| FTA is the acronym for Free to Air. FTA signals are | | | | something you're thinking about getting, visit a few |
| unencrypted signals. They can be reliably received via | | | | FTA forums to become familiar with all that you |
| any broadcast receiver. This allows viewers to hear | | | | don't know, and to enhance what you do know. |
| radio and see television programming like CNN and | | | | Viewsat |
| HBO, for example, clearly. | | | | Viewsat is an FTA receiver and roundly touted as |
| The simplest way to think of FTA is that it is akin to | | | | one of the best on the market for satellite TV |
| television what shortwave radio is to radio. | | | | reception. |
| The Cost of FTA | | | | Viewsat the Popularity of Satellite Programming |
| While FTA is not encrypted signals, this does not | | | | One of the most exciting components of a global |
| necessarily mean they are free. Depending on the | | | | economy is having the ability to know what's going |
| geographic area and the medium delivered, some | | | | on in various parts of the world as it happens, and |
| FTA programming is paid for by viewers. | | | | dissecting how it affects your life. |
| Examples of Paid FTA | | | | Satellite TV and radio make this possible. One of the |
| Satellite TV: As FTA is sometimes delivered via | | | | best mediums for this is digital broadcasting. It is |
| satellite, the consumer pays for it, usually in the form | | | | clear, offers access to a multitude of channels and is |
| of a subscription service. This is because satellite | | | | relatively cheap, making it a natural choice moving |
| television usually offers a wider range of services and | | | | forward. MPEG-2 is a universal satellite transmission |
| channels than more traditional television. | | | | norm for digital broadcasting. And, the Viewsat FTA |
| Licensing Fees: Most countries require what's known | | | | receiver is one of the best. |
| as a broadcasting license to send out programming to | | | | Types of Viewsat FTA Receivers |
| the viewing public. This includes television and radio. | | | | Viewsat VS Pro: A powerful FTA receiver and widely |
| The manner in which broadcast licensing fees are | | | | acclaimed as one of the best on the market, the |
| collected vary from country to country. Radio was | | | | Viewsat VS PRO offers the following features: |
| the first broadcast medium to collect broadcast | | | | MPEG-2 & DVB Compliant, S-Video Output, USB Host |
| licensing fees. When television came along, many | | | | interface, 22 KHz Switching Control, Fast Booting & |
| countries simply expanded the radio broadcast license | | | | Auto Scan, 6000 Channel accessibility (combined TV |
| to include television broadcast licensing fees. Other | | | | and radio) and more. At about $200, it's one of the |
| countries created a separate license to cover | | | | best you can buy in this price range. |
| television programming. | | | | Viewsat Ultra: In the Viewsat line of receivers, ultra |
| No matter how it's collected, most countries use the | | | | doesn't begin to describe the power of this receiver,, |
| fees collected under broadcast licensing in similar | | | | 32 Mb of SD RAM and a fast 200 MHz processor. |
| ways, ie, to fund projects like Public Broadcast | | | | The rear panel of this receiver is situated horizontally, |
| System (PBS) programming. This ensures | | | | and the side panel is different from other receivers |
| that broadcasts without funding from more | | | | as well. |
| market-driven standbys like commercials can also be | | | | Another great feature of this model? It can be |
| shown. | | | | updated via a USB flash drive, instead of RS232 |
| Licensing fees for FTA programming can take several | | | | cables. |
| forms,, voluntary donation and/or product/service | | | | Cost: Roughly $175. |
| sponsorship. | | | | The Viewsat Ultra V2: Perhaps the best-selling FTA |
| Voluntary donation is one of the most popular ways. | | | | receiver, it is fast, has double the memory of |
| If you've ever viewed a PBS program, then you're | | | | comparable receivers, and is updatable via a USB |
| probably familiar with this method of paid-for FTA | | | | port. |
| programming. Usually, between segments, a PBS | | | | Equipped with a universal remote, it also has a |
| representative or an announcer tells you how | | | | color-rich graphic user interface. Some other features |
| important it is to donate if you enjoy the type of | | | | are: Fully MPEG-2 & DVB compliant; PIG support; fast |
| programming PBS offers. | | | | booting and auto scan; 4000 Channel Programmable |
| Then, an 800 number or and address is given so you | | | | (TV and radio) capability; and a Radio Channel Screen |
| can call or send in your donation, which can be paid | | | | Saver. |
| for by check or credit card. This is done numerous | | | | Cost: From $125-$175. |
