C Band going out?

[gretzky]

So here's a question (as I try to stay on topic): Now that SD is upgrading their STB's, what happens to the old 505's & 530's? Could they be theoretically used by Skyvision in much the same way they look to be using old 401's?

i've asked the question to mike
technically it's doable after a master reset to point the receivr to W5 nad download the firmware to do 4DTV but
he said that motorolla had an agreement with shaw direct not to authorise the shaw direct receivers on 4DTV so technically it.s doable but motorolla would not authorise them

[Krydor]

I was thinking less of 4DTV (which is for all intents and purposes, dead) and more of a way for subscribers to access the DCII megapipes. This might be a possibility (if technically doable) simply because Moto is getting out of subscription services.

[classicsat]

For 505/530s to be useable for C-band DC-II yes, one that posesses those receiver could not just sell them to somebody to use for C-band.

The receivers would have to be collected by Shaw or their agents, then shipped en-masse to a refurbisment centre, where they would get re-flashed for firmware duty, and their serial/UA numbers moved from Shaw's database to the C-band one, then shipped off to C-band equipment distributors.

As well, a C-band compatible firmware would need written for that platform, as the original 4DTV software will not work on it.

[Krydor]

So, it is feasible for accessing the DCII megapipe, then? In the next few months, there will be plenty of 530's & 505's becoming doorstops. I know that the firmware won't work.

[gretzky]

it's feasible on the 400 serie (and maybe the 301)i have a dsr 401 which would probably take the software from the W5 sat after a master reset but it would be doubtfull that the 505-530s would work as classicsat told no software been written for it

[Krydor]

I really have no desire to subscribe to W5. It's the same system used for little dishes, only with a 6 foot BUD, less selection and no HD.

Too bad it is no longer worth developing a good C-Band system for more than just hobbyists.

[classicsat]

I never said it was feasable, I just said what would have to be done to get the 505/530 units to actually work on C-band.

Besides, since they will work fine as Standard Def boxes on Shaw Direct, there is no real incentive for Shaw to collect them et al.

Getting a Starchoice DSR401 to take a W5 software load is the half of it. The receiver will need activated by a W5 provider, and they will not activate a receiver still on the Shaw database. That is except to get fixed/open key programming any EMM provider can receive.

[DEV666]

Back in the 90's there were 2.5 million c-band subscribers and today there are less than 20,000. After loosing 99.5% of the subs it's time to pull the plug.

[gretzky]

Back in the 90's there were 2.5 million c-band subscribers and today there are less than 20,000. After loosing 99.5% of the subs it's time to pull the plug.

C BAND aint going anywhere
only 4DTV
C BAND has always been around and will stay for at least master channels so don't confuse both

[classicsat]

It seems Dev is talking of 4DTV, which is the only subscription platform on C-band now, along side the W5 service.

Yes, master feeds will not go away, just the ability to subscribe to them in the home.

[Danster]

Ok that's it, I'll play dumb. What is that W5? Is it a satelitte or something?

[gretzky]

W5 is actually AMC 18 but is called W5 in 4dtv receivers it's actually at 105 W

[Danster]

Thank you. I knew I had seen it before but somehow, it didn't register in my pea brain today.

[classicsat]

W5 is a pay DCII from satellite called that in the 4DTV, and on C-band. It is basically reselling parts of the HITS-QT service, to customers with Motorola DSR410s sold through Skyvision, and likely American 4DTV receivers.