2011年4月27日星期三

What's freesat - Free digital TV for everyone

Freesat is a digital TV service from the BBC and ITV which broadcasts HD programming via satellites in United Kingdom. The service was marketed from 6 May 2008 and offers a satellite alternative to the Freeview service on digital terrestrial television, with a selection of channels available and without subscription for users purchasing a digital TV receiver. The service also makes use of the additional capacity available on digital satellite broadcasting to offer a selection of high-definition programming from the BBC and ITV.

As far as we are concerned, most areas of the UK can receive terrestrial Freeview or will be able to get Freeview by 2012. But for those who can’t, one very good alternative is Freesat installation, offering high definition viewing with no monthly charges or contract. You can also use it to pause, rewind and record your favorite TV shows. That‘s mean freesat might be played as a digital video recorder, which can capture the HDTV programming for every household in UK.

In order to receive Freesat, you need a PC TV box and dish network installed, but once these are done there is no additional cost. No subscription fees .A Freesat dish is installed which needs a clear line of sight to the satellite and in rare case trees or buildings may hinder the signal. With Freesat there are literally hundreds of channels to choose from as opposed to Freeview which is currently under 100. It is also possible to get BBC iPlayer direct to the TV meaning that almost any show from the previous seven days can be watched at any time. European satellites installations can pick up signals from other European countries, including many foreign language channels. Currently, Freesat offers a line-up of 173 television, radio and text channels. It is reported that more and more HD channels would be added in the near future.

There were two types of Freesat digital TV receivers available —standard definition-only receivers and high definition-capable receivers. As of July 2010 there are eleven companies licensed to produce Freesat boxes and televisions. Humax launched a Freesat digital TV recorder, Freesat+, which became available to the public in November 2008, and which received reviews.


Freesat broadcasts from the same fleet of satellites as Sky. Most of the channels are broadcast using DVB-S or DVB S2. As estimated, most of the channels will be replaced via using DVB S2 receiver. The Freesat electronic programme guide is broadcast from the Eurobird 1 satellite situated at 28.5° east. Freesat's role is not broadcasting or availability of channels (although the BBC and ITV are substantial broadcasters in their own right) but instead providing a platform for receiving the channels and the EPG.Standard definition channels are broadcast using MPEG-2, while high definition channels are broadcast using MPEG-4. Currently BBC One HD, BBC HD and ITV1 HD use DVB-S rather than DVB-S2. Since the channels are broadcast in-the-clear, they can also be received by non-Freesat receivers and, most commonly, Sky Digiboxes. Of course, you can also watch satellite TV on PC easily with Freesat!


TBS USB DVB S2 TV Qbox CI Brings Freesat to PC

We’ve been big fans of TBS’s previous two set-top USB DVB S2 TV Qbox for their efforts for both Freesat and Freeview HD. With the new release of the fourth generation of TBS Qbox series, we really were surprised by news of this updated CI TV Qbox. It not only enables you to watch and record Freesat HD content directly on a Windows 7 PC, but also allows work as a encrypted receiver and insert the smart card smoothly.

The TBS Qbox CI is another break-though in digital hd reorder industries. It does contain the crucial DVB-S2 receiver and support CAM slot. With the inhibition of Qbox3, it also can support transponders blind scan. Therefore, in order to view satellite TV on PC, you just add a satellite connection and plug into your computer via USB and install the supplied drivers. You'll be able to access the same channels that are available on Freesat, but you won't have access to its EPG.

As well as being able to time shift your satellite programmers the package also includes EVE v2 software for editing your shows, if you’re into that sort of thing. With the remote control attached in the package, you can enjoy more convenience when using. TBS said that this TBS Qbox CI works seamlessly with Windows Media Center under Windows 7, so if you’re putting together a media PC this could be an ideal solution. It also supports DVBDream, DVBViewer, DVBlogic, ProgDVB, Skynet, TSreader.


The
TBS5980 USB DVB S2 TV Qbox CI is available now from buydvb.net for $118.99.

