FAQ
TL;DR: For NC+ Cameleon cards, use operator decoders only. In one real case, 1 of 2 boxes was swapped without card return; "The operator protects himself." Third‑party boxes and ASTON CAMs may be disabled. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168623]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps NC+/Canal+ Poland users pick a working replacement box, avoid wasted purchases, and understand multiroom limits.
Quick Facts
- Multiroom offered by the salon works for several TVs, but only in 1 house. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17168417]
- Operator decoders only; non-operator boxes can stop working with the card at any time. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168493]
- Used boxes left offline may fail to acquire software; get a seller “start-up guarantee.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168520]
- HD issues can come from dish alignment, old cabling, a bad LNB, or tree obstructions. [Elektroda, geco, post #17168601]
- Some users report 8 years of trouble-free operation on operator decoders. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17169372]
What decoder can I buy that works with NC+ Cameleon cards?
Use NC+/Canal+ operator decoders only. Community experts warn that third‑party set‑top boxes will stop working with these cards. As one put it: "Operator decoder ONLY." Buying non-operator gear or CAMs risks sudden loss of service after updates. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168493]
Will a used operator "black/white" decoder that was active until April 8 work with my card?
Yes, if it was recently active and runs current software, it should start with your card. One expert summarized it simply: "It will work. But the warranty for the first damage." Verify return rights in case the unit fails soon after purchase. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17169363]
What should I ask a seller before buying a used NC+ box?
Request a written “guarantee to start” and evidence the box was connected recently. Units stored offline can struggle to acquire software when first powered. If the seller refuses, consider a different unit. This reduces the risk of paying for unusable hardware. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168520]
My black decoder cuts on HD channels. Is it a software fault?
Yes. Those symptoms match a decoder software problem, not necessarily a signal issue. An expert noted: "Normal. The decoder has a software problem." Arrange an operator swap if resets do not help. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168493]
Could my dish or cabling be the reason HD channels drop?
Yes. Check dish alignment, cable condition, and the LNB for faults. Look for obstacles like trees that attenuate signal. Replace damaged coax and re-point the dish if needed. This prevents misdiagnosing reception issues as decoder failures. [Elektroda, geco, post #17168601]
Why didn’t a prepaid NC+ decoder work with my subscription card?
In the thread, a prepaid NC+ decoder did not work with the user’s subscription card. That experience supports choosing operator decoders matched to your contract. Avoid assumptions that any NC+ branded box will accept your card. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17168417]
Will the operator replace only the decoder without demanding my card?
Reports vary by point. One installer swapped a faulty unit (one of two on the account) without asking for card return. If a salon refuses, visit another point or ask for the refusal in writing. Policies can differ in practice. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168623]
Can I run Multiroom or two decoders in two houses on one subscription?
The salon explicitly offered Multiroom for several TVs, but only within one house. Two-house operation falls outside what they provide via official Multiroom. Expect restrictions when trying to use one subscription across locations. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17168417]
Do ASTON CI modules work with NC+ cards today?
They are not reliable going forward. As warned in the thread, "ASTON access modules will also stop working." Use operator decoders to avoid future deactivations after operator changes. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168623]
How do I attempt a software update on a stubborn NC+ box?
Try this:
- Connect the box to the dish and power it for a long, uninterrupted session.
- Perform a factory reset from the menu and restart.
- Leave it tuned to a main transponder while it seeks updates.
Note: "even a hard reset did not let the decoder download the software" in some cases, requiring replacement. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168623]
Is a decoder that sat offline for months risky?
Yes. Boxes left unconnected to the antenna may fail to acquire software on first start. Buy only with a seller “start-up guarantee” or the right to return if it cannot activate. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17168520]
How can I quickly confirm the box is the problem, not the dish?
Connect a known-good operator decoder to the same dish and cabling. If HD channels work fine on that unit, the original decoder is at fault. This A/B test isolates receiver issues from installation problems. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17168606]
How reliable are operator decoders over years?
User reports vary. One user noted 8 years of trouble-free operation. Longevity depends on hardware condition and evolving software. Even long-lived boxes can fail later. [Elektroda, matheo99, post #17169372]
Does it matter which unit failed (main or additional) for replacement?
Yes. A responder asked whether the main or additional unit failed, calling it important. Replacement handling can differ. If refused, ask for the reason in writing to escalate properly. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17169194]
