An enigma2 image refers to a complete operating system for a given fta receiver. The term "Image" in the computer world refers to an exact copy of a hard drive. Enigma fta images have been used for over a decade.
Open source is what sets enigma2 apart from most other fta operating systems. Enigma2 is ran on linux receivers, and most of the files inside the image are not encrypted and can be changed by anybody with the proper coding expertise. Most of the drivers in current enigma2 are provided by a For Profit Company. These drivers are closed source.
Historically, Linux based fta receivers that are capable of running an enigma image cost considerably more than a closed source fta receiver. The price of linux based fta receivers is starting to come down. Entry level linux based receivers are now being sold at retail for around $200.00 U.S. Top of the line linux based receivers are currently being sold for $500-1,000.00 U.S., depending on which receiver you get and how many options the receiver has.
Bricking or making an enigma2 fta receiver inoperable due to operator error or due to errors in the image coding is almost impossible. A bootloader (similar to BIOS in windows) is embedded in the receiver. The bootloader allows a fresh or uncorrupted image to be loaded In case of an accident or error which causes the receiver to freeze or quit executing commands.
Enigma2 has a tremendous amount of support for internet tv, and for other addons which may be referred to as plugins. Skins provide the look for the menus of an Enigma2 receiver. Enigma2 images will allow many different types of skins to be installed, allowing you many options to customize the way the menus look.
Having a linux based fta receiver allows the user to have the maximum control over his receiver. Most of the closed source systems like Android will be here today and gone tomorrow. Support for the closed source systems usually stops soon after the sales of the receiver stops, leaving the buyer with an useless or outdated item.
Currently, there are not a lot of linux based enigma2 receivers being sold in North America. Most of the fta dealers or resellers in our area are focused on selling closed source receivers. This is more attractive for the dealer/reseller because you will have to deal directly with them if you brick the receiver, or even if you need to update something as simple as a satellite file. Some of these resellers or dealers are claiming to write code or burn ROMS when in fact, they are not capable of doing anything without the closed source parent company providing what they need.
Some receivers like the Amiko Alien2, are dual boot receivers. Closed Source Support for these receivers has been abandoned by the resellers or dealers that sold them. The Alien2 has dual boot and is capable of running enigma2 images which are still being supported by the open source community. The lack of interest after the sale is made, and the lack of interest in long term support are two good reasons to consider a linux based enigma2 receiver for your fta system. EB
