Thread: directv to fta

i have a question if there is a way to use my old DirecTv receivers to get FTA channels.

simple answer is nope
DirecTv uses its own system (DSS) and FTA is mainly DVB

I am curious what allows a twinhan 102A from being able to handle both DSS and DVB-S.

I'd must say it would be reallly cool to convert some old direct tv or dish receivers for pure FTA DVB usage

Iceberg, Can I use my existing DirecTV dish - 36" Slimeline with three LNBs - for my FTA setup? I just bought a Viewsat PVR7000 and quit direcTV (bunghole TV). Do I have to realign the dish? Or is it good to go, just plug in the bird info?

You would be able to get NASA and Angle One, that's it I think.
The Subscription Companies use a Circular Signal and requires a Circular LNB, while regular FTA uses a Linear Signal and requires a Linear LNB.
From the outside the LNBs can look the same, it's the inside where the differance is.
Best bet is to get a 90cm Dish with Linear LNB and a Motor.

Tryin' to keep the cost down for now - Christmas and all. Can I just swap out the LNBs?

Kinda. Finding one that fits would be the problem, you'd have to "make it work"
Then, re-aim the dish to the Sat you want, see....
SatelliteGuys.US - TheList
Depending on what you want, I would suggest 123west for American TV or 97west for foriegn TV.
Also, depending on where you are located, that Dish may be a little small for some signals.

Try removing the triple lnb first and leave the dish there. Should be aligned center for AMC4. Try getting KUIL first with your reciever (See "the list"). Its a hot TP so should be able to pick it up and ensure that you've got your receiver settings right without messing with dish alignment

Once that is done, then try some of the other dish locations, like G18

Originally Posted by dragonchef

Tryin' to keep the cost down for now - Christmas and all. Can I just swap out the LNBs?

Check out this thread about using a DirecTV dish to get linear FTA.
http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-air...-ku-maybe.html