General Using DVB-C Capable TV Instead of Freeview

RWCable · 16-10-2018, 17:59

My TV has a DVB-C tuner built in (it's a small Samsung monitor/HDTV). As I get terrible Freeview reception in the room it's in, could I just plug the co-ax directly into the TV and view the free-to-air channels? Would anything bad happen if I did?

heero_yuy · 16-10-2018, 18:30

If you're asking does VM carry freeview channels on their cable system that can be tuned directly then the answer is no.

All VM channels are multipelxed using the Nagra 3 system.

RWCable · 16-10-2018, 18:46

I read posts on the web where some VM customers plugged the coax into their DVB-C compatible TVs and got a channel list and some unencrypted channels which work.

But as most of these posts are from 2013 and prior, and as VM is phasing out the Liberate platform in favour of TiVo/V6 which I believe a lot of works over broadband instead of DVB-C (EPG, channel data but not content), I have no idea if this still works.

I just want the unencrypted ones we're paying for anyway, surely they'd work without a box/smartcard? Or are Freeview-available channels like e.g. Sky News or CBS Reality encrypted on VM (could someone with technical info please answer that just for curiosity!)

jfman · 16-10-2018, 19:25

The only channels unencrypted are the main 5 channels. Chances are you will get now and next EPG data and that’s about it.

RWCable · 16-10-2018, 20:51

Damn. Thanks for the info. I presume EPG data will also be gone once the network is TiVo/V6 only?

jfman · 16-10-2018, 21:28

Very likely unless it was overlooked.

nodrogd · 16-10-2018, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWCable

Damn. Thanks for the info. I presume EPG data will also be gone once the network is TiVo/V6 only?

DVB-C tuners are designed for open access cable systems, where there are free channels & you use the CAM slot & a Viewing card to access the paid for content. Cable TV in the UK is a closed system so everything is in a walled garden & you only have access through an STB. The main 5 channels have to remain unencrypted under current OFCOM rules, but receiving any more without the correct equipment is classed as theft of service.