Log in
Register
- Why should I get a FTA system?
- I'm ready to buy. Where's your order form?
- What i need to do get connected
- Do I need a separate FTA receiver for every TV in my house?
- What's the sequence of steps to do something for one particular receiver model?
- How can I use FTA equipment to pick up ESPN or HBO?
- When I look at LyngSat, I see a lot more channels. Why don't you list them here?
- Some channels have more than one language. Why do you list only one?
- Still have a question?
- Come on, is this really free? What's the catch?
- I don't live in the US or Canada. Which channels can I get?
- Which FTA receiver should I buy?
- Return Policies
- Homeowner associations, landlords and satellite dishes
Why should I get a FTA system?
FTA provides free programming you can't get anywhere else. Whether it's foreign language programming from faraway countries or TV stations from another state, there's always something on watch on FTA, but there's never a subscription fee.
I'm ready to buy. Where's your order form?
We can provide all the equipment for you, or you can purchase the equipment from different company, and we can install it. If you have some old system you may be lucky and all will need is an installer to get it going for you.
What i need to do get connected
More recently, the soaring prices of Cable TV has compelled users to shift to Satellite TV, which seems to be a much more viable option as far as financial part is concerned. Satellite Tv gives you the same channels, but with a better picture quality at a lower price. Many people believe that satellite antenna installation is one of the most tedious task when it comes to Satellite TVs. However, that is not really the case. If you follow the correct procedure of satellite dish antena properly, you can do it in a jiffy.
Do I need a separate FTA receiver for every TV in my house?
Yes and no. You definitely need a separate FTA tuner for every different FTA channel you want to watch simultaneously. For now, multiple-tuner FTA receivers are unusual, so you can pretty much say that you need multiple receivers for multiple simulaneous channels. And if you're planning on watching channels from two different satellites at the same time, you'll need two dishes.
But if you don't need to watch different shows at the same time, you can split the output of a FTA receiver to send the same channel to multiple TVs.
What's the sequence of steps to do something for one particular receiver model?
We probably don't know. There are a lot of receivers out there. To solve a particular problem with a particular receiver, your best sources of information are: the receiver's instruction manual, the dealer who sold the receiver to you, the receiver manufacturer's web site, and online forums devoted to your brand of receiver.
How can I use FTA equipment to pick up ESPN or HBO?
Short answer: You can't.
Long answer: Some channels are meant for subscribers only. Those channels are sent encrypted; only authorized recipients may unscramble them. Once in a great while, a channel like this will be available in the clear for a few hours, but that's about it. Just as you occasionally find money on the sidewalk, it's nice when it happens, but you don't plan on it.
Cautionary answer: Some scofflaws spend a lot of time working to break the encryption on these channels. Sometimes they succeed, at least until the encryption changes. Their methods are typically illegal and can damage legitimate FTA equipment. The possible reward isn't worth the risk.
When I look at LyngSat, I see a lot more channels. Why don't you list them here?
Three main reasons:
- They're not visible from North America. LyngSat has some interesting lists that include all channels that originate from a given country, such as the US. That's not a bad thing, but it's not so helpful when you really want to see what you can receive here in North America. Or ...
- They're not free-to-air. Channels with notes such as PowerVu or Digicipher are scrambled. LyngSat lists them, but you can't watch them with FTA equipment. Or ...
- They're C-band channels. Any channel that LyngSat lists with a four-digit frequency is C-band.
Some channels have more than one language. Why do you list only one?
The main reason is to avoid confusion. If a channel uses five languages, it shouldn't be listed five times. If a channel alternates between languages, it may confuse newcomers who, for example, might find a channel on the English list but hear it in Arabic at the time they tune in. The second reason is that's the way the database is structured.
Still have a question?
Contact us for more information.
Come on, is this really free? What's the catch?
Yes, once you set up your system, you never have to pay anyone anything to watch all of the legitimate, legal FTA channels.
The catch is that you can't control what's available. With so many channels to choose from, there's always something to watch, but individual channels come and go without warning.
I don't live in the US or Canada. Which channels can I get?
Although you can make some educated guesses by studying footprint maps, the easiest, best answer to that question will come from a satellite TV equipment dealer near you. That dealer will know exactly what's available and exactly what equipment you'll need to get it.
