Is it illegal to buy to sell Skybox F5s

[ukheman]

Can someone shed some light on this topic ...?

It is illegal to buy or sell the current skybox F5s even though the softcam isnt used ? or installed from a fresh new box...

I know Peeps will turn round and say its initially just a FreeSat receiver.. but we all know what it is intended to be used for ...

Is there any current case law on this subject ? as i have a feeling sky are about to pull the plug on these boxes.. as i've heard currently they are being

stopped (held) at $$ Customs .. and FlyBay aew currently removing listings even though no gifts are being sold with the boxes..

:-)

[andy91]

I see loads on fleebay so I would say no at present, Andy.

[cactikid]

yes stop the chinese clone doorstops and allow the better korean boxes through would make sense.

[tony2803]

Can someone shed some light on this topic ...?

It is illegal to buy or sell the current skybox F5s even though the softcam isnt used ? or installed from a fresh new box...

I know Peeps will turn round and say its initially just a FreeSat receiver.. but we all know what it is intended to be used for ...

Is there any current case law on this subject ? as i have a feeling sky are about to pull the plug on these boxes.. as i've heard currently they are being

stopped (held) at $$ Customs .. and FlyBay aew currently removing listings even though no gifts are being sold with the boxes..

:-)

sly,s corporate greed is not classed as illegal,so I am of the opinion that these boxes are no more illegal.

[sattv5]

The boxes are basically FTA receivers so are perfectly legal, even with CCcam installed as its an open source project
As long as your not providing any gifts etc with them you should have no issues.
You can use the skyboxes to read a legally obtained satellite providers card, even though it would be against skys t&c's most european providers will allow you to use any box you see fit. The only thing illegal with them could possibly be if you end up with the batch with 2 pin plugs as any new bought electrical item in the UK has to have fitted 3 Pin plug (not the ones you can fit yourself)

[ukheman]

Hello $$ After reviewing your eBay account, it appears that you have violated eBay's Electronics Equipment policy. We realize you may not have been aware of this policy, or that this may have been a simple oversight, but unfortunately, we had to take the following action:
- Violating listings have been removed. A list of removed items is available further down in this email.
- We have credited any associated fees to your account.

Due to rules and guidelines on electronics equipment from various government agencies, listings of certain types of electronic devices are not allowed.

eBay doesn't allow items that can be used to descramble or otherwise enable access to cable or satellite television programming that bypasses payment to the service provider.

Listings that state that the item is for educational ("how-to"), informational, or test purposes only are also not allowed because they could encourage others to obtain programming without payment to the service provider.

Examples of items that are not allowed include:
- Smart Card programmers and unloopers
- Programmed Smart Cards
- Unlocked cards
- Blocker devices
- Hardware or software DSS emulators

For more information on this policy, go to:

Electrical and electronics equipment policy

If you require additional assistance with this policy, go to:

[ukheman]

this is just for selling the FTA receiver with no gift

also been informed sly coming after resellers because of the word "SKYBOX"

[sattv5]

this is just for selling the FTA receiver with no gift

also been informed sly coming after resellers because of the word "SKYBOX"

Somethings not right as there are 100's still for sale still on ebay. Maybe your advert implied something illegal or illegal capabilities of the box.
I can't see them going after the resellers, and they are not going to get much change out of the manufacturers of the boxes.
Then again sky did win a case against Microsoft recently with regards to there use of the name Skydrive (file hosting service)

[DL1982]

Sly put a stop to p2p4u.net recently.

[genam]

Can't see why they would be illegal........................... i used my Sky card in the F5 and it read it no problems so just because it has the ability to cheat doesn't make it illegal and they can just as easily be pointed at other satellites that fall outside.
Lately Ebay rules are insane...just buy direct..many of the ebay sellers have proper online shops.

[allyzaman]

Skybox or any box with modem with internet connectivity is legal in UK unless you use it to get a paid service without paying e.g. cardsharing.

here is an extract for GOV.UK explaining these boxes as:
"Apparatus with a microprocessor-based device incorporating a modem for gaining access to the Internet, and having a function of interactive information exchange, capable of receiving television signals (so-called 'set-top boxes which have a communication function', including those incorporating a device performing a recording or reproducing function, provided that they retain the essential character of a set top box which has a communication function)"

these items are not only legal but there is 0% custom duty on them if you import them to uk. Therefore their functions are acknowledged and are approved to import and also issued with a commodity code.

Page link is https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff/comm..._of=2012-06-05

[allyzaman]

Anyways Skybox F5S manufacturers have changed the name to Openbox V5S now Sky cant use their name excuse anymore. I just imported with new name same motherboard but only 1mm smaller than Skybox F5S. Ebay wont have any problem anymore

[slugworth]

depends on where you live
just because it's for sale on ebay don't make it right,boss

[Nobby Nutz]

I believe Skybox have had to rename the product to Libertview due to a lawsuit from S?y in regard to breach of naming copyrights.

S?y can't go after resellers only the maufacturer unless the reseller is advertising an illegal service which a "Present" isn't.

It would be better to see the wording of the advert on Fleabay as other members have posted there are still boxes with presents advertised.

I think it may be down to this particular statement.

"Listings that state that the item is for educational ("how-to"), informational, or test purposes only are also not allowed because they could encourage others to obtain programming without payment to the service provider. "