Question about plugging in ntl stb without subscription

ma_123 · 11-12-2006, 10:55

I've just moved into a new flat and it doesn't have a working aerial socket but it does have all the ntl connections.

I've signed up for the ntl broadband service but i don't want a phone line or any tv other than the terrestial channels.

At first I was going try getting an adapter to plug the cable connection directly into the rf socket of the tv but a friend of mine had a spare set-top box so he gave me that so now I have the terrestial channels but with the benefit of a the tv guide.

Is there anything wrong with me doing any of this? Am I breaking any law or could I get into any sort of trouble for doing this?

thanks, i hope this is the right place for asking this sort of question

punky · 11-12-2006, 11:01

Yes... Unless the spare box is being paid for monthly by your mate.

The STBs are always property of NTL. So if anyone has a spare box, its technically handling stolen goods

ma_123 · 11-12-2006, 11:08

OK.
And what about just tuning the tv in via the ntl connection without the set-top box? Would there be any issues with that?

punky · 11-12-2006, 11:11

Not as far as I know.

Mr_love_monkey · 11-12-2006, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma_123

OK.
And what about just tuning the tv in via the ntl connection without the set-top box? Would there be any issues with that?

Would you even be able to do that? - I thought the whole point of the STB was to decode the signal?

11-12-2006, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma_123

OK.
And what about just tuning the tv in via the ntl connection without the set-top box? Would there be any issues with that?

That's how we used to get the normal channels before buying a freeview box. The NTL technician set it up that way, so I assume it's ok.

Graham M · 11-12-2006, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Would you even be able to do that? - I thought the whole point of the STB was to decode the signal?

In areas where the ANALOGUE signal is still being transmitted (and assuming your cable hasn't been disconnected at the Cab to make way for a paying customer's) some channels (Beeb 1,2, ITV, CH4, 5 and a few others) are sent unencrypted which allows TVs with enough of a frequency search range to display them.

ma_123 · 11-12-2006, 11:24

thanks

@Mr_love_monkey
yeah it seems like it should work fine, haven't connected it properly but when holding the cable connection to the rf socket i could receive channel 4 and bbc1 without even having to do any retuning.

Mr_love_monkey · 11-12-2006, 11:26

ohhhh - you learn something new everyday...

dranny69 · 11-12-2006, 11:28

i have a pace stb but no analogue tv aerial . is it possible to somehow connect an rf cable from the ntl box to my rf socket on my tv so i can tape analogue while watching digital?

punky · 11-12-2006, 11:34

Yup... From memory anyway., The signal is sent simultaneously to RF and scart.

dranny69 · 11-12-2006, 12:08

so how and where do you plug an rf cable is it into the stb then tv ?and do you then tune the tv in to channels 1 to 5?

jkljkl6 · 11-12-2006, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger444

That's how we used to get the normal channels before buying a freeview box. The NTL technician set it up that way, so I assume it's ok.

MATV services (which is what you have by doing that) are no longer supported so it may do you for a while but if anything goes wrong you'll be scuppered. Also a direct connection from the TV to the cable outlet introduces noise on the network which slows down broadband so you may find that if it's detected, the cable between your house and the cabinet may be cut leaving you with no service at all (they may be nice and put a filter on instead but I doubt it!).