24C16 - a memory chip with I2C communication protocol. See also EEPROM. There is another fully compatible version called 24LC16 (made by Microchip). It is more tolerant to incorrect voltage - therefore 24LC16 should be used.
Administration key (issuer key) - a special "master key" by which the other keys are encrypted. It is a secret how the keys are actually cracked, but possible methods include:
a) insider leak at the TV channels
b) brute force attack - stepping through all possible combinations until the working key is found (requires huge processing power unless custom-built hardware accelerators are used or if some smart special technique is used). Huge computer power can be bought with large sums of money, or stolen by someone working with a super computer at a research facility, military facility or large coorporation. Cover-up explanations include governments who oppose commercial television who might sponsor the hackers. Or the TV channels themselves, who want everyone to be able to watch their channel (the channels only pay the film makers per subscriber, not per viewer).
c) a smart hacker found a weakness in the Eurocrypt system, which allows keys to be easily cracked with an ordinary PC
d) extracting the keys from an existing original card, using an electron microscope or by sending funny electronic signals to the card to make it send out its own memory contents and keys
The update codes that are published when Eurocrypt channels changes keys, are generated by people who know the administration key. Self-updating Eurocrypt cards contain the administration key plus a program routine that automatically calculates the new keys.
Amiga - see "Self-updating cards"
Amstrad decoders - see Philips STU
ASIC - an "application specific IC". Any IC (integrated chip) that is made especially for an application, is called "an ASIC". There are application specific chips in phone cards, in wrist watches, and in the official Sky Television cards, etc. The ASIC's in original Sky cards were once cloned by professionals in USA for pirate card manufacturers in Europe, so they can be used in home-made Sky pirate cards or in Season 10. However, Sky then replaced all the viewing cards with new cards (the 11 series) and changed their keys.
ATR - "answer to reset" T=0 ISO-7816 - the way smartcards communicate. Almost all smartcards use this protocol or some variation of it, when they operate. For example phone cards, satellite TV cards, pirate cards, etc. Most "ordinary" smartcards are programmed with the software on the factory - however, PIC cards can be programmed at home using a PIC programmer, and not just once but many times. This firmware-programming is not specified under the ISO-7816 standard because it is such an ususual feature, and also because a PIC smartcard is programmed in the same way as a PIC chip, which is already specified under the Microchip PIC standard.
AutoProg - a name of a PIC programmer that S.H.S. started to develop hardware and software for mid-1997. Early 1998 the original AutoProg hardware design had to be changed in order to support through-PIC programming reliably. In the mean time, MicroProg was developed, and the project was stopped. The development of AutoProg started again mid-1998 and both the new AutoProg hardware (developed by hardware consultants, much like MicroProg but with some improvements) and the unique software (designed by Dr Elvis, programmed by outside contractors) will be released before 1999 (subscribe to the AutoProg web page for news).
Auto-updating cards - see "Self-updating cards"
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 - the names of the terminals on any ISO-7816-compatible smartcard. For pin-config, click here.
Cable TV - cable TV networks don't use the same encryption methods for their pay-channels, as TV satellites do. This page specializes in satellite TV, not cable TV. The only exception is Dutch cable TV networks, which actually use the Eurocrypt system. Philips CTU 900 decoders for Dutch cable TV can be used as satellite TV decoders, but to get a perfect picture quality they need to be modified slightly.
Cable TV - how does it work? - At any one time, only one channel can be received per satellite receiver (which is why you can't view one satellite channel while recording another, for example). The satellite receiver's job is to convert the signals from the LNB (microwave head) to ordinary RF TV signals. In a cable-TV network however, they have one receiver for each channel, so that all the channels are sent through the RF antenna cable, so you can zap between channels on your TV easily, and view different channels on different TV's / VCR's.
Canal + problems - see Eurocrypt S2.
Channels - which can be viewed with pirate cards? - today, all Eurocrypt pirate cards decode all Eurocrypt channels (TV1000, Filmnet 1, Filmnet 2, TV3 Sweden, TV3 Denmark/Norway, TV2 Norge, Tv Plus, Z-TV, Tv6, Nickelodeon, VH-1, Filmnet 2, MTV, Eurosport, TCC, Discovery, CNN, TV1000 Cinema, DR2, Canal +, Cine Cinema, BBC Prime). The Videocrypt2 channels are also cracked. For the Sky channels, there are sometimes working pirate cards, but they are expensive.
