What are Softcam Keys?

[foxy6800]

I keep seeing discussion about softcam keys?!!
What are they, where/when and why are they needed?

I would be very grateful if someone could explain in simple English or point me to a site to learn about them.

Thanks in advance

[kalpikos]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Hello

There some channels with easy encryption and can be decrypted by the using of one single key or even a key that will be updated online.

This key maybe will be once a week or a month or a year.
By using this key you can watch the channel.

The reading of the keys is done by the cccam or mgcamd or other cam that can do this decryption.
The location for the keys is the SoftCam.key file or constant.cw in var/keys of a linux based receiver.

Many years ago, and before the c@rd sharing, the using of keys it was the only way for wathcing scrambling Channels.
Now, there only few channels that can be decrypted in this way.

[toby69]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

A softcam is: Software for emulating a Conditional Access Module.

a softcam was a rival/equal for the old cam system, i.e. a piece of s/ware.

a while ago we were able to down load a softcam into certain boxes, which the softcam contained certain keys to de-crypt certain channels, you could also enter keys manually then via remote, (this old stuff now),i think im right but good members can correct.

hope this helps.

[Satphoenix]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Short version:

The scrambled programs use the csa-algorythm to scramble/descramble the data stream.
For descrambling you need a (private-) key in the algorythm to get the stream clear.
This private key is a softcam key for your used softcam installed on your receiver.
So even is the algorythm is known (hacked): No or wrong key means no descrambling.
It works only with the older and hacked systems - only a few programs left which can be opened with this old soft(ware) cams (emulators).

Only if you are still interested, I can tell you the long version.

-------------------

Ohh, I see others were a bit faster

[KVF1966]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

i do not remember when was the last time updated in its receiver softcam keys, currently softcam keys already lost its relevance

[pan1300]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

...
a while ago we were able to down load a softcam into certain boxes, which the softcam contained certain keys to de-crypt certain channels, you could also enter keys manually then via remote, (this old stuff now),i think im right but good members can correct...

hi toby

I don't say I'm a good member, but you're correct - even some months ago I still used a softcamkey now and then - therefore it could be entered by a cam or with the remote control as you said (used on a humax earlier).

But: if you have cccam and it runs stable, no need for softcams. Btw: depending ont the box you have, there are free softwares with which you can very easily create the latest sofkeys online.

[Satphoenix]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Before I forget it:

The softcam keys are not for decrypting the audio/video stream, they are nessecary for decrypting the ecm to get the clear controlword.
And this cw is for decrypting the stream.
So: no (or wrong) softcam.key - no clear-cw - blackscreen!

[foxy6800]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

hi toby

I don't say I'm a good member, but you're correct - even some months ago I still used a softcamkey now and then - therefore it could be entered by a cam or with the remote control as you said (used on a humax earlier).

But: if you have cccam and it runs stable, no need for softcams. Btw: depending ont the box you have, there are free softwares with which you can very easily create the latest sofkeys online.

Currently I am using xtrend ET4000, and CCCam to clear s k y UK.
From other post I gather I won't need it, would I?
If yes, can you explain or point me to the right direction?

My other question, do HD channels need to get signal from 2 LNBs, or two LNBs are just used for watching one and recording other?!

Thanks

[toby69]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

careful, this slightly off topic.

only 1 lnb for motorised.
1/2/3/4 for multi-setup. different sats.

foxy6800
softcams old stuff.

[runmo]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

response has been given to extra question, back to topic now, thank you
other question not related to topic = different thread

[kalpikos]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Dear foxy6800

You don't really need softcam anymore.
This technology belongs in the past.
If you are using c@rd sharing then the softcam keys are not useful for you.

Maybe the only exception is a channel that interests you a lot and it has light encryption with the meaning that it can be watched by using the appropriate keys.

Finally, HD channels need only 1 lnb like the SD channels do so far.
As you said 2 lnbs are needed only when you want to watch one channel and record the other.

[limitator]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Is there anywere on the net list of channels that can be watched via Softcam?

[herrr]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Is there anywere on the net list of channels that can be watched via Softcam?

Usually sources where you can find it, at least the best ones, list opened channels.

[Satphoenix]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Usually sources where you can find it...

****** for "ulc Softcam Keys" and have fun.

[kalpikos]

Re: What are Softcam Keys?

Is there anywere on the net list of channels that can be watched via Softcam?

Also you can get the latest softcam key and see the changelog.
Usually there are 5-10 channels that can be opened with keys.