THE SPIDERBOX

What’s the difference between each model?

There are 3 different models of Spiderbox. The SD5000 SD7000 and SD9000. 

The SD5000 is the entry model and out of the three the least popular as unlike the other two is only Standard Definition not HD.  It has a 5000 channel memory blind scan search and one card slot. Connections are quite standard comprising of one scart, RCA, SPDF Digital audio, RS232, USB and the all important EthernetPort.

The SD7000 and the SD9000 are both HD and quite similar in specification. The main difference is the SD7000 only has one card slot and no modulator i.e. a TV aerial input and output. The SD9000 however has a card and cam slot and the modulator both models have HDMI RS232 SPDF Scart USB and Ethernet port. All models have USALS (Universal Satellites Automatic Location system)

What’s this Free Gift everyone keeps talking about?

The gift is actually a software patch that is downloaded from popular satellite forums and not a nicely wrapped present that comes with the box as some people have thought..  All you need is a USB stick to transfer the patch from the spiderbox.tv forum to your receiver.

Before we go on though we need to get one thing straight.

"If you purchase any Spiderbox product from us it will be sent to you as a standard unmodified receiver. By Law we are unable to add software for you or discuss how to install the so called gift when you receive your spiderbox." 

What I can tell you is once you have installed the gift/patch onto your spiderbox it will allow you to connect via the internet to the Spider card sharing server. In basic terms the Spider Server is a client that hosts a selection of official viewing cards of which your spiderbox can connect to.  So when you select a channel that would otherwise require a viewing card your spiderbox connects to the spider server which has an official card and shares the info that will allow the channel to clear on your receiver.

It is worth noting that the methods used for card sharing may be against UK and international law and teaching someone directly how to ‘steal’ is also a prosecutable offence.

What Channels do I get and how long does the gift last for?

The channels available will depend greatly on the size dish you have and the satellites you are able to view. For the best results a motorised dish is required with at least an 80cm dish. Remember the gift is an unofficial patch and there are no guarantees has to how long it will last for. Your best friend for the latest channel list is google and or the spiderbox.tv forum.

Do I need a permanent internet connection?

Yes although you are receiving the actual pictures via your satellite dish the Spiderbox requires a constant connection to the internet to decode the channels. If it is not possible for you to run a network cable from your Spiderbox to you router then a product is available called a dLan homeplug which turns any electrical socket into a convenient data network.