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PopcornNMore

Last reply Dec 22, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

FTA Only?

Who here only uses FTA satellite and OTA to receive TV signals? If so, are you happy with what you have?

I'm realizing that we spend close to $1,000 per year for a Dish Network subscription and most of the programming we watch are on the networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, THIS & RTV) that we receive clearer on OTA and FTA satellite for free. Plus now programming from the top CATV channels can be found online as well as on DVD.

We are now thinking about starting the new year only using FTA and cutting out Dish Network in order to reduce expenses.

That $1,000 could be used to buy a new 8' dish, AZbox Elite receiver and some other FTA equipment.

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semco72057

Dec 17, 2009

I have Directv, OTA, and FTA television and is considering dropping Directv since I am retired now and is spending over $1300.00 dollars a year for it. Since I installed my FTA system I end up watching it more anyway. You have to pay extra for local channels and will be getting an outdoor antenna for my OTA system for a better signal. My favorite channel is the Pentagon channel since I am a retired veteran. Most of the sports I watch in on OTA anyway like Pro Football and you have to pay much more for that on Directv. The service has been great with them, but I don't view it enough to justify spending what I give them.

gdavisloop

Dec 22, 2009

Do yourself a favor and get a 10-foot dish! Don't scimp on C-band dish size!

OTA can be really good if you have good HD network stations in your area.
I recommend an HD TiVo (which unfortunately is also a subscription); in addition to being a great OTA-HD recorder, it allows you to watch YouTube, Netflix, Amazon etc on your TV.

FTA, I've finally realized, is simply the most expensive possible way to watch free TV.
--Gary

stogie5150

Dec 22, 2009

gdavisloop said:
Do yourself a favor and get a 10-foot dish! Don't scimp on C-band dish size!

OTA can be really good if you have good HD network stations in your area.
I recommend an HD TiVo (which unfortunately is also a subscription); in addition to being a great OTA-HD recorder, it allows you to watch YouTube, Netflix, Amazon etc on your TV.

FTA, I've finally realized, is simply the most expensive possible way to watch free TV.
--Gary

Well, remember this, no matter what, if you decide to stop FTA TV, the equipment is still worth something. Directv or DISH leased equipment, while sucky, is still THEIRS, and not only must you PAY upfront for it, they'll tell you how you can use it, and when you're done with it they'll be wanting it back, too....

I always tell folks if you have more time than money, FTA is for you. If you have more money than time, 1-800-directv.

PopcornNMore

Dec 22, 2009

Steps taken so far:

Wife bought me a 10' dish for Christmas from WS International for additional FTA programming
We bought a Samsung blu-ray player with built-in Netflix, Pandora and YouTube
Started Netflix subscription (LOVE it so far)
Reduced DN from top 250 to top 100 (Savings: $23 a month / $276 a year)
Dropped DN HD package (Savings: $10 a month / $120 a year)
Dropped DN Superstations (Savings: $6 a month / $72 a year)

Skyscanner

Dec 22, 2009

We only have 5 OTA channels here, and We only watch CBS for NCIS and a couple others, only watch Fox on Sunday for the local football. All the rest is FTA. Have literally hundreds of FTA channels, but only have 50 in scan that we watch on a regular basis. Love Pentagon, RFD, Bio, THC, RTV, ION, NASA, PBS, Christian channels, and others. Yes, it costs to watch free TV, but every one of our dishes are scrounged, and it dosn't take long to pay for the recievers, switches, LNBs, etc. we did buy, over what we would spend on a frisbee dish sub that doesn't offer a lot of TV that's fit to watch. Since we live in a remote area, there are plenty of old dishes people aren't using anymore and are sick of mowing around them. Every once in a while someone will want to be paid for one, but for every one who wants to sell, there are 5 available free.

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 25 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

$6.3 billion in crypto stolen by hackers

This should hit a lot of folks with a dose of reality. I can only imagine how much more common this will get as AI progresses.

I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.

