General Instrument - VideoCipher Division

VideoCipher Division

General Instrument produced receivers for old C and Ku band satellites. They also produced Videocipher units as well as digital equipment. 4DTV was a system for picking up free and encrypted analog and digital satellite subscription channels. It also included an interactive guide. The product line included:

• 2700 Series: on screen displays, C/Ku switching, digital sound, satellite memory increases with the model number.

• 2600 Series: similar to 2400 except with on-screen displays.

• 2400/2500 Series: no on-screen displays, everything is controlled from the remote and front panel. Two alphanumeric displays indicate the current satellite and transponder. A GI 2000PS is needed to use a dish motor. Digital Stereo Audio is available on VideoCipher channels, C/Ku compatible. The 2400 was re-branded in the early 1990s by Rural Cable and sold with a fixed C band dish pointed at Galaxy 5.

• 350 Regular: simple receiver with a separate dish mover (some will have a stationary G5 satellite).

• 350i Super: extensive on-screen displays, 50 satellites (C or Ku with external switch), digital sound.

• 450i/550i/650i: extensive on-screen displays, C/Ku pre-programmed satellites, digital sound, extras.

• 4DTV: interactive program guide, two favorite lists, C/Ku band, many other features.

• InfoCipher 1500P: an early satmodem used with one-way data services such as X*Press X*Change.