January 1997 Issue

Satellite Watch News January 1997 Issue

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New Battery Card Boot Strap Program Proven Successful

The folks in the satellite underground have released a new Boot Strap program that seems to have immunized the battery card from the present rash of ECM's being sent by DirecTv and USSB. The only way that a end user can obtain a copy of the new Boot Strap program is by sending their card to their test card dealer. After the new Boot Strap program is loaded into the Dallas ram onboard the battery card, people who purchased a programmer for loading the Main#.enc file into their battery card, will be able to start using the new, more secure Main#.enc files.
One card dealer told the SWN, this new Boot Strap program really is working well so far. They have been monitoring cards with both the new and old boot strap program for three weeks, the card with the new Boot Strap program has not been shut off once, while the card with the old boot strap program has been shut off three times in the same period. It seems that this new program really has made the battery card a viable product once again.
Editor's Note: If you should decide to send your test card back to your dealer for this upgrade, it is highly recommended that you contact the dealer first to find how long it will take to get your device upgraded and returned to you. Some Card dealers may also request a fee for this upgrade, to cover shipping and handling. Find out prior to shipping your card if any fee is being charged for the upgrade.

Patent Infringement Against DSS

What a difference a day makes! Instead of doing the suing, the DSS cardres are getting sued for, of all things, patent infringement. In a case filed in November, but just recently unsealed, the International Trade Commission is investigating whether DirecTv, USSB, Thomson Consumer Electronics, Hughes, Toshiba, and others, have ripped off the patents of Personalized Media Communications of New York.
In a move likely to stun the industry, the complainants are asking San Jose District Court to have the DSS gang "cease and desist"! This means, shut down the birds, pull the plug on the whole operation! If that doesn't reverberate through the industry, nothing can.
The patents covers PMC technology allowing end-users to customize processing of a broadcast signal and have greater control over programming content. If the commission supports PMC's claim, it could issue an order banning importation of receivers and a cease and desist order directed to all five DSS manufacturers. It could also order DirecTv and USSB to cease and desist from providing signals to unlawfully imported receivers. Sony Corporation, another DSS manufacturer, is excluded from the suit, as they are licensed to use PMC's technology.
It just goes to show that the satellite broadcast industry, with its "holier than thou" attitude about stopping the evils of piracy and suing anyone trying to provide any services that they don't officially approve of (like watching satellite TV in Canada - horrors), is also capable of stepping on a few toes themselves. Stay tuned....

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Howdy,
Is it 1997 already? What happened to 1996? All of the projects that I had intended to complete by the end of 1996 are still not completed, well at least 30 percent of them remain unfinished. I am a person who likes to complete a project on time, even though I often do not. This time thing has given me great anxiety attacks in past years. So this year I don't want a new calendar. I will just turn back the old one to January 1996 on the first day of 1997, the same goes for the dos calendar in my computer.

I figure that I will have the remaining 30 percent of my 1996 projects completed around July 1997, plus or minus a month or so. If you want to send me a 1997 calendar do it then.

Coming Soon....
Pirate Video 8 will be released February 1997. This video is a documentary on the DSS system hacks from the beginning to present. I am sure that you will not pass this one up, as it offers much information on all the technologies that have been used to date. The cost of Pirate Video 8 will be $49.95 + $4.00 s/h. Oh, by the way, this video is sold for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as a tool to defraud any programmer from receiving fees due them for their services.

What will 1997 offer the satellite industry? As we all know, technology moves faster than the heartbeat of a person doing an aerobic workout. In 1997 we will see more emphasis in the area of digital satellites products. In some respects the term digital can be good, and in others it can mean greed.

From an engineering standpoint, digital video and digital audio is a great medium, provided that the original product, be it a video or audio, performance was created with a digital system. But, if the product is created in an analog format and then transferred and sold in a digital format, such as the majority of movies still created today, then this spells greed. In the DBS arena digital transmission is a must for the system to work the way it was meant to.

However, in the C-Band satellite industry there is not one good reason, other than greed, to change the present analog technology to a digital technology. After all, how many people do you know that have a $10,000 digital high definition TV in their front room?

