Hi all. I would like to invest in a cable receiver to get the most out of my N*L cable connection, living in Dublin. I have a whole series of questions, I hope there is somebody out there with a bit of patience who can explain the jargon, the hardware, options etc. I see no sticky at the top of this forum for dumbies like me, so would like to start one. Will any PVR work for N*L cable? After receiving a PVR, are the steps as follows: ensure that the latest decryption codes are entered in PVR memory, connect the cable connection, search for all channels & store?? Do you receive the N*L or different Electronic Program Guide? The main types of PVR's out there seem to be Dreambox 500C, the Starview 2, Eurovox...What are the essentials to have on a receiver (e.g. tuner type, Linux OS, hard disk, connections...) What kind of technical skills do you need to set up such a box at home? Where can these units be safely/cheaply bought (e.g. German/UK online shops rather tahn ebay?) What is meant by the term 'flashing'. Where can you find the newest decryption codes when old ones expire? Thanks for reading - I look forward to reading your replies.
Now that query is nearly as big as some of the threads here. Will any PVR work for N*L cable? If it is true cable yes After receiving a PVR, are the steps as follows: ensure that the latest decryption codes are entered in PVR memory, connect the cable connection, search for all channels & store?? Almost but you must have the latest image/firmware installed also to allow you view all channels other than FTA. Do you receive the N*L or different Electronic Program Guide? Different The main types of PVR's out there seem to be Dreambox 500C, the Starview 2, Eurovox...What are the essentials to have on a receiver (e.g. tuner type, Linux OS, hard disk, connections...) You have answered your own query here What kind of technical skills do you need to set up such a box at home? Very little, all the info is here Where can these units be safely/cheaply bought (e.g. German/UK online shops rather than ebay?) We cannot openly advertise links here, if you ask someone will pm you with details, dependent upon which make of Box you choose. I would stay away from fleabay, due to the amount of clone boxes for sale there. What is meant by the term 'flashing'. This is downloading firmware/images to the box to allow you to view channels, and autoroll functions. Where can you find the newest decryption codes when old ones expire? Here. I hope that has answered your queries sufficiently enough.
Poolfan, Remember the term PVR means Personal Video Recorder not what you seem to be looking for which is a box to pick up NTL here in Dublin. The boxes you mention will do this - Dreambox 500C, Eurovox,etc (I would add Nokia Dbox in here) For real PVR (recording TV to HDD) you need to look at Dreambox 600C as probably the best but expensive. Dbox with added IDE HDD kit will also do recording. Hope this helps & doesn't confuse
