Hello, I am a total newbie to satellite Tv & I am hoping someone might help with my confusion.

I have been searching the internet for a Satellite receiver (DVB-S) suitable for receiving free to air TV in Australia. (Australia is the only country where a smartcard is required to get FTA Tv - Aurora/Irdeto2)

I wish to install it into my motorhome, & would like to operate it from a 12Volt power supply.

Receivers that can accept a smartcard (Aurora) & operate on 12 volts seem to be uncommon in Australia.

I found an Ebay auction (in the UK) selling a Dreambox DM500Si -Linux, which appears to have a smartcard slot & can operate on 12v. However on the Dream Multimedia website, no mention is made of 12 volt.

Can anyone confirm that this unit can accept *any* smartcard, & that it can operate on 12 volts?

Also I am unclear exactly what this unit can do. It seems that it may be more than a simple receiver, with it's built in processor etc.

Please could someone explain the intended usage of this machine to me.

I would welcome any advice /recommendations for alternative machines if the DM500Si-linux is unsuitable for my purpose, or indeed if it is 'overkill' for my simple requirements. If it is suitable, any pointers to where I might obtain one in Australia would also be hepful.

Although I don't understand why the unit can be connected to a computer, I have read that it can be.
My computer is a Mac Powerbook. Is this a problem.

Looking forward to someone educating me.
Thank you all,
Regards
Cuppa