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Hi All
I am new here and new to all this too! I have been trying to search around here, on google and on other sites, but am still a little confused about what I will need. I don't understand many of the acronyms that are being thrown around.
OK, so I have a DirecTV satellite dish on my house, and have 4 standard def set-top boxes in various rooms in the house. I am building a new computer and I have a wall socket right next to my computer that links to the DirecTV satellite.
Basically is there a PCI or PCI-Express card out there (if not then a USB device) that I can connect directly to the wall socket (ie to the DirecTV satellite) to receive the free over the air channels? Preferably in HD. I am building a PC with a QX9650 quad core CPU, so it will be fast enough to handle HD content. I plan to run Vista Media Center to watch the TV on the pc too, so compatability with this would be great, and if I can get H.264 recording that would be a bonus. I have been looking at the AverMedia Combo PCI-e card, but am worried that it will only work with a cable signal, and not a satellite signal.
If it helps at all, my zip code is 84315 in Utah - Near Ogden. Maybe that is useful to know the dish angle or what I can receive or something
Oh and I am not looking to get a whole bunch of niche channels... just ones like ABC, NBC and FOX etc, ie the major local ones that are free... obviously anything additional would be a bonus!
Any advice or thoughts would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Lawrence
I am new here and new to all this too! I have been trying to search around here, on google and on other sites, but am still a little confused about what I will need. I don't understand many of the acronyms that are being thrown around.
OK, so I have a DirecTV satellite dish on my house, and have 4 standard def set-top boxes in various rooms in the house. I am building a new computer and I have a wall socket right next to my computer that links to the DirecTV satellite.
Basically is there a PCI or PCI-Express card out there (if not then a USB device) that I can connect directly to the wall socket (ie to the DirecTV satellite) to receive the free over the air channels? Preferably in HD. I am building a PC with a QX9650 quad core CPU, so it will be fast enough to handle HD content. I plan to run Vista Media Center to watch the TV on the pc too, so compatability with this would be great, and if I can get H.264 recording that would be a bonus. I have been looking at the AverMedia Combo PCI-e card, but am worried that it will only work with a cable signal, and not a satellite signal.
If it helps at all, my zip code is 84315 in Utah - Near Ogden. Maybe that is useful to know the dish angle or what I can receive or something
Oh and I am not looking to get a whole bunch of niche channels... just ones like ABC, NBC and FOX etc, ie the major local ones that are free... obviously anything additional would be a bonus!
Any advice or thoughts would really be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Lawrence
11 Replies
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5436 views
what's on FTA
Here is the most user-friendly list of what's available on FTA satellites.
We have more technical lists that are better, but to get you started, this is fine.
Your question was a little unclear, but if you meant you have DirecTV and are keeping the service, and can you plug into the existing dish without re-aiming it, the answer is a resounding NO.
If want to receive anything on the DirecTV satellites with a PCI card, encrypted or not, hi def or not, the answer is a resounding NO.
If you want to scuttle DirecTV service, and re-aim the existing dish to use for some other task, then here's the answer:
They have several different dishes, and no matter which you have, any modest FTA capability that one may or may not have, is not something I'd encourage.
We do have threads where experienced FTAers snag a few transponders off a couple of birds, but those are few and far between, and generally require changing out the LNB.
So, for the beginner, the safer, and more reliable path, is to get a 36" dish with a linear (Standard or Universal) LNB.
Also, aligning a dish with only a PCI card is one of the more difficult tasks.
Using a stand-alone receiver at the antenna with a small monitor, works far better.
If you read the forum, you'll see most users of PCI or USB receivers, have other set top boxes (and use them for initial alignment).
So, knowing all this, what do you want to do?
If it's do-able, we can help ya. -
Here is the most user-friendly list of what's available on FTA satellites.
We have more technical lists that are better, but to get you started, this is fine.
Your question was a little unclear, but if you meant you have DirecTV and are keeping the service, and can you plug into the existing dish without re-aiming it, the answer is a resounding NO.
If want to receive anything on the DirecTV satellites with a PCI card, encrypted or not, hi def or not, the answer is a resounding NO.
If you want to scuttle DirecTV service, and re-aim the existing dish to use for some other task, then here's the answer:
They have several different dishes, and no matter which you have, any modest FTA capability that one may or may not have, is not something I'd encourage.
We do have threads where experienced FTAers snag a few transponders off a couple of birds, but those are few and far between, and generally require changing out the LNB.
So, for the beginner, the safer, and more reliable path, is to get a 36" dish with a linear (Standard or Universal) LNB.
Also, aligning a dish with only a PCI card is one of the more difficult tasks.
Using a stand-alone receiver at the antenna with a small monitor, works far better.
If you read the forum, you'll see most users of PCI or USB receivers, have other set top boxes (and use them for initial alignment).
So, knowing all this, what do you want to do?
If it's do-able, we can help ya. -
you would be correct.. there are a few .. very few.. but a few in the clear channels (nothing worth setting a dish up for) on dish's satellites..
Some of the other sats (non-dbs sats) are much better for FTA.. unless your into sports, news, worship, or foriegn.. fta won't be very interesting.. I haven't messed with my dish in a while.. I was thinking about re-aligning it for some eastern arc setup as well as a few other fta spots..
Some of the other sats (non-dbs sats) are much better for FTA.. unless your into sports, news, worship, or foriegn.. fta won't be very interesting.. I haven't messed with my dish in a while.. I was thinking about re-aligning it for some eastern arc setup as well as a few other fta spots..
Check out this great reference thread for what you can get on a little 18" dish.
Because sometimes a kiddie tricycle is better than a big motorcycle.why not point him to thelist?
Its up to date and our own
It's sure a lot less scary.
And, it's got a list of channels by language.
That has got to be the big hook to get a newbie interested (or not).
Show him how many channels are in his favorite language(s).
I'm a big supporter of Qwert1515 and TheList, and regularly beta test it.
For the even slightly technical users (or anyone who can spell FTA), it's outstanding. - :up
It's highly over rated.What? No FTA porn?
Lifetime Supporter
I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
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4451 views
Unfortunately, I don't think my social proximity to Charle Ergen provides any special perks. Maybe if Foxbat, Jr. were to marry his daughter…have charlie buy you a new house
S
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that would be one hell of a convoUnfortunately, I don't think my social proximity to Charle Ergen provides any special perks. Maybe if Foxbat, Jr. were to marry his daughter…
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Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68614 Replies
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2678128 views
Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...
9 Replies
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541 views
Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2
To add: 101W Ku seems to be (one of if not the) strongest for me, and if I only had Ku I definitely want 101W for the music mux, it's robust FEC and strong signal help a lot. I've thought about using a used Dish/DirectTV dish at my Dads to supplement his OTA (mainly for my benefit when I visit )
)
Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
154 Replies
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2251 views
M
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Love this guy's channel. Looks like Walmart has thrown in the towel when it comes to conventional car batteries.
I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU
I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU
16 Replies
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168 views
The guy in the Video, REALLY needs to TAKE a Breath ...
If he'd Slow down, you could figure out What he's testing and on what.
If he'd Slow down, you could figure out What he's testing and on what.
Season 2 order already in hand:
'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Renewed for Season 2, Tatiana Maslany to Guest Star in Season 1
I've not been optimistic about this show based on what I've read so far. Seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Interesting though that Tatiana Maslany will have some sort of role.
'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Renewed for Season 2, Tatiana Maslany to Guest Star in Season 1
I've not been optimistic about this show based on what I've read so far. Seems to be aimed at a younger audience. Interesting though that Tatiana Maslany will have some sort of role.
95 Replies
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3775 views
As has always been the case for those consumed by their own financial enrichment.
The title was to catch everyone's eye lol! But it is a thought I've been having as I dev a Roku app for a client. You see many MAAANY years ago I got really interested in cable TV channels and even chatted with a regional carrier, Insight about what it took to get a channel number. It was surprisingly easy although prohibitively expensive.
You could petition, reserve a high channel number, they monitored performance and if they liked you, you'd get lower channel number overtime and cut into ad overlays.
Roku has a similar setup. Make an app, if it has a strong, original linear component you could get channel assignment on The Roku Channel.
As mixed as my feelings are on the current media landscape, I can't help but feel a little excited interest when I scope out the apps in the Roku store.
You could petition, reserve a high channel number, they monitored performance and if they liked you, you'd get lower channel number overtime and cut into ad overlays.
Roku has a similar setup. Make an app, if it has a strong, original linear component you could get channel assignment on The Roku Channel.
As mixed as my feelings are on the current media landscape, I can't help but feel a little excited interest when I scope out the apps in the Roku store.
4 Replies
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93 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Don't know if any of you have watched this series yet, it would be interesting to see if you feel this review was accurate. It was very humorous to listen to however.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tsDO3y8I2c
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tsDO3y8I2c
3 Replies
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141 views
Y
Halfway into the "written" review, I know more about how the writer "thinks" than I do about what they are writing about. I understand their politics, their self-overestimated understanding of film, their inability to be funny.
Takes about 22 paragraphs to get to one that starts "Anyway, the story kicks off...". Talk about Slop!
If the review is like the article, oi! Eighteen paragraphs into the review and... all they've done is not really talk at all about the actual thing they are reviewing.
Halfway into the "written" review, I know more about how the writer "thinks" than I do about what they are writing about. I understand their politics, their self-overestimated understanding of film, their inability to be funny.
Takes about 22 paragraphs to get to one that starts "Anyway, the story kicks off...". Talk about Slop!
TFLEV
Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-wAFhIJCSk
Direct YouTube Link - How Far? The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Takes On Toughest Mountain Range Test!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-wAFhIJCSk
Direct YouTube Link - How Far? The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Takes On Toughest Mountain Range Test!
0 Replies
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9 views
Staff member
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)
Additional tabs provide:
OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders
Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8
Understanding the TPN Map
Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions
2164 Replies
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940324 views