Chip - black electronic thing with pins on it. It consists of a photographically P- and N-doped etched semiconductor wafer connected to pins, and everything moulded into black plastic. A "wafer card" consists of the wafer and a gold pad glued to it (with some gold bondings in between).
Cipher key - see Key
Code - here, a piece of data put in the programmable area of the PIC one-chip computer. This data contains BOTH the program for the PIC:s on-board processor, plus the secret numbers ("keys") for the encryption process. The codes are written by hackers, and can be downloaded as a data file from Internet, for example. They are usually in ZIP archives which also contain text files with information about how to use the code.
COP - a single-chip computer. PIC16c84 is another single-chip computer.
COP-cards - pirate cards which use the COP processor - for example Big Mac, The Card, etc... The TV card emulating software for COP cards were not publically available, unlike the programs for PIC cards. That's why COP cards are almost dead today. Another reason is that PIC cards can be made easily and so far even legally, by the end user. Trade with COP cards which decode the Eurocrypt channels is, however, illegal in Scandinavia - since they are sold as ready-to-use.
Data logger - a device that logs the data between a smartcard reader and a smartcard, in both directions, and sends it to the serial port of a PC. See also Smartmouse (which allows communication between RS-232 and a smartcard) and Season (which allows communication between RS-232 and a smartcard reader). Software such as "The Ear" can be used with this device.
D2MAC - a TV system closely integrated with the Eurocrypt encryption method. To convert a D2MAC channel into PAL so you can view it on your standard TV (which uses PAL in Europe), a "D2MAC receiver" is needed. Almost all D2MAC receivers have Eurocrypt decoders built-in.
Decoder - the thing you insert the smartcard into. Most D2MAC-receivers have built-in Eurocrypt decoders, and most receivers sold in U.K. and Ireland have built-in Videocrypt-decoders.
DES - the encryption algorithm used in the D2MAC/Eurocrypt system.
DIL-chip - chip with two rows of easy-to-solder pins that goes through the circuit-board, rather than the small surface-soldered SMD-chips. DIL stands for Dual In-Line package. See also SMD.
DSS - system used by the TV satellites over North America. Don't ask be about hacking DSS, because I don't know.
ECM - Here, the "Electronic Counter Measure" the channels take against pirate cards by changing the key. Some channels never change their key, but Filmnet and TV1000 currently do it once every second month.
Encryption algorithm - a way to scramble information and make it unaccessable to anybody that doesn't know the number ("key") on which it is based. For example, if I encrypt HELLO by adding each letter with 1, I get IFMMP. Adding each letter with 1 is then the encryption algorithm. Of course, most encryption algorithms are much more complicated than that.
EEPROM - a type of computer memory - "electrically erasable & programmable ROM". The data memory inside the single-chip computer PIC16c84 is of this type. The memory chip 24LC16 uses memory of an EEPROM type. EEPROM memory keeps the contents after the power is turned off (unlike the RAM work memory in a computer). But it can also be reprogrammed many times, unlike EPROM or ROM memory. Flash memory works in the same way as EEPROM memory but it uses a more modern technique. Sometimes people include both EEPROM and Flash memory when they say "EEPROM memory".
EEPROM chip - this term often refers to the serial I2C EEPROM 24LC16. The 24LC16 EEPROM chip is used for extra memory on "EEPROM cards", such as Multimac2. See also 24C16.
Eurocrypt - an encryption system used by all Scandinavian channels - TV3, TV1000, Canal+, and the channels in the "CTV package". To view a Eurocrypt channel, you require an Eurocrypt decoder (which is connected to your D2MAC receiver) and a smartcard to insert into the decoder. Most D2MAC receivers have Eurocrypt decoders built-in. For more info, see also "original cards". Videocrypt is another encryption system which uses standard PAL instead of D2MAC. There are two flavors of Eurocrypt, called Eurocrypt S and Eurocrypt M. Some channels use M and some use S. Read more under "Eurocrypt S2".
