
Originally Posted by
StraightSix
Google mo Sky Box ng British Sky Broadcasting ...
I don't know when they first used the system but I've been in the UK since 2001 and the subscription SIM card hasn't changed yet. AFAIK, hanggang ngayon hack-proof yung card. Without a subscription card, the proprietary satellite box will not function even for FTA (Free-To-Air) broadcasts. Furthermore, the activation gets done thru data link (via phone line) that should be left connected to the sat box. The subscription is tied to your phone number. Kaya hindi umubra yang pre-programming sa card.
Kaya mahirap kahit may extra Sky receiver ka ... you need another active card to use it, which costs £10/month more. Kung deactivated na yung card (like canceled subscription), Free-To-Air channels lang mapapanood mo, pero naka-lock naman yung satbox sa Astra satellite.
BTW, when we visited relatives in Australia, I saw the same type of system in use by their cableTV provider ... same box, same remote ... cable nga lang instead of satellite.