2011年4月22日星期五

How to Use ProgDVB

ProgDVB is universal and powerful DVB tool for receiving, watching and listening analog both digital satellite TV for PC and broadcastings from any sources (satellite, cable and on-the-air TV, Internet etc), and also review of media files with transmission possibility all of this via various types of networks. Such as digital tv receiver
By means of ProgDVB you can watch HD telecast, do output the picture on several monitors (including on TV set), viewing by means of CI scrambled channels, record your favorite programs, use YouTube and Internet TV, Radio. You can use one program for several types a TV and broadcastings irrespective of an amount of devices and type of received content (DVB-S, DVB-S2 receiver, DVB-C, DVB-T, ATSC, ISDB-T, IPTV).
Where to download ProgDVB
ProgDVB 6x and 5x requires Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 or higher, .Both Standard and Professional versions of ProgDVB include MPEG-2 shareware codec by Elecard. You have to register it after 21 days (Start->ProgDVB->Elecard Registrator) or use some alternative codecs. For AVC and H.264 support you should register Elecard AVC H.264 plugin for ProgDVB. The registration is done with the Serial Number provided in your purchase confirmation email. You can also get the basic functionality of ProgDVB free of charge without restrictions with ProgDVB Standard edition. You can click here to download the latest version of ProgDVB
How to Use ProgDVB with TBS TV Box
Take 5.x version of progDVB, Now we would like to demonstrate how to set up progDVB when you install TBS TV box or TV tuner card. After installation, you may select “Not start device” and start TBS Device from device list later. Also tick “Install MPEG-2 Decoder” while installing.
Copy “BDA.device” which you can find on Installation CD ..\Progdvb\ to the Modules directory where you installed ProgDVB. For example, if you installed ProgDVB at C:\Progdvb\Progdvb.exe , then copy BDA.device to C:\Progdvb\Modules\  Copy “Controls.ini” file to ProgDVB root directory to make remote control works with Progdvb.
Now double click Progdvb.exe, after the main window pop up, click “Settings”→“Device list”.
A “Device list” window will pop up, find TBS Device in the device list, for example TBS Q-Box  was found in the picture below, click to choose it and click “Start”, while the icon in front of “TBS Q-Box” turn green, TBS Q-Box has been successfully started.
Click “OK” to close “Device list” window.
Click “Settings”→“DiSEqC” to pop up “Sat position and DiSEqC settings” window.
Choose your DiSEqC types from “None”  “Mini-DiSEqC”  “1.0 or 2.0” and “Custom”. Tick “Distinguish” “By frequency” and click “Add LNB” to pop up “LNB Settings” window.
Choose your LNB type and type in your LOF Frequency. Choose the satellite from the scroll down menu.
Click “OK” to return to “Sat position and DiSEqC settings” window. Click “OK” again to return to main window.
Click “Channel list”→“Channel search”→“Satellite” to scan all the transponders in your satellite.
The default Transponder parameters may not be the latest and correct. You’d better scan each single Transponder by click “Channel list”→“Scan transponderThe “Scan transponder” window will pop up.
Choose the satellite from the scroll down “LNB” menu, choose the transponder from the scroll down “Transponder” menu. If you can’t find the correct transponder parameter, you can edit the correct “Frequency”, “Polarisation” and “Symbol rate” by yourself then click “Scan”. To check latest satellite Transponder information, please refer to http://www.lyngsat.com
The successfully scanned channels will be saved on the panel which is at the left side of the main window. The channel with green tick is free channel and the channel with red tick is encrypted. The channel with R mark is radio program.