| times throughout the program, and donators are | | | | Viewsat VS2000 Platinum LITE: The Platinum Lite |
| customarily rewarded with some type of gift, usually | | | | receiver was in response to customer demand for a |
| based on some type of tiered system. | | | | more price-friendly unit with roughly the same |
| For example, if you donate $20, you might receive a | | | | capability as the Viewsat Platinum. |
| t-shirt; $50 free DVD of the program you're viewing, | | | | So, a few features were adjusted to accommodate, |
| or $250, a box set of programming on "x" subject. | | | | ie: removal of the card reader, no Dolby output and |
| Collecting FTA licensing fees via sponsorship is a little | | | | standard remote instead of universal. Other than |
| different. Sponsorship is more or less corporate | | | | these minor adjustments, its comparable to the |
| branding. | | | | Viewsat Platinum, with a cost of around $130. |
| To explain, a company may agree to sponsor a | | | | Viewsat Xtreme: An upgrade from the Viewsat |
| certain athlete or team in exchange for their brand | | | | Platinum, the Viewsat Extreme is one of the most |
| being visibly displayed. So, when you turn on the TV | | | | deluxe FTA receivers on the market today - |
| to see a car race, for example, all the signage along | | | | providing reception in Canada, the USA and the |
| the track route will be of the sponsor. | | | | Caribbean. |
| Compared to buying slots of air time that viewers | | | | Designed and manufactured in Korea, it is one of the |
| may or may not see, this is ideal way for most | | | | best FTA receivers on the market. Some of its |
| corporate clients to advertise their products/services. | | | | features are: 6 RCA outputs, 4000 radio and TV |
| FTA Files | | | | channel member, built in satellite card reader, PIG |
| Many television and radio customers are only | | | | support, universal remote and of course, full MPEG-2 |
| accustomed to receiving the channels that their local | | | | and DVD compliance. |
| service providers offer. But, did you know that | | | | If you're looking for the best in FTA reception, |
| worldwide, experts estimate that there are over | | | | Viewsat FTA receivers are worth looking into. |
| 5,000 free to air (FTA) radio and television channels | | | | Sonicview |
| available to the listening and viewing public. | | | | When it comes to free to air receivers (aka FTA |
| Television is a popular FTA medium. To gain access | | | | receivers), Sonicview is fast becoming a popular |
| though, proper equipment is needed. Basically, all you | | | | brand. Manufactured by the industry dominating |
| need to start accessing FTA channels on television is | | | | Viewsat, it's no wonder. |
| an FTA receiver and a satellite dish. Your local | | | | Why Sonicview, Why Now? |
| electronics store can supply you with everything you | | | | Viewsat is an industry leader in FTA receivers. Built |
| need. | | | | on the reliance of an accessible, fast customer |
| One vital part of getting hooked up to view FTA TV | | | | support department, this same service is available to |
| is FTA files. Free to Air files, aka "dish files" allow you | | | | purchasers of Sonicview FTA receivers. |
| to have continuous access to FTA programming. | | | | Sonicview FTA receivers are constructed using the |
| How FTA Files Work | | | | highest industry standards. They offer satellite |
| FTA files work with an FTA receiver to stay | | | | reception to Canadian, American and Caribbean |
| updated on the satellites in space. For channels to be | | | | citizens, and are all equipped with blind power scan. |
| properly display, the keys on the FTA receiver have | | | | This allows you to hook up directly with satellites in |
| to be constantly updated. This can be done manually, | | | | the sky and then surf for channels. |
| or automatically. If done manually, they have to be | | | | The 4 Types of Sonicview Receivers |
| updated up to four times a day. This can prove to | | | | Following are the four types of Sonicview receivers |
| be inconvenient. | | | | that have been released to date, and some of their |
| FTA files allow your receiver keys to automatically | | | | features. |
| roll over and receive the most updated information | | | | The Sonicview SV 1000: The first receiver to be |
| from the satellites in space. This means that after | | | | released by Sonicview, it was an almost instant hit |
| you originally load the files, it is hands-free | | | | with its user-friendly interface. Providing the ability to |
| maintenance. | | | | view as many as 3500 channels, in its class this is one |
| Many do-it-yourselfers find that the most difficult | | | | of the most competitive FTA receivers on the |
| part of setting up satellite television is correctly | | | | market. |
