My basic question is how I can utilize and what I can get out of having a DM8000 compared to getting a box from a UK provider, such as Sky.

Apart from the obvious that I can hook the box up with a satellite dish, which is kind of difficult where I live, I have to know of what else cool stuff this can bring.


How does it work with channels that are encrypted? How can I receive those channels? Can I buy a card at Sky or doesn't such exist any more since the introduction of the Box + channels offers?

I get the concept of a box that is Linux based and "open" source, but I still fail to see the capabilities receiving wise of the box. Hope someone can help me understand its full potential.

The standard boxes from Sky UK allow Joe Public access to hundreds of channels without having any technical knowledge whatsoever. You take it out of its delivery carton, connect it up and away you go. Its idiot proof. They all operate the same so one in the Channel UIslands will be set up exactly the same as one in the Shetland Islands.

A Dreambox / linux receiver is a high end enthusiasts receiver which is infinitely customisable. You can do all sorts of interesting things with them, BUT they take a long time to learn how they work under the bonnet - you dont take one out of its box and get the best out of it until you have spent hundreds of hours delving "under the bonnet", broken it a few times, and fixed it.