DVB-C tuner & card reader recommendation?

[jalyst]

Hi,

Just interested in users thoughts on a good DVB-C tuner (internal) + smart-card reader combo.
It's for a NDS/Videoguard2 encrypted system, I'm a paying subscriber & will continue to be one.
I merely want to integrate my Cable STB's functionality into my HTPC/PVR.

And for those whom are concerned, doing this is not illegal in Australia.*
Although it may be soon thanks to the FTA our Ex PM established with the US!

I intend to use:
OSCAM + SASC-NG + NewCamd + Myth** + TVHeadend + XBMC.

Not all readers are created equal, e.g. some allow for voltage adjustment so the smart-card can be "OC'd".
I don't envisage needing this so any Phoenix USB or PC/SC based reader, so long as it's mountable internally & externally will do.

I've found some that are mountable in a 3.5" bay, & some that have flash media read abilities included!
This seems like the way to go, so long as the flash media reader isn't crappier than the one in my case.***

*HID Omnikey 3921 [HID direct]
http://www.hidglobal.com/prod_detail.php?prod_id=191
$25 for reader, $30 for post (FEDEX)

*SCM SCR333 [TXSystems]
http://www.txsystems.com/scm-products/#scr%20333
$65 for reader, $40 for post (USPS 3-5 day)
*SCM SCR333 [SCM direct]
http://www.scmmicro.com/products-service...cr333.html
$0 for reader & $0 for post? (if all goes well then I can pay for reader + post [$10 airmail or $40 FEDEX])

*ACS ACR38F [ACS direct]
http://www.acs.com.hk/index.php?pid=prod...&id=ACR38F
$22 for reader, $29 for post

*AMC AICR-04 [AMC direct]
http://www.amcamerica.com/AICR-04.html
$35 for reader, $36 for post

*ZW-13015 [Zoweetek direct]
http://www.zoweetek.com/product_show.asp?id=322
$36.7 for reader, $7.5 for post

Does the reader just need to be ISO-7816 compatible, or is that too simplistic?
What else do I need to look out for other than Linux PC/SC driver to be sure it'll work?
It may turn-out that there's no spare 3.5" bays & the media reader built-in is not removable.
Hence why it's imperative that such a smart-card reader can also be mounted externally.

If you've had success with a PC/SC or Pheonix USB based reader, and it meets my requirements, please let me know!
(Smargo's ruled out because it's an external only reader)

On to the actual DVB-C tuner, I'm pretty much settled on 3-4 models:
[links to cards ytb inserted]

It really comes down which retailer in Europe offers decent price/support & is happy to ship to Oz.
Does anyone know of any good stores? Except for DVBshop, I found their pre-sales to be "lacking".

Thank-you!
*I believe it's not illegal or against the provider's TOS in a few Euro countries too.
**I might end-up using VDR instead....
In which case SASC-NG/NewCamd would be scratched, & VDR-SC would be used.
***Not decided on a final case, and I won't be before I buy the tuner and card reader.

[jalyst]

Anyone? Thank-you.
Tuner cards coming soon.

[sub]

For a DVB-C device, the TechnoTrend C-1501 cards seem reasonably popular. I have one of these and it works well.

I dont think any of those smartcard readers would work with decryption software like newcs. Software like newcs typically requires a Phoenix smartcard reader, like http://www.infinityusb.com/default.asp?s...roductID=7. Those other smartcard readers you link to a more for business applications etc, and talk different protocols to what you need.

This forum is really for GB-PVR rather VDR, MythTV or other software solutions.

[jalyst]

I was told in the OSCAM forum that: Phoenix USB, PC/SC compatible, or the Smargo are the 3 main reader types that can be used with OSCAM.
Sorry if this isn't the best forum, I just thought there might be a few European users with experience in this area, that's the main reason I tried this forum.

[sub]

I have no idea what OSCAM is, and maybe it can be used with these other types of readers.

Here people typically do their decryption with software card server software like newcs (newcamd) and multidec plugins like acamd, and these apps require Phoenix smartcard readers. Probably best not to confuse this with off topic discussion about OSCAM on linux boxes etc.

[jalyst]

Apologies is GB-PVR primarily a Windows based platform?
If so then the config. I mentioned in my OP is unlikely to be of interest to users.

So I may try VDR/Myth forums instead...

[sub]

Yes, GBPVR is Windows application: http://forums.gbpvr.com//showthread.php?...post377423

[jalyst]

Woops, my apologies, feel free to delete the thread if you want!?