Hackers steal $6.3 billion from Binance in biggest-ever cryptocurrency theft

The company later added it began recovering assets impacted by the breach after pledging to cover losses using its Secure Asset Fund for Users.

www.cnbc.com

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harshness

25 minutes ago

dishstaller said:
They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole.

The "Secure Asset Fund" had about $1 billion in reserves... in Bitcoin.

The fund started in 2018, so it may take a while to make investors whole, much less replenish the fund.

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 44 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

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Reactions: c-spand

EatMyVolts

Yesterday at 6:15 PM

Run Joe -- Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five

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long_time_Dish

Today at 12:44 AM

The Long Run - The Eagles

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ClarkGable

Today at 6:50 AM

Long Train Runnin' - The Doobie Brothers

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dishstaller

Today at 9:46 AM

Midnight Train to Georgia - Gladys Knight & The Pips

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harshness

44 minutes ago

After Midnight - Eric Clapton

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 48 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

New report states 29% of vehicles being traded in are under water

It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. :eek

Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.

Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

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Juan

Yesterday at 9:43 PM

I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans

harshness

48 minutes ago

Juan said:
I guess America can't afford 10 year autoloans

I'm pretty sure the most you can get is seven.

What America can't afford is the payments on $80,000+ pickups and SUVs and $40,000+ crossovers.

Neutron

Supporting Founder

Last reply 51 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

RIP Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart died yesterday, October 28th at the age of 86. We lost yet another great actor.

Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ Captain and ‘X-Men’ Superhero, Dies at 86

He’s forever known for playing Jean-Luc Picard and Charles Xavier, whom he “admired for their morality, for their kindness, for their sensitivity, for their compassion.”

www.hollywoodreporter.com

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meStevo

Yesterday at 5:48 PM

Yeah, this one is tough. RIP.

View: https://www.threads.com/@tismarkart/post/DfF4ONpkYPG

Reactions: sdfntx, Foxbat, Keith Brannen and 4 others

Mr Tony

Yesterday at 8:50 PM

R.I.P.

mc6809e

Yesterday at 9:28 PM

Rest In Peace

sdfntx

Yesterday at 10:56 PM

R.I.P., Jean-Luc.

osu1991

51 minutes ago

View: https://youtu.be/wFyUUrrYsrQ?si=Sk-lBWgOJEnBiHlL

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Ham Radio 2.0

Today at 9:22 AM · posted in Ham Radio 2.0

I Took Ham Radio, Meshtastic and Meshcore to Las Vegas

Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJuVBittpm0

Direct YouTube Link - I Took Ham Radio, Meshtastic and Meshcore to Las Vegas
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
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TFLEV

Today at 7:12 AM · posted in TFLEV

This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVPpv2ZvbFU

Direct YouTube Link - This New Zeekr 7GT Is Bargain-Priced Taycan Alternative You've Never Heard Of!

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 6:39 AM · posted in TV Shows

The Diplomat (Netflix)

Starting a thread klang !

After an amazing first 2 seasons and an 8 episode 3rd season still coming this year, season 4 has now been greenlit.

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klang

Oct 21, 2025

Finished season 3 last night. Still one of my favorite shows.

Anyone else wonder if there might be something else going on with Callum? Seems to me he has too much access to Russian intelligence.

meStevo

Oct 15, 2026

One episode into season 4 that dropped today...

Reactions: NYDutch

meStevo

Yesterday at 5:57 PM

Renewed for season 5.

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klang

Yesterday at 6:02 PM

Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!

KAB

Today at 6:39 AM

klang said:
Finished 4 last night. Great stuff.

They do like to end each season with a Bang!

Great ending, but it ran in circles most of the season.

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mheisen

Last reply Today at 3:43 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 2:50 PM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

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mheisen

Yesterday at 6:11 PM

Almighty1 said:
I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 6:33 PM

mheisen said:
I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:38 AM

Almighty1 said:
Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:43 AM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

Buy a roku and dump the hopper plus you'll be better off. If you have a smart tv you don't need either one. No hopper plus here and no issues!!!

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts

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Today at 3:22 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

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FTA Only?

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