- PCI-e тунери
- Digital Devices
Digital Devices MAX SX8 PRO (4/8) is a professional satellite TV tuner card designed for PCI Express computers and servers. It combines four Full Spectrum satellite inputs with up to eight DVB-S/S2/S2X demodulators on a single card, making it suitable for satellite TV servers, IPTV headends, digital channel distribution and professional broadcast applications.
With support for DVB-S2X, Multistream (MIS), Unicable and JESS, the MAX SX8 PRO provides flexible satellite reception options for advanced TV systems and Linux-based streaming platforms.
Key Features
- 4 Full Spectrum satellite inputs
- Up to 8 DVB-S/S2/S2X demodulators
- Simultaneous reception of up to 8 satellite transponders
- DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X support
- Support for advanced S2X modulation modes, up to 256APSK
- Multistream (MIS) support
- ACM and VCM support
- PCI Express interface, compatible with x1 to x16 slots
- Quad and Unicable operating modes
- Unicable EN50494 and JESS EN50607 support
- DiSEqC 2.x support
- GT-Link connector for compatible Octopus NET systems
- Linux and compatible Windows driver support
- Low power consumption of approximately 7 W, excluding LNB power
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Digital Devices |
| Model | MAX SX8 PRO (4/8) |
| Product Number | 820148 |
| EAN | 4260217681560 |
| Device Type | PCI Express satellite TV tuner card |
| Satellite Inputs | 4 × Full Spectrum |
| Demodulators | Up to 8 |
| Supported Standards | DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-S2X |
| Frequency Range | 950–2150 MHz |
| Supported Modulations | QPSK, 8PSK, 8APSK-L, 16APSK, 16APSK-L, 32APSK, 32APSK-L, 64APSK, 64APSK-L, 128APSK and 256APSK, according to supported standards |
| Maximum Aggregate LDPC Bitrate | Up to 720 Mbit/s across all 8 demodulators |
| Maximum Symbol Rate | Depends on modulation and operating mode; up to 500 MSym/s for the specified Annex M mode |
| Advanced Features | Multistream (MIS), ACM, VCM, short and long frames |
| Connection Modes | Quad and Unicable/JESS |
| Unicable | EN50494 – up to 8 user bands, subject to system configuration |
| JESS | EN50607 – up to 32 user bands, subject to compatible equipment and configuration |
| DiSEqC | DiSEqC 2.x |
| Interface | PCI Express x1–x16 |
| Additional Interface | GT-Link for compatible Octopus NET systems |
| LNB Power Supply | Up to 19 V per input, with pulse and continuous current limits |
| Protection | Overcurrent and short-circuit protection |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 7 W, excluding LNB power |
| Dimensions | 104 × 111 × 15 mm |
Eight Demodulators on a Single PCIe Card
The MAX SX8 PRO combines four Full Spectrum satellite inputs with up to eight demodulators. This high-density design enables simultaneous reception and processing of multiple satellite transponders using a single PCI Express slot. It is suitable for professional TV servers, IPTV headends and digital television distribution systems.
DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X Technology
The card supports DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X standards. Advanced S2X modulation options, including modes up to 256APSK, allow reception of compatible satellite transmissions using supported modulation and coding parameters. Actual performance depends on signal quality, transponder parameters, driver support and the total processing load.
Multistream, ACM and VCM
Multistream (MIS) support allows reception of compatible satellite signals carrying multiple input streams. Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) and Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) are supported for compatible DVB-S2/S2X transmissions. Availability of specific advanced modes depends on the signal and software implementation.
Unicable and JESS – Flexible Satellite Cabling
With a compatible Unicable LNB or multiswitch supporting EN50494, multiple tuners can share a single coaxial cable using assigned user bands. A compatible JESS system supporting EN50607 can provide up to 32 user bands, depending on the LNB or multiswitch and the installation configuration.
In Quad mode, the card can be connected to a compatible Quad LNB or suitable multiswitch. The selected operating mode must match the satellite installation.
DiSEqC Support
DiSEqC 2.x support enables control of compatible satellite switching equipment. The available switching functions depend on the connected LNBs, switches, multiswitches and software configuration.
System Requirements
- Processor: Dual-core Intel or AMD CPU as the manufacturer's stated baseline
- Memory: At least 512 MB RAM as the stated minimum
- Expansion Slot: One available PCI Express slot, from x1 to x16
- Power Supply: A compatible computer power supply capable of supporting the card and the overall system load
- Drivers: Compatible drivers for the installed operating system and kernel version
- Software: A compatible DVB application, TV server or transport-stream processing platform
- Satellite Installation: Compatible LNBs, multiswitches and cabling for the selected Quad, Unicable or JESS mode
Recommendation: For high-bitrate streaming, multiple transponders, remultiplexing or IPTV distribution, use a more powerful server than the minimum specification. CPU, memory, network bandwidth and driver compatibility can affect overall performance.
Supported Operating Systems
- Linux: Kernel 2.6.34 or later, subject to compatible drivers and distribution support
- Microsoft Windows XP: Service Pack 3, as listed in legacy documentation
- Microsoft Windows Vista: As listed in legacy documentation
- Microsoft Windows 7: 32-bit and 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 8 / 8.1: 32-bit and 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 10: 32-bit and 64-bit
- Windows 11 and newer Linux distributions: Verify current driver availability and compatibility before installation
Compatibility note: The listed Windows versions come from the manufacturer's published documentation and may refer to legacy driver packages. Older Windows versions are no longer supported by Microsoft. For a new installation, verify the availability of compatible drivers and use a supported operating system wherever possible.
Compatible DVB Software
The MAX SX8 PRO can be integrated into compatible DVB applications and TV server platforms, depending on the operating system, drivers and configuration.
- Linux: Cesbo Astra, TVHeadend, VDR, DVBlast and MuMuDVB, where supported by the installed drivers and software configuration
- Windows: DVBViewer, MediaPortal and other compatible DVB applications, subject to driver support
Compatibility can vary between software versions and operating systems. Verify support for the intended application before installation.
PCI Express and GT-Link
The PCI Express interface allows installation in a compatible desktop computer or server with an available PCIe slot. The GT-Link connector enables connection to compatible Octopus NET systems for network-based satellite reception and TV distribution solutions.
Suitable Applications
- Professional satellite TV servers
- DVB and IPTV headends
- Linux-based TV streaming platforms
- Systems receiving and processing multiple satellite transponders
- Satellite installations using Unicable or JESS
- Digital television distribution systems
- Transport-stream processing and streaming applications
Package Contents
- Digital Devices MAX SX8 PRO (4/8) PCI Express tuner card
- Full-height mounting bracket, subject to the supplied version
- Quick installation documentation, where supplied
Important: Operation requires a compatible computer or server, an available PCI Express slot, suitable drivers and compatible DVB software. Reception capabilities depend on the satellite installation, signal parameters and selected connection mode. Unicable and JESS require compatible LNB or multiswitch equipment. Package contents may vary by supplier.
- Made in Germany
- Warranty: 24 months