Eurocrypt S2 - this is a new type of Eurocrypt currently used only by Canal +. "S2" means the channel can jump between Eurocrypt S and Eurocrypt M. The idea with S2 is to make it more difficult to make pirate cards for channels using S2. Canal+ issued new cards to all their subscribers, so they could switch over to S2. However, the new versions of Nordic and Multimac2 work with the new S2 system, even if there are still problems with the switching. On many brands of decoders using single-PIC cards programmed with Nordic 2.20 and on Multimac2-cards programmed with Multimac2 version 2.14, the user has to enter "1117" and "2227" on the D2MAC menu "change secret code", to change between Eurocrypt-S and Eurocrypt-M mode. On other brands of decoders, however, Nordic and Multimac2 is able to automatically switch between Eurocrypt-S and Eurocrypt-M depending on what Canal+ is currently using. Future versions of Nordic and Multimac2 will probably support a better auto-detection of M/S, that works on all decoders. Nordic Twins solves this in a perfect way, by using two cards - one for the EC-M and one for the EC-S channels.
EuromacII - a trade name of a Multimac2-card or the PCB itself, green or blue, with an image of a space shuttle. As with other Multimac2-cards, I/O is at RB7. C4 and C8 had changed places compared to normal Multimac2-cards. EuromacII cards are not sold anymore.
Flash memory - see EEPROM
Fuses - eight flags in the PIC1684 processor. They can only be changed when programming the chip. Once programmed, the whole chip needs to be erased and then reprogrammed. Two important fuses are code protect and power-up timer.
Galaxy-card - another name for a PIC+EEPROM card in "wafer" shape. On Galaxy-1 all pins are connected, but on Galaxy-2 C4 and C8 are not connected. This makes the card cheaper to make and programming more complicated, but on the other hand you don't have to seal C4 and C8 after programming, if you have a Pace500/1000, Amstrad or Philips STU. Only special programmers can program Galaxy-2. Click here for more info.
HEX file - generally a file with hexadecimal numbers. They usually end with .HEX. Program for PIC processors and contents of EEPROM chips are unfortunately by tradition stored in hexadecimal format instead of normal binary format, which makes them slightly more than twice as big as they normally would be (if a HEX file is 2200 bytes, it requires only 1024 bytes (or 8192 bits) when programmed into the chip. To make everything even more idiotic for no reason at all, HEX files can be either 8-bit or 16-bit. All programming utilities understand 8-bit HEX - also called INH8M, but many also understand 16-bit HEX.
Hexadecimal - a number system with 16 digits (0123456789ABCDEF) instead of 10 (0123456789) or 2 (01). 10 equals $0A, 100 equals $64, 255 equals $FF, 256 equals $100, 65535 equals $FFFF etc. To indicate that it's a HEX number, the dollar sign is used. Communists instead use H or Ox to make things more complicated.
ISO-7816 - the international standard for smartcards, used in phone cards, satellite TV cards, GSM cards, etc. It specifies card size, durability, pin configuration, voltage levels and communication speed etc - therefore people might refer to different things when they say "ISO-7816". For example, a British phone card can be inserted in a Videocrypt decoder, and the number of units left on the card is displayed on the TV screen! See also "ATR".
Key - a secret number on which the encryption algorithm is based.
Key change - see ECM
Keymaster programmer - a programmer with its own programming software.
LNB - the thing in the middle of the satellite dish, receiving the signals from the satellites. The dish reflects and focuses these signals right onto the LNB.
Ludipipo PIC-programmer - a smart design of a PIC-programmer for connection to the serial port of a PC. Ludipipo programmers don't require a separate power supply, but takes the power from the serial port. Most ludipipo programmers today, work with all computers (including IBM, Victor, Compaq etc). Because the timing is handled by the computer, it is important that the programming software is programmed well. Some programming utilities might not work on some computers, due to timing problems. PIP-02 is more reliable than for example PICPROG. If the cards are 16F84 and the timing is bad, many cards may fail while others work fine.
MAC 3 - (Luxor/Nokia/Salora MAC3) may not work with the pirate card program "Multimac 2".
MAC 5 - (Luxor/Nokia/Salora MAC3) works with Multimac 2 (if power-up timer was set correctly when the card was programmed).
Macab - a decoder brand that doesn't work on any other pirate card programs than WGTBETA and Nordic!
