What is a subscription to satellite TV: CCcam and OScam

A subscription to satellite TV is not just a fee for access to channels. In the context of card sharing, it means connecting to a server that provides decrypted control words (CW) for access to encrypted satellite streams. In this article, I will explain what a subscription to satellite TV is, how CCcam and OScam work, and also provide tips for setting up a server and diagnosing problems.

What is a subscription to satellite TV in the context of card sharing

A subscription to satellite TV in this context is access to a server that generates and distributes decrypted CW over the network. The process looks like this: the satellite transmits a signal to a transponder, which encrypts it using DVB-CSA. Then, the smart card installed in the receiver generates the CW, which is then transmitted to the client via card sharing protocols.

Official subscription vs card sharing: what is the difference

An official subscription is legal access to channels provided by the operator, which requires payment. Card sharing, on the other hand, allows users to share their smart cards and access channels through a server. This is often considered a gray method, as it may violate the terms of use of the operators.

What physically happens during the decryption of a channel

During the decryption of a channel, data is exchanged between the receiver and the server. The receiver sends a request for the CW, the server processes it and returns the necessary data. This happens in real-time, which can lead to delays if the server is overloaded.

The role of the smart card, CAM module, and control word (CW)

The smart card stores the keys for decrypting signals, while the CAM module (Conditional Access Module) is responsible for the interaction between the card and the receiver. CW is the key that allows decoding the encrypted stream. Without these components, a subscription to satellite TV will not work.

How CCcam and OScam protocols work

CCcam and OScam protocols are the two most popular methods of card sharing. They allow the exchange of ECM requests and CW responses between the client and the server. CCcam uses port 12000 by default, while newcamd requires manual configuration of the port range.

CCcam protocol: the principle of newcamd/cccam exchange

CCcam operates on the principle of message exchange between the client and the server. When the client requests the CW, the server responds with the necessary data. This ensures quick retrieval of keys for decryption.

OScam as a modern open alternative

OScam is a more modern and flexible protocol. It supports many other protocols, such as newcamd, camd35, and mgcamd. This allows OScam to be used as a universal tool for configuring the server and client.

Concepts of CAID, provider ID, ECM, and EMM

CAID (Card Identifier) is the card identifier used to determine the type of encryption. Provider ID is a unique operator identifier. ECM (Entitlement Control Message) and EMM (Entitlement Management Message) are messages used to manage access to content.

What is the difference between a local card and network sharing (peer)

A local card is a card installed directly in the receiver, while network sharing is a process where multiple users share their cards through a server. Local cards provide more stable access, while network sharing may be less reliable due to dependence on the quality of the internet connection.

Basic setup of the OScam server: configuration files

Setting up the OScam server involves configuring several files located at the following paths: /etc/tuxbox/config/oscam/ or /var/keys/. Let's look at a basic example of configuration.

Directory structure /etc/tuxbox/config or /var/etc

This directory contains all the necessary configuration files for OScam. It is important to ensure the correctness of their location and content.

File oscam.conf: sections [global], [cs378x], [cccam]

The oscam.conf file should have a [global] section where you can specify parameters such aslogfile = /tmp/oscam.log andnice = -1. For the CCcam protocol, add a [cccam] section with the parameterport = 12000.

File oscam.server: description of readers

The oscam.server file contains information about the readers that will be used by the server. It is important to correctly specify the parameters for each card.

File oscam.user: client accounts

The oscam.user file is responsible for client accounts. Here, it is necessary to specify the parameters user, pwd, group, and au for each client.

Web interface on port 8888 and httpuser

OScam provides a web interface, accessible by default on port 8888. Make sure you have a login and password to access the interface.

Configuring the CCcam.cfg client on the receiver

Configuring the CCcam client involves editing the CCcam.cfg file. The main line to know is the C: line format, which looks like this:C: host port user pass.

The syntax of the C: line (C: host port user pass)

This line indicates how to connect to the server. Don't forget to replacehost,port,user andpass with the corresponding values.

F: line for sharing and hop/distance

The F: line is used to specify card sharing parameters. Set the values to 0 if you want to disable sharing.

Where CCcam.cfg is located on Enigma2 (/var/etc/CCcam.cfg)

The CCcam.cfg file is most often located at/var/etc/CCcam.cfg on Enigma2. On some firmware, it may be found in/usr/keys.

Restarting the daemon and checking via telnet

To restart the daemon, use the commandkillall -9 CCcam. You can check the connection through the web page on port 16001.

Diagnosing typical connection problems

When setting up the server, various problems may arise. I suggest an algorithm for diagnosing them.

Channel does not open: ECM timeout and no card

If the channel does not open, check the logs for ECM timeout or no card errors. This may indicate issues with connecting to the server or a missing card.

Connection status OFF / router blocks the port

Status OFF may be caused by the router blocking the port. Make sure all necessary ports are forwarded.

Freezing and reasons for long ECM time

If you notice image freezing, it may be related to high ECM response time (over 1000 ms). Check the server load and the quality of the internet connection.

CAID mismatch and incorrect provider errors

CAID mismatch errors may occur if the CAID is present but the provider ID does not match. This means the card is visible, but the channels remain closed.

How to choose a sharing server: technical criteria

Choosing a sharing server is an important step. Pay attention to the following criteria.

Stability of uptime and ECM time as a quality metric

The stability of the server's operation and low ECM response time are key quality metrics. This will ensure stable access to channels.

Support for the required CAID and the number of local cards

Make sure that the server supports the necessary CAID and has enough local cards to provide access to content.

Protection against freeze and the presence of backup lines

The presence of backup lines and mechanisms to protect against freeze will help avoid access issues to channels.

Signs of an unreliable source

Pay attention to signs of unreliability, such as frequent connection drops or high response times. This may indicate low service quality.