When you buy a satellite decoder you must first start from its type and only then analyze the characteristics and functionalities of the single model.To help you understand which decoder is right for you, we have identified the five main types, from the zapper for free channels to the CAS Box and Common Interface for the paid ones, without neglecting the Linux models and those dedicated to tivùsat and Sky.When you buy a satellite decoder without the necessary knowledge, it is easier to make mistakes, both in terms of compatibility with the satellite system to which it will be connected and for its intended use.There are those who buy a zapper designed for free channels thinking that it can also be used for encrypted or paid ones, or those who invest hundreds of euros for a top of the range multi-coding and then discover that it is partially compatible with tivùsat but not with Sky .Even if the new generation decoders, regardless of their type (zapper, CAS, CI, etc.), are true all-rounders and therefore capable of advanced features that in the past were only available on top of the range models, the choice of the ideal decoder for your needs it is a delicate operation that must be faced with the right knowledge and advice from experts.In order not to make mistakes and start off on the right foot with your new satellite system, we have selected five types of decoders, from the simple and economical zapper dedicated to free channels to CAS Box and Common Interface (also with Linux operating system) for pay channels. -tv, without neglecting the customized models for tivùsat and Sky.The aim is to guide you towards the type of decoder that best suits your needs and your satellite system, explaining what it can do (and what it can't) and providing a brief description of its main features and functions.The Anglo-Saxon term “free-to-air” (acronym: FTA) indicates “free” radio and television broadcasts, ie free, broadcast by any means of transmission.This term is also used to define digital decoders suitable for receiving this type of transmission which, more and more often, are called zappers.Over the years, zappers have inherited most of the functions of CAS / CI decoders (see below) such as HD reception (DVB-S2 MPEG-4), PVR for video recording radio and television programs on USB sticks and hard drives, the Mediaplayer that transforms the decoder into a digital music, photo and video player, compatibility with most satellite systems thanks to the DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2, USALS and SCR commands, the Blind Scan search that detects active frequencies and it stores all the channels found even without knowing the transmission parameters.The zapper decoders on this list can benefit from the 30 euro TV Decoder Bonus.Some zappers like this integrate both the DVB-S2 HEVC satellite tuner and the DVB-T2 HEVC Main 10 satellite tuner for the reception of the new digital terrestrial channels.The new generation zappers can be connected to the internet via cable (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi (with standard / optional USB dongle) to see IPTV channels, listen to Web Radio, read news and weather forecasts, consult maps geographical / road, etc.The reception of free satellite channels is also possible on some Android TV boxes equipped with DVB-S2 MPEG-4 / HEVC tuner (sometimes also DVB-S / S2 + T / T2 “combo”).Some zappers, even inexpensive ones, can be reprogrammed with a “modified” firmware that emulates the functionality of a CAS Box decoder (see below) to illegally decode some foreign pay channels.The term "CAS BOX" identifies those satellite decoders (but also terrestrial) with a conditional access module inside that is used to decode the encrypted transmissions of pay-TVs such as Sky or simply encrypted such as those of tivùsat (called "free -to-view ").CAS BOXES do not cost much more than zappers and are an excellent solution for those who want to see free channels but with the future possibility of accessing encrypted / pay ones as well without having to change decoders.The CAS module usually supports one or two encryption standards (for example Conax and Nagravision) and is combined with a smart card reader that enables viewing of encrypted channels based on subscription rights.Thanks to the "mod" firmware that we have already seen in the zapper decoders, it is possible to reprogram this module by adding other coding systems (Viaccess, Seca, Cryptoworks, Biss, etc.).In this way the CAS is transformed into Multi CAS to decode, again with an official smart card or “pirate” codes, numerous pay satellite channels.The CAS BOX can decode the tivùsat channels only if the CAS supports the Nagravision Tiger and / or Merlin standards but not the Sky television offer because its conditional access technology (Videoguard) has never been licensed to other decoders. outside the “official” Skyboxes (see section dedicated to Sky Q).The CAS BOXes offer the same functions as the zappers (PVR, Mediaplayer, connected apps, Blind Scan, DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 support, USALS, SCR, etc.).In the high-end models we also find the management of free and paid IPTV platforms (such as Stalker and Xtream), access to YouTube, Wi-Fi connection and integration with smartphones for the management of some functions remotely (list channels, EPG, touch remote control) and the streaming of satellite channels on the mobile device.Some CAS BOXES adopt the Android operating system which allows access to thousands of free and paid apps from the official Google Play store as well as expanding the functionalities (eg: Netflix, Prime Video, RaiPlay, DAZN, etc.) and the equipment of the decoder (e.g. