All over the world there are satellites in orbit broadcasting free television. To take part in this all you need is a satellite dish of the correct size and a satellite receiver to change the signals from computerized digital signal to analogue signal that our televisions use. These broadcasts are free and legal. Many local television stations broadcast via satellite and you can get these channels free. You will find free programming from the major television networks - ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX are all represented - as well as a lot more!

Is this easy to setup and use?

Yes. Setting up and using an FTA Receiver is a very simple process. From the time you unpack it at home you should be up and running watching Free to Air Satellite feeds that day. You can install the dish yourself, all you need is a powerdrill with screwdriver bits to install your dish. Setting up the receiver is very easy. For newbies, we recommend our Universal packages which contain everything you need to get started.

Who should have Satellite TV?

Everyone. But some places where it is especially useful are:

• Holiday Homes - no monthly costs while you are not there. No big aerial to worry about. No problem with trying to relax but having to watch rubbish reception.

• Fringe Areas - If you have struggled with TV and radio reception for years, this is the way to end it. Get some reception worth watching - crystal clear.

• Foreign Language Viewers - If you want to see something other than English language programs.

• Motorhome owners - yes you can have clear TV reception when you are traveling.
  

What is Rainfade?

Rainfade is what happens when a heavy cloud comes between you and the satellite. It cuts the signal down to a level where the receiver can no longer function. A bigger dish gathers more signal and so is not subject to rainfade as often as a small dish.

Is the cable a special type?

Yes the coax cable used is designed to cope with the higher frequencies. If other coax cables are used the signal often is lost and becomes too weak.

What is an LNB or LNBF?

LNB stands for Low Noise Blockdown Converter. The LNB takes the signal from the satellite and "converts" it to a lower frequency that travels better in the coax cable. The satellite receiver is then able to take that signal and feed it to your TV.



The LNB is the small box thing on the end of the arm that sticks out in front of the dish.

How Does an LNB Switch Work?

An LNB switch is used to connect more than one LNB to your satellite receiver. The LNBs may be on one dish (as shown in the picture) or they may be on two or more dishes.

The diagram above shows how the switch is connected in to the cable system. After your satellite receiver has been setup, whenever you select a channel your receiver will send out a signal to the LNB switch to make it select the correct LNB and/or dish for that channel depending on what satellite it is being received from. There is no magic in it because you have to tell the receiver all of this during the setup process on a very easy menu system.