Foxtel Unencrypted Cable Users-Guide:
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Tutorial:

Introduction:

Foxtel employ an encryption method called ‘Newscrypt’ which remains one of the more sophisticated encryption methods and thus far, more difficult to perfect a decryption method. Using certain software and hardware it is possible to decode the Foxtel signal however depending on your computers hardware specifications, results can often be mixed.

The idea behind this website is to share the preceding information in regards to the technology and how it works. For the record, this website nor its operators encourage the use of this ‘system’ to gain access to ‘free cable’ or whatever you may want to call it. It is purely designed as an educational resource and if you want to support the service, pay for a subscription. That way, you can enjoy its full benefits!

 
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Requirements:

This guide is designed for those whom have access to an “ACTIVE” cable which supports Foxtel/Telstra Bigpond Cable. You don’t necessarily have to be paying for either service to retain an ‘active’ connection. Previous owners or disconnected service can still result in the cable itself being active and not disconnection either at the wall, box outside your house or in the street.

If you currently have Bigpond Cable, or already have Foxtel, then you of course have an active cable and you can skip ahead. Otherwise, you would need to test the cable itself. This can only be accomplished in one way: Test the cable with a friends cable modem and or Foxtel decoder box. Beyond this, you can’t really test the cable.

Assuming you have an active cable, you will require the following. Below you can gauge the expected results depending on your computers specifications.

Intel Processors:

Pentium 3 850Mhz: This will deliver mixed results depending on the channel in question and the images being displayed. Fast action will reduce your FPS (Frames Per Second) in the order of 10 FPS. Approximately maximum performance would be in the range of 10-20 FPS with averages existing around 15 FPS.

Pentium 4 1.6Ghz: A performance increase is noticeable when extending in the Pentium 4 range of processors, however again on fast action senses, FPS (Frames Per Second) will be limited. You can expect on average 15–25 FPS depending on the channel.

Pentium 4 2.4Ghz: On higher end Intel processors, you will reach 20-25FPS (Frames Per Second) however this may prove costly for the overall results you may generate.

AMD Processors: 

Duron 800Mhz: Overall, the AMD range perform better than anything in Intel’s range of processors. Within the Duron range, 600Mhz-800Mhz, you can expect results of 20-25FPS (Frames Per Second). This is significantly better than an Intel Pentium 4 1.6Ghz!

Athlon 1600+ XP: Typically the lower end Athlon range will perform in much the same range as its lower end counterpart the Duron mentioned above. However with that said, in low light conditions or faster senses, the basis of this system will improve picture quality. You can expect 25FPS (Frames Per Second) on average.

Sempron 2400+: At the time of writting, this processor can be purchased for $99 and with that said, ensures 20-25FPS (Frames Per Second). Unfortunately the software at this point, does not do the processor justice. In fast action scenes or dark black and white pictures, picture quality is poor yet this is the same across all processor types.

Note: 64 Bit Processors will offer no performance gain because the software used remains 32 Bit. Typically, the more processing power available the better the results!


RAM Requirements: 256MB Is of course the ‘recommended’ minimum for most operating systems with the Microsoft range. 512MB however is recommended.

Operating System Requirements: The software will work on Windows 98 and higher. You can expected ‘better’ results on Windows 98 than Windows 2000 or XP because of its overall video performance. It is simply considered to be a ‘lighter’ operating system. Turning off unused services and programs will of course improve the decoding process.

TV Tuner Requirements: Anything which using a BT848A or BT878A chipset is suitable. This is the key to the entire process along with the software which is designed around this chipset. Other chipsets are reported to work, however it is recommend you use the above.

Note: Manufactures appear to be moving away from the BT series of chips. For this reason older cards may need to be purchased if you don’t already have a TV Tuner.

Cable Requirements:

Depending on your circumstances you may need to make the required cables and have them cut to length if your active wall socket and PC are not near each other. If they are within one meter of each other, it is recommended you use pre-made cables as this will result in a better signal and ultimately better picture. All of the following items can be purchased from Dick Smith Electronics or Tandy.

Pre-Made Cable Option:
L4269 - This cable has an 'F Connecter' on both ends yet also comes with an adapter to change to a standard TV plug used on all Australia Televisions. Use this cable to go from the wall to the splitter listed below. It is 1.5m in length.

L4221 - Use this splitter to divide the signal between your Telstra Bigpond Cable Modem and TV Tuner card. If however, you only require cables from a wall socket to TV Tuner, disregard this item. If however you require more than two port, splitters can be purchased with more connected for much the same price.

L4264 - This cable will connect directly to the splitter mentioned above using an F Connection, with a standard TV plug on the opposite end for your TV Tuner card.

These three items can at the time of writing, can be purchased for $25.94

Customer Made Cable Option:

W2087 - You must use quality quad shielded RG-6 coax cable. For this reason it is recommended you use the following cable cut to the required length.

P2090 - Connect the following screw type F Connector to the ends of your cables. You will require three of these connections. If your wall socket will operate an already existing Foxtel connection, and this custom made cable is designed to service a computer/TV Tuner in another room, use the pre-made cable L4269 to go from the wall socket, and then the custom made cable to go to the TV Tuner if possible.

L4221 - Use this splitter to divide the signal between your Telstra Bigpond Cable Modem (or Foxtel Decoder) and TV Tuner card. If however, you only require cables from a wall socket to TV Tuner, disregard this item. If however you require more than two port, splitters can be purchased with more connected for much the same price.

P2020 - This connection will connect to the end of one of your custom made cables and plug directly into your TV Tuner card. On the other end of this cable, will be an F Connector which will connect to the splitter or wall socket.

T3640 - This tool is optional however will aid in the construction of your cables. It will strip the plastic surrounding the wires. You could of course use a knife, but may end up with a poor quality cable.

Putting it all together: 

Here we will describe how you to connect the pieces above. If you are unsure of your requirements then we have listed several possible scenarios below which may help you.

Wall Socket > Cable > Splitter > Cable to Bigpond Modem or Cable to Foxtel Decoder
Wall Socket > Cable > Splitter > Cable to TV Tuner
If more than one meter is required to go from the wall to the splitter and then onto the two devices, first investigate longer, pre-made cables with the required connections on each end. You will need an F Connection on both ends going from the wall to the splitter. From the splitter, use the same cable the modem originally used or Foxtel Decoder box (F Connection on both ends). Use a new cable with an F Connection on one end (connects to the splitter) and standard TV plug on the other.

Wall Socket > Cable > Cable to TV Tuner
Simply use cable which suits your needs in regards to length. If you cannot find pre-made cables already cut to length, custom make your cables. You will require an F Connection on one end with a standard TV plug on the other.