| Hi Folks! Happy New Year. It's impossible to keep our on-line catalogue updated and include every single item that we stock. In addition, a lot of stuff is unlikely to be of interest to most people. However, I do receive quite a few requests for items that we stock but don't list. So, to help you out, I've provided a complete satellite product stock list for you to download. Just click on the "Get catalogue" link on our web site. Note also that our sister company "Vision Aids" also sells comprehensive security camera systems (for example four cameras recording onto a PC hard drive) and our "Telepart" (or "Economic Devices") company sells spare parts for engineers who repair TVs and Video Recorders. http://www.telepart.co.uk Next Thursday I'm going for a meeting with a potential new supplier. If all goes well, we'll be able to offer 50 metre rolls of cable on a permanent basis instead of "when it's available" as well as aerials that aren't broken on arrival. We'll also be able to supply CAT5 cable and possibly PA equipment as well. This mostly depends on the demand. I'm not going to take the time to put stuff on the web site unless people want to buy it. So this time PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SUGGESTIONS. Email me
ITV decision? I've been holding back this issue for news of ITV's decision on whether it will go FTA. ITV's contract with BskyB already ran out, so a decision is expected soon. Sky is waiting for ITV; ITV is waiting for Ofcom. Here's what we know: Another ITV encryption renewal From the news page - ITV, Sky carriage row continues on Saturday, January 29 2005, 01:26 GMT -- by Neil Wilkes ITV has signed another temporary renewal to its carriage contract with Sky as the dispute between the two broadcasters rumbles on. The extension will run through April, when independent regulator Ofcom is expected to report back on the situation. ITV asked Ofcom to investigate what it called "unfair, unreasonable and unduly discriminatory" terms offered by Sky for the regionalisation of ITV1 across the UK. Sky is asking for an estimated £17m for ITV's encryption and regionalisation, in comparison to the £4m the BBC pays for regionalisation alone. ITV confirmed today that the existing contract had been renewed for a further three months pending Ofcom's ruling. "ITV has agreed a further temporary extension to its existing regionalisation and encryption deal with BSkyB," a spokesman told C21. "[This] means that ITV1 continues to be regionalised and, unless it opts otherwise, encrypted on the digital satellite platform pending the outcome of Ofcom's investigation into the price BSkyB should charge ITV1 for the provision of a regionalisation service only."
Spanish Problem >Your "Piping TV around the house" has been pretty useful and it does point
>out it is aimed at the UK BUT it does indicate the information is
>applicable in Europe ie. Spain where I am.
>
>I have a Sky free to air card only with the digibox and TV in the bedroom.
>I purchased a secont TV (both TV's were purchased in Spain)which is in the
>lounge. The upstairs TV is connected to the digibox with a scart lead. I
>have laid satallite cable as outlined in your E.book from the digibox RF 1
>outlet. The picture is fine but the sound is just "a noise" . The problem
>is the same if I connect the upstairs TV to the RF1 and the downstairs to
>the RF". What is the solution? The UK Sky Digibox gives a PAL-i UHF signal. To get audio you must switch your european TV from PAL-G or PAL-B/G (whatever is selected in the on-screen menu) to PAL-i instead. (Refer to your TV User Manual or ask your supplier)*. Or use a Scart connection or a wireless videosender between the TV and Digibox. *Most european TV sets can select PAL-i or PAL-G. Some do it automatically, some via a menu and some via a hidden menu. If yours is a cheap model without this feature then you need to replace the TV or else use an RF modulator to convert the Scart output to a PAL-G signal. >I was proposing to buy from you a Digital Link system so that I can
>control the digibox from the downstairs TV. Will the Digital Link system
>work with your suggested solution to my problem? All our remote extenders are compatible with the Sky Digibox. (The remote control signal has nothing to do with the video/audio signals or with the problem you've described). However, the various "link" remote extenders can not be used if you connect an RF modulator. You would need to use a wireless remote extender instead.