Macmaker - a program for PC that lets you create your own HEX-files for single-PIC cards. It is common that immediately after when a channel changes code, some people make HEX files with Macmaker and spread them, just to become popular by being the first with a new HEX file. As far as I know, Nordic is better (works on more receivers) than HEX files generated with Macmaker, so in these cases it's better to wait for the new release of Nordic.
Master - a name for chip 1 on a PIC-card with two PIC chips. The other PIC chip is called slave.
Memory - all computer memories consists of a number of memory locations. Each memory location can hold a value between 0 and 255. Internally it is made out of of 8 bits that can be either 0 (power off) or 1 (power on) - hence the 256 different combinations. (Sometimes, modern computer programs may interpret many bytes at the time, for example 16 or 32 bits at the time instead of 8).
Microchip - the manufacturer of PIC1684 and one of the manufacturers of 2416 chips.
MicroProg - a processor-controlled PIC programmer. See also AutoProg.
Milennium - see "Self-updating cards"
MPEG - motion JPEG, a compression method to describe a changing image (like a TV image) with as little information as possible. ZIP is another compression method, but it's general for any type of data, unlike MPEG which is specialized to be efficient on moving images. PAL TV consists of 24 frames per second, and sometimes MPEG doesn't describe the full frame, but instead only describes what has changed between two similar frames! With MPEG, an incredible compression ratio of 2000% or better can be achieved on moving images - the more European the film is, the better the compression. Ordinary picture compression techniques are also used - it's based on JPEG which is a lossy (meaning you loose some of the information in the picture compared to before the compression, but of course you can compensate for that by using a better resolution to start with) compression technique for steady images. Since MPEG is a computer-based compression method, it can of course only be used on digitally broadcast TV channels. With digital TV, 20 channels transmit on the same transponder/frequency thanks to MPEG2! (Many people think MPEG2 is a TV format such as PAL, D2MAC or NTSC, but it's not. It's used in many different digital TV formats - DVB is one)
Multimac1 - a program for single-PIC cards - made by M. Stegen. Nordic is better.
Multimac2 - this program is made for Multimac2-cards, and is the only software of this type for Multimac2-cards. Multimac2 has all the functions of Multimac1, plus it contains all the old (known) keys used by 16 channels, thanks to the bigger memory of the EEPROM.
Non-programmable PCB:s - some PIC PCB:s work fine except the PIC16c84 chip can't be re-programmed while on-board. This is done deliberately by a few manufacturers to force the customer to contact him for reprogramming and noone else. If the card is protected against reprogramming, pin 12, 13, 14, 4 or 5 is not connected and for programming the PIC has to be soldered from the PCB and inserted into a socket, or you have to use a clamp. This is very rare - I have never seen any such PCB's in real life.
Nordic - the best single-card HEX-file for single-PIC cards.
Nordic Twins - a unique solution where two single-PIC cards are used. One card decodes the EC-M channels and the other decodes the EC-S channels. It works very well and is the best pirate-card solution today (especially if you have a decoder with two card slots, so that you don't have to swap the card around when you want to watch Canal+ or Animal Planet)!
OTP - one time programmable. Example: If a chip is "OTP", the chip can only be programmed once. It can't be updated. PIC1684 however, can be reprogrammed thousands of times.
Original cards - original cards are of course cards that are issued by the channel to the subscribers. If the subscriber doesn't pay his monthly fee, the channel can send a "kill card number <x>" message via the broadcast, to make the card useless. A "kill" message for a certain card is sent more frequently the first months and then more seldom, so maybe if you don't keep the card in the decoder for a year after you've stopped paying, the card may work fine for maybe a month, until the next "kill" message for that card. Another interesting thing is that original cards are continously updated with new keys, etc. If an original card is not kept in the receiver for the duration of several months, the card may miss out on some of the updates, and therefore won't work. Every day, the channels have to replace lots of cards for this reason. Eurocrypt cards are based on a Motorola processor. Videocrypt1 cards have an ASIC (see ASIC). However, pirate cards for Eurocrypt are not cloned copies of original cards. Instead, the software in the pirate cards is written from scatch. Therefore, PIC and COP pirate cards are of course not affected by "kill" messages, since they are not clones. However, on the Videocrypt1 system used in the U.K., cloned cards have existed. See also Videocrypt1.
Pace 500 and Pace 1000 - doesn't work with Multimac2-cards unless C4 and C8 are covered.
