Virgin Security Message Update

[dodgy cablebox]

Virgin have updated their security warning message to state that "your equipment will stop working soon"

I have also heard rumours that they are updating their smartcard techology to the same as Sky.

1: Does this mean that all dreamboxes will stop working on virgin services and that you will need their contstantly updating viewer card to to view any virgin cable services?

2: If you only have virgin broadband and have split your cable how will virgin still encrypt their channels?

[alexh]

There is no way they can switch to the same technology as SKY.

1) There are rumours that VM are switching to NAGRA3, a card encryption system which is as yet un-hacked. The first we will hear about it will be all those with official boxes will start to receive new viewing cards in the post. Once they have deployed all the cards and switched, if they do switch, it is highly likely that will be it for UK cable hacking for the foreseeable future.

There is a slim chance you will be able to use your Dreambox with your official viewing card but you will _only_ be able to view the channels that are part of your subscription, so why would you want to?

You'd be mad to buy a DM800C at the moment.

2)WTF are you talking about?

[scousemicky]

'You'd be mad to buy a DM800C at the moment.'

Even if you can change the cable tuner to a satellite tuner?

[alexh]

Yes.

If you REALLY need HD now, you'd be much better off buying a HTPC (Home Theatre PC) based on a AMD Sempron 140 with uATX 780g AM2+ DDR2 motherboard.

You'd be able to buy the whole thing with 2GB RAM, hard drive, nice case, blue ray reader, and a PCI cable tuner and still have change from the price of a DM800HD.

Speed is many many times than of a DM800HD plus you've got quality 3D games. Web-browsing. HD movies, HD TV. BBC iPlayer, ITV Catchup, Youtube etc.

Plus if they ever switch cable encryption you'll still be able to use it as a PC or consider a USB/PCI satellite tuner then (which will still be cheaper than a DM800HD satellite tuner).