Digital Devices MAX SX8 Basic (4/8) – DVB-S2/S2X PCIe Tuner Card

Digital Devices MAX SX8 Basic (4/8) – DVB-S2/DVB-S2X Full Spectrum PCIe Tuner Card

Digital Devices MAX SX8 Basic (4/8) is a professional satellite TV tuner card designed for PCI Express systems, TV servers and multimedia platforms. It features four Full Spectrum inputs and eight DVB-S/S2/S2X demodulators, enabling simultaneous reception of up to eight complete satellite transponders, depending on the signal configuration and operating mode.

With DVB-S2X, Unicable and JESS support, the MAX SX8 Basic offers flexible connectivity options for high-density satellite reception systems, professional TV distribution and Linux-based broadcast solutions.

Key Features

• 4 Full Spectrum satellite inputs
• 8 DVB-S/S2/S2X demodulators
• Simultaneous reception of up to 8 complete transponders
• DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X support
• PCI Express interface, compatible with x1 to x16 slots
• Quad and Unicable operating modes
• Unicable EN50494 and JESS EN50607 support
• Compatible with Quad LNBs and suitable multiswitches
• Linux and compatible Windows driver support
• GT-Link connector for compatible Octopus NET systems
• Power consumption of approximately 7 W
• Compact PCIe design

Technical Specifications

Eight Independent Demodulators

The four Full Spectrum inputs and eight demodulators enable simultaneous processing of up to eight complete satellite transponders. This makes the card suitable for TV servers, IPTV headends, professional reception stations and software platforms used for processing and distributing digital television channels.

DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X Technology

The MAX SX8 Basic supports DVB-S, DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X standards. DVB-S2X extends the available transmission modes and enables reception of compatible satellite signals using supported modulation and transmission parameters. Actual performance depends on transponder settings, driver support and the overall load across the demodulators.

Unicable and JESS – Flexible Cabling

When used with a compatible Unicable LNB or multiswitch supporting EN50494, the card can receive satellite signals through a single coaxial cable using up to eight user bands, subject to the installation configuration.

With compatible JESS equipment supporting EN50607, systems can provide up to 32 user bands over one coaxial cable. The actual number of available tuners depends on the LNB or multiswitch, assigned user bands and the system 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.

System Requirements

• Processor: Dual-core Intel or AMD processor as a baseline for basic operation; a more powerful CPU is recommended for demanding server workloads.
• Memory: At least 512 MB RAM as a basic reference; additional memory is recommended for modern operating systems and server applications.
• Expansion Slot: One available, compatible PCI Express slot, from x1 to x16.
• Power Supply: A suitable 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: Compatible DVB application, TV server or transport-stream processing software.
• Satellite Installation: Compatible LNB, multiswitch and cabling appropriate for the selected Quad, Unicable or JESS operating mode.

Supported Operating Systems

• Linux: Linux kernel 2.6.34 or later, subject to compatible drivers and distribution support.
• Microsoft Windows 7: 32-bit and 64-bit, where compatible drivers are available.
• Microsoft Windows 8 / 8.1: 32-bit and 64-bit, where compatible drivers are available.
• Microsoft Windows 10: 32-bit and 64-bit, where compatible drivers are available.
• Windows 11 and newer Linux distributions: Verify current driver availability and compatibility before installation.

Compatibility note: Operating system support depends on the specific driver package, kernel version, application and hardware configuration. Older operating system versions may no longer receive security updates. Check the manufacturer's current documentation before deploying the card in a new system.

Compatible DVB Software

The MAX SX8 Basic can be used with compatible DVB applications and TV server software, subject to driver support and correct 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, depending on driver support.

Application compatibility may vary between operating system versions and driver releases. Verify support for the intended software 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 provides an option for connecting to compatible Octopus NET systems to build network-based television reception and distribution solutions.

Suitable Applications

• Professional satellite TV servers
• DVB and IPTV headends
• Computer systems receiving and processing multiple satellite transponders
• Linux-based television platforms
• Satellite installations using Unicable or JESS
• Digital TV channel distribution systems
• Transport-stream processing and streaming applications

Package Contents

• Digital Devices MAX SX8 Basic PCI Express tuner card
• Full-height mounting bracket, subject to 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