MYSKY receiver..... is it copy-protected at all?????

Forums › Sky, Neon, Lightbox › MYSKY receiver..... is it copy-protected at all?????

lannykaster

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#85350 17-Jun-2011 14:17

SKY TV have just been on the phone to me (literally 5 minutes ago) saying that they have an offer for 'selected' subscribers:

FREE installation of the MySky box (which is usually $100) and six months FREE use of it, then it just goes to $15 a month added onto your bill.

What i asked the girl, and she didn't know (pfft! typical eh. lol) is whether or not that there is a 'copyright' thing on the box that will prevent me from recording whatever i want from the MySky box to my HDD dvd recorder

she didn't know, but im sure ive heard that SkyMovies etc have a 'one time' record thing, whereas other channels arn't affected.

is this true?????

thanks guys :P

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lannykaster

64 posts

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#482222 17-Jun-2011 14:25

i don't mind transfering it to my DVD recorder in "real time"..... i just don't want to loose the option of recording, as i do tape quite bit (not movies though)

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scorpiworld

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#482232 17-Jun-2011 14:56

Currently there is no option to move recorded content from the MySky box to any other device, we are all waiting for this? the normal politics of copyright protection is holding back progress.

I think there is an option to plug in a HDD recorder between MySky and TV to record the live stream, but haven?t tried this myself.

lannykaster

64 posts

Master Geek

#482233 17-Jun-2011 14:59

thats what i would do, i think.

basically press play on MySky and start the HDD DVD recording whatever is shown on the picture.
i dont mind doing that :)

i've also just checked Wikipedia and it says that there are 'one-time' things on the Sky movie channels, but thats it. All other channels are copy-protection free

nate

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#482237 17-Jun-2011 15:08

Why not to do this?

kiwitrc

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#482256 17-Jun-2011 16:01

Yes you can play your recorded sky programs in real time and record them to a DVD recorder, I have done it but cant remember if it was using crappy Composite Video or Component Video (might work on both)

michaelt

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#482270 17-Jun-2011 16:24

I haven't tested this myself, but I believe Sky does use Macrovision copy protection for analog output of some (not all) channels.

If your existing sky STB works, it's very likely the MySky will as well.

If it doesn't, it is possible to buy a macrovision stripper (often called an 'image stabiliser', or something along those lines).

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Speedy885

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#482322 17-Jun-2011 18:52

nate: Why not to do this?

Great idea! It may also suit OP's needs because they record lots. Also with 1TB HDD's being only $80 or so at the moment so you have loads of storage space compared to a DVD recorder.

subfan

9 posts

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#492651 12-Jul-2011 20:42

would it work to have it hooked into the capture ports on the back of a PC TV card.. record to PC HDD or streamaround LAN?

JimmyH

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#492702 12-Jul-2011 22:49

Copy protection niggles are the main reason I have held off on the MySky.

I have since acquired all the hardware I need to defeat it if I want to, but it's currently sitting on a shelf. So far have been too busy at work etc to get around to hooking it all up to test it and then upgrade my STB.

To get the video off using composite or SVHS is very very easy. As michaelt points out you just need a video stabiliser. I think Jaycar still sells these - at any rate that's where I got the one I used to migrate my (paid for!) VHS collection to DVD a few years ago.

To transfer video off in HD over HDMI is harder, but not impossible. A combination of an HDFury and a Hauppauge HD PVR connected to a laptop should work just fine. That's what I plan to use if I ever get around to ordering MySky - so far I am happy just using a DVD recorder to the STB in standard def, and don't have a lot of time to watch TV anyway......

sbiddle

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#492736 13-Jul-2011 06:21

It's worth remembering also that what you want to do is illegal under NZ law (where video format shifting is prohibited). Don't expect Sky to have too much to say on the issue..

Regs

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#492777 13-Jul-2011 09:49

scorpiworld: Currently there is no option to move recorded content from the MySky box to any other device, we are all waiting for this? the normal politics of copyright protection is holding back progress.

even if it was legal, SKY would probably still block it. They wouldnt want you sharing your sky recordings with your friends... its a *paid* service, after all.

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JimmyH

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#493060 13-Jul-2011 20:19

Although they never had a problem with me using a VCR or DVD recorder to record content, which could also enable content to be shared with someone else. When I moved from UHF to satellite The installer even went out to his van and got extra cable, hooked up the DVD recorder, set up the STB output correctly and tested it recorded properly as part of the install!

How does that differ, practically, from plugging in an HD PVR?

I suspect Sky don't actually care in practice, and that Sky just implement whatever restrictions are needed to comply with the requirements of the people providing content to them, so that they can get content. If you pay your bills, just record for your own use, and don't do something silly like putting Sky branded material on torrents & youtube etc which could create grief for Sky with their suppliers, why would they be concerned?

sbiddle

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#493067 13-Jul-2011 20:34

JimmyH: Although they never had a problem with me using a VCR or DVD recorder to record content, which could also enable content to be shared with someone else. When I moved from UHF to satellite The installer even went out to his van and got extra cable, hooked up the DVD recorder, set up the STB output correctly and tested it recorded properly as part of the install!

How does that differ, practically, from plugging in an HD PVR?

I suspect Sky don't actually care in practice, and that Sky just implement whatever restrictions are needed to comply with the requirements of the people providing content to them, so that they can get content. If you pay your bills, just record for your own use, and don't do something silly like putting Sky branded material on torrents & youtube etc which could create grief for Sky with their suppliers, why would they be concerned?

The simple answer to that is somebody who can easily record content onto a PVR is one less customer who'd be interested in a MySky unit!

If you want content in an easy to consume format and be able to do what you want with your recordings the only serious option is a 3rd party DVB-S PVR or a PC with DVB-S.

tkr001

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#493082 13-Jul-2011 21:09

Got a blue card? Yes then Vu+ Duo

CYaBro

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#493104 13-Jul-2011 21:52

My father has problems recording normal Sky digital to his HDD recorder on some programs.
It seems to be hit and miss as to whether there will macrovision protection or not.
The recorder just comes up with 'This video is copy protected'

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