Which FTA receiver should I buy?
FTA receivers are like cars. There are lots of different models, most of which perform basic functions the same way. There are lots of opinions about which one is best, but very few people have significant experience with more than one or two models.
Return Policies
RMA POLICY
Any return needs to have a RMA number (Return authorization number) before being sent back to us. Items that can not be returned are:
- Satellite dishes.
- Coax by the foot, Used Coax Jumpers or any custom length coax cables.
- Television Rotors.
- Satellite motors and Actuators.
- Service Parts & Special order items.
- Opened or Activated DirecTV receivers.
- Modified Satellite Receivers. We will not accept a return on any satellite receiver found to have modified firmware or hardware. Unauthorized modification will void the manufactures warranty.
- Satellite receivers are covered with a manufacturer's warranty. We do not accept defective units back to our location. you must contact manufacturer to get RMA number. Warranty will be honored by the manufacturer ONLY.
- All RMA request for refund must be made within 7 days the item was delivered. All returns for refund are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
- All RMA request for exchange must be received within 30 days from the ordering date.
- Any items damaged in shipment or any missing items from an order need to be reported to us no later then 3 days from the delivery date.
-
All items returned must be in absolute perfect and new condition in the original carton with all included accessories. Original merchandise box, manuals, cd's, etc. If you purchased a item that came with free items they must also be returned with the item you are sending back
(Example: if you purchase a HDHomerun that came with a free 2 way splitter and you would like to return the HDHomerun you also need to return the free splitter. If you choose to keep the splitter the retail price of the free item will be deducted from your refund amount) - Warranty work beyond 30 days from ordering date is provided by the manufacturer and/or their representative directly and not by us.
- Any items returned without prior notice and without a RMA number will not be credited and will be returned to you. Your credit card will then also be charged the return shipping cost. If you have paid with a method other then credit card the item will not be returned until we receive payment for the return shipping cost.
- We must receive your RMA's item back before any replacement item is sent.
- Items must be received no later then 15 days from the date the RMA# is issued.
- Purchaser is responsible for any shipping cost to our warehouse. Please use an insured and trackable method to return items to us just incase the item is damaged or lost during shipping.
- A $35 labor charge may be assessed on products or accessories returned for warranty repair in which no fault is found and you will be charged for the return shipping cost to return the back to you.
- A 15% restocking fee is applied to Returned Items to cover our return processing, credit card, and shipping costs. Returns are processed normally within 2 to 10 days of receipt.
- Refused shipments will be charged a 20% restocking fee.
- While we will handle warrantee work for some products we offer, You will be responsible for any shipping charges for any warrantee exchanges or repairs.
- Shipping charges are not refundable.
No returns or exchanges are accepted without an RMA number.
RMA Numbers are valid for 15 days. We must receive the item you are sending back to us no late then 15 days from the RMA# issue date.
Homeowner associations, landlords and satellite dishes
The Federal Communications commission and its Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule, a set of regulations that concern the use of DTH dishes, wireless cable/MMDS equipment and off-air antennas, prohibit restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to dishes that are less than one meter (39.37 inches) in diameter or of any size in Alaska.
The rule applies to viewers who place video antennas on property that they own and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio.
The rule allows local governments, community associations and landlords to enforce restrictions only for safety or historic preservation. In addition, under some circumstances, the availability of a central or common antenna can be used by a community association or landlord to restrict the installation of individual antennas.
On Nov. 20, 1998, the FCC amended the rule so that it will also apply to rental property where the renter has exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio.
The following Q&A is provided by the FCC:
Q: What types of restrictions are prohibited?
A: The rule prohibits restrictions that impair a viewer's ability to install, maintain or use a video antenna. The rule applies to state or local laws or regulations, including zoning, land-use or building regulations, private covenants, homeowners' association rules, condominium or cooperative association restrictions, lease restrictions, or similar restrictions on property.
A restriction impairs if it: 1) unreasonably delays or prevents use of, 2) unreasonably increases the cost of, or 3) precludes a viewer from receiving an acceptable signal.
