SkyStar S2 - Electronic board TECHNISAT - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	DVB-S/S2 Satellite TV Card for PC
Model	SkyStar S2
Brand	TechniSat
Interface	PCI Express (PCIe)
Dimensions (approx.)	17.3 cm × 10.7 cm
Weight (approx.)	50 g
Power Supply	Via PCI Express bus (PCIe card requires connection to PC power supply)
Antenna Connector	F connector (female, 75 Ω)
DVB Standard	DVB-S/DVB-S2
Supported Codec	MPEG-2, MPEG-4 H.264
Supported Operating System	Windows 7 and later, Linux (via V4L)
Main Functions	Satellite TV reception, recording, timeshift, hardware decoding
Maintenance and Cleaning	Disconnect before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth.
Safety	Discharge static electricity before handling. Do not touch the contacts.
Spare Parts and Repairability	Card not user-repairable. No spare parts available.
General Information	Manufactured by TechniSat GmbH, Germany. Manual downloadable in multiple languages.

Frequently Asked Questions - SkyStar S2 TECHNISAT

What operating systems are supported by the SkyStar S2 card?

The SkyStar S2 card is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions, as well as with Linux via the Video4Linux framework (www.linuxtv.org). Note that TechniSat does not provide official support for Linux, but drivers are maintained by the community.

How do I physically install the SkyStar S2 card in my computer?

Turn off the computer and unplug the power cable. Open the case, locate a free PCI Express slot, remove the metal bracket, discharge your static electricity by touching a grounded object, then insert the card firmly until it clicks. For PCIe models, also connect the dedicated power cable. Close the case, connect the satellite cable and power cable, then power on.

What should I do if Windows does not detect the SkyStar S2 card?

Check that the card is properly inserted and that the PCIe power cable is connected (concerned models). Ensure your system is up to date. Reinstall the drivers from the provided CD or download the latest version from www.technisat.com. If the problem persists, consult the online FAQ.

How do I install the drivers on Windows 7 or 10?

Insert the installation CD. If the menu does not appear, manually run Start.exe. Select the language, accept the license agreement, then follow the prompts. The installation may require a restart. On Windows 7/10, the system may automatically search for drivers online; ensure you have an internet connection.

Can I use the SkyStar S2 card with satellite reception software other than the provided ones?

Yes, the card is compatible with many third-party software such as DVBViewer, Progdvb, or MediaPortal. Make sure to install the TechniSat drivers first, then configure the software to use the TechniSat hardware.

Does the SkyStar S2 card support DiSEqC motor control?

Yes, the card supports DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 protocols allowing control of a motor or switch. Configuration is usually done in the reception software.

How do I update the driver for my SkyStar S2 card?

Download the latest driver version from www.technisat.com. Close any application using the card (e.g., Server4PC). Run the installer, which will uninstall the old driver and install the new one. A restart may be necessary.

Does the card work with satellite splitters or repeaters?

Yes, but signal quality may be affected. Use good quality components and ensure sufficient signal level. The card requires a signal level of at least 45-50 dBμV for stable operation.

Can I record one program while watching another?

That depends on the software. The SkyStar S2 card is equipped with a single tuner, so you can only receive one transponder at a time. Recording one program while watching another on the same transponder is possible. Otherwise, a second tuner is required.

What should I do if the picture stutters or freezes during reception?

First check the signal quality (SNR and BER). A misaligned dish or faulty cable can cause problems. Ensure your computer meets the minimum configuration (2 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM). Reduce video resolution or disable unnecessary visual effects.

USER MANUAL SkyStar S2 TECHNISAT

Quick Installation Instructions

for all TechniSat PCI/PCIe/USB 2.0 products from TechniSat

I. Introduction 15

1.Description of the TechniSat DVB-PC TV product range 15

1.1 PCI cards 15
1.2 PCI Express cards 15
1.3 USB 2.0 boxes/sticks 15

1. Latest software and instructions 15
2. Conventions used in this user manual 15

II. Installing the DVB-PC TV device 15

1. Installing the PCI/PCIe card 15
   2.Installing the USB box/stick 17

III. Installing the driver and software components 17

1. Summary 17
   2.Installing the driver and software package 17
2. Installing the DVB-PC TV Stars applications 18
   4.Installing the driver manually 22
3. Updating the driver 23
4. Linux 23

I. Introduction

1. Description of the TechniSat DVB-PC TV product range

1.1 PCI cards

PCI cards are expansion cards which are inserted into a PCI slot on a PC's motherboard.

1.2 PCI Express cards

PCI Express cards are expansion cards which are inserted into PCIe slots on a PC's motherboard.

1.3 USB 2.0 boxes/sticks

USB 2.0 boxes are external PC devices that are connected to a USB port on a PC via a USB cable. USB sticks are inserted directly into a USB port.

2. Latest software and instructions

You can download the latest versions of drivers, software and instruction manuals from our website: http://www.technisat.com.

3. Conventions used in this manual

This user manual uses the following conventions for clarity:

Navigation paths are shown as follows:

"Start" => "Program Files" => "TechniSat DVB" => "Setup4PC"

The path shown in this example starts Setup4PC.

II. Installing the DVB-PC TV device

Please follow these step-by-step installation instructions.

You will also find the installation instructions on the installation CD and FAQs are provided on the TechniSat website at www.technisat.com to give additional help in the event of a problem.

The software installation process requires you to restart the system. Please ensure that the installation CD is not removed from the CD drive until the installation process has been completed. If the CD does not start automatically, please use the "Start.exe" file on the CD.

1. Installing the PCI/PCIe card

Before you start: Before you install the PCI/PCIe card, please ensure that the computer is switched off and disconnected from the mains. A computer that is connected to the mains during installation can cause damage to your PC or DVB-PC TV product.