Pace and the CTV channels. There is something special with the key for the CTV channel, that causes some Pace receivers not to receive the CTV channels if pirate cards are used. The solution to this, is to update a chip inside your Pace decoder.
PAL - the TV system used in Europe. In America, NTSC is used, and by many satellite channels, D2MAC is used. Since there are no D2MAC TV's on the market yet, you need built in D2MAC-to-PAL conversion into the satellite receiver, to view D2MAC channels.
PCB - printed circuit board (i.e. the card itself, on which you solder the chips)
Philips STU - a decoder that, just like Amstrad, doesn't work with Multimac2-cards unless C4 and C8 are covered.
Philips STU 901/902 - some HEX codes lose the programming and requires to be reprogrammed, if used with this decoder. Somehow this decoder interflicts with the remote-control updating feature in all programs for PIC cards. I don't know if this problem is fixed in the current versions (November 1997).
Phoenix interface - a device with the exact same functionality as a smartmouse, but not smartmouse-compatible. Originally used to re-activate a certain version of the original Sky cards (hence the name).
PIC16c57 - one-chip computer made by Microchip. Could only be programmed once (OTP).
PIC1684 - a single-chip computer. It has two different versions - 16F84 and 16C84. As with all other semiconductors, it can either be an IC chip (that you can solder to a PCB) or it can be just a flat silicon wafer inside a "wafer card".
PIC16c84 - one-chip computer that can be reprogrammed very many times. They come in one DIL version and one SMD version. A "one-chip-computer" contains both processor and memory to store the program code (1KB) and data (64 bytes). 1 KB may seem small but is enough for 1024 commands.
PIC16F84 or PIC16c84A - same chip as PIC16c84, but with some minor improvements. Power-up timer has to be set differently when you program it - that's the only difference.
PIC24c - sounds like a chip but it's a programming utility. It can only read HEX-files which has been created in 8-bit format. When you use it, make sure you set programmer type to LUDIPIPO and that the HEX files are stored in the current directory, and that their name end with .HEX - otherwise they won't be selectable when you do 'LOAD HEX'.
PIC-buster - a tool that can crack the copy-protection in a PIC16c84 without erasing the program. If the code protect fuse was set when a PIC16c84 was programmed, a buster is what you need to steal what has been programmed into it. (This is not necessary today, since most PIC-programs are freely available on Internet anyway).
PIC-programmer - a hardware interface that is used to "program" or copy a PIC-code from a PC into a PIC16c84. It comes with a PC programming utility software to control it, for example PIC24c81 or PIP-02. Cheaper PIC-programmers (such as Programmer IV) are of the ludipipo type - more advanced ones (such as MicroProg or AutoProg) are processor-controlled.
PIP-02 - a programming utility. Versions previous to 1.14 doesn't work well with serial-port programmers on computers faster than Pentium. Version 1.14 has a bug in the 16F84 device type handling.
Power-up timer - a fuse in PIC1684. For some reason, it's inverted in 16F84. Therefore you need to invert power-up timer if you program a PIC16F84! Other than that, PIC16F84 is backwards compatible with PIC16C84.
Processor - the main part or "brain" of a computer. It reads a program stored in a memory, and does what it says in there. It can calculate mathematically, create electronic signals on it's pins,and change the contents of memory locations.
Program - a sequence of numbers (ranging between 0 and 255 if it's an 8-bit program) intended for interpretation by a processor. The program must be stored in a memory, so the processor can read and execute it. (In personal computers, programs are normally stored on the harddrive, but loaded into RAM memory when they are going to be executed. In microcontrollers, the program is stored in ROM (if the chip is OTP) or EEPROM memory where it's also executed). Each number represents an instruction for the processor, for example 35, 40, 159 may mean "copy the contents of memory cell 40 to I/O pin 2", 194 201 may mean "jump to location 201 in memory and continue to interpret from there", or 4, 120, 84,44 may mean "divide the contents of memory cell 120 by 84 and put the result in memory location 44".
Programs are processor specific, so a program for a PC-processor (such as the word processor Microsoft Word) can't be understood by a PIC-processor or a MacIntosh processor (i.e. Motorola processor). However, if the programming language is compiling, the same source code can be used to make both a PC and a MacIntosh version (for an explaination, see under "programming languages").
