Decrypting encoded channels? Virgin Cable?

[rob_writer]

I was just wondering if anyone can give me a brief overview of how one goes about setting up a PVR to decode encrypted channels. For me, this would either be TopUPTV on UK Freeview, Virgin Media cable, or in the future, satellite channels.

I can't find a good guide to give me an idea of what I need and how feasible it is. I realise I need some sort of card reader and software, but with all the acronyms I can't seem to get my head around what I need.

Can anyone help, or at least point me to a website that offers a decent explanation?

[stu8080]

Its not feasable using a capture card, neither Sky nor Virgin will license their CAM (card readers) to capture card makers so you cant simply slot a Sky card into on.

It is possible to pipe the feed from a Sky or Virgin set top box into your HTPC using a Hauppauge PVR-150 or anything with a hardware decoder and an s-vid input.

The only other thing i might suggest you might search for is 'D-Box 2', but its not likely to be something you could discuss openly in this forum. PM me if you want some more info about this, otherwise people will be more than happy to get you going with your set-top box and GBPVR.

[rob_writer]

Thanks for the help. I actually did a bit more digging after I posted, and came to the same conclusion. I've no interest in anything dodgy, it's just a shame that I can't create a slightly more integrated set up. I'll probably try to go down the blaster route with my Virgin Media box for now.

[sub]

I'm pretty sure you can decrypt TopUPTV with multidec plugins (which can be used with GB-PVR). I'm not sure with Virgin, but it might also be possible.

[Satori]

http://129.33.22.12/release/specs/VGXXL3_mksp.pdf

If I were to use this box, had the right cable card for it, and loaded GBPVR on it could it decrypt cable?

Keep in mind I will never own one of these (US$3,003!!!), just curious.

[sub]

No. That'll only work with Microsoft's Vista Media Center.

[nkh]

I'm pretty sure you can decrypt TopUPTV with multidec plugins (which can be used with GB-PVR). I'm not sure with Virgin, but it might also be possible.

It looks like Virgin are making things quite difficult....

mythtv - UK Television

Warning: Accessing Virgin Media services via a DVB-C card is a breach of their Terms & Conditions.

Virgin Media broadcasts standard DVB-C over their network. Most of the channels are encrypted with Nagravision and could be decoded with a standard CI and Nagravision CAM. Unfortunatly, Virgin Media lock their Nagra cards to only work with the built-in CAMs in their STBs. Theres no way to (legally) access encrypted channels from the Virgin Media network using this method, Capturing these channels via the STB with a analog card (PVR150 and it's ilk) is legal.

Virgin Media do broadcast a number of channels which are unencrypted, via DVB-C and in some areas analogue, all the BBC channels (1,2,3,4), ITV and Channel 4. Using MythTV with these channels is legal, however VM terms and conditions do not allow any equipment other than that they supply to be connected to their cable network so by doing this you will be breaking their terms and conditions.

[sub]

Yeah, it would be against the terms and conditions.

Some multidec plugins (also known a SoftCAMs) allow you to specify a serial number for the fake set top box environment they provide, so it might possibly still work. This is different than running real CAM modules.