| Lately there has been a lot of interest in FTA | | | | Although not as user friendly as Coolsat receivers, |
| (free-to-air) receivers. These boxes allow users to | | | | Viewsat receivers are very stable and the support is |
| use standard dishes (similar to those used for Dishnet | | | | top notch. Viewsat programmers tend to release |
| and DirectTV) and get hundreds of freely | | | | updated files before all other FTA receiver |
| broadcasted channels from a host of nations without | | | | manufacturers. The remote is a little awkward to use |
| any monthly fees. Some hobbyists also modify the | | | | but the support makes Viewsat receivers our top |
| software on their FTA receiver to view encrypted | | | | choice. In particular, the Viewsat Xtreme 2000 |
| channels. Such usage is illegal but fta receiver files can | | | | provides the best value for money. Like Coolsats, |
| be easily found on many forums online. | | | | Viewsat receivers are updated via serial cable. |
| Even with just FTA channels, getting an FTA | | | | Sonicview receivers seem to be a cheaper Viewsat |
| receiver is definitely worth it. However, with several | | | | line and also provide good value for money. The |
| manufacturers and more getting into the game | | | | remote is better designed but the support seems to |
| everyday, how do you choose between them? | | | | lag Viewsat a bit although it doesn't seem to be as |
| Some of the more common manufacturers including | | | | bad as Coolsat. The Sonicview receivers also have a |
| Coolsat, Viewsat, Pansal and SonicView have been | | | | front USB port so that file updates can be |
| around for many years and provide good product | | | | conveniently applied with a USB memory stick instead |
| support which is very important when dealing with | | | | of via serial port like the others. As a cheaper |
| these fickle devices. | | | | secondary receiver, Sonicview is definitely a good |
| Coolsat receivers tend to be the most user friendly. | | | | choice although we have had slight issues scanning |
| The remote controls are well thought out and make | | | | channels at higher frequencies. |
| common tasks very simple. However, the coolsat file | | | | When choosing an FTA receiver, go with Sonicview if |
| support generally lags behind Viewsat by up to 2 | | | | price is your most important consideration, with |
| weeks. Coolsat receivers can be updated with new | | | | Coolsat if you're after ease of use and Viewsat if |
| software via serial cable. | | | | you want quick bin updates. |