The SatCure Satellite Review # 85

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

April 17, 2005

 

http://www.satcure.co.uk

See Newsletter Archive

 

Send this page address - CLICK HERE - to a friend !
If you find this information useful and want to thank me, why not buy one of my low-cost "eBooks" that you can download direct to your computer? My books can be read on-screen or printed out on paper. They are full of colour photos and illustrations. http://www.The-Cool-Book-Shop.co.uk

 

Hi Folks!

The new shopping cart is fully operational but we welcome comments about any remaining issues or improvements we can make.

Sky updates software

Sky is gradually rolling out new software for all Digiboxes. Don't worry if yours hasn't updated yet. You can't force it. It will happen by mid June. The new software fixes (hopefully) some bugs and introduces new functionality. For example, pressing "help" lets you switch subtitles on/off. In addition under Services --> Parental Control, you now have the option to PIN protect individual channels either permanently or after 8pm. You will NOT be able to turn off the red spot permanently but it does time out if you change its setting in the Services --> Picture Settings menu. Another feature can be seen if you press the zero button. This is for future selection of four-digit radio stations when the EPG changes to accommodate them. (One function introduced with the previous update was the activation of the "interactive card" slot. It's not clear, yet, whether you'll be able to use the newly announced Sky credit card in this hitherto unused slot). On the Panasonic models the new software is OS: 1.2S4F9 and EPG: 3.3a.6. This may apply to other models.

Finally, I must repeat that you can't force this update. Just leave your Digibox connected (on or in standby) and eventually it will update. When it does you'll find it in Standby and it will come on at programme 998.

New low-noise LNB

Seems that a lot of you fell for this April Fool! (Sorry) Obviously you can't have an LNB with a negative noise figure. I'm afraid the best we can offer is the Invacom 0.3dB LNB which is extremely good for fringe area reception.

New Products

My plans to introduce new TV sets never came to fruition because I couldn't find any that work with the Sky remote. Obviously there are some, but our suppliers don't stock those particular models. However I might offer some 12 volt models for caravans and motorhomes, if anybody is interested?

Ebay Traders

We are introducing a trade-only online catalogue which is aimed to help (for example) Ebay traders to buy satellite TV products in bulk at a discount. Obviously you will be expected to buy several of each item. We can't give discount for one "F" plug! Anyone interested should email me, giving details of their existing or proposed business, including web site URL and/or Ebay page. I will supply a password so they can use the trade-only web site.

(top)

Analogue switch-off

Many people are still asking me how to improve their analogue TV reception and don't believe me when I say "You are wasting your time". You should be installing a system for Freeview and, if it improves your analogue reception for now, well that's a bonus!

The timetable for switching off analogue TV transmissions has been established and Government approval is merely a formality. An area in Wales has already been switched off and more will follow. See

http://www.your-book.co.uk/switchoff.htm

If there's no Freeview reception in your area yet, then your only option may be "FreesatFromSky". For this you'll need a Sky Digibox (a used one will do), dish, LNB, cable and a £20 viewing card. Check your local newspapers and Ebay. There are some used equipment great bargains right now! Also see page 10 of our online catalogue. If you prefer to buy new equipment then look no further than page 9.

If you are worried about minimising the number of cables and "future-proofing" your system, take a look at our various Loft Boxes.

http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/loftbox3.htm

High Definition Sky TV

Sky will introduce HDTV later this year. In order to receive HDTV programmes you'll need a HDTV Sky Digibox. In order to watch HDTV programmes you'll need a TV. But you'll only be able watch HDTV programmes in high definition (720p/1,080i/25 resolution) if you have an "HD Ready" display which has a HDCP compliant connection.

(top)

Happy Customers


I just wanted to thank you for posting such clear photos on wiring F plugs, made it so simple!

Many thanks

Dennis


Regarding Customer receipt (Keep-me): 3537727

I ordered on Tuesday afternoon (late). Box delivered at lunchtime Thursday, despite me confusing you by giving you a mis-spelt e mail address!

I've used you a number of times and have to say the speed and efficiency is unequalled............ and your technical enquiry service is icing on the cake (used that too - thank you Martin)

Have a great Easter break

Arthur


Shopping cart order number: SA9400050848
Equipment made by: Grundig Sky
Model number on label or rear panel: GDS200

Hi

My order received the very next day - provided complete cure.

Information about multi-pin plug very helpful.

Many thanks.

Cyril


(top)

From Sky Digi Online ( http://www.media247.co.uk ):

  • See for yourself

(top)

eBook Updates

  • "The Freeview Bible" March 25th 2005.
  • "Piping TV Around the House" March 12th 2005.
  • All eBooks have been moved to a secure server which requires a username and password. Please contact Me with your original Order number and ask for the new download information, stating exactly which eBook(s) you purchased and the EBK number.

 http://www.The-Cool-Book-Shop.co.uk

 

The SatCure Forum

Meet other Satellite TV enthusiasts and put your questions or points of view here

 

Expat Forum

I can't recommend this forum for Expats too highly. It's run and moderated by Kay who puts in a lot of hours to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you are outside the UK or thinking of emigrating then you need to look in here!

 

Topsat TV

This newsletter is sponsored by Topsat. New Digital satellite catalogue available.

 

LOOKING FOR WHOLESALERS?

Check out FREE wholesale search engines:

US Wholesale Search Engine

TheWholesaleTrader

UK Wholesale Search Engine

Wholesale118

 

REMOTES

Looking for a TV or VCR remote control? Look no further.

Same Day Remote

 

Sky+ Remotes

only £24.97 inclusive from SatCure!

 

Some SatCure Special Offers still available

 

Earn pocket money

Read how

http://www.tnt-audio.com
is an audio enthusiasts' website, run purely for the fun of it. No money involved at all! Take a look.

The SatCure Satellite Review is written for the customers and subscribers of the following websites: http://www.satcure.com 
http://www.satcure.co.uk  http://www.your-book.co.uk 
http://www.The-Cool-Book-Shop.co.uk  

copyright © 2005 Martin Pickering