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anik

Last reply Jun 23, 2012 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Does the receiver of my dreams exist? Can I even get close?

I am still using a Diamond 9000HD receiver that I purchased many months ago, and it does about half of what I want. I keep watching for something better to come along that would give me the capabilities I have now, but also some others on my "wish list." This is what I'm looking for in a receiver:

Able to receive AND RECORD both FTA signals and OTA signals from local stations (using an antenna!).
Able to receive most/all available DVB-S and DVB-S2 formats
Excellent BLIND SCAN that detects signals on all formats.
1080p (or failing that, at least 1080i) HDMI output
Control of satellite dishes using DiSEqC, 22KHz, USALS, etc.
LAN Network connection.

Now, here is what I REALLY want. Saving programs to an external drive via the USB port works okay but limits you to playback only via that receiver. What I'd REALLY like to do is to be able to save anything I am recording in a standard format (such as MP4, though it doesn't necessarily have to be MP4 as long as it's a format that just about any home PC can play), and save it to a remote share out on my local network. The reason being, I want to be able to watch my recorded shows from any computer connected to my home network, not just from the receiver that recorded it. I mean, it's nice that I can time shift shows and all, but still with my Diamond I have to be in front of my main TV to watch what I have recorded, and that's not always convenient. If I could save the recordings to a server (or even access a connected USB drive from another computer over the local network) it opens up the possibility of another family member watching a show on a PC while I am watching a different show (whether live or recorded) using the receiver.

Seems like a few receiver manufacturers are putting LAN ports on their receivers, but as far as I can tell, they only use them to get content from the Internet, not to save recordings to the local network. When I saw the front page info on the microHD and saw that it was designed by hobbyists, I had a brief moment of hope, only to have that hope dashed when I saw it has no way to connect to a local network at all. So I am asking, is there ANY receiver out there that can do what I want, ESPECIALLY the part about saving recorded shows to a shared folder somewhere out on the LAN (presumably accessible via Windows networking/SAMBA?). I wouldn't even care if there was an intermediate step or two to the process (for example, if it had to save the recordings to a drive connected to the USB port first, then after the recordings are finished, convert them to a format that a home PC can play).

One thing I really don't want to lose is the ability to record OTA signals, since most of the networks do not appear to be available in HD on FTA satellite.

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Xizer

Jun 22, 2012

The receiver of your dreams does exist and it's called a PC.

Get a satellite tuner like the Prof 7500 and a HDHomeRun for OTA and you're golden. Plus since your PC is the receiver you can record directly to a share right from it.

All this would cost less than a dedicated box and perform better.

anik

Jun 22, 2012

Xizer said:
The receiver of your dreams does exist and it's called a PC.

Get a satellite tuner like the Prof 7500 and a HDHomeRun for OTA and you're golden. Plus since your PC is the receiver you can record directly to a share right from it.

All this would cost less than a dedicated box and perform better.

Well, maybe. I already have a small HTPC but it runs Linux and as far as I can tell, the Prof 7500 requires Windows (seriously, I am not going to buy a Windows computer just so I can run a satellite tuner). Also, when you start getting into this type of setup, it tends to require computer skills that I don't really have. Even getting the HTPC box working was a major undertaking and it's mostly standard stuff (Ubuntu Linux + XBMC, still there were several pitfalls that took hours to resolve). To me, the attractiveness of having the type of receiver I envisioned would be that it would be "plug 'n' play", without requiring me to be a genius at computers. I can handle plugging in a network cable, but not things like trying to resolve unmet dependencies, etc.

I an guessing that there are other plug-in satellite tuners similar to the Prof 7500; I wonder if there is a comparison chart or comparative review anywhere?

One receiver that I've not seen reviewed on this site (if it is then I missed it) is the Amiko Alien that Jim S. mentioned, of which there appears to be more than one model. Again, I wish I could find a good comparative review of that somewhere; it might do what I want but I honestly can't tell for sure from what I've read.

Anyway, thanks to those who have responded; I may just keep using my Diamond for another year or two and see if anything closer to my "dream machine" come along.

In the back of my mind, I keep wondering, if the MicroHD is based on Linux, could it be made to network with other computers (and maybe share video) if it had a USB to Lan RJ45 Network Card Adapter attached? I guess I should ask that in one of the MicroHD related threads. I'm just really surprised they didn't include that capability from the beginning. The problem for me is that even if it could be made to work, I do not have the skills to do it, unless it could be made to work automatically in the firmware (whenever an adapter of that type is connected to the USB port).

Thank you again to everyone who has responded so far. I am taking everything into consideration but so far nothing has impressed me as something I could make work the way I want it to.

