You don't need an internet connection for this system.

The system is called BBC SatBack and is a satellite back up for the UK terrestrial system. It is NOT an official service and may disappear at any time.

It is encrypted with a system called BISS. Up until a couple of years ago the encryption keys were changed roughly every 3 months but as it is a relatively weak encryption the keys were crackable and made available within a very short time. There were rumours the encryption system would change to something more secure but nothing has happened yet.

Bear in mind that it could disappear at any time.


The channels available are all BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Film4+1 plus the BBC radio stations. No EPG (electronic program guide).

The satellite can be received on a 1M dish. The decoder needs to be capable of BISS key encryption and work at a SR of 44100 - SKY boxes are NOT capable of either of these.  The most common box is an IceCrypt 1600 but other boxes are known to work.

I've installed loads of these if you are interested.

Nigel