Telephone Smartbox dialler In the January 2005 edition, "What Satellite and Digital TV" rmagazine an a short paragraph about this "dialler" that you can use to access Sky Active Services from your Digibox in Europe. The Smartbox connects in between the phone socket and the digibox. It extracts the number being dialled out by the box and drops the (0)870 ******** from the number for example and inserts a prefix of 067 (which makes the number "withheld") and also inserts (0044) to allow the international call to Sky's computer.  To get more information about this unit, I asked Mark from www.cabletec.tv to explain: "To enable it to be viable for Sky digital customers in Spain, we have linked up with a cheap call provider called Fonicatel (incidentally we also give resellers a 10% commission on the cost of the calls made by each customer) and the average cost of a all is 4.9 cents + the cost of a local call in the UK normally 5 pence. It has proved to be very successful on the Costa Del Sol; we have sold in excess of 500 units and our customers are very pleased with the product. We have been piloting the smartbox since August 2004, and we have overcome most issues, timing errors etc. However we anticipate in the next few weeks we will be expanding throughout europe - see map of countries in which the network will be set up.  We can "talk" to the smartboxes remotely.....for example. If we need to add or change any of the telephone numbers associated with the Interactive services on Sky, we can download new software to each individual unit, without having to re-visit the clients property. This is done via a unique server that we have developed and invested heavily on, but we feel this could cut a lot of leg work out for us. What Satellite will be publishing another one of our products called the Audio Delay. Ideal for pubs and clients living abroad that want the audio from radio 5 live in sync with saturday football transmitting from Canal Plus, Art etc." So there you have it. You can download more information about the Smartbox and Sky Interactive in the form of a 0.5Mb PDF file. Right click here. Does BskyB know about it? You bet they do. Does the "withheld" number cause problems. No, you can still access the Active Services. The only thing it will prevent you from doing is cheating on "Sky Multiroom" which requires you to have your Digiboxes connected to the same phone line. You can't do that with this system because the Sky computer can't see the phone number. So BskyB is in a win-win situation. However, they are contractually bound to switch off your viewing card if they discover you using it outside the UK. You can blame the programme providers for this but obviously they want to maximise their profits by selling separate rights for broadcasting to Europe so it's understandable. It's equally understandable that BskyB doesn't want to pay millions of pounds for the right to broadcast to Europe for the sake of a few (tens of) thousand expats - even if it was permitted to. So it's a stalemate but the Smartbox lets you be a winner, too! Big Dishes At last ChannelMaster dishes are back again, so we can offer you dishes up to 2.4 metres in diameter. These are sturdy items in Sheet Moulded Compound. They use polycarbonate (I think) with a fine mesh insert for Ku band use. The largest dish (2.4m) is in two halves for easier transporting. Having said that, transport isn't very easy. We can ship them across UK mainland (excluding islands) but we're not prepared to get them crated and shipped across water. The prices we've been quoted are unbelievable. So if you want one, we'll arrange a date when you can call in with your large box van to collect it from our Walsall warehouse. (Note that we don't normally take callers but we'll make an exception for big dishes). http://www.satcure.co.uk/page2.htm#large (top)
SatEuropa Many of you will know of SatEuropa; some may have bought from this company. Most of you won't know that Simon Docker is a friend of mine. We aren't really in fierce competition because Simon sells many items that we don't, and vice versa. Anyway, it occurred to me that some of you may not be aware of this excellent company, which specialises in Technisat products, so I want to start you off by directing you to Simon's information section where you'll find reviews of several products that might be of interest: http://www.sateuropa.co.uk/information/tests/ In the Information section you will also find details of other subjects, such as Internet via satellite.
Manhattan Receivers 
Many of you may have read the reviews of the "Plaza" receivers by Manhattan in "What Satellite and Digital TV" magazine. For those who haven't, I've put links to the reviews on our catalogue page. http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page14.htm Please scroll down past the "bundles" to the receiver-only section where you'll find the Plaza receivers. We do stock ALL of the Manhattan range but I may not have gotten around to listing them by the time you read this. These receivers got pretty good reviews in the magazine and, for the first time since we started offering the Manhattan brand, I think I can safely recommend them. I also recommend that you buy "What Satellite and Digital TV" magazine. In my opinion it gets better with every issue. And another one that might interest you is "Digital Satellite Choice". The February 2005 issue (Out January 20th) gives a run down on how to pick between the latest flat screen TV technologies. (top)
Panasonic problem >Equipment made by: Panasonic Sky
>Model number on label or rear panel:
TU-DSB30
>
>What I want to know (plus any other relevant information):
>
>I have purchased a used Panasonic TUDSB30 receiver and Triax sky dish.