NOTE: The eBay link above is just the first item I found on eBay that looked like it might work for the purpose. I am not saying that it is either the best or the least expensive device for this purpose, and I am definitely not saying it would work with a MicroHD out of the box — I simply have no way of knowing. EDIT: Replaced original link with 10/100/1000 device per guacharaca's suggestion below.

guacharaca

Jun 22, 2012

anik said:
The eBay link above is just the first item I found on eBay that looked like it might work for the purpose

If you buy network card for video, it should say: 10/100/1000 Mbps, not 10/100 Mbps. (10/100 Mbps is called a fast Ethernet card, but it is now considered slow).

wallyhts

Jun 22, 2012

Jim S. said:
Enigma2 implementations for the Optibox don't have blind scan,

Where did u find a Enigma2 firmware for the open box?

Jim S.

Jun 23, 2012

There isn't an Enigma2 for the Openbox, unless you mean the European Openbox that's like the Optibox/Octagon/whatever instead of the Asian Openbox that we've all been using.

wallyhts

Jun 23, 2012

Jim S. said:
There isn't an Enigma2 for the Openbox, unless you mean the European Openbox that's like the Optibox/Octagon/whatever instead of the Asian Openbox that we've all been using.

Lol opps. I miss read your post "optibox"

Well time to try Enigma2 on the Linux box this weekend.

rv1pop

Jun 23, 2012

That receiver plus ++ has been assembled. However, getting it down to "consumer level" may take some time. It is running on a Cray server....

This rumor has been brought to you by "Too Much Coffee"!

However, the rumor is that it is a receiver! Not that it exists. It is a dream machine, in some ways, but it has been made to work. Licensing issues - costs may prevent it from going public. There are others on this forum who know far more than I do --- So keep dreaming. Make you wish list, and consider what you would be willing to pay for it... MONEY does talk.

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Van

Last reply 2 minutes ago · posted in What's Cooking?

Whats for breakfast?

Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?

Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.

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dfergie

Oct 9, 2026

Egg, sausage and cheese sandwich between bread toasted in butter in skillet... Chocolate milk.

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dfergie

Sunday at 11:17 AM

dfergie said:
Egg, sausage and cheese sandwich between bread toasted in butter in skillet... Chocolate milk.

Add fresh hash browns, delete chocolate for milk with a slice of bacon.

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TRG

Sunday at 12:06 PM

Bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast. Coffee.

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TRG

Monday at 2:11 PM

Wound up at the Waffle House this morning. Got the two egg breakfast with coffee.

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dfergie

Monday at 6:08 PM

Speaking of waffles, I'm going to put my mini waffle iron on stove so I'll remember to make waffles in the morning... Had some last week, been awhile.

dfergie

2 minutes ago

Dos cackleberrys over easy on top of 2 corned beef hash patties fried in skillet... Chocolate milk.

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply 3 minutes ago · posted in What's Cooking?

Homemade Breakfast Sausage

Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...

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navychop

Today at 8:14 AM

Bob Evans Sage.

reubenray

Today at 8:41 AM

navychop said:
Bob Evans Sage.

I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.

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dfergie

Today at 8:45 AM

Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 8:47 AM

reubenray said:
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.

amazon maybe :what

slow_poke_pete

Today at 8:52 AM

reubenray said:
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.

owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!

slow_poke_pete

Today at 8:54 AM

dfergie said:
Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)

id'e rather make my own vs store bought.

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reubenray

23 minutes ago

slow_poke_pete said:
owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!

Especially when I can get a two pound roll of Jimmy Dean from Sam's Club for $7.38.

dfergie

3 minutes ago

They run Owens at $3.99 for lb and $7.99 a couple times a month at some grocery stores here, I actually was wrong, just checked a pork sirloin roast it was $1.99 a lb. (cooked it yesterday so pack was in trash)

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

58 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dw_V2FYKRUk

Direct YouTube Link - AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

58 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1R9ZVnuUpw

Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 9:02 AM · 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....

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EatMyVolts

Yesterday at 11:18 PM

Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) -- Tex Williams

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long_time_Dish

Today at 12:24 AM

Don't Do Me Like That - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

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hwkn

Today at 2:44 AM

I LIKE It LIKE THAT-The Dave Clark Five

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ClarkGable

Today at 6:42 AM

Five O'Clock World - The Vogues

FTA4PA

Today at 9:02 AM

All Around The World - Oasis

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 8:50 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Volcanic Eruptions

Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.

Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.

You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.

Monitoring Data for Kīlauea

For more information on how electronic tiltmeters and GPS receivers help monitor the deformation of Kīlauea volcano, see the HVO Deformation page.

www.usgs.gov

View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4

Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.

