Free To Air Learning

Free To Air for Beginners
  1. What are Free To Air (FTA) channels?
  2. How to get started with Free to Air?
  3. Where can I find only Free USA channels?
  4. How to read Lyngsat chart?
  5. Are there any Dish Network or DirecTV channels that are FTA?
  6. Can I use an FTA receiver to receive premium channels from Dish Network or DirecTV?
  7. Can I use my existing 18" dish (Directv or DN dishes) to receive FTA?
  8. Where can I find additional Free to Air Support?
  1. What are Free To Air (FTA) channels?
    Free to Air (FTA) channels are digital channels that are not encrypted by the service provider and require no subscription or monthly payment. They are provided free of charge by the provider and are perfectly legal to receive with an FTA receiver. In other words FREE channels = Unencrypted/Unscrambled. ***Channels that are encrypted require you to subscribe to the service provider.
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  2. How to get started with Free to Air?
    1) You need to determine what satellite to aim at, go to: www.lyngsat.com or www.ftalist.com or www.satcodx.com or www.sathint.com. These sites will show you all the channels/satellites listed. If your living in North America make sure the satellites are between 40 degree's west to 160 degree's west. These four sites above also tell you which channels are Free to view (unscramble/unencrypted).

    2) Once you determine which satellite you are interested in, look carefully at those four sites above to see whether its ku band (10.7GHz to 14.5GHz) or c-band (3600 MHz to 7025MHz). For Ku-band most area's required at least 30" dish or bigger while C-band requires at least 1.2 Meter dish or bigger.

    3) Now that you have determined which satellite you desire, go to www.dishpointer.com. Type in your address, and then click the link under "Satellites & Dish Sizes". This chart will show you the size of dish required for the satellite of your interest located in your area. Dishpointer is a must have to point your dish, download their app on your mobile device for free.

    4) If you want more than 1 satellite look at the degree's. If it’s less than 25 degree's a part from each other you can use a multi LNB bracket, please find below our brackets: http://www.worldwidesatellites.com/lnbs-brackets-c-38.html If you want many satellites or the multiple satellites which are further than 25 degree's you will need a motorized system, please find below our motors: http://www.worldwidesatellites.com/satellite-motors-c-26.html

    5) Now you will need to purchase the recommended dish size from dishpointer. If you are unsure if you need multi LNB bracket or motor contact our tech support. All our dishes are listed here: http://www.worldwidesatellites.com/satellite-dishes-c-22.html

    6) All our free to air receivers are capable of receiving the free channels. How to choose the best receiver really depends of the features and functions you desire. It’s like choosing the best blu-ray player or the best TV, its your personal choice. Our #1 selling receiver brand is the Conaxsat aka CNX. CNX is known for good quality, easy to use, affordable price and 1 year warranty.

    7) If you are planning to install this system by yourself you will need rg6 cable, cable clips, rg6 connectors, tool for crimp or compression connector, cable stripper and compass (recommended). Other tools that help with installation are satellite meters; this also depends on your budget and how many installations you plan on doing. Go to www.dishpointer.com for aiming coordinates. If you require a professional installer two great sites are www.ftainstall.com and www.mylocalinstaller.com

    Now you’re ready to Watch Free Satellite TV...
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  3. Where can I find only Free USA channels?

    http://www.lyngsat.com/freetv/United-States.html


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  4. How to read Lyngsat chart?

     http://www.worldwidesatellites.com/readthecart.gif


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  5. Are there any Dish Network or DirecTV channels that are FTA?
    Almost all of the channels provided by these companies are NOT FTA. The channels are encrypted and require an authorized receiver and monthly subscription.
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  6. Can I use an FTA receiver to receive premium channels from Dish Network or DirecTV?
    Absolutely not. These channels require subscription and special receivers supplied by the service provider only. Any tampering with your FTA receiver (whether by hardware or software modification) to try to receive the premium channels without paying is not only a violation of the law and unethical, but also will void the warrantee on your receiver and may hinder it unusable. We do not support or condone piracy of signal. Don't even inquire about it.
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  7. Can I use my existing 18" dish (Directv or DN dishes) to receive FTA?
    No. All FTA channels are available on satellites with much weaker signal than DSS. The minimum size dish required is 30". Also, FTA and DBS / DSS satellites require different type of LNBs.
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  8. Where can I find additional Free to Air Support?

    http://www.dvb.org/

    http://www.dbsforums.com/

    http://www.sadoun.net/

    http://www.satelliteguys.us/

    If these sites don't help you can search Yahoo or Google for many more FTA Support Forums

    * Please note that when you click on one of these links above, you may be moving to another company's web site. We cannot control the activities of any such company. We encourage you to read the terms of use and privacy statements of these linked sites as their policies may differ from ours. You access and use these and any other sites, including the information, services, products, materials or any other resources contained on them, solely at your own risk

     


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