How Many FTAers are there?

[Titanium]

I am 90% hobbist and 10% watcher. I am though, one of those pesimists that think pure FTA is in one of its worst crisis ever and is getting worse. Please, someome tell me I am wrong

Other than the Luken channel moving from KU band to C-band then adding more channels, what is the crisis? LOL!!!!!

I agree completely with ynnedibanez, there are more English language channels this year than in the past. The FTA hobby sure is treating my television habit very well! I have all major networks and most sub-channels. FTA is good!

 

[Cosmo Blatz]

Even if all the scheduled programming went away, I'd still keep a dish just to watch the remote news feeds. I find them fascinating, especially the open mics. Caught one this morning from Ca. regarding the recent rains. Talking Head remarks; "Oh great, the sun just came out!" Tech says; "No problem. I'll just put on bunch of neutral density filters. Splash some water on the lens and it will look like we're shooting in the rain." LoL!

 

[KE4EST]

From what I understand that is done all the time in news shots to make it look more dramatic.

 

[Nov-01]

We pulled the plug on pay TV during the 2008 elections. From there we spent about 3 or 4 years with No outside TV connection-just the DVD player. I heard rumors that the local FOX affiliate had a 24/7 weather Radar feed on their .2 channel so I put up a Monoprice amplified antenna. All Network primary channels are still pass-blocked-constant garbage.
I had heard about FTA on shortwave and found you guys. Now my kids enjoy Smile of a Child and my wife is driven crazy by all the non-english programming. I plan to add the Stab motor soon and see what happens. We're really not too big into TV 'round here, but having an alternative is nice.
I now have a 2nd dish at the Ham Shack that feeds a FM Transmitter for the Farm Radio Station.
I'm not near smart enough to understand a great deal about what y'all go on about (and really don't have the time or desire to learn), but I've found the FTA does fill a gap in our families televised entertainment; and nurtures my inner-radio nerd to a certain extent

Edit to Add: I think I prolly need a BUD to get a taste of what is really out there!

 

[KE4EST]

If you have a descent ham radio antenna farm, a C-Band dish will be right at home.

 

[Blindowl1234]

I figure it will be like it always is after Dec 31st we'll lose a few due to the cost of putting a signal up there. Seems like things seem to go away at the years end. I read Iceberg's post and remember all to well all the great stuff even 5-6 years ago. The Equity channels were one of the reasons I got into FTA in 2008 or so....123W was a place to park a dish! I miss FSSN too.