| hooking up your receiver to your TV to receive the | | | | Some common features include: Instant (EPG) 7 Days |
| FTA files signal. Spending the money to have a | | | | Full TV Guide (no waiting); 32Mb Flash ROM for Fast |
| professional get you hooked up initially might be the | | | | Channel surfing, vivid on-screen graphics, digital audio |
| most prudent course of action to take. | | | | output, parental lock function, 6000 channel |
| Matching FTA Receivers with the Proper FTA Files | | | | programmability, and S-video output. |
| Most FTA file providers supply FTA receivers with | | | | The Sonicview 1000 PVR: The SV-1000PVR is an |
| various types of capability,: | | | | upgraded version of the SV-1000, offering all of the |
| FTA Files for the Coolsat 5000 Platinum Receiver: | | | | same functions. Via an external USB hard drive, one |
| This receiver offers FTA satellite service to users in | | | | of the best features of this receiver is the ability to |
| Canada, the USA and the Caribbean. Ease of setup, | | | | record shows, even when the user is not present. |
| amazing sound and clear picture, make this one of | | | | Furthermore, you can record one program while |
| the most sought after FTA receivers by satellite TV | | | | viewing another, or record two shows on two |
| owners. | | | | different channels at once. |
| General Price Range: From $125 to about $275. | | | | Some other popular features of this receiver: 6,000 |
| FTA Files for the Pansat 3500SD FTA Digital Satellite | | | | Channels Memory Capacity for TV & radio programs, |
| Receiver: What some might refer to as a "fully | | | | eight favorite-channel list grouping; two tuners (Sharp |
| loaded" FTA receiver, it has everything you might | | | | NIM and Blind Scan Supported); zoom in, zoom out |
| need to get the most from FTA TV. | | | | picture watching capability; universal remote control; |
| Some of its features include: Fully compliant MPEG-2 | | | | various recording capacities , 40 Hours; 80Hours; or |
| Digital & DVB broadcasting capability; Multi-language | | | | 100Hours),depending on HDD size. |
| OSD; up to 5,000 TV & radio programs; universal | | | | It's easy to see why this is an extremely popular |
| remote, SD (secure digital) card access; and | | | | FTA receiver. |
| 256-Colors (graphic user interface) number. | | | | The Sonicview SV 4000: The Sonicview SV-4000 is |
| General Price Range: From $150 to about $250. | | | | an even more powerful receiver than the Sonicview |
| FTA Files for the Captiveworks CW 600s Satellite | | | | 1000PVR. Connecting directly to a PC via a USB hard |
| Receiver: The CaptiveWorks CW-600S receiver | | | | drive, it makes programming other receivers |
| supplies FTA reception for US and Canadian satellite | | | | seamless. |
| consumers. | | | | Additional features: USB 2.0 Host Slot for |
| The Premium edition of this receiver offers some | | | | Downloading; Full MPEG-2 & DVB-S support and 32 |
| one-of-a-kind components, ie, a swifter Conexant | | | | MB flash ROM for lightning-quick channel surfing. |
| Main Processor for starters. Some of its standard | | | | Retails for between $130-$150. |
| features are an easy-to-use interface, auto smart | | | | The Sonicview HD 8000: Relatively expensive |
| satellite search, multi-timer function, and a 32Mb Flash | | | | compared to SV products without HD capability, it's |
| ROM for fast, easy channel surfing. | | | | well worth the price though if you want it. A |
| General Price Range: From just under $100 to well | | | | hi-powered FTA digital receiver, it has a sleek, |
| over $700 for the premium ten pack. | | | | modern design and is extremely user friendly. |
| FTA Forums | | | | Using an external hard drive, all you need to do is |
| FTA forums are an invaluable tool for learning about | | | | plug it in, navigate the menu options with ease and |
| and keeping abreast of FTA technology. For the | | | | start recording all of your favorite TV shows and |
| uninitiated, FTA stands for Free to Air, as in free | | | | movies. Because of digital technology, the clarity of |
| broadcast television and radio programming. | | | | the picture is unbelievable. |
| In a global economy FTA programming can be an | | | | Sonicview FTA receivers come with a standard |
| insightful way to keep up on what's going on in | | | | one-year warranty, which covers parts and labor. It is |
| various parts of the world. It is estimated that there | | | | all you're likely to need. |
| are some 5,000 radio and TV programs available | | | | Welcome to FTA SITE. This forum is now offshore |
| worldwide for FTA viewing. | | | | owned and operated and provides the same great |
| If you're interested in accessing FTA broadcasts, you | | | | service FtaSite has always had to offer. Whether |
| need to first familiarize yourself with the technology | | | | you need ftasite.net to provide you with the latest |
