ORF encrypted despite card - 6 quick fixes (tested)

December 30, 2024

If the ORF is still encrypted despite the inserted card, there can be several different causes. We show you in this article 6 quick fixes that can be implemented quicklyhow you can use the Receive ORF can. If none of these options help, you can use the Bypass ORF encryption even with a VPNand then stream ORF via the Internet. This also works via the TV if you use a service such as NordVPN directly on your router.

Content

6 reasons why ORF is still encrypted despite the card being inserted, and how you can quickly fix them with our quick fixes
Conclusion: ORF encrypted despite card

6 reasons why ORF is still encrypted despite the card being inserted, and how you can quickly fix them with our quick fixes

1. pull out the plug and perform a power reset

Problem: Device goes crazy if it is connected to the mains for too long

Quick Fix to Remedy: more complete Power reset

The error message can often be "Encrypted signal" can already be remedied by a reset. If ORF is encrypted even though the card is inserted, remove the card and turn off the TV by unplugging the power cord. Then put the card back in, switch to ORF and wait for about 30 minutes. Here are the steps in detail:

Unplug the module
Switch off the TV and then unplug it. Now wait one to two minutes (until the standby light goes out)
Now turn on the TV again
Select the program ORF 1 HD
Insert the module and wait 30 minutes without changing anything on the TV. The ORF sends an activation pulse via the satellite.

Have you already been able to fix the error and now receive ORF? - If not, we will show you other quick fixes that you can use if the ORF is still encrypted despite the card.

2. contact error, check whether everything is plugged in correctly

Problem: Device goes crazy if it is connected to the mains for too long

Quick Fix to Remedy: Check plug-in direction and blow off contacts.

Are you sure that the module or the ORF DIGITAL SAT card are inserted correctly? If there is a contact error, there can be no communication between the receiver and the module/ORF card. So check that you have inserted the ORF DIGITAL-SAT card or module correctly. Dust can also cause an error message. Blow the contact points several times a strong breath once off.

Also check the Plug-in direction of the SAT module. If you still have an old pluggable ORF card, the barcode on the module should point to the screen. The CI module should then be inserted in the direction of the arrow in the CI+ slot (sometimes it is also called Common Interface slot).

Card inserted incorrectly? Insert the card into the CI module in the direction of the arrow Bar code and golden chip pointing upwards/ towards the screen Insert the card into the CI+ slot on the TV in the direction of the arrow

If you already have one of the newer ORF cards, which you can plug directly into the CI+ slot of your TV, there is no need to plug in the card.

However, check here too that you have inserted the module correctly and in the direction of the arrow in the TV or your receiver.

Switch off the TV completely by unplugging the mains plug for a few minutes after you have reinserted the card.

If you could not solve the problem that the ORF is encrypted despite the card with this quick fix, you can check the program authorization next.

3. the program authorization has expired

Problem: Program authorization expires automatically after 4 weeks

Quick Fix to Remedy: Wait for automatic activation pulse from ORF

ORF cards lose their validity after 5 years and you have to buy a new one. Buy ORF Card. However, the program authorization also expires if you have not used the card for more than 4 weeks. If the latter is the case, the following quick fix will help you.

You receive the error message

No authorization

No program authorization

If you have a HD Austria receiverthe activation takes place automatically. To do this, switch from ORF 1 HD to any other channel and then back to ORF 1 HD. As soon as the error message No authorization or No program authorization appears, you stay 30 minutes without interruption on ORF 1 HD. During this time, your device will receive the ORF activation pulse via the satellite and the message should disappear.

If you do not have an HD Austria receiver, the activation is not automatic and you have to request it by entering your address or the card number on the HD Austria page. You can do this in your HD Austria account under Settings or via this form from HD Austria activate your card. Then switch to Pulse 4 HD and wait 30 minutes for the activation signal.

4. software update on the receiver

Problem: Software outdated

Quick Fix to Remedy: Perform update

Another problem why you cannot receive ORF despite having inserted the card may be due to the software on your receiver. Therefore, check whether your software in both the receiver and the TV is up to date. If possible, carry out a software update to rectify the error.

Even if you have purchased a new TV, you should check that all software is up to date. Many devices are supplied with older software and must be updated by the user.

5. defect in the TV/receiver can also lead to ORF remaining encrypted despite the card

Problem: Defect on TV receiver

Quick Fix to Remedy: you can use the Bypass ORF encryption with a VPN or buy a new TV

If you still receive the encryption error message, it could be that the CI+ slot on your TV or receiver is faulty. You will usually receive the following error message:

Encrypted signal - Please check whether your CI+ module is inserted or inserted correctly

The suspicion of a defective television is confirmed if

you have already performed a power reset (see point "1. Unplug and reset"),
you have checked that your card is inserted correctly (see point "2nd contact error, check that everything is inserted correctly"),
you have checked your authorization in the HD Austria account (see point "3. The program authorization has expired")
you are sure that your software is up to date (see point "4. Software update on the receiver"), it is likely that the TV is faulty.

To verify that the fault is in the TV or receiver, you can check the source of the fault by plugging the module into another TV or receiver. If the error message "Scrambled signal" then disappears, the fault is in your hardware, which is defective.

To fix the error, there is another option besides buying a new TV: you can use the ORF encryption can also be bypassed with a VPN.

If you are using older hardware to receive the ORF signal, you may only receive the error message "Scrambled signal". short term you receive. Subsequently the error message disappears again and you can receive ORF in HD. In this case, there is no defect in the TV or receiver. Instead, it simply takes a few seconds for the CI+ module to recognize the ORF Digital card. In the meantime, your device already displays the error message "Scrambled signal", although the detection process has not yet been completed. If the error message disappears on its own after some time, this is therefore completely uncritical:
With the activation and the module on, everything is fine in that case.

6. television too old to cope with ORF encryption

Problem: TV from before 2016

Quick Fix to Remedy: you can use the Bypass ORF encryption with a VPN or buy a new TV

If your receiver or TV is from 2016 or older, your hardware is probably too old to decode the signal.

In this case, however, you don't have to buy a new TV directly. Another alternative is to use the Bypass ORF encryption. You can use a VPN to bypass the encryption. You can either install this VPN directly on your router or download a program for your desktop computer, tablet or other end device. The software from NordVPN, which can bypass the ORF block, is available you at this link.

VPN Austria Screenshot — After you have decided on a VPN tunnel connected to Austria, you can watch ORF without restrictions.

Once you have installed the software, connect to the VPN and select Location Austriato bypass the ORF block. The ORF block cannot be bypassed with any VPN, as the ORF does not let cheap VPNs through. You should therefore get a high-quality VPN such as NordVPN to bypass the Bypass ORF encryption to be able to.

Conclusion: ORF encrypted despite card

We recommend trying the quick fixes listed in this article one after the other if the ORF is encrypted despite the card. All quick fixes are listed again here: