TM5400 CI Super, Hotbird & Diablo Cams vs Other Cams vs Smart Cards, Programming

[T-A-D]

Hi

Newbie - I dont know much about sky encryptions and cards/cams. I have just got my very first sky system a TM5400 CI + Super - 80cm dish pointing at astra2 and hotbird with the latest firmware. Also the laters magic patch (i think its the latest one anyway). I would like to add/open more channels inc Adult and sport ideally for free (softcams/key). Please could someone explain to me what the best/differencies are with the Sofcams vs Diablo Cams vs Other Cams vs Smart Cards and would they fit in my box (CI/smart card slot i think) can i view VIACCESS with a sofcam and would this work on Hotbird are smartcards/cams fairly easy to program.

Thanks in advance

TAD

[phpicker]

I would be interested in any reply's to you questions. I also have TM 5400 plus and installed my 1st magicpatch (Ver132 I think) opened a lot of channels but only lasted 10 days, I have tried the latest magicpatch Ver133 but no luck.Also can someone explain how to install softkey and explain what it does thanks.
I also have a dragon cam (Rev 4.1) I would like to know if I can do anything with it IE upgrade it or whatever (I no nothing at all but willing to learn) Oh I can pick up 13 hotbird and also 16 (dont have a motorised dish yet still reading up on the pros and cons)
Hope someone can answer these points I am keen to learn and take good advise. Cheers Pete

[Tez2010]

1w is open to most channels . Alot of sport, private spice for your 24hr ~~~~. Everyone here says this might be going down in the next couple of months. As for cams, cards I've been told to hold on and wait to see what happens soon.