Why is there no firmware for Sky Boxes to make them FTA boxes

ruairi

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I am just wondering. Sky boxes are easy for everyone to get. I am just wondering why has no one ever created firmware to make it a simple FTA box. What is stopping this. Of course Dream and other linux based receivers give a good platform to start from but has this ever been attempted ?
 
a technomate receiver is a lot more stable, reliable and versatile than any sky digibox, a non subsidised digibox will set you back at least 120 quid, technomates start at 49
 
I am just wondering. Sky boxes are easy for everyone to get. I am just wondering why has no one ever created firmware to make it a simple FTA box. What is stopping this. Of course Dream and other linux based receivers give a good platform to start from but has this ever been attempted ?

That's a good question mate, out of all the legitimate Sky boxes on the market none of them have been modded in any way.

You'd have thought someone would atleast have released a new hacked interface for them.

Could the security on the boxes be too strong? Unlikely I'd say.
 
its because the boxes are total shite

they only have 2 symbol rates they can use, tuners with a higher failure rate than the UK assylum deportation court cases, and without the sky software updates will refuse to work on any other signal after about 12 months if the box doesnt die first

the best thing about a sky digibox is the EPG, theres no denying it is a briliant feature, but with the linux PLi images now doing it as well, and the now and next on all other receivers, if you can live with a radio times mag, or even an online EPG, its not worth getting a sky box, bypass it and get a real satellite receiver from the begining
 
I thorght all sky boxes give you FTA with the latest firmware and it is only Sky 3 ,Ch5 and Ch4 that you need a old sky card for (blue card with the yellow house)
 
There was one box modified a while back via jtag - one of the original pvr boxes I think but I cant remember much about it.

From what I do remember though I think it was something to do with some firmware source code that was "found" and modified.
 
it was for the pace 3100 PVR

it removed the need for an active sky sub for PVR features to work
 
I thorght all sky boxes give you FTA with the latest firmware and it is only Sky 3 ,Ch5 and Ch4 that you need a old sky card for (blue card with the yellow house)

Sky 3 and Channel 4 are free to air and actually on the EPG.
Channel 5 is also free to air and can be added to the "other channels" menu.

If you dont see Channel 4 in the EPG go to installer setup menu and select
"new installation", after download channel 4 and Sky3 will appear in the EPG.

Regards Finearrow PS card not required for the channels above.
 
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Far better buying a tecnomate or FTA receiver or?. These sky boxes are specifically designed for sky and the tuners are not setup for wide range receiving. It would be nice though but considering the price of a decent fta box it probably is not worth the effort.
 
the pace 3100 hack still works fine and turns a standard box into a pvr recorder with out sky setting it up ,you need to jtag the box i have the files and it does work:BLOBBY:
 
iceman, could you pm the details, would be interested in doing this
 
Iceman could you pm us the details too.
I did'nt know this was possible.
Worth giving a go
 
the details, diagrams and files needed are on DW ;)

the search button is at the top :)
 
Pace hack

I've made a supreme effort and read all the posts here and elsewhere, downloaded different versions of the "package", but I can't get started.

Being a bit crumbly and unfamiliar with Linux-speak, I'm not sure what is meant by Jtag. Google shows me a hardware sot of dongle with a DB 24 plug one end (?parallel port or large serial), and a header the other. The jpg in the package shows what I assume are wires to solder to the mother board, but absolutely no instructions on what do do -

do I connect to a PC via the serial port and a null modem cable?
Do I purchase a Jtag programmer?
IS Jtag just a piece software?

Looking at the prices of Pace3100 boxes on fleabay it seems that some folks get the stuff to work, and I'm happy to play..

(reasonably conversant with electronic hardware, low level programming - but v. out of date)

Any links (seen the most popular ones) or PM me would be, as usual, gratefully received.

TIA,
Mike
 
Re: Pace hack

I've made a supreme effort and read all the posts here and elsewhere, downloaded different versions of the "package", but I can't get started.

Being a bit crumbly and unfamiliar with Linux-speak, I'm not sure what is meant by Jtag. Google shows me a hardware sot of dongle with a DB 24 plug one end (?parallel port or large serial), and a header the other. The jpg in the package shows what I assume are wires to solder to the mother board, but absolutely no instructions on what do do -

do I connect to a PC via the serial port and a null modem cable?
Do I purchase a Jtag programmer?
IS Jtag just a piece software?

Looking at the prices of Pace3100 boxes on fleabay it seems that some folks get the stuff to work, and I'm happy to play..

(reasonably conversant with electronic hardware, low level programming - but v. out of date)

Any links (seen the most popular ones) or PM me would be, as usual, gratefully received.

TIA,
Mike

Hi Mike,
The "package" has a diagram in it showing you how to wire the box to a LPT port on a PC (which is an emulated JTAG interface).

Mick
 
I am just wondering. Sky boxes are easy for everyone to get. I am just wondering why has no one ever created firmware to make it a simple FTA box. What is stopping this. Of course Dream and other linux based receivers give a good platform to start from but has this ever been attempted ?

Try google with "sky hd linux" and maybe you'll find the info you require :)

Mick
 
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