Until Next Month
Daniel J. Morgan

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Dear Dan,
Hello from South Florida, nice and warm here about 75 deg. right now.
Got my December issue on time this month, on the 4th. Thank you very much things are improving.
Dan, I read on Direct Satellite that Music Choice was to start up song, artist and album ID on their channels, what happened? It never started on the first like they said.
Ron A.
Miami, Fl

Dear Ron A.
I am glad that you received your Satellite Watch News on time. Just maybe there is hope for our postal service after all.
I understand that DirecTv's Music Choice still has plans to go ahead with the artist, song title and album info, it just is taking longer than they planned.
Dan

Dan,
Just want to thank you for all that you do. Keep up the great work!
Grady

Dear Grady
Thanks for the kind words on the SWN.
Dan

Hi Dan,
I received by Dec. issue on time as usual. You think there is trouble with the US Postal Service, well, the Canadian system can't be far off. My SWN was received on Dec. 4, sent on Nov. 27. I received a letter from a city 40 miles from where I live on the same day, Dec. 4 but was mailed on Nov. 25!!
Do you know of an ad that has been in Popular Science Magazine starting that you can get sound for the VCII without codes, etc. for under $20. Is this a ripoff? Or is this the BIG FIX or should I say scam. I also found their web page at www.citiwide.com/nhe/index.html What is your opinion of nassarian? Can you investigate?
Keep up the good work!
R.Y. Canada

Dear R.Y.
Well at least our postal system has company in another country. As far as the ad in Popular Science, I think it's a rip off. When you get their letter it basically explains what scrambled services transmit their program audio on a "in-the-clear" subcarrier, such as KTLA, as many other services do. Don't waste your money. As far as nassarin, I will check them out further and publish my findings in SWN.
Dan

Dan,
Hi, I was wondering who is in charge of the view and next menus? Is it GI or is it up to each channel? And do they have an E-mail address so we can let them know how poorly they are doing?
BUD Owner

Dear Bud Owner
The Programmer inserts the information for the next program info text box. Most programmers have a WEB site that offers an E-Mail address. you can find them with a WEB search engine.
Dan

SWN,
Happy Thanksgiving, I received the Nov. issue that you resent me on 11/21 thanks very much. I have a couple of questions that Dan might be able to shed some light on.
Living in the far reaches of the Caribbean, we have relied for years on "C" band TV derived from 12-ft. dishes. This has gone through many stages from the early free-everything to the succession of fixes on the VCII systems, to the present "grey piracy" where we pay for the programming with a false US address. This, I might add, is the most reliable system as yet.
Now we have, for the first time, an alternative, "AlphaStar" which is up and running. Again we have to provide a US address to get the programming but the cost of the equipment and installation is peanuts compared with a "C" band system. I have heard however that "AlphaStar" is in dire financial straits and is likely to go under in the early New Year. Do you know if there is any truth in this rumour, or do you feel that if they do go belly up someone else will fill the breach? Secondly, with the problems associated with the DSS cards, do you feel there is likely to be a card for "AlphaStar"?
I personally hope that there will not be a fix for "AlphaStar" because, if there is, the likelihood of them failing is probably very much enhanced. Our only fallback then would be a "Dish" system with a 6 ft. dish but I also heard that EchoStar is not all that financially secure either! Can you explain why all these companies don't get together and get the rights to sell programming in the Caribbean? It would be better for all concerned and also allow for more diverse programming. Unlike Canada there is no conflict of interest with local programming. Most of the islands have absolutely nothing and crave TV from anywhere.
I must have bored you to death by now, but any information you have would be appreciated.
Regards,
A. Mudie V.I.

Dear A. Mudie
If I were you, I probably would wait a while to get into the AlphaStar scene. Their are many conflicting rumors, and at this point, a "wait and see" attitude may be best. If AlphaStar should fail, there are many factors that would have to be looked at and satisfied before another company would be willing to take on and continue this operation. As far as AlphaStar being hacked...only time will tell, however, I don't think it is likely.
A. I feel that if you wanted to try EchoStar that might be the way to go as they seem to be gaining a good foot hold in the U.S Satellite market.
Dan