2011年4月21日星期四

How to Use DVB Dream

How to Use TBS Viewer

 What is TBS Viewer
 The TBS Viewer application is an OEM version of DVB viewer, which based on DVB Viewer technology and enables you to explore digital TV for pc.  You will benefit from its amazing functions of scan HD channels, electronic programming guide and video capture. Normally you should just install the V20100906. But if you have problem with HD channels like stuttering, you can try version 20100921. Please note that the TBS Viewer version 20100921 doesn't support DXVA, but it works better with several H264 decoders in combination with our DirectX Renderer. You might use this version only if problems appear with EVR or VMR9. This version is just for systems which are totally messed up and it does not work with DXVA. TBS viewer is only compatible with TBS Users who owned TBS computer TV card, such as Qbox 3, TBS 6981, TBS 6980 etc.
How to Run TBS Viewer
 To run TBS Viewer, first, you should click the right button to pop out the window, and then choose the “Channel scan”. The windows of “Scan channels” will pop up. You can select existing satellite transponders list from the scrolling down menu. Then set up the DiseqC, LNB LOF1, LOF2 and LOF SW, input transponder Frequency range here and start scan by frequency or by range. If you don’t use any Diseqc, just choose “None”, if you do use Diseqc, choose correct Diseqc type as your computer
After scan is completed, the found program numbers will be shown and the satellite program list will be automatically saved. You can close the “Scan channels” window.
 Watch Satellite TV for PC
Move the mouse to the right part of the TBS Viewer main window, the channels list window will appear. Double click a selected channel to play.
 TBS viewer allows to link many different Video/Audio codecs. To change Video/Audio codec, right click to pop up menu window and click the “Options”, enter the “Decoder” menu. Double click related options to select different codecs.
If your system is Windows 7, you can select “Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder” which is bundled in the system. After finished, you can watch the satellite TV for your personal computer now.

2011年4月19日星期二

How to Install a QBox USB DVB-S2 TV Box on a Computer

A Qbox USB DVB-S2 TV box is a kind of computer TV card which allows you record and watch digital HDTV programs your personal computer..Many of these PC TV boxes can connect to your computer via USB cable and quickly allow your computer the ability to connect to an antenna or cable/satellite receiver. Some even supports CI port and allows you insert CAM and smart card to watch encrypted channels on your desktop or laptop. Here are how to install a USB TV box on a computer. Note that the installation process may differ depending on the type and brand of your TV box.


Install a USB TV box's Hardware

To install USB DVB-S/S2 Q-Box, you should set your satellite dish aimed at the right satellite. Connect dish LNB to Q-Box “LNB IN” with cable. Plug the power supply and connect it to Q-Box “DC7.5V”. Connect USB cord with one end to your computer and the other end to Q-Box “USB2.0 .then you can connect an audio cable (usually provided along with the USBT TV box) to your computer's sound card. Your computer TV card is installed. Next, you should install all the drivers on your computer to set up the PC TV box .You can sew the detail installation as below shown in the picture.


Install a USB TV box's Software

Step1: Cancel “New Hardware Wizard”
After installing the hardware, Windows may find new hardware, please choose “Cancel” from the pop up “Find New Hardware Wizard” window. We will install the card driver from Installation CD later.


Step2: Install the USB TV Box Driver

Insert the Installation CD into your CD-ROM. Click “Install Driver” while auto-run appears. A setup window will pop up. Click “Next” to continue. While the below window pop up, Click “Continue Anyway”.then, restart computer, “Find New Hardware Wizard” window will pop up again. Tick “No, not this time” and click “Next” to continue. Tick “Install the software automatically (Recommended)” and click “Next”. The windows below will appear again, click “Continue Anyway” to finish driver installation. After this, another “Find New Hardware Wizard” window will pop up, repeat previous steps. To verify if driver was correctly installed, choose “My Computer  , right click and choose “System Properties” to pop up “System Properties” windows, click “Hardware” → “Device Manager”. Then click “+” in Font of “Sound,video and game controllers”, if you can see “QBOX DVBSS BDA” and “QBOX DVB S2Capture”, that means you do have installed driver correctly.


Step3: Install TBSviewer

Click “Install TBSviewer” from CD auto-run to start installation, click “Next” until installation is completed. Double click the icon  to launch TBSviewer, right click to pop out the window and choose the “Options”. You can also choose another viewer, such as DVBDream, ProgDVB, AltDVB, Skynet, Skygrabber,TSreader.


If DVB S2 receiver is installed in the computer, you can see “Qbox BDA DVBS/S2 TV box” on hardware window. Then you can watch digital TV for pc now!



