Free2view is up and running.

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JustAsk

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Free2view is up and running and plans to launch in Feb.

They broadcast from Siruis4 5deg East,currently there is.
Free2view One (Currently free to air) Used as teaser
Free2view Movies (Encrypted)
Free2view Kids (Encrypted)
2 radio channels.BBC Radio4

Other channels coming in 2nd quarter:
Skynews
Pay per view music (not free,its an itv service)
About 12 channels planned before 2011.

The service is free (no subs) but not fta.They are using the very secure NDS videoguard encryption.

Currently you can use any old Gtv receiver.The receiver will automatically downloads the free2view software from the satellite.From Feb 2010 their own KAON receiver,which will be itv ready,will be available,from Ellies and their own online shop.

Sirius4(Astra 4A)
Frequency 12565
FEC 3/4 Pol V
Symbol Rate 30000

Once you have the receiver,you need to buy a once off Free2view Switchon voucher for about R300.This is the way the videoguard encryption works.

Online shop for receivers and f2v voucher will be available in Feb from
http://freeboxafrica.com/
For more info http://www.free2view.co.za/

2nd Gtv receiver float around fror R200-R300 and new ones available from Samsat is R750,but i'll suggest to wait for the KAON's.
 
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With the onset of digital TV, will we need decoders or will the Digital set have functionality to decode the signals with a subscription being paid to the service provider?
When are sony, samsung, etc gonna rill out the digital TV sets in SA?
 
Will any box with NDS Videoguard work, or are they planning on selling specific boxes with built in proprietary h/w or s/w like some networks do ?
 
I hope they have a readily available EPG in electronic format! Then hopefully DSTV will learn a thing or two.
 
zambussi said:
Will any box with NDS Videoguard work, or are they planning on selling specific boxes with built in proprietary h/w or s/w like some networks do ?
Click to expand...

Videoguard is implemented differently between networks so if your nds box is unable to download the f2v software from the satellite,you're screwed.
The funny thing is...ODM will use videoguard too...from the same satellite...but you'll have to purchase their box too as they will broadcast in dvb-s2.Word on the street is they launch in April.Their test feeds is active too.

carudden said:
I hope they have a readily available EPG in electronic format! Then hopefully DSTV will learn a thing or two.
Click to expand...
They will be using mediahighway as middleware solution which comes with interactive epg and whatnot.As for xml,i don't know,but i hope so.
 
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@ Just Ask

Have you got confirmation for this - link?

The funny thing is...ODM will use videoguard too...from the same satellite...but you'll have to purchase their box too as they will broadcast in dvb-s2.Word on the street is they launch in April.Their test feeds is active too.
 
Can you imagine with the enslaught of new digital TV services in the coming years, we'll all have so many decoders we won't know where to put them.
 
avr-rulez said:
@ Just Ask

Have you got confirmation for this - link?

The funny thing is...ODM will use videoguard too...from the same satellite...but you'll have to purchase their box too as they will broadcast in dvb-s2.Word on the street is they launch in April.Their test feeds is active too.
Click to expand...

Confirmation about what? Sorry you didn't specify.
They will use videoguard...it shows on receiver.
same satellite...yes
they will use dvb-s2...currently in use.
launch in April...this i can't say for sure.Heard this from a techie that works with them...hence the "word on the street"
test feeds active...yes,currently 8 channels.2 is open showing...wait for it...sabc2/3:D Sometimes love and god channel.Others are nds locked.
 
avr-rulez said:
@ Just Ask

Have you got confirmation for this - link?

The funny thing is...ODM will use videoguard too...from the same satellite...but you'll have to purchase their box too as they will broadcast in dvb-s2.Word on the street is they launch in April.Their test feeds is active too.
Click to expand...

Do you have the ODM test feed info? (freq, etc) I could not find any on Lyngsat. Thanx
 
I took out my 90cm dish & pointed 315 degrees magnetic north, set elevation of dish at 55 degrees up & skewed lnb to -39 degrees. Got the signal. They do have epg and apparently they also seems to also use dvb-s2 together with dvb-s. If some1 cud post frequencies for ODM as i have searched in vain for them.
 
Sennah said:
Do you have the ODM test feed info? (freq, etc) I could not find any on Lyngsat. Thanx
Click to expand...
citm said:
I took out my 90cm dish & pointed 315 degrees magnetic north, set elevation of dish at 55 degrees up & skewed lnb to -39 degrees. Got the signal. They do have epg and apparently they also seems to also use dvb-s2 together with dvb-s. If some1 cud post frequencies for ODM as i have searched in vain for them.
Click to expand...

Frequency 12526 V 30000 , 2/3 , 8PSK
 
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Thanx JustAsk for the info. The transponder is currently up but empty.
Do you any info on Super5media. Satellite name,etc
 
ICASA

Got word that ICASA might block / shut down free2view in SA.. any truth here? I heard ICASA is quite strict with what roams the *AIR* ... any ideas? let say we all buy decoders and they block signal ? :erm:
 
GeekyGurl said:
Got word that ICASA might block / shut down free2view in SA.. any truth here? I heard ICASA is quite strict with what roams the *AIR* ... any ideas? let say we all buy decoders and they block signal ? :erm:
Click to expand...

How are they going to block a satellite that is not even in South Africa air space? There are international laws against that kind of thing.
 
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