Dan,
I have written you recently to ask for help in getting an order from North Sat Technologies. You said that you have contacted Eddie about him not sending the order and that he said he'd get right on it. That was Dec. 11, when you sent me the news. So far your requests to him to help me out have fallen on deaf ears as I have not gotten anything from his company. Is he all talk and no action? What's going on here, Dan? Why does he say he'll "get right on it" and then do nothing? What the hell is going on with this industry? All people seem to want to do anymore is to take your money and not deliver what they advertise. I know this is not exactly an above ground operation here, but that still shouldn't give people the right to think they can screw people. After all, Dan, the reputation of your magazine rides on the shoulders of the people who advertise in it. If they promise to deliver, but don't, then SWN is going to suffer when word gets around. Pretty soon you won't have anymore subscribers.
K.S.

Dear K.S.
I have forwarded your letter to Eddie at North Sat and also have talked to him on the phone about your situation and concerns. He explained to me that they were trying to get everyone taken care of.
Eddie also explained that they have been overwhelmed with orders for their products. Eddie did say that he would get to your order pronto. Keep me posted on the outcome.
Dan
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DBS Pulse by Gene

Primestar took a real smack in the chops by Consumer Reports in their first-ever comparison of DBS systems. Their comments were "primitive", less sophisticated and "little reason to pick" when compared to DSS, DISH and AlphaStar. Plus the fact that their churn rate the first half of '96 was over 40% can't make their cable company owners too happy.

In late Nov. EchoStar put a shot across TCI's bow when residents of Boulder, Colorado voted not to renew TCI's cable franchise. DISH network hardware was offered FREE to cable subscribers who bought the Top 50 CD programming package for one year.

Most TVRO and CE dealers are keeping both DISH and DSS hardware stock very low, expecting what one dealer calls a "blood bath" after the first of the year. "Chances are very good the stuff will be given away", says another. Mike Schroeder, CEO of CSS, says "If a dealer will just take a little or break even o the initial sale, the customer is worth more on the long term for other products and commissions."

Right, Mike! But you sold about 25% of all C-band hardware sold to dealers in the country this year and can afford to await long term payouts on DBS sales. The professionals can't.

I'm hearing of a couple odd DSS problems. This one I verified; a RCA receiver was missing all channels between 242 and 324, and another missing all channels below 307, both caused by using RG59 between the LNBF and receiver. Both were using less than 100 feet of cable. Also, that a Sony SAT-A2 receiver will not work on an original model RCA dual port LNBF, haven't seen this one, though.

A word of caution to those of you who buy, repair and sell used DBS hardware. Many have unpaid PPV bills and, even when you buy a new card, they won"t be authorized until the bill is paid.