Programming languages & compilation - the microprocessor (the brain in the computer) only understands it's own type of machine language. PIC1684 only understands PIC1684-machine language, x86 processors (used in PC computers) only understand x86-machine language, and Motorola 68x00 processors (used in MacIntosh, Amiga and Atari) only understand 68x00 machine language. To make it easier for humans to make programs for these microprocessors, programming languages (for example C or Pascal) have been invented. Programs written in these programming languages are then compiled into machine language by a compiler for that specific programming language and processor. Since such a conversion from programming language to machine language can never be perfect, programs made in C or Pascal are generally about 2 to 4 times as slow as programs made in machine language, and the size of the finished program (.EXE) is 2 to 10 times bigger than it could have been if the same program was "hand-written" in machine code. Since microcontroller programs are not that big (because the microcontroller memory is small), and because speed is often important, microcontroller software is usually programmed in machine language, even though C compilers also exist. Programs for PC computers are, however, usually written in C++, Pascal or Visual Basic. When a human programs in machine language directly, the machine language is called "assembler language". The program is either made directly as he types, or generated when he presses a button. This generation is also called "compilation".
The programming language BASIC is often compiled just like C and Pascal, but BASIC programs can also be executed in an "interpreted" mode, which means the BASIC commands are read by a special interpretor program. BASIC programs are therefore much smaller than compiled programs, but they have to be run through a BASIC interpretation program. For example, the name of the interpretation program for Visual Basic is VBRUN.EXE. Running a program in interpretation mode usually makes execution slower than what it could have been if the program had been compiled into machine code. The programming language Visual Basic alternatively offers the program author an unusual definition of "compilation" - the BASIC code is put together with the interpretation program in the same file. However, Visual Basic 5 and above also offers real compilation, which they call "native code compilation".
Quadra card - this is a card with 2 PIC and 2 EEPROM chips. There are programs for this type of card, but since 4 chips isn't actually necessary, no additional features is obtained with a Quadra card, above those of a Multimac2 card. You just get a card that's unnecessarily big. A Multimac2-card is basically a Quadra card but with the extra PIC and EEPROM removed.
RB6, RB7 etc - names on the different I/O pins on the PIC1684 chip. The programmer and the PCB needs to be ready for to the "RB" or "I/O-pin" that the PIC program is made for.
Scart - a standard connector used to transfer video. Scart cables offer less quality loss than normal antenna cables, and is suitable between VCR and TV, between satellite receivers and decoders, etc. Antenna cables are more suitable for long distances, and when there is a need to transmit several channels in the same cable. Confusion can be caused by the fact that video can be transmitted in two different ways - via the Red, Green and Blue pins (as in between decoders and receiver, or as in between computers and monitors), or via the Composite Video pin (as in between VCR and TV or satellite receiver and TV).
Schaer PIC-programmer - a design of a PIC-programmer for connection to the parallel port of a PC, made by H. Schaer. They are not processor-controlled. Schaer programmers require a separate power supply. Not same as Tait PIC-programmer.
Season interface - an interface that enables communication between an ISO-7816 card slot and the RS-232 serial port in a computer. Voyager is a PC program that uses a Season interface to decrypt TV channels. It works on the same channels as the PIC card programs work on.
Self-updating cards - these commercial pirate cards, ready to used equipped with the required hardware and software, have the administration key built in, which means the don't need to be re-programmed when channels change their key. By knowing the administration key, the processor in the card can easily figure out the new key, without huge processing power. You can't make such cards yourself, and because you pay for the hackers' development cost, risk, knowledge and profit margin, PIC cards are much better value for money.
Single-PIC cards - cards with just a PIC1684 chip. May have I/O on RB6 or RB7. May be wafer or a PCB with an IC soldered on. The 1684 may be 16F84 or 16C84. The best Eurocrypt pirate card software for this card is Nordic / Nordic Twins.
"Sky" cards - see Videocrypt 1.
Smartmouse interface - an interface used so a PC can communicate with a smartcard (rather than programming a PIC card). Smartmouse interfaces are used to update programmed COP cards, to communicate with standard ATR-smartcards, and can also be used to program the 2416 chip on Multimac2-cards, if no PIC-programmer able to program this chip is available. Smartmouse interfaces are good for sending and receiving information to/from a smartcard, but if you want to reprogram the software in a PIC card, you need a PIC programmer.
