Thread: Recomendations for a first time receiver

Originally Posted by DK_Sat

The Traxis 3500 is a very nice receiver.

I second that!
I use this receiver strickly for blindscanniing (best on the market!), then I feed the TPs into my Coolsat 8000 and Quali Tv receivers, since these receivers has HD and 4:2:2 capablities.
Man, the choice of receivers are awesome! Just figure out what your desires are as far as programs available for true FTA. If you have a HD television, consider getting a receiver that handle HD. Many FTA receivers are affordable now.
Take a look at the equipment reviews offered on this site, and Google.
I got seven FTA receivers since I started this hobby.
Be warned: This hobby is ADDICTED!!!

Thanks to Iceberg's recommendation, I got a CoolSat 5000 for blindscanning purposes. No receiver is perfect, but for $50 on eBay, you can't go wrong.

Originally Posted by guapoharry

In addition, European receivers often have Conditional Access slots, which for the most part are useless for North America. This adds cost to the unit.

Absolutely right significant cost. The only advantage is that with the appropriate cam you can use subscription cards in addition to FTA

Originally Posted by knowmiddlename

Thanks to Iceberg's recommendation, I got a CoolSat 5000 for blindscanning purposes. No receiver is perfect, but for $50 on eBay, you can't go wrong.

you got a great receiver. You may need to flash it with the factory software. Once you get it, let us know what is in there. I have the factory software and a better satellite list then what it comes with. The "stock" list is really bad and misses alot of satellites. I have a list you can download into it and it covers 61.5-148 both C & KU Band

try Kijiji first. plenty of Coolsat/Fortecs available even in smaller cities. no need for ripoff shipping and many times you can bargain with them since they're not professional sellers. I got a 1m Starchoice dish made by Winegard for $20 off Kijiji.