Dark Box

[jacton]

I have seen several references to a Dark Box. I have no idea what one is, what it does or who makes them. Is there any advantage of purchasing one to go with my impending installation of a 1.9 dish. I have not decided whether to go Freesat or Skyfreetoview, or both.

Any advice please!!!!

[satandpcguy]

a dark box is the name of a generic digital satellite receiver.

they do not have a full 7 day programe guide like Freesat or Sky boxes.
if channels change their frequencies you must manually rescan for the channels.
some can be "patched" to read sky cards.
some come with a USB port to allow the attachment of a USB Stick or external hard drive and receord directly to them - a cheap alternative to a Sky+ box.

[sateddie]

Hi Jacton, If you go for the Darkbox I would advise the 2007 SD (standard defenition version) In my opinion HD is well overrated. The 2007 sd version usb to stand alone hard disk has recording enabled (I believe,but check before you buy) the HD version does not have usb recording enabled at present although it says so on the box & we have been promised a software update since about last May, A lot of users are very disillusioned. The Technomate 1500 is a much esier box to use & the SD is quite cheap. Buy one off the owner of this forum if possible, after all he does a lot to help us novices, most sat dealers do'nt want to know you unless they can sell you a complete system. Keep the forum informed as to how you are getting on. Sateddie.