>After initial detection of the Astra 2 satellites the receiver switched to
>standby almost imediately. Now I cannot get the receiver to lock to any
>satellite.
>
>My question is: do you think the Panafix2d filter will cure the problem or
>should I be looking elsewhere. The LNB is a Skyware SX1019/S. The other
>numbers on this LNB are : KR12 4 46 00973 and 3112 298 02321. I have also
>tried the dish with a Panasonic TU-DSB20 and I cannot even get a signal
>strength reading on that.
>
>Thank you for any suggestions you can provide Connect your TU-DSB30 receiver to a good dish system and force a software download to make sure it's got the latest. If the receiver still doesn't work correctly, you have a choice of trashing it or getting it repaired. As described on our web site, the SkyWare LNB is incompatible with Panasonic receivers and may give "No satellite signal..." on some channels. >Thanks for your quick reply. I think I'll try a different LNB as I have now
>read the information re Panasonic and Skyware LNB's
>
>John I recommend you follow the advice that I gave, instead. The LNB wouldn't cause the symptoms that you described. >Martin,
>I would like to thank you for your excellent assistance. You were absolutely
>correct in your diagnosis. I managed to get a good signal on my dish and
>then performed a software download and everything works perfectly.
>
>I find the symptoms of the problem odd as the receiver appeared to work for
>a short time (though not loading channels) and would then switch to standby.
>
>Still your recommendation cured the problem.
>
>Once again thanks for all your help.
>
>John I'm glad you were able to cure the fault without wasting any money. However, if the LNB incompatibility problem does occur, you know where to come! (top)
Surge Protector >Looking for surge protector that fits on F socket at back of digibox (
>between box and LNB ) used to be supplied by CPC. I think it was German,
>Appreciate any help. >Regards, Mike. Yes I know what you mean. We were offered some by the manufacturers. I turned them down because the device is a waste of money. A direct lightning strike on the LNB will destroy everything in your house. An indirect strike nearby will not affect the LNB. Any induced currect will flow down the cable braid so simply ground that before it enters your house. Also ground the dish itself. Most damage is done via the telephone line anyway. Click here.
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Happy Customers
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3270942 Dear Satcure, Just writing a quick note to say thanks for the excellent service.The filter that I ordered to fix the "Satellite signal not received" on my Panasonic Sky box arrived in less than a day !! Fitting it was a piece of cake and since then no more problems. My wife has stopped "tutting" when she could not get the channel she wanted which means my life has got easier! Also, I had forgotten how much I used to like soldering to get things fixed. Thanks again very much and Merry Christmas to all the team at Satcure !! Gerry L.
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3268228 Prompt delivery and everything working fine. Many thanks, Pip
Sky+ installer omitted enabling IR on RF2 output. I want to say thank you following using your Installation and Troubleshooting Information.
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 290768 "Many thanks, Nicola. For your info, the package arrived in this morning's post. So it was 4 working days to the bottom end of France. Not bad. And the TV link works well. Regards Dave
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3285440 Just wanted to let you know that you are brilliant! My wife and I have never used a solder before in our entire lives.....however, a bit of teamwork, 3 dabs of solder and 20 minutes later, my panasonic receiver now picks up all the channels it couldn't before. I only wish I had found your website 12 months ago. Thank you very much.... a brilliant fix. Ian
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3302601 Just a quick note to say thank you. I downloaded it today. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and will look out for more useful tips in the new year! Warm wishes, Marie
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3295380 Prompt delivery, installed and working correctly. I wouldn't expect anything less! Bought from you as you know what you are talking about and even showed the inside of the Pace digibox with PSU details etc before purchasing. Well done. Regards Rob
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3297084 Thank you for my order which arrived within 4 days. That can be expected at this time of year, so I was quite happy. My order was a Relkit 33b for the power supply of a Grundig GDS 200/1 which was dead! On replacing the capacitors, the box immediately fired up and I was well pleased. I, however found that my viewing card had a problem. Although it has a little yellow house on it, it seems to be an earlier version of the present card. ITV Channels 4 and 5 do not appear on the EPG although I can get them with "Add Channels". Anyway, I'll ask the query on your technical section to see if they can help. Many thanks for your service and I hope you all enjoy the festive season. Doug.
