Documentation
Locked vs Unlocked Virtual Tuners
Quick reference guide to SATLINE virtual tuner types with essential information, pricing, and key facts
- 2026-03-06 14:57
- 2026-03-16 09:42
Locked Tuners (Frequency-Locked)
Most Cost-Effective • Unlimited Sessions • Fixed Transponder
- 1 tuner€28/month
- 4 tuners€99/month
- 8 tuners€139/month
- SessionsUnlimited
Frequency-locked virtual tuners are permanently bound to a specific transponder frequency of your choice. Each tuner provides unlimited simultaneous sessions from the same transponder — ideal for IPTV operators with a known channel list.
Key Benefits
- Lowest cost: €28/month per transponder
- Unlimited sessions per tuner
- Full transponder bandwidth (20-75 Mbps)
- All channels on the transponder accessible
- Perfect for multi-user scenarios
Limitations
- Locked to 1 transponder — frequency cannot be changed
- Requires a new tuner for each additional frequency
- Requires a known channel list
Pricing
Pricing €28/month (1 tuner) | €38/month (2 tuners) | €99/month (4 tuners) | €139/month (8 tuners)
Subscription Discounts: Quarterly −5% | Semi-Annual −10% | Annual −15%
Unlocked Tuners (Satellite-Locked)
Maximum Flexibility • Full Satellite Access • Single Session
- 1 position€38/month
- 4 positions€139/month
- 8 positions€219/month
- Sessions1 active
Satellite-locked virtual tuners provide access to an entire satellite orbital position (e.g., Astra 19.2°E) with dynamic frequency tuning. Access 1,500-4,000+ channels per satellite – ideal for Enigma2 STBs and content discovery.
Key Benefits
- Full satellite access: 1,500-4,000+ channels
- Dynamic frequency tuning
- Complete satellite scanning
- Best channel-per-euro ratio
- Optimized for Enigma2 STBs
- Content discovery capability
Limitations
- Single active session only
- Higher cost: €38/month per position
- Requires middleware for multi-user deployments
Pricing
Pricing: €38/month (1) | €58/month (2) | €139/month (4) | €219/month (8) | Discounts: Quarterly -5% | Semi-Annual -10% | Annual -15%
Quick Comparison
Locked vs Unlocked Tuners
| Feature | Locked Tuner | Unlocked Tuner |
|---|---|---|
| Price (1 tuner) | €28/month | €38/month |
| Price (4 tuners) | €99/month | €139/month |
| Price (8 tuners) | €139/month | €219/month |
| Frequency Access | 1 transponder (fixed) | Entire satellite (flexible) |
| Channel Access | All channels on 1 transponder | 1,500-4,000+ channels per satellite |
| Frequency Changes | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Dynamic tuning |
| Satellite Scanning | 🔒 Transponder only | ✅ Full satellite |
| Best For | IPTV operators, hotels, multi-user | Enigma2 STBs, single-user, discovery |
Quick Decision Guide
Choose the Right Tuner Type for Your Needs
✅ Choose LOCKED if:
- IPTV service with multiple subscribers
- Known channel list and transponders
- Need unlimited simultaneous sessions
- Hotel or multi-user deployment
- Want lowest cost per channel
- Using middleware (Cesbo Astra, TVHeadend)
✅ Choose UNLOCKED if:
- Enigma2 STB user (Vu+, Gigablue, Zgemma)
- Need to scan entire satellites
- Single user or small household
- Content discovery and research
- Want maximum channel variety
- Testing before committing to transponders
Hybrid Approach:
Start with 1-2 unlocked tuners (€58-€75/month) to discover content, then provision locked tuners (€28-€139/month) for confirmed transponders. This optimizes costs while maintaining discovery capability.
Real-World Cost Examples
Actual Pricing Scenarios
Small IPTV Operator (50 subscribers): 8 locked tuners = €139/month (Professional VPS). With annual discount: €118.15/month. Compare to a €3,000+ hardware setup.
Personal Enigma2 User: 1 unlocked tuner = €38/month for 1,500-4,000+ channels. Compare to a €700-€1,500 hardware setup or €30-€80/month cable TV.
Hotel (1000+ rooms): 10 locked tuners = €159/month (€99 base + €60 for 6 additional). With annual discount: €152.15/month. Compare to a €50,000-€150,000 traditional setup (dish farm, DVB racks, coax distribution, RF maintenance).
Hardware Alternative
Hardware Alternative: €700-€1,750 upfront + maintenance vs Locked €28-€139/month | Unlocked €38-€219/month — zero upfront cost
Gleb Sazanov
Team member
Gleb Sazanov is an accomplished Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with over 20 years of experience in software development, system architecture, and cloud-based solutions. As the CTO of SATLINE, a leading provider of virtual and colocation services tailored to SATCOM businesses, Gleb drives the company’s technological strategy, fostering innovation and efficiency in data center services. His expertise spans various domains, including DevOps, system scaling, and high-performance infrastructure management. With a deep passion for cutting-edge technologies, Gleb plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the SATCOM industry.