SMD - Surface Mounted Device. If a chip is SMD, it means that it doesn't have pins that go through the PCB, but are soldered directly to the component side using special equipment. SMD offer a cheaper manufacturing process for large series, but is less well suited for hobbyists.
Socket - a thing that holds a chip. Instead of soldering the chip to the PCB, you can solder a socket there. Then you eliminate the risk of damaging the chip with the heat from the soldering iron, and canreplace the chip if you need to (for example when you need to re-program the chips, and have a programmer that don't have a card reader). A PIC16c84 needs a 18-pin socket because it is an 18-pin chip, and 24c16 needs an 8-pin socket.
Software - program.
Switchless programmer - means that you don't need to flick switches on the programmer to adapt it for different card types. This also requires a custom-written programming utility, which is probably easier to use than PIP-02 or the other freeware programming utilities for programmers with switches.
Tait PIC-programmer - a design of a PIC-programmer for connection to the parallel port of a PC, made by D. Tait. Tait programmers require a separate power supply.
Tandberg Eurocrypt decoders - the only pirate card program it works with, is WGTBETA.
Test card - this is what they, for legal reasons, call pirate cards in America. They were legally sold with the excuse that technicians used the card for testing decoders. They are still legal in Canada but DES is going to change their encryption so who knows for how long it will work...
Through-PIC - means to program the 2416 chip on a Multimac2-card by first programming the PIC chip with a temporary program that would then communicate with the PC. Next, the contents for the 2416 chip is communicated to the PIC and then programmed into the 2416 chip. After that, the PIC is erased and programmed for real. The purpose with through-PIC-programming is that it's required if either the card or the programmer doesn't support fast and easy programming via the pads C4 and C8, which are connected directly to the 2416 chip on most Multimac2-cards.
Trio Triasat 5005 - works with Multimac2-cards (if power-up timer is set correctly). Always use the MAIN card slot for pirate cards on this special receiver - otherwise you may damage it!
Update a card with remote control - this is possible if the program in the smartcard supports it (most do). See http://hem.passagen.se/sat/#upd
VCL trick - a method of viewing recorded Videocrypt programs without an original card, to enable viewing of recorded Videocrypt TV-programs without a Videocrypt card. Required: Videocrypt decoder and Season-interface and VCL datafile. The VCL datafile is created by someone who has a working Sky card and an interface connected between the card and the VC1-decoder and records the codes which were used to decode this program, then sends it via Internet to those that don't have it. They load it into a special program in their PC, which is connected to the Videocrypt1 decoder via a Season interface and then can decode the encrypted recording.
Videocrypt 1 - another encryption system than Eurocrypt. Videocrypt 1 is used by the Sky channels and Adult Channel and Eurotica. Subscriptions to those are, for stupid reasons, only sold in U.K. and Ireland. Therefore, pirate cards for Sky would be legal in the rest of the world. Sky often replace all the subscriber cards, and thereby kill all pirate cards that worked on the previous card. The different generations of Sky cards are named 9, 10, 11, etc. The current generation is 11 (November 1997) and there is currently no working pirate cards for it (?). Pirate cards for the previous generation was made by cloning the ASIC chip in an original card, and by cutting a wire in an expired original card so the card was turned on again. Not all "Videocrypt" decoders support Videocrypt 2. There are no working do-it-yourself pirate cards (i.e. PIC cards) for the Sky-channels on the Astra satellite. However, Multimac2 decodes T.A.C. and Eurotica (I think).
Videocrypt 2 - another encryption system than Eurocrypt. There is a program for a single-PIC card that decodes 9 Videocrypt 2 channels. Channels will soon stop using Videocrypt 2.
Wafer cards - litterarly it means wafer thin cards, i.e. real smartcards without soldered-on chips. So far, there has only been single-PIC cards in wafer format, but now there is also a Multimac2 "wafer". Just like a chip, a wafer card has a flat silicon "wafer" built-in, with tiny wires connected to the gold plated terminals on the smartcard.
WGTBETA - the best code for double-PIC cards. Made by Satfreak. Contains current keys for all Eurocrypt channels, and old keys for most Nordic channels. There are also modified versions called WGTNORDIC and WGTKEY. New versions of WGTBETA are usually released slower than versions for Nordic and Multimac2.