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, wireless controller / keyboard / mouse / touchpad support, etc.).Several CAS BOXES are also equipped with a second tuner, of the satellite type (to enhance the PVR thanks to the complete autonomy of multiple recordings) or terrestrial to tune and record DVB-T2 HEVC channels both in clear and encrypted.The new generation CAS BOXES are all compatible with high definition (Full HD) broadcasts and more and more models also support 4K Ultra HD.To avoid rapid obsolescence, we recommend that you carefully evaluate those models that already support the HEVC H.265 codec: even if the channels that use this standard are still few, in the course of 2022 they will grow exponentially and will only be visible on decoders already compatible with this. codec.The CAS BOX on this list can benefit from the 30 euro TV Decoder Bonus.The Common Interface satellite decoders embody the evolution of the CAS Box as they expand the decoding possibilities of encrypted and pay-TV channels without being “tied” to a single coding technology.The conditional access module (CAS) is not internal as in the CAS Box but external and optional, which can be replaced at will to support different coding systems.The CAM CI module adopts the PCMCIA / PC Card format and also houses a smart card reader (single or double) where the subscription card is inserted.Depending on the model, Common Interface decoders can be equipped with one or two slots for as many CAMs.The second generation CI standard (CI + - CI Plus) has introduced some countermeasures to stem the phenomenon of piracy such as the control of recordings of pay-TV channels, both standard definition and HD.These recordings can be authorized or blocked directly by the broadcaster in relation to the single program or channel.Although apparently identical, the CI and CI + CAM modules are different: a decoder with a CI slot can only accommodate CI modules while the CI + slot supports both CI and CI + standards.In addition to the CI / CI + slot, Common Interface decoders can integrate a preprogrammed CAS module (with its smart card reader) just like CAS Boxes.The other features and functions are those already seen in the zappers and CAS Boxes: PVR, Mediaplayer, IPTV, Blind Scan, remote control, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity (the latter standard or optional via USB dongle), second DVB tuner -S2 / T2, Android OS, support 4K, etc.The models on this list can benefit from the 30 euro TV Decoder Bonus.Almost all Common Interface decoders support the tivùsat CAM modules and can therefore officially decode all the encrypted channels of the platform (eg: Real Time HD, Rai Movie HD, TV8 HD, etc.).Compared to the "tivùbox" (see next section), however, some dedicated functions are missing such as LCN sorting and automatic channel updating, personalized EPG (tivù) and access to interactive services (Rai remote control, RaiPlay and Mediaset Play on MHP / HbbTV platform).Some CI / CI + decoders (but also CAS-Boxes) of medium and high range are based on the Enigma 2 operating system (derived from Linux) which greatly expands the possibilities of use.Thanks to the "images" (firmware) and "plugins" (addons), software components that add new features, the Enigma 2 decoders can emulate multiple conditional access systems (even in the absence of CAS or Common Interface modules), update the list channels and firmware directly from the internet, access free and paid IPTV channels, VOD services, etc.On some Enigma 2 decoders it is possible to add a second or third tuner, plug & play type thanks to the hardware preparation, or an internal hard disk for the PVR and the media player.The decoders dedicated to tivùsat, in the jargon “Tivùbox”, allow you to receive over 130 Italian and foreign television channels, 60 of which in HD and 7 in 4K.Tivùsat is not simply a repetition of the digital terrestrial offer because it offers dozens and dozens of channels in HD and 4K that on the DTT are still in SD format and in low quality (MPEG-2).The Tivùboxes represent the most comfortable and safe solution to access tivùsat with any TV, even the older ones that do not support the tivùsat CAMs and not even the new digital terrestrial (DVB-T2 HEVC Main 10).They offer the full guarantee of compatibility (each model is certified after being subjected to strict controls) and everything you need to access the channels and services of the platform such as the on-demand contents of RaiPlay and Mediaset Play, the customized and updated EPG in real time, automatic channel sorting (LCN similar to terrestrial one) and the search for new channels even in standby.There are models equipped with PVR and Mediaplayer, others with integrated Wi-Fi and support for dCSS technology for new generation single-cable distribution systems, those compatible with 4K, etc.The Tivùboxes on this list can benefit from the 30 euro TV Decoder Bonus.Although compatible with free-to-air broadcasts, Tivùboxes do not always guarantee the same performance and flexibility as zappers, CAS Boxes and Common Interfaces due to the absence of some important functions such as Blind Scan search, transponder editing, the limitations on the number of channels that can be stored and on PVR recordings (almost always not exportable to a PC or smartphone for anti-piracy protection).The Sky Q decoder is available in two versions (Black and Platinum) and is the only way to access Sky satellite contents and services such as "linear" TV channels (those broadcast via satellite) and VOD services (Sky On Demand, Netflix, Disney +, YouTube, etc.).Sky Q Black allows access to Sky on the main TV, even in 4K HDR, to digital terrestrial channels and apps (Netflix, Disney +, Mediaset Play, YouTube, YouTube Kids, Spotify), allows you to find new content thanks to the control voice and personalized suggestions, record up to 4 Sky programs on the 1 TB internal hard disk and watch them whenever you want.Sky Q Platinum also offers multiscreen viewing throughout the house thanks to the additional Sky Q mini boxes and other devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs, it allows you to stop watching a program and resume it from the same TV, on another TV set. home or on smartphones, tablets and PCs, download the recordings on PC and mobile devices to watch them offline.Like all "customized" devices, it has many advantages (reliability, ease of use, cost included in the subscription) but also some defects.Although it is also suitable for the reception of free satellite channels, it does not easily allow free searches on other frequencies or satellites, it does not support encrypted tivùsat channels (with some exceptions) and it cannot control a motorized dish.Save my name, email and website in this browser for my next comment.If you liked this article and want to stay informed about technological news