1.1 Open the computer housing as per the manufacturer's instructions.

1.2 Locate a free PCI / PCIe slot for your PCI/PCIe card and remove the cover plate. (Fig. 1)

1.3 Before touching the PCI/PCIe card, discharge any static electricity from your body by touching an appropriate earth point. (Fig. 2)

1.4 Only hold the PCI/PCIe card by its outside edges. Insert it firmly but carefully into the slot until it engages in the correct position. TechniSat does not accept any liability for damage caused by incorrect installation. (Fig. 3)

1.5 PCIe card: PCIe card require a separate power source supplied via cable from the PC power supply and fitted to the connector on the PCIe card. If this connection is not made, the operating system will not recognise the card.

Therefore the software and drivers will not be installed. (Fig. 4 and 5)

1.6 After you have closed up the computer housing, connect up your TV cable (satellite, cable or aerial), power cable and any other cables that were previously disconnected. (Fig. 6)

1.7 Switch on your computer. Windows will recognise the new hardware and ask for a driver for the PCI/PCIe card. Insert the installation CD provided and start the installation process.

2. Installing the USB box/stick

2.1 a Connect the USB box to your PC using the USB cable.
2.1 b The USB stick should be inserted directly into a USB port on your PC.
2.2 Connect the supplied power supply to the USB box. The USB stick does not require a separate power supply as it is powered via the USB port.
2.3 Connect your TV cable (satellite, cable or aerial) to the USB box or USB stick. Please note that there is a UHF adaptor supplied with the USB stick for connection to a household aerial.

2.4 Windows will recognise the new hardware and ask you for a driver for the PCI/PCIe card. Insert the installation CD that has been provided and start the installation process.

III. Installing the driver and software components

1. Summary

As an example, this chapter describes how to install a SkyStar USB HD on a Windows 7 Ultimate x86 operating system. The installation process is similar for other operating systems supported by this product.

The latest operating manuals in multiple languages can be accessed by clicking "Manuals" in the installation screen.

2. Installing the driver and software package

Insert the installation CD. Autostart should open the installation screen (Fig.1)

If the installation screen does not appear, it can be started manually by using "Start.exe" on the Installation CD.

Figure 1: DVB-PC TV installation screen

3. Installing the DVB-PC TV Stars applications

When you start the setup procedure in Windows Vista or Windows 7, the "User Account Control" window will appear (Fig.2):

Figure 2: User account control in Windows 7

Confirm this message by clicking on "Yes". The setup process will be halted if you click on "No" and the installation of the drivers and software will be discontinued.

The language menu is displayed first. Select your preferred language (e.g. English) and click "Next" to continue. (Fig. 3)

Figure 3: Selecting the setup language

The drivers for your TechniSat DVB-PC TV Star device will now be automatically installed. If you have already installed older versions of the TechniSat DVB-PC TV Star driver and software, setup will deinstall the old driver and software and then reboot. After reboot the installation process of the new driver and software will resume automatically.

During installation of the driver, the "Windows Security" window opens as illustrated below (Fig 4).

Figure 4: Windows Security

Click on "Install" to run the driver installation.

Installation of the software components is now carried out. Click "Next" to continue. (Fig.5)

Figure 5: Welcome

Read the licence agreement for the TechniSat DVB-PC TV Star and click "Yes" to accept. (Fig.6)

Use the pre-defined folder or click on "Browse" to specify a destination location for the software files. Click "Next" to continue. (Fig. 7)

Figure 6: Software Licence Agreement

Figure 7: Choosing the target path

Click "Next" to continue. The setup programme now installs the software. Complete the software and device driver installation by clicking "Finish" and restarting your computer.

Figure 8: Selecting the program folder

Figure 9: Setup completed

Click on "Install" to run the driver installation.

Installation of the software components is now carried out.

Click on "Next" to continue. (Fig.5)

4. Installing the driver manually

If you have already installed a previous version of the driver or software for your TechniSat DVB-PC TV Stars device, please refer to Section III.3.

The Hardware Installation wizard will only start-up if Windows recognises a new device for which no driver has yet been installed. If there are multiple DVB-PC TV Stars devices connected to your system, the "Found New Hardware" wizard opens for each device. You will need to install a separate driver for each device. As soon as the last device driver has been installed, you can begin installing the software.

Figure 10: Found New Hardware

You need administrator rights to install the software packages for your products. Check the "User Accounts" to ensure that you have administrator rights.

You can either manually install the device drivers first and then the software or let the drivers be set up automatically by the software installation process. For less experienced users we recommend installing the drivers automatically via the software installation process.

For DVB-PC TV Stars that are Compatible with Windows 7®, the operating system searches online for the correct device driver so it is important to ensure that there is a broadband connection. The drivers are then installed automatically and driver updates are received via Automatic Updates.

If a problem occurs with this process, please refer to the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section on our website.

5. Updating the driver

If you have installed several TechniSat PCI, PCI Express or USB devices, you will need to update the drivers for each device separately.

If you have installed the Server4PC data reception application, you will need to close it after starting the system before you update your software. The Server4PC program icon is located in the Windows task bar.

Figure 11: Server4PC on the system display

Now start the software installation. The Software Installation wizard automatically updates the drivers for all installed devices and the software package.

The software installation routine will now execute the next step.

6. Linux

TechniSat supports the efforts of the Linux Developer Community and the majority of our products are supported within the Linux Video-4 framework (www.linuxtv.org).

Please note that TechniSat cannot offer any support or warranty for this software and that you use it at your own risk.

TechniSat

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Document Release Date:

Februar 2011

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