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QUESTION:
What are the chances of getting caught when watching my DBOX2, and how can I minimize this risk?
LIAM SAYS:
Your chances of getting caught whilst watching a DBOX2 are practically zero. The UK cable system works on the principle of %u201Ctalkback%u201D. Talkback is a method that cable companies use to identify box locations, channels purchased etc. It can also be used to determine which channels you are watching, when you are watching them, and how long you are watching them for. Whilst this is a possibly, it is highly unlikely. Talkback can be used to monitor virtually every aspect of the cable box, but the costs involved with the extreme volume of monitoring and traffic do not make it beneficial to NTL/Telewest.
However, you should note that the DBOX2 does not have a talkback feature. Talkback was only implemented in the original Pace and Samsung receivers that are handed over to official subscribers. The DBOX2 was made in Germany, and Premiere (the cable company in Germany) did not utilize the talkback feature. You are therefore not required to cut any tracks or modify the circuit board of your DBOX2 to ensure your safety whilst watching your free service. NTL/Telewest are completely unable to detect what you have at the end of your line.
Saying this, there is one way that could be used to catch you out. This requires an engineer to physically come to your house, open up the brown/white box on your front wall, and attach specialist equipment. The theory is that if you have foreign equipment attached to the end of your feed (for example, a DBOX2) then %u2018noise%u2019 will be returned down the line. This is not a sure-fire method, and would never be adopted by the cable companies. There are various reasons for noise introduction, and the presence of noise on a feed cannot be used as a fact that you are watching free cable television.
We therefore have to conclude that the only 100% definitive way to be caught using a DBOX2 is for one of your so-called %u2018friends%u2019 or neighbours to telephone the company or a law enforcement agency and get them to check out the allegation. In short, do not be a big head and boast about your nice new shiny receiver as it may land you in trouble.
On a final note I must say that no single NTL engineer or employee has the legal right to enter your home without permission. Do not let anybody hassle you to enter the premises as they cannot legally do so without a warrant. In the unlikely event that a warrant has been issued then you may as well hold your hands high as you have been well and truly caught. A warrant is only issued under specific circumstances, and enough evidence must have been gathered against you to warrant a purpose to enter your home.
Later UK images for the DBOX2 include a feature called the 'PANIC BUTTON' which, when pressed, will wipe any evidence of illegal channel viewing from your DBOX2. This can be used as a last resort, but you should note the following, taken from NTL%u2019s latest Terms and Conditions:
'The connection of unauthorized receivers - regardless of make, model or modifications - is not permitted'
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