| of the industry. FTA forums are ideal for this. | | | | files or guides for your FTA receiver, you will only |
| FTA Receivers: A Popular FTA Forum Topic | | | | find the highest quality. FTA SITE is the ultimate |
| Because receivers are one of the basics of satellite | | | | entertainment experience. Providing incredible content |
| TV technology, most FTA forums are rife with | | | | and hardware to enjoy, FTA SITE is the |
| commentary about them. There are four major | | | | entertainment industry's most powerful and dynamic |
| brands of FTA receivers (Coolsat, Pansat, Viewsat, | | | | entertainment force. |
| and SonicView) and you will find questions about all | | | | Viewsat is a priority. Brought to you by Viewtech in |
| of them in a good FTA forum. are.Some common | | | | California, these korean built Viewsat receivers |
| questions answered about receivers in FTA forums | | | | provide great use for satellite television users. |
| are: | | | | Viewsat makes receivers for all kinds of uses with all |
| What FTA Receiver to Buy: As FTA receivers | | | | kinds of features. From the corporate Viewsat to |
| receive satellite transmissions and decodes the data | | | | the end user, support can be expected for your |
| compression protocol of the transmission, finding out | | | | Viewsat brand receiver at all times. Think about |
| as much as you can about the functionality of it | | | | making your next purchase a Viewsat purchase and |
| before buying is crucial. FTA forums provide a host | | | | get a Viewsat guide alongside. |
| of feedback on this. Going beyond which ones to | | | | The Viewsat Ultra is one of the brands flagship |
| buy, most FTA forums offer user advice on which | | | | models. With it's many cool tools and features, the |
| ones not to buy as well, which can be equally as | | | | Viewsat Ultra provides great benefit to the end user. |
| important.. | | | | Any consumer can easily use the incredible |
| FTA Receiver Price: There is a wide gap in price on | | | | functionality that the Viewsat Ultra has to offer. This |
| FTA receivers - from under $100 on up to $1,000 or | | | | incredible fta receiver provides great benefit such as |
| more. Which one you get depends on where you | | | | Viewsat Ultra USB key loading; a first seen in the |
| live, how many channels you want to be able to | | | | Viewsat Ultra model. The Viewsat Ultra will guarantee |
| receive and more. | | | | your experience to be a very enjoyable one. |
| Prowling a few FTA forums will get you readily | | | | Sonicview is another major brand in the FTA game. |
| familiar with the best ones to look for in your price | | | | When support is what you want, Sonicview is what |
| range. | | | | you should get. The quickest of possible support and |
| Advice on How to Hook Up an FTA Receiver: | | | | wide variety of features make Sonicview receivers |
| Hooking up the initial technology can be a major | | | | the wave of the future. This amazing FTA receiver is |
| stumbling block for FTA customers. FTA forums are | | | | made in the USA and is available to all consumers in |
| rife with information on this, as many | | | | the North American Sonicview market. Think about |
| do-it-yourselfers encounter the same problems. | | | | Sonicview next time you make a free to air receiver |
| Other Popular FTA Forum Topics | | | | purchase. |
| FTA Files: FTA files work with an FTA receiver to | | | | FTA Files and FTA Fixes are always available within |
| stay updated on the satellites in space. Hence, FTA | | | | speedy time. Our FTA Fixes are superior to all while |
| files are popular forum topics. | | | | our FTA Forums provide amazing FTA Files for all. |
| FTA Forum Rules | | | | From FTA Receivers to FTA Guides and FTA |
| Most FTA forums require you to sign up to ask | | | | Support you will find everything you need at the one |
| questions. Some require you to sign up to have any | | | | true and official FTA Forum where all your FTA |
| kind of access. Some forums will ask you to donate, | | | | needs are met. Don't miss out on any of the latest |
| but most of them are free to join and don't require | | | | news bulletin or announcements. From the latest FTA |
| anything more than an email address. | | | | update source come to the real FTA forum! |
| Rules you'll find in any other forum tends apply to | | | | Check back often for the latest FTA news and FTA |
| FTA forums as well,, no spamming, no self-serving | | | | Receiver models such as: Sonicview, Viewsat, |
| commentary, no flaming other forum users, etc. | | | | NFusion, Captain, Ariza, Buzz, CaptiveWorks, |
| Perhaps one of the best parts of FTA forums is that | | | | Conaxsat, Coolsat, ExtremeView, Fortec, Pansat, |
| you can ask questions if you don't find the answer | | | | Skyview, DreamBox, Homesat, SonySat, KBox and |
| to your specific problem. So, if FTA broadcasts is | | | | more. |