View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ

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meStevo

Oct 1, 2026

Some wild inflation and significant uptick in earthquake activity in the caldera. Magma intrusion, could lead to new fissure(s). Or not.

Summary: A shallow intrusion of magma is occurring within the summit region near the existing eruption location in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Activity Summary: Earthquake activity has increased in the summit region of Kīlauea beneath Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the south caldera region. Ground deformation patterns recorded by summit tiltmeters suggest that magma is intruding beneath the ground in this area, in an east-west orientation, near the western or southern part of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Increased earthquake activity began this afternoon, September 30, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m. HST, underneath Halemaʻumaʻu. Since then, about 40 earthquakes have been detected and activity is still on-going. The largest event, so far, a magnitude 3.4 earthquake, occurred at 9:52 p.m. HST, 1.4 km (0.9 miles) beneath the surface in the northeast part of Halemaʻumaʻu. Starting around 8 p.m. HST., summit tiltmeters began to show extremely rapid changes consistent with crack growth in an east-west orientation possible near the current vent area, suggesting that magma is intruding in this region.

Historically, east-west trending fissures have erupted in the southeastern part of Halemaʻumaʻu and extending through the Keanakākoʻi crater area all the way to Chain of Craters Road near Lua Manu. The last east-west fissure in this area erupted in September 2023 and extended from the middle of Halemaʻumaʻu to the eastern wall just beneath the Keanakākoʻi overlook. An event of this type is also possible under current conditions.

Currently, there are no signs of a change at the surface as the existing eruptive vent complex in Halemaʻumaʻu, including the north and south vents, continue to intermittently spatter with strong glow and flames; however, conditions could change quickly. It is possible that this event ends without reaching the surface or it produces a fissure eruption in a new location within the summit caldera region.

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meStevo

Oct 1, 2026

View: https://youtu.be/tv37YPVfHME

Gemini summary:

In this video from Shawn Willsey: Geology Explained, geology professor Shawn Willsey details rapid subsurface and surface changes at Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii:

Signs of a Magma Intrusion (Dike): Summit tiltmeters recorded an unprecedented, rapid inflation spike of around 45 microradians [04:00 Opens in a new window ], accompanied by a dramatic surge of over 100 shallow earthquakes within 24 hours (peaking at a magnitude 3.4) [01:44 Opens in a new window ]. The deformation indicates that magma is intruding in an east-west orientation beneath the southern caldera/Halemaʻumaʻu region [01:16 Opens in a new window ].
No Rift Zone Migration: Tilt and seismic data confirm magma is remaining confined to the summit area rather than traveling down the East Rift Zone [02:40 Opens in a new window ].
Structural Pathways: Willsey notes that pre-existing faults and fractures expanded during the 2018 caldera collapse [08:32 Opens in a new window ]. Because these fracture zones remain unsealed, magma can move and mobilize toward the surface much faster than before [10:17 Opens in a new window ].
Potential Outcomes: The intrusion could stall underground without erupting, or it could feed a new east-west fissure eruption inside the summit caldera, similar to the September 2023 event [02:47 Opens in a new window ].
Shift to Dome Overflows: Webcam footage from overnight reveals repeated pulses of fluid lava overflowing the spatter cone at the North Vent [11:42 Opens in a new window ]. Occurring roughly every 20 to 50 minutes and lasting several minutes each [12:36 Opens in a new window ], these cyclic overflows suggest Kīlauea may be transitioning away from high-fountaining episodes toward regular surface overflows [14:54 Opens in a new window ].

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Foxbat

Oct 2, 2026

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meStevo

Oct 8, 2026

View: https://youtu.be/G8BtlGRf3VY

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Foxbat

Today at 8:50 AM

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TheRatPatrol

Last reply Today at 7:40 AM · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?

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Jimbo

Monday at 11:41 PM

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

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Jimbo

Tuesday at 6:25 PM

Jimbo said:
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

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Howard Simmons

Thursday at 1:19 PM

Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Tony as the director.

Jimbo

Thursday at 2:13 PM

Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.

Would you rather have LaRoche ???

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dfergie

Thursday at 4:37 PM

I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...

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Howard Simmons

Yesterday at 11:30 AM

Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???

No. Bring in someone new.

Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 12:50 PM

Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new. Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.

KAB

Today at 6:18 AM

I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.

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Jimbo

Today at 7:40 AM

KAB said:
I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.

I'm curious how they are going to implement Tony into Origins (If they do) ...
Tony was introduced to Gibbs and the team, on NCIS, which makes it the Mothership side of things, he worked in Baltimore prior to NCIS, NO mention when they met that anyone had known one another ...

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:02 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network