2011年4月18日星期一

Overview of Digital Satellite TV Tuner Card/Box

Digital satellite TV Tuner card/box is designed for receiving HDTV digital satellite programs on one’s personal computer. You can receive DVB-S or DVB-S2 programs with advanced DVB-S2 Satellite TV Receiver. The interfaces for TV tuner cards are most commonly either PCI bus expansion card or the newer PCI Express (PCIe) bus for many modern cards, but PCMCIA, ExpressCard, or USB devices also exist. There are Single TV Tuner, Dual TV Tuner and Quad TV Tuner available on the market. Generally speaking, dual TV tuner is the mainstream in the digital TV field while quad tuners are more often in the professional usage. This kind of dual tuner card allows users simultaneously receive dual DVB-S2/S TV channels; Users can watch one channel from one transponder/satellite while recording another channel from a second transponder/satellite. Alternatively the users can use one channel for data download while watching TV on another channel at the same time. Most of the computer TV cards are fully supported under 32bit/64bit Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 and Linux. It also supports the popular DVB software, Like DVBDream, DVBViewer, DVBlink, DVBcontrol, ProgDVB, TSreader etc.

Main Features
l  Digital Satellite TV & Radio Receiving
   Enjoy Digital Satellite TV & Radio on the Computer
   Dual Channels DVB-S2/S Program Receiving to Watch and Record Simultaneously (For dual tuner only)
   Both DVB-S2 and DVB-S Program receiving (For DVB-S2 models only)
   Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and Teletext
   Multi Channel Preview and Channel Recall
Program Watching Reminder
  Favorite List
   Dish Motor Driving Control

l  High Definition & Crystal Clear Video Quality
Support HDTV at High Resolution up to 1080i
Support MPEG2 MPEG4/H.264 Decoding

l  Program Recording and Frame CaptureReal time and Scheduled Program Recording
Time-Shifting free you from brief interruption
Frame Capture, Edit and Slideshow

l  Software Features
4:3 & 16:9 Selectable Aspect Ratio
Stereo Audio Effect Customization
  Remote Control and Hot Keys
Video Quality Adjustment

l  Others
Broadband Internet via Satellite*
High-speed Data Download via Satellite*
IPTV Streaming
HTPC

Hardware & Software Requirement
To use digital satellite TV tuner card/box, there are some basic requirements for hardware and software specification. Firstly, you must have satellite dish network, LNB, cable and other necessary accessories. If you are trying to satellite TV for your PC, your computer must satisfy the following configurations,.

Computer Configure

Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 or Linux
DirectX9.0 or later Version
Available PCI Slot
Available PCI Express Slot
Available USB2.0 Port (For USB devices only)
CD-Rom (Driver and Software Installation)

For DVB-S
1GHz Pentium III CPU or Above
256MB RAM or Above
Graphic Card with at Least 16MB RAM

For DVB-S2   HDTV(1080i/ (AVC/H.264))
3.0 GHz Pentium CPU or Above
1 GB RAM or Above
Graphic Card with at Least 64MB RAM

What Is DVB-S2


Compared to the DVB-S standard, there are two new key features that is superior than the first generation.

* A powerful coding scheme based on a modern LDPC code.
*VCM (Variable Coding and Modulation) and ACM (Adaptive Coding and Modulation) modes, which allow optimizing bandwidth utilization by dynamically changing transmission parameters.

As the test reported, the DVB-S2 performance gain over DVB-S is around 30% at the same satellite transponder bandwidth and emitted signal power. When the contribution of improvements in video compression is added, an (MPEG-4 AVC) HDTV service can now be delivered in the same capacity that supported an early DVB-S based MPEG-2 SDTV service only a decade before. Other features include enhanced modulation schemes up to 32APSK, additional code rates, and the introduction of a generic transport mechanism for IP packet data including DVB S2 MPEG-4 receiver, while supporting backward compatibility with existing MPEG-2 TS based transmission.