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News From The North
As I mentioned last month, some incredible things happened last month. Upon application by the RCMP for an extension to further hold evidence seized during search warrants last July, the Judge denied the request as loudly as possible. Accusing the RMCP of being "duped" and working for corporate America, all items seized were ordered returned.
I was told by one of the individuals involved, that as the Judge gave his decision, the prosecutor objected, that they couldn't just give everything back since "...there is a bag with an unknown green plant material..." in it. The Judge seemed to care not. As of press time, there are about 3 or 4 days left in the 30 days which must expire before the items can be returned. It is still possible the Crown may appeal the Judges decision, and it remains to be seen. By the time you are reading this, either an appeal has been filed, or the items have been returned. Hopefully the latter.
It seems curious that, before this decision was made, an all out offensive had been taken by Industry Canada and the RCMP with respect to DSS in Canada. It seems the order of the day is that even owning one is illegal. I get the feeling that this was just a natural extension of the attitude of the RCMP after the raids in July. They seem to be treating television like it was drugs. HBO is the NEW cocaine.
The Courts seem to feel differently, however. In fact in the King decision, which we talked about a couple months back, the Judge validated several points we have touched on here in the past, most notably the Charter of Rights and freedom of expression. I have to wonder what the position of Industry Canada and the RCMP is NOW, after this most recent decision.
I get an image in my mind of a wounded puppy dog, running home with it's tail between it's legs. It's funny how after the raids, they enjoy the publicity and parade the evidence for the press and media. You almost couldn't shut them up! Then, when the Judge follows the law, and does what's fair and just and right, they have nothing to say! "We brought it before the Court, and the Judge made his decision. We have nothing more to add." You have to wonder what their comments would have been if they would have been granted their extension. They would have had another media circus, parading more evidence, holding press conferences. Instead, they are yelping all the way back to the doghouse.
On the card front, things are good and bad. The bad part is, the cards have been going up and down so regularly, you could almost set your watch by it. Plastic cards are still running reliably. The good news is that a new Dallas bootstrap program has been developed, the thought being that doing so would restore some security back into the MAIN files, since DirecTv now couldn't decrypt them. After participating in the raids in July, and obtaining copies of the old bootstrap, they were able to decrypt any MAIN files that were released, and tailor an ECM to shut it down. Also, it seems that all the MAIN files after MAIN13 have been little more than patches, which were also very easy to shut down. This was a result of the lack of any real talented programmers producing the files.
The new programmer, however, has shown his worth. Some new code was written specifically to combat the current ECM's, but was not released in old style ENC files. Instead, it was only released on the new bootstrap. This would prevent it from being decrypted. During several weeks of testing, while cards with the old style files continued to go down, the new bootstrap continued to perform flawlessly. Will there ever be 3 or 4 month runs again? Only time will tell. Given the events of the last few months, this has to be seen as a major confidence boost for the battery card.
At this time, all the battery cards will have to be reloaded with the new Dallas program. Although this may seem like an inconvenience, I think the final outcome of having longer lasting files will make it well worth while. I'm sure the time it will take for most people to send in their card and have it returned will be a small fraction of time compared to how long they have been down.
It seems some unscrupulous dealer's are also using this as an opportunity to make money. Charging anywhere from 30 to 50 dollars, consumers are being made to pay for something they shouldn't have to. Most reputable dealers are upgrading their customers free of charge, and charging a small fee for non-customers. It's only fair. The excuse being given for charging people for this upgrade is to pay the new programmer. The simple fact is, the group can more than afford to pay this programmer. The money collected for this new bootstrap will end up in someone else's pocket. There will also no doubt be scammers, who will give out addresses where to send the cards, and they will never be seen again. Be careful, deal only with known reputable sources!
As I sit and type this, I am less than 24 hours away from my own appeal, an appeal of a conviction under the Radiocommunication Act. It has been years waiting for this point, and the nervousness is undeniable. All of the issues I've talked about here in the last few months are the same ones that will be argued. Most important, is the freedom of expression argument. If I win this one, it will declare sections of the Act unconstitutional, and will be a major victory for the industry.
That is one of the main reasons I am fighting this: for the industry, and for what's right. By the time you read this, the appeal will have been heard. A decision may or may not have been made yet. Sometimes it can take weeks. Needless to say, I will keep you informed as to the outcome. The sad part is, if I win, I know it will not be over. There are still higher courts where it can be further appealed. And you can bet your bottom dollar if the law is declared unconstitutional, the Justice Department will not accept that decision without a fight.
Stay tuned next month for the verdict, and other interesting stuff. And Happy New Year. May it be prosperous, and search warrant free!

Dean

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Universal Press Release
Universal Electronics, Inc. announces the new SC-50 full coverage audio subcarrier receiver to tune from 100 kHz to 9.0 MHz. The SC-50 tunes the popular FM(2) channels below 5 MHz that the home satellite receivers cannot tune, plus many audio subscarriers above 8 MHz. The SC-50 receiver will provide full-featured audio services, music, sports, talk shows, religious programming, major radio stations, variety, public radio, plus many other services and all without any subscriber fees -- over 300 audio services! A single cable hookup from your home satellite receiver to the new SC-50 allows full coverage of all channels on C-band and Ku-band satellites. The receiver is fast to tune, easy to use and features a 50 channel memory bank for favorite services with a single touch on the memory button.
The SC-50's front display panel shows all information, frequency, wide/narrow bandwidth, channel name, and memory channel number. The unique automatic center turning indicator locks the selected channel on center for high-quality audio reception with no drifting off channel frequency. Any make or model of home satellite receiver can be used with the SC-50 to receive all audio subscarrier services on all satellites without reprogramming your IRD's audio section - - fast, easy tuning of great audio services. For more information contact Universal Electronics, Inc. at 614-866-4605.

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