Hi Sean

Do you have any sort of listing on a good place to get both hardware and software cams ?.

Are dedicated cams for a particular encryption the best way to go or are one of the cams that support multiple encryption schemes o.k ?

I did look at the link you gave me last time for the Twinhan card but it was very expensive. Is the only choice here in U.K .

Would it be betterr to sourceit in Germany perhaps ?.


Backup and support are non issuses for me as i cant use either.

Thanx for any leads you can give me.

regards

mark

There are a wide range of CAMs to chose from, some of which handle a single encryption system and others that handle multiple encryptions. If you plan on watching only one particular package and cannot find out if a multi-CAM is compatible with the package, then I would recommend going for a CAM that handles the encryption of the package. Note that Sky uses Videoguard (NDS) which can only be watched with a Sky Digibox receiver.

CAMs designed for a specific encryption system come ready for use, i.e. just pop in the CAM, then the viewing card and you are ready to go. These CAMs can be purchased in a most satellite stores that also sell non-Sky satellite receivers. With the more expensive decided CAMs, I would only recommend choosing a dedicated CAM if there are known compatibility issues with the package you are interested in or if the encryption is not handled by multi-decryption CAMs.

Multi-decryption CAMs are nearly always sold blank and require firmware to be loaded on them before use. From what I recall, there have been legal issues with manufacturers selling multi-decryption CAMs that are pre-programmed since most encryptions systems are proprietary. To overcome this, one needs to obtain the firmware and possibly a CAM programmer in order to make use of the CAM.

Anyway, here is a list of dedicated CAMs I have come across and what they handle:

Alphacrypt CAM – Irdeto versions 1 & 2 and Beta Crypt
Aston CAM 1.03 – Seca (Mediaguard)
Aston CAM 1.05 – Seca (Mediaguard) versions 1 & 2
Conax CAM – Conax
Cryptoworks CAM – Cryptoworks
Irdeto CAM – Irdeto versions 1 & 2
Nagravision CAM – Nagravision versions 1 & 2
Viaccess2 CAM – Viaccess versions 1 & 2
(There are various other dedicated CAMs not listed here, often designed for specific providers only)

Below is a list of Multi-decryption CAMs. These all handle Seca (Mediaguard) 1 & 2, Viaccess 1 & 2, Irdeto 1 & 2, Betacrypt, Nagravision and other encryption systems listed below with an appropriate viewing card. Most of these CAMs are supplied blank and require programming before their initial use:

X-CAM – Conax
Dragon CAM – Conax
Black ICE CAM – No-ZAP & IceCrypt
Blue ICE CAM – No-ZAP
Magic CAM – Conax (some shops sell this with its proprietary programmer)
Matrix CAM Reloaded – Conax & Cryptoworks
Matrix CAM Revolutions – Conax & Cryptoworks

Note that the firmware available for some of the above multi-decryption CAMs is capable of decrypting channels without any card in its card slot and thus may illegal to use in certain countries. As a result, I will not go into any more detail about the firmware, where to get it or about unofficial viewing cards. However, as most multi-decryption CAMs are generally sold blank, the shops can legally sell these.

While a good majority of online stores sell CAMs, they are fairly expensive and do not vary much in price from shop to shop. The following UK shops sell CAMs (both dedicated and multi) and are web shops I have purchased equipment from without issue:

http://www.pulsat.co.uk Sell a wide range of equipment
http://www.satellitesuperstore.co.uk Specialise in motorised dishes and satellite receivers
http://www.satstore.co.uk Generally the cheapest around with fast delivery for CAMs (Fax-order only)

I would recommend having a look around, but have a look out for user opinions first to make sure the shop is genuine.

To find out which encryption system a particular package uses, the channels it offers and what satellite it is on, have a look Lyngsat's package listing:
http://www.lyngsat.com/packages/europe.html

Hi Sean

As always you are a goldmine of usefull information !!! I tell you , you save me so so much time hunting around the internet seeking this stuff out.

The freaks are very lucky to have you.

Many thanks for your time.

One last question. I have decided to go for the twinhan with CI slot. Any leads on best pricing either here or in europe ?

Thanks again.

Regards

Mark

I had a quick look through Google UK, but only landed on two other UK online stores apart from Pulsat selling this same model. One has the same price and the other appears to be offering it for £79.99.

I am not sure how this 2nd site manages to offer it so cheap, but their site looks fairly basic, only takes orders via Paypal and one guy seems to be placing quite a number of links to the website on various news groups, so I would be careful placing an order from this stie. But then again, I have not come across any bad reviews either about the site.

Hi there

I got my Dragon cam with Prediator software giving access to loads to different encrpytions. This is far better than other cams and cards I've got.
I found a local shop who were knowledgable and helpful. They sold me this cam and helped resolve my satellite problems.
I am going to go back there to buy a new receiver.
The shop, VTS Repairs in Bexley, Kent are recommending a TOPFIELD receiver but can supply all other makes.

I would highly recommend them.