Main features of DVB S2 standard:

    * Direct input of one or more MPEG-2 Transport Streams (TS). MPEG-TS is supported using a compatibility mode.
    * The native stream format for DVB-S2 is called Generic Stream (GS), and can be used to efficiently carry IP-based data, including MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 services.
    * Backward compatibility to DVB-S, intended for end users, and DVB-DSNG, used for backhauls and electronic news gathering.
    * Variable coding and modulation (VCM) to optimize bandwidth utilization based on the priority of the input data, e.g., SDTV could be delivered using a more robust setting than the corresponding HDTV service.
    * Adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) to allow flexibly adapting transmission parameters to the reception conditions of terminals, e.g., switching to a lower code rate during fading.
    * Four modulation modes:
     QPSK and 8PSK are proposed for broadcast applications, and can be used in non-linear transponders driven near to saturation. DVB S2 8psk receiver is the basic usage in the non-commercial data transmission.
     16APSK and 32APSK are used mainly for professional, semi-linear applications, but can also used for broadcasting though they require a higher level of available C/N and an adoption of advanced pre-distortion methods in the uplink station in order to minimize the effect of transponder linearity.
    * Improved rolloff: α = 0.20 and α = 0.25 in addition to the roll-off of DVB-S α = 0.35.
    * Improved coding: a modern large LDPC code is concatenated with an outer BCH code to achieve quasi-error free (QEF) reception conditions on an AWGN channel. The outer code is introduced to avoid error floors at low bit-error rates. A single forward error correction or FEC frame may have either 64800 bits (normal) or 16200 bits (short). If VCM or ACM is used, the broadcast can be a combination of normal and short frames.
    * Several code rates for flexible configuration of transmission parameters: 1/4, 1/3, 2/5, 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 8/9, and 9/10. Code rates 1/4, 1/3, and 2/5 have been introduced for exceptionally poor reception conditions in combination with QPSK modulation. Encoding values 8/9 and 9/10 behave poorly under marginal link conditions (where the signal level is below the noise level). However, with targeted spot Ku or Ka band downlinks these code rates may be recommended to prevent out-of-region viewing for copyright or cultural reasons.
    * Optional input stream synchronization to provide a constant end-to-end delay.
Depending on code rate and modulation, the system can operate at a C/N between -2.4 dB (QPSK, 1/4) and 16 dB (32APSK, 9/10) with a quasi-error free goal of a 10−7 TS packet error rate. Distance to the Shannon limit ranges from 0.7 dB to 1.2 dB.

2011年4月12日星期二

How to Add a USB TV Tuner to your PC


If you want to watch TV show or live oversea channels easily on your personal computer, a USB TV tuner can realize your wish. You might say that you can watch streaming videos online or view television shows or movies that you've downloaded

However, watching a cable or satellite programming on PC is a total different experience in your life. A TV tuner card or USB TV box will also allow you to use your computer like a digital video recorder (DVR) and output video to your television. Now let’ us show you how to add a USB TV tuner to your PC.

Step 1
Firstly, make sure to turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals and wires. Then Open your computer case carefully. With a screwdriver, you might have to loosen or remover some screws at the rear of the computer case, but if your TV tuner is USB slot, you may need not do this, Consult your computer documentation if you're not sure.

Step2:
Ground yourself to the compute chassis with an ESD wrist strap that clips to a bare metal spot inside the computer case. Remove the cover plate from the rear of the computer case at the appropriate slot for your TV tuner card. The expansion slot you use will depend on whether your TV tuner card is a PCI card or a PCI-Express card. but if you bought a USB interface TV tuner, such as TBS qbox3, you can also connect it to your laptop directly.

Step3
Press the TV tuner card down into the appropriate expansion slot and fasten the back of the card to the computer case with a screw. Close the computer case, reconnect all wires and turn the computer on. Install the TV tuner software provided with the TV tuner card.

Step4
Once PC TV box is set up on your computer, you should put in the Drivers install disc in and download the proper kernel which comes with the TV tuner. After installing the drivers and software , you can begin to add your favorites channels on your PC.


