard to DCII receivers. Anyway, the digital transport stream out on most commercial receiver can output the entire transport stream, but one thing that complicates this with DCII is that the fixed key channels are technically encrypted too and they must go through the decryption mechanism and be decrypted before you'll be able to do anything with them. So, while you may get the whole transport stream only the virtual channel selected is decrypted.

The key point here is basically that with DCII even the "free" channels are encrypted and must be decrypted by a decryption engine inside the receiver.

View all replies (10)

Linus Tech Tips

14 minutes ago · posted in Linus Tech Tips

Pros Try AI-Cloned Engineering Tools

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZSYaQmxBLM

Direct YouTube Link - Pros Try AI-Cloned Engineering Tools
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

0 Replies · 1 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

24 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Linux 7.3 Optimizes Gaming VRAM on 8GB GPUs #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1cPqRk5EyNs

Direct YouTube Link - Linux 7.3 Optimizes Gaming VRAM on 8GB GPUs #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 1 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 1:17 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

68630 Replies · 2678904 views

Load Replies (68630) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

hwkn

Today at 2:50 AM

PEOPLE Are Strange-The Doors

Reactions: dishstaller and ClarkGable

dishstaller

Today at 9:26 AM

In the Still of the Night - The Five Satins

Reactions: FTA4PA

harshness

Today at 10:00 AM

Still Loving You - Scorpions

Reactions: dishstaller and FTA4PA

Bobby

Today at 11:24 AM

hwkn said:
PEOPLE Are Strange-The Doors

ClarkGable said:
You're Still A Young Man - Tower Of Power

No Match, back to:
People Are Strange - The Doors

Isn't Life Strange - The Moody Blues

FTA4PA

Today at 12:09 PM

Strange Days - Nazareth

Reactions: dishstaller

gms49ers

Today at 1:17 PM

Dancing Days - Led Zeppelin

Reactions: FTA4PA

View all replies (68630)

iJustine

Today at 1:12 PM · posted in iJustine

New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bmgQFnQEqVo

Direct YouTube Link - New colors of the HomePod Mini 2! Blue, pink and green!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 5 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:29 PM · posted in Local Radio Discussion

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

House Passes AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act

(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House has passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, marking a major step forward for broadcasters and listeners who have pushed to keep AM radio available in new cars and

wabcradio.com

20 Replies · 581 views

Load Replies (20) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: FTA4PA, Mr Tony, Howard Simmons and 2 others

dishdude

Sep 18, 2026

It's probably been 2 decades since I've listened to an AM radio station. Very rarely listen to FM any more.

Reactions: reubenray and Jimbo

Jimbo

Today at 8:35 AM

I am 1 that wants the AM to Stay ....
That said, since '08 I have had Sat radio available to me ... I think I have turned on AM 3 or 4 times, just to see if its still there.

Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.
Even FM, I haven't really had on since '13ish, I may turn it on from time to time, just to see if its still there.

harshness

Today at 10:10 AM

Jimbo said:
Fwiw, if theres a Major disaster or bad weather or whatever, the chances of me finding out about it by going to the AM side of the radio is SLIM and None.

Automation has seen to that. You can't get evening drive traffic reports where I live, much less disaster reports.

dishstaller

Today at 10:41 AM

dishdude said:
Very rarely listen to FM any more

That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Reactions: Mr Tony

Jimbo

Today at 11:03 AM

dishstaller said:
That goes for a lot of people. I've been advertising on radio for more than a decade now and am very familiar with this subject. While it is still a valuable tool, it has far less impact than it did just a few years ago. The best reaction I get is from a local Country music station....they play a mix of older and newer music and have a very big footprint.

Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

dishstaller

Today at 12:29 PM

Jimbo said:
Do you do any Ad's on Satellite ?

If Not, why not, because it's not Local ?

No, just regular FM stations. One is the country station I mentioned and the other is a Talk Radio station which used to get fantastic results but honestly, since the death of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio just doesn't do as well. There were two guys who had an early morning show which was hugely popular here in the southeast but one of them retired a couple years ago and the show just doesn't garner the same numbers as it used to.

View all replies (20)

TheForce

Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 11:49 AM · posted in The Phone & Tablet Zone

Apple Event September 2026

Apple Fall Hardware Event takes place today, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. It marks the debut of new CEO John Ternus and the expected reveal of Apple's first foldable phone.

135 Replies · 1638 views

Load Replies (135) Reply Legacy View

comfortably_numb

Oct 10, 2026

Can't remember if I've posted this yet..

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfL5seXJyWU

Reactions: slow_poke_pete

Foxbat

Sunday at 7:05 PM

IFixIt has published their Teardown and they had some positive things to say about the iPhone Duo. It still showed some dust ingress into the hinge assembly but seemed otherwise well-sealed.

But with a considerable number of reports of the main screen dying with similar failures, AppleCare+ should be a no-brainer for this phone.

slow_poke_pete

Sunday at 8:31 PM

comfortably_numb said:
Can't remember if I've posted this yet..

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfL5seXJyWU

most carriers do. that's why they send updates that slow phones down!! i buy unlocked phones no effect to me

slow_poke_pete

Sunday at 8:32 PM

Foxbat said:
IFixIt has published their Teardown and they had some positive things to say about the iPhone Duo. It still showed some dust ingress into the hinge assembly but seemed otherwise well-sealed.

