Sky+ Box Without Sub

mcbod

I know all this information is spread around here already, but I do think it helps so much to have your understanding/findings confirmed. Might anyone have the time to yes/no this list?
Background: I have a Sky+ SD box (Thompson PVR3). I have put in a Linux triple tuner instead and I am thinking of moving the Sky+ box upstairs and feeding it with a single satellite cable, and cancelling my Sky sub.
1) The sub will take a month or so to cancel and during that time I will be able to use the box to view all sky channels as before through the single sat feed.
2) Even though there is only one sat feed attached, I will be able to record and watch recorded stuff during that month, I just wont be able to watch one channel and record a diff channel.
3) Once the sky sub is ended, the functionality will change:
* EPG will continue to work
* All non FTA channels will no longer be available
* ALL FTA channels will still be available - through the usual EPG
* Recording will not longer be available
* Playback of recorded stuff will not longer be available
4) The crippling of the record/playback feature is achieved by Sky sending some sort of signal to the box, so if I do not use/connect the box for a few months after the sub ends, I should be able to avoid the box receiving this cripping signal and retain by record/playback features.
5) Even if Sky do send the signal which cripples my record/playback features, there is in theory a way to re-enable these features. Although this involves soldering jtags on the motherboard and rewrtiting the firmware myself :-(
6) Is there anyway of configuring the Thompson PVR3 to:
* Re-order the channels
* Make a bouquet of free channels
* etc

zg3409

mcbod wrote: »

2) Even though there is only one sat feed attached, I will be able to record and watch recorded stuff during that month, I just wont be able to watch one channel and record a diff channel.

You need to tell the box it only has one feed. Search online for how to do that.

if I do not use/connect the box for a few months after the sub ends, I should be able to avoid the box receiving this cripping signal and retain by record/playback features.
5) Even if Sky do send the signal which cripples my record/playback features, there is in theory a way to re-enable these features. Although this involves soldering jtags on the motherboard and rewrtiting the firmware myself :-(

We cannot discuss these things here.

6) Is there anyway of configuring the Thompson PVR3 to:
* Re-order the channels
* Make a bouquet of free channels
* etc

No, however you can put all the good channels into your favourites list and so quickly switch between them using the blue button.

mcbod

Thanks for the clear answers.
And I was unaware that there was anything illegal about tampering with the box as I thought I owned it

Cantona's Collars

mcbod wrote: »

Thanks for the clear answers.
And I was unaware that there was anything illegal about tampering with the box as I thought I owned it

It's illegal to use ways to circumvent encryption on satellite receivers.

Services, 0,0,1, SELECT get's you into the installers menu which lets you select single feed mode for when you have one cable connected.In this mode it will record (while you have a sub) but you can only record one channel at a time.

mcbod

zerks wrote: »

It's illegal to use ways to circumvent encryption on satellite receivers.

Services, 0,0,1, SELECT get's you into the installers menu which lets you select single feed mode for when you have one cable connected.In this mode it will record (while you have a sub) but you can only record one channel at a time.

Perfect, thank you
Thats what I was hoping I could do

And on the legality issue. I had no intention of circumventing encryption
My question was on retaining record/playback functionality on my Sky box after subscription is gone

Peter Rhea

mcbod wrote: »

. . . My question was on retaining record/playback functionality on my Sky box after subscription is gone

That still means you're trying to obtain a subscription feature for free, unfair as it may seem to have to pay to maintain this in a receiver you own.

mad turnip

Just buy a satellite box that supports recording (that isn't a sky box)? Then you can record away and watch later this, will be FTA channels only unless you keep the sky subscription.

Peter Rhea

So, the way to make the most of an ex-sub. Sky box is to buy another receiver to replace it?

Very helpful contribution there, mad turnip . . .

mad turnip

Peter Rhea wrote: »

So, the way to make the most of an ex-sub. Sky box is to buy another receiver to replace it?

Very helpful contribution there, mad turnip . . .

My question was on retaining record/playback functionality on my Sky box after subscription is gone

If that's what you want, that's what you need.