Top 4 Picks For USB TV Tuner


With using an indoor or outdoor HDTV dish network, USB V tuner allows users to capture free HDTV channels or broadcast radio programmers. This USB TV box often can receive the satellite signal and connect to a free USB slot on your personal computer. In other word, you can watch the HDTV on your computer, Once those signals are captured, software that comes bundle with this TV Tuner is then used to view, record and time –shirt the HDTV channels. Even you are working in your office; you would never miss your favorite sport competition. This UBS TV box typically includes an Electronic Programming Guide for scheduling TV shows to record in advance using the Internet. Now today we would like to introduce top 4 picks for this fantastic USB TV Tuner.

Top 1: TBS QBOX3 USB DVB-S2 TV Box

TBS Q-Box III is the 3rd generation digital satellite USB box upgrading from TBS Q-Box II, which is the best DVB S2 receiver in digital TV industries. The main feature of this USB TV tuner is blind scan function. It is the newest TBS technology in this field. It supports both DVB-S2 and DVB-S programs receiving. It's a mini metal box for watching and recording digital satellite TV on computer. The connection between Q-Box III and computer is USB cable. Q-Box III uses computer CPU for MPEG2 or H.264 MPEG4 decoding. Driver and DVB softwares have to be installed before using. It's compliant with Windows 2000/XP/Vista and Linux Ubuntu/Fedora. Q-Box III can be used for one way internet via satellite or satellite data download. It's supported by most popular DVB softwares like ProgDVB, DVBDream,AltDVB, Skynet, Skygrabber, TSreader.

Top 2: Diamond Multimedia TV Wonder HD 600 USB TV Tuner

The TV Wonder HD 600 PCI Express high-definition DVR offers the ability to record HDTV (ATSC) signals, as well as NTSC signals. Attach an amplified high definition antenna or your TV cable and you can watch, pause or record analog and digital live HDTV on your PC or convert your recorded TV shows to take with you on your Portable Media Player.



Top 3:Pinnacle Systems PCTV HD Stick USB TV Tuner
The Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick can tune free Over-the-Air ATSC TV (including HDTV) with the included antenna, or analog (NTSC) Cable TV from a coaxial cable. You can then use the Pinnacle TV Center Pro software to watch and record TV shows, and Pause Live TV - just like a TiVo.Compare PricesRead Review

Top 4:Kworld ATSC 300U Plus TV HD Hybrid Stick 330 USB TV Tuner

With the KWorld ATSC 300U USB device you can enjoy watching and recording HDTV (ATSC) and Analog TV (NTSC) on your desktop or laptop. The ATSC 300U includes a multi-function TotalMedia application and includes an Infrared Remote Control. With the TotalMedia Time-Shifting program, you can Pause Live TV and resume playback from where you left off. Free HDTV with the included indoor antenna.


How to choose a PC TV Tuner


Many people would like to watch satellite HDTV on their computers. If you are going  to buy a PC TV tuner, there are several factors to be considered. 

1.What kind of computer will it be used with?
Whether you have a laptop or desktop, USB interface TV tuners are available for you. But if you have a PCI or PCIe Tuner, it requires you have a desktop computer. PCI/PCIe Tuner card can only be install in motherboard of desktop computer.

2. What type of DVB-S2/S TV channels do you want to receive?
Many PC TV tuners are only compatible with free to air (FTA) HDTV signal. If you want to watch encrypted channels, you have to have DVB-S2/S PC TV tuner receiver with a CI port, which allows you insert CAM and smart card.

4. What is requirement on your computer system?
If you want to watch MPEG4/H.264 HDTV, here is the based requirement on your computer system:

  Windows 2000/XP/Vista Linux
  DirectX9.0 or later Version
  Available PCI slot
  CD-Rom(Driver and Software Installation)
  • Dualcore CPU
  • 1GB RAM or Above
  • Graphic Card with at Least 64MB RAM

5. What system do you use in your computer?
Not all DVB-S2/S PC TV tuner receivers have excellent support in Linux system. It requires the receiver with good linux system driver, for example, different linux version, like Ubuntu, Fedora, Opensuse, requires different drive.
6. Do you want to download satellite data?
Not every DVB-S2/S PC TV tuner receive has good support on data downloading. It depends on both hardware and software support. You’d better make a comparision before buying the receiver.