Ethernet

[Apprentice]

So more silly questions from a newbie

I have read where it seems that most of the regulars here do not have a good taste for FTA receivers with a Ethernet port? Can not remember what one I saw that did PVR functions via IP to the network. But to me since I am a systems administrator and have several TB of disk space on my network. I would love to be able to store recorded video that way and share it out to the kids and wife of course. So anyway long question short I take it that most of those types of units were being used to hack signals?

Chuck

 

[SpiffWilkie]

Yeah, from what I understand, boxes that have ethernet connectivity that people here shy away from are those that need connectivity to update keys. Obviously those are marketed at the eyepatch crowd.

Myself, I would love a box that I could connect to my network for the purpose of putting video on a media server. For now, I'll survive with an external hard drive.

 

[brentb636]

Many of those suspect boxes, also were not very good FTA receivers. They were geared toward piracy rather than the features we prize. A number of of our members are playing with the AZbox HD receiver, which has ethernet connectivity, and having a good time with this new addition for North American hobbyists . While their software is still in beta, the boxes have found some fans. The ethernet port is even quite useful on them.

 

[Apprentice]

That is awesome as I would really like to eventually be able to put some of the video out over my network at home. I have gigabit ports all over the house on managed switches so would really like to use them to some extent other than just internet.

Chuck

 

[brentb636]

The AZbox receivers are Linux based, and very flexible ( in theory, anyway ). Who knows just how this whole saga will develop, but it's already an impressive receiver and unique, at the moment , in it's ability to tune DVB-S DVB-S2, SD and HD, 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 chroma encoding. It's major flaw is it's lack of blindscan.

Review and ongoing commentary at http://www.satelliteguys.us/fta-mpe...74582-review-azbox-elite-hd-fta-receiver.html .

 

[Apprentice]

What about say the dreambox ones I have seen. they appear to be Linux based also? Guess this is all a learning curve for me.

Oh sorry for post this tread in the wrong place I will try to do better lol

Chuck

 

[cracklincrotch]

It's major flaw is it's lack of blindscan.

With so many things to like about the box I'd hardly call the lack of blindscan a flaw but more of an oversight.

 

[ZetaMale]

The ethernet port is nice for firmware updates and auto time update should the unit lose power.

 

[Apprentice]

So some of them can NTP over the network hummm

 

[B.J.]

That is awesome as I would really like to eventually be able to put some of the video out over my network at home. I have gigabit ports all over the house on managed switches so would really like to use them to some extent other than just internet.

Chuck

The Azbox may someday be able to do what you want, but you can easily do what you want to do by just using PCI card receivers, like the Twinhan 1020a or TT3200, etc, instead of using a STB. Up until my computer bombed last week, that was how I did 90% of my satellite viewing. I use both of the above receivers with TSREADER, which will stream out over the network. I can view the video on other computers on my LAN with VLC, or I can view on TV via either a Roku HD1000 or a PopcornHour.
Eventually, the hopes are that the Azbox should be capable of both streaming video that it receives, or of playing video streamed to it from other PC receivers. The Azbox, or the Roku or the Popcorn hour can play video recorded via the PCI card receivers, although the Azbox doesn't work for high bitrate HD yet.
However for STBs, the Azbox is the only STB I've seen that can send or receive video over the ethernet port, although several can store via USB drives.

 

[pedrogarcia]

A Dreambox is certainly what you need for your application. Don't be concerned they are not illegal as some FTA guys might infer. Sure they have been used for pirating but so have many FTA boxes.
Truth is early versions had insensitive tuners but that is history [pre 2003] and I am sure you will enjoy the set up challenge. I personally would avoid the DM500S as they have more power supply problems. There were also some Chinese clones to avoid but they are pretty obvious too.
Good luck

 

[Apprentice]

I will have to do some looking at the dream box or using PCI cards. I am quite decent with computers well at least the company I work for thinks so lol. I could probably manage to make a computer based one do more of what I want in the long run. Stand alone equipment tends to be more stable. but on a Linux box that would be alot less of an issue. Humm once again lots of things to think about when it comes to playing with FTA. Kind of like VoiP so many options to play with. I think i am going to enjoy this lots. I will probably go ahead and by a stand alone STB to start with so I can watch TV. We have not had TV in the house other than renting movies in two years. TV is not really a big thing for me but the challange of build it up is

 

[pedrogarcia]

Have a look at the dreambox support forums, there are plenty about to help with setting up which is the added bonus.
Good luck