Total Noob URGENTLY needs your help in the right setup

[cs4me]

hi guys,

this is my first post, so please accept my apologies if i don't make total sense or ask too many questions. i currently have a standard s?l?y box + mini dish, but i'm not subscribing - only freeview and don't have a card.

i want to get all the s?l?y package, but i'm not 100% sure what i additional equipment i need. As far as i have read, i need:-

1. A DVB-S receiver, for example a Dreambox with the necessary files/software on it
2. A subscription to a server that provides the package. Will i also need my own card if i'm subscribing to a server????


The other questions i have are:-

1. Is the dreambox 800 HD the most highly recommended? If so, which one should i go for 800HD or SE? What is the difference?

2. Are DVB-S cards any good for CS if i got one for my media pc? Any downsides?

3. How can i avoid getting a faulty/fake/dodgy box? i.e what can you recommend that i watch out for? i.e. hardware or software version?

4. Who can you highly recommend i can buy the cheapest box from? Ebay? China? or someone else?


Thanks very much for all your help

[sambhi92]

DM 800hd or 800se is a great box, there's so much help on this site there's no way you won't know what to do.

[cs4me]

thanks sambhi92.

there seem to be different types of dm800 boxes...some are HD and some are HD SE...what is the difference?

Also what does a description like this mean? :-

"DREAMBOX DM800 HD PVR Pro Rev M Tuner
LATEST ALPS 801A Rev M Tuner Freeze Free - New SIM 2.10"

[sambhi92]

Se just means second edition.

All the other stuff is information regarding what kind of image you can put on it.

[potrobber]

m8 have a look at the blade bm7000 if your just looking to watch tv with minium set up hassel

blades can be set up for what you are looking in 20 mins dm800 takes a little know how to set up most will tell you its a simple process and it is for some that have set up a dm 500 just look at the dm 800 sections to see how many have setup problems

then look for the same people setting up blade boxs not so many the blade is a great box for ease of use

do a little reading before you jump in if you looking to get into the sat hobbie then go for the dm if its just to get watching all the sly channels go for the blade bm 7000

[cs4me]

thanks for your advice potrobber. I'm happy to go with any hd box as long as it:-

1. gives me s-l-y in HD
2. doesn't have glitch or other issues/bugs
3. must have GOOD USER SUPPORT in the event of any problems
4. must have parental control/child lock for those XXX channels

So can we say this for blade?

Also have any of you heard of Gigablue? what are they like?

PS: I'm not a Sat hobbist...simply want a box to watch tv

[potrobber]

hi cs4me

the blade will do all the things you need it to and more there is a new video share function just released in last firmware update

if your looking good hd and sd veiwing with simple set up and ease of use go for a blade

1= yes

2 glitching is more from the cs server so test a few before you settle into one

3 =there is many users of this box now and all the help you would need online

4 = yes it has lock fuctions for adult ect

one of the best fuctions on the blade is the online channel update thru the menu on controller

pm sent to you

[cs4me]

Thanks very much potrobber mate for all your help & PM

I'm going to be honest and say that whilst i was awaiting your reply, i've been looking into DVB PC cards as i already have a media center setup. I've particularly been looking at SkyStar HD2 USB CI.

Now i know you said that the blade box is easy, but i don't mind a bit of a DIY, ...therefore i just before taking the plunge want to know if its worth going for any DVB card if i've already got a media pc.

1. Is it stable? i.e. any slowdowns/jerking freezing picture? any downsides?
2. Does it have support?
3. Will it work ok with a mini-dish?
4. Any problems?
5. Any recommendation of brand? Where can i buy it from?

Thanks!

[bunderson]

bunderson

Any update to this question? I would also benefit from having this implemented into my Media Center PC