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3310963 Hi Janet, Many thanks for email I recieved the PanaFix2d Filter as ordered by 09:30 the next day. Great service. The filter only took 15 mins to install as instructed and works perfectly. Tell Martin it is an excellent fix and has cured a problem we have put up with for the last 6 months. Many thanks and a Happy New year to you all. Terry
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3315927 Hi, Thanks for sending me an e-mail asking if my order has been recieved. Well, it has, in very quick time for such short notice, and I have had no problems with it either. Much Obliged! Stphen
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3312775 Just a big thank-you! The kit I ordered on 20 December arrived just two days later (in France), which is pretty good going at any time, let alone the week before Christmas! I guess thanks are due to the Royal Mail and La Poste too, but I don't know how to do that, so I'll just take this opportunity to thank you (again) and wish you all the very best for 2005. Paul
Re: SatCure Keep-me 3343058 Hello Martin/Nicola, The goods arrived promptly this morning. Many thanks for an excellent service. You shall be my first choice next time I am requiring parts such as this. Best Regards, Andrew.
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3361171 Hi I ordered two scart cables at 2 pm yesterday. They arrived first post today, 18 hours later, ordinary post. What kept you? Thanks for brilliant service!!!!! Barry
Cust Ord: 3361313 Just a quick note to say thank you very much for providing such an excellent web-site, good advice, and very prompt delivery of parts. I fitted the RELKIT to my Grundig digibox and am now delighted to have all channels working again. Many thanks! Heather S.
Re: SatCure Order number: 3289364 Martin We had some recent email conversation about a potentially faulty Global Loftbox over the festive period. I've had the unit replaced and all now works wonderfully as originally intended. I obviously had a faulty loftbox and just wanted to keep you up to date with the remedy and thank you for your help. Regards John
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3338147 Just to say thanks for the GDS 200 PSU repair kit and soldering kit I ordered recently. It was sent lightning fast (I ordered by internet on Sunday and received in the post on Wednesday - Monday being a Bank Holiday). My Grundig Digibox is a GDS 200 and recently started 'losing channels'. After checking connections, reterminating the coax at the LNB etc etc to no avail, I analysed the faulty channels - it was clear that all the 'H' channels displayed 'no satellite signal being received', but all the 'V' channels were ok. Using the 'Add Channels' function ,'V' channels were added even if 'H' was selected - a sure sign that either the LNB was faulty or the GDS 200 failing to control the LNB. A quick test of the Voltage at the LNB connector on the Digibox showed it was stuck at around 13.5V for all channels. Given that the Digibox is 5 years old and noting the comments about GDS200 dodgy PSUs on the Satcure site I decided that the PSU could be the problem and ordered your repair kit. It Regards Jon D
Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): Keep-me : 3343445 Delivery day after. No instructions. Went like a dream. Still have pixelisation though so have to buy a new box. Better to spend £50 on LNB and cable unnecessarily than £200 on Box. Now 90% signal and quality. Old LNB was probably 2nd hand when installed judging by state & taping up. Cable had junction behind drainpipe. Many thanks. Will definitely use you again and the web site is excellent. Could do with one on "Pressuriesd central heating" my other ongoing problem. Dermot MP: Anyone able to write about Cental Heating and/or air conditioning? Please contact me!
(top) Note: Mediabullet has closed down. (Thanks for all the fish). Sky Digital Online http://www.skydigionline.co.uk (top)
eBook Updates -
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