The DVB Sky Star 2 card is designed for receiving digital TV, radio, and data. Currently, there are two versions of this card available on the market:
• Sky Star 2 rev. 2.3
• Sky Star 2 rev. 2.6
The image shows rev. 2.3 — this is the card I also have in my PC. It differs slightly from rev. 2.6, but essentially it is the same. For example, the software BlindScan works only with rev. 2.3.

Full image

The card is equipped with a B2C2 chip. It has no inputs or outputs, only a single connector for connecting the coaxial cable from the LNB. It supports all players listed in the left menu. What might interest a beginner is that it can: record video and audio to the HDD in the format offered by the player (usually MPEG2 or TS). It is possible to browse teletext and EPG (electronic program guide), but only on channels that broadcast them. Using special plugins, some PAY cards can be emulated. SS2 can also process HDTV, but only in DVB‑S (not DVB‑S2). And of course, the card can also be used for satellite internet, whether paid or free. Installation requirements: Windows 98/ME/XP/2000 — I recommend at least XP, because most DVB players run under XP. Also minimum DirectX 9.0 and Windows Media Player 9. SS2 also works under Linux, but you need a kernel that includes a driver for SS2.