New to FTA

[notanoob]

Hi, I was looking into getting a fta dvb-s setup for my computer. I was wondering if there are any channels that compare to cable, ota, etc. Im very interested in getting fta channels. Would I need a big dish to make it worth getting? Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[turbosat]

Setting up a pc-card only receiver can be tough for beginner-unless you got it in a laptop you can haul out to the dish location while you're aiming the dish. A set-top box is a lot easier to use for aiming and setup. Of course, some of the pc-cards will also do HD signals that the cheaper fta receivers won't do. If you really want cable channels, fta may disappoint, there are sometimes pay channels that drop their encryption temporarily but for the most part, pay -tv is scrambled. But there's always something interesting to watch on free to air.

 

[zamar23]

Adding to that, with a Sat card its often harder to scan for clear channels and turn the dish with a motor than with a sat receiver. What you will find, clear FTA will mostly add international channels to your Cable and OTA lineup, of course if your interested in them. But the channel choice will also depend on how advanced your sat card is, and on your skills in finding them. You'd need a 33-to-39" dish to get more clear channels. Some suggest to play first with a low cost sat receiver like Coolsat 5000 to learn more about FTA.

 

[notanoob]

Thanks, the pc dvb-s is the only one in my price range. I was looking at a cheap usb one. I wanted it for the dvr part, too. How does fta compare to OTA(that's all I have now, got like 10 or 11 channels). Thanks

 

[zamar23]

You can buy Coolsat 5000 for $30. Not much to record on FTA for a newbie, but as you get experience, you will find more choices. Look at FTAList.com for channels lineup.