Plan for Progress  

FREE TO AIR RECEIVER

Have you ever wondered if there is a way in which you could watch free satellite television? To your disbelief, there really is a way and that is by using a free to air receiver. I know you are questioning what exactly that is and if it actually works. Certainly it does! Forget about the monthly bills and get yourself a free to air receiver. The only expenditure you will come across are the charges for the required devices.

A Free to Air Receiver, popularly called FTA receiver is a satellite television receiver that is developed to accept free broadcasts. It is the newest scheme of watching television for free. Modern models are fitted with the essentials to receive digital television contrasting the outdated models which received just analog satellite television signals. You don’t have to get an enormous dish perched on your rooftop. A C-Band or a 6-foot satellite dish will serve.

In some countries, most notably the United States, United Kingdom and German speaking countries in Europe, primary broadcasters broadcast their channels by way of satellite as free to air (FTA). These are commonly used for news broadcasting, educational and religious programming. FTA receivers support various formats and are improving to receive the newly required digital transmission signals. While a wide variety of programs remain free, this may change due to the conversion from analog to digital television. However, there are some FTA receivers that are now made to be compatible with this innovative broadcasting format. There are also some FTA receivers that are PC-based which makes it possible to watch satellite on a computer.

If you intent to buy a FTA receiver, here are some of the primary and top brands of FTA receivers:

1. Coolsat

The Coolsat 5000 or 6000 are great selections to purchase. This distributor make use of state-of-the-art technology and their receivers are regarded as prized products. Above all, Coolsat products come with 5 years warranty.

2. Fortec

Fortec Lifetime Ultra is appropriate for all TV viewers. This receiver is superbly created to guarantee the satisfaction of customers.

3. Pansat

Pansat has been prominent in the television satellite industry and their receiver is fit for receiving data straight from a satellite. There are several designs to choose from based on your specific TV preferences.

4. Viewsat

Viewsat produces several different versions of receivers for satellite television. There is certainly a viewsat receiver to suit your specific satellite TV requirements.

5. Sonicview

If you are searching for a receiver that comes crowded with capabilities, Sonicview is your best option. Because their receivers are packed with features, Sonicview has managed to uphold a competitive edge over Pansat and Viewsat.

There are numerous features that can be contained in a FTA receiver. Some receivers have most of these capabilities while others incorporates only the essentials. Some of the features to look for when purchasing a FTA receiver are:

Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

Zoom function that allows you to zoom in pictures.

Picture-in-picture support

Built-in Personal Video Recorder (PVR)

Dual tuners – this enables the user to watch and record two separate stations.

PIG/PIP Interface

S-Video output

Dolby SPDIF output

Blind Search Power scan so that a viewer can search for all accessible stations.

On-screen Display

The ability to move, erase or rename stations.

Tips for purchasing free to air receivers:

1. Before you purchase a free to air receiver from a supplier, find out if they offer after sales assistance. You certainly would not want to purchase one and end up unaware of who to call should a problem surfaces.

2. Always shop around for the best deals and best customer assistance.