But with a considerable number of reports of the main screen dying with similar failures, AppleCare+ should be a no-brainer for this phone.

hope you have apple care a screen job is 1000.00

. can we say over priced garbage!!!

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 4:36 PM

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0BssMerjA

Reactions: comfortably_numb

harshness

Today at 10:17 AM

Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.

comfortably_numb

Today at 11:49 AM

harshness said:
Gone are the days when Apple "perfects" what debuted years earlier on an Android phone.

Or better yet, innovate something "completely revolutionary!"

View all replies (135)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 11:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1gKXwyGz68c

Direct YouTube Link - Will AI Be Rejected in Game Development's Future? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 8 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

SkyWatcher57

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 11:17 AM · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

KOQIT receivers

Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank

47 Replies · 1290 views

Load Replies (47) Reply Legacy View

(((Garyd)))

Sep 7, 2026

SkyWatcher57 said:
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank

Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phone
Gary

Reactions: navychop

slow_poke_pete

Sep 10, 2026

SkyWatcher57 said:
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank

a good surge protector will help to.

Reactions: SkyWatcher57

SkyWatcher57

Sep 11, 2026

(((Garyd))) said:
Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phone
Gary

Hi Gary, still working on getting you those

SkyWatcher57 said:
Hi Gary, just saw this, ok, I'll grab some pics tomorrow and post them. thx

Still working getting you those pictures, nice weekends means yard work and fall prep, thanks

Reactions: (((Garyd)))

k4otl

Thursday at 10:09 PM

Anybody know how to add "hidden" audio channels like for 101 W Ku or 105W C band on these recvr's? I've exported the database file but don't have anything that will read or edit it.

cyberham

Thursday at 10:25 PM

For 105W C, you scan in the Westwood tp normally. Then select the audio channel you want. Not necessary to manually enter. On 101W, you must manually enter.

k4otl

Today at 11:17 AM

cyberham said:
For 105W C, you scan in the Westwood tp normally. Then select the audio channel you want. Not necessary to manually enter. On 101W, you must manually enter.

Seems like I remember that now, with my V9 I manually entered anyway on 105, easier for me to pick the channel later

View all replies (47)

techristian

Last reply Today at 11:07 AM · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW FTA BOX

IS Amiko MIRA 3 any good ???
Can you recommend the best to cover all bases. NO BEEPS on certain channels 101w (NEWSMAX ,NEWS NATION), a clock that keeps working STEADY for timed recording ,solid unit with good lifespan. My Amiko died AND my Linkbox has NO Favorites Button and BEEPS on many channels. Picking up 105 west with a NEW SHED IN THE Way with 6 foot Cband ..95 percent quality ...unbelievable.

10 Replies · 268 views

Load Replies (10) Reply Legacy View

techristian

Saturday at 8:49 PM

Have you tried a new power brick on your Amiko?

YOU WERE RIGHT. IT IS WORKING NOW WITH 2X AMPS !!

DAN

Reactions: FTA4PA, primestar31, cyberham and 1 other person

primestar31

Saturday at 10:47 PM

techristian said:
Have you tried a new power brick on your Amiko?

YOU WERE RIGHT. IT IS WORKING NOW WITH 2X AMPS !!

DAN

That's great!

Many people have all sorts of power bricks laying around. Provided the plug fits, and it's the right polarity and same voltage and the same OR higher amps, why not try another one IF the device you want to try it on doesn't seem to work right.

Reactions: cyberham

JFOK

Saturday at 10:54 PM

primestar31 said:
That's great!

Many people have all sorts of power bricks laying around. Provided the plug fits, and it's the right polarity and same voltage and the same OR higher amps, why not try another one IF the device you want to try it on doesn't seem to work right.

primestar31,

Could you explain to me what a power brick is ?
Thanks,

John

primestar31

Saturday at 10:59 PM

JFOK said:
primestar31,

Could you explain to me what a power brick is ?
Thanks,

John

Some people just call them power supplies (which really isn't a good fit in this case), some call them "wall adapters" but it's an external power supply or AC adapter that converts (AC) from a wall outlet into low-voltage (DC) that an electronic device needs to run.

Reactions: JFOK

techristian

Saturday at 11:17 PM

[Give us a summary of what you receive with a 6-footer. I'm very curious.]

Right now on C band getting 105w, a Mexican channel with 95% quality and I am near Detroit! I'm recording a TECHNO MUSIC FESTIVAL today from Mexico ..if you can believe it.....and yes that SHED is partly in the path so I'm puzzled. There are also christian channels on 105w.

cyberham

Sunday at 12:43 AM

techristian said:
...Right now on C band getting 105w, a Mexican channel with 95% quality...

105W has some very strong transponders. I received more than four transponders using a 41-inch dish recently. See here.

k4otl

Today at 11:07 AM

techristian said:
[Give us a summary of what you receive with a 6-footer. I'm very curious.]

Right now on C band getting 105w, a Mexican channel with 95% quality and I am near Detroit! I'm recording a TECHNO MUSIC FESTIVAL today from Mexico ..if you can believe it.....and yes that SHED is partly in the path so I'm puzzled. There are also christian channels on 105w.

The Westwood One Mux on 105W would likely be receivable, has some good music channels on there. It does scan in, but it's more convenient to manually enter the PIDs, check out Lyngsat for the channels: EchoStar 105/SES 11 at 105.0°W - LyngSat

I use a 10 footer (only C-band dish I have), but it's very strong.

View all replies (10)

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 10:28 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club