The rule does not prohibit legitimate safety restrictions or restrictions designed to preserve designated or eligible historic or prehistoric properties, provided the restriction is no more burdensome than necessary to accomplish the safety or preservation purpose.
Q: What types of restrictions unreasonably delay or prevent viewers from using an antenna?
A: A local restriction that prohibits all antennas would prevent viewers from receiving signals. Procedural requirements can also unreasonably delay installation, maintenance or use of an antenna covered by the rule. For example, local regulations that require a person to obtain a permit or approval prior to installation create unreasonable delay and are generally prohibited.
Q: What is an unreasonable expense?
A: Any requirement to pay a fee to the local authority for a permit to be allowed to install an antenna would be unreasonable because such permits are generally prohibited
Q: What restrictions prevent a viewer from receiving an acceptable quality signal?
A: For antennas designed to receive analog signals, a requirement that an antenna be located where reception would be impossible or substantially degraded is prohibited by the rule. However, a regulation requiring that antennas be placed where they are not visible from the street would be permissible if this placement does not prevent reception of an acceptable quality signal or impose unreasonable expense or delay.
Q: Are all restrictions prohibited?
A: No, many restrictions are permitted. Clearly-defined, legitimate safety restrictions are permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use because they are necessary to protect public safety.
Examples of valid safety restrictions include fire codes preventing people from installing antennas on fire escapes; restrictions requiring that a person not place an antenna within a certain distance from a power line; electrical code requirements to properly ground the antenna; and installation requirements that describe the proper method to secure an antenna.
Restrictions necessary for historic preservation may also be permitted even if they impair installation, maintenance or use of the antenna.
Q: If I live in a condominium or an apartment building, does this rule apply to me?
A: The rule applies to viewers who live in a multiple-dwelling unit building, such as a condominium or apartment building, if the viewer has an exclusive use area in which to install the antenna. "Exclusive use" means an area of the property that only you may enter and use to the exclusion of other residents.
For example, your condominium or apartment may include a balcony, terrace, deck or patio that only you can use, and the rule applies to these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building.
Q: Does the rule apply to residents of rental property?
A: Yes. Renters may install video antennas within their leasehold, which means inside the dwelling or on outdoor areas that are part of the tenant's rented space and which are under the exclusive use or control of the tenant. Typically, for apartments, these areas include balconies, balcony railings and terraces.
For rented single-family homes or manufactured homes which sit on rented property, these areas include the home itself and patios, yards, gardens or other similar areas. If renters do not have access to these outside areas, the tenant may install the video antenna inside the rental unit.
Renters are not required to obtain the consent of the landlord prior to installing a video antenna in these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof or the exterior walls of an apartment building.
Q: Are there restrictions that may be placed on residents of rental property?
A: Yes. A restriction necessary to prevent damage to leased property may be reasonable. For example, tenants could be prohibited from drilling holes through exterior walls or through the roof. However, a restriction designed to prevent ordinary wear and tear (marks, scratches, and minor damage to carpets, walls and draperies) would likely not be reasonable.
In addition, rental property is subject to the same protection and exceptions to the rule as owned property. Thus, a landlord may impose other types of restrictions that do not impair installation, maintenance or use under the rule.
Q: I live in a mobile home that I own but it is located in a park where I rent the lot. Am I covered by the FCC rule?
A: Yes. The rule applies if you install the antenna anywhere on the mobile or manufactured home that is owned by you. The rule also applies to antennas installed on the lot or pad that you rent, as well as to other areas that are under your exclusive use and control. However, the rule does not apply if you want to install the antenna in a common area or other area outside of what you rent.
Q: What restrictions are permitted if the antenna must be on a very tall mast to get a signal?
A: If the mast is more than 12 feet above the roof line, the local government, community association or landlord may require you to apply for a permit for safety reasons. If you meet the safety requirements, the permit should be granted.
Q: Does the rule apply to commercial property or only residential property?
A: Nothing in the rule excludes antennas installed on commercial property. The rule applies to property used for commercial purposes in the same way it applies to residential property.
Q: What is the procedure for filing a petition or requesting a waiver at the Commission?
A: Petitions for declaratory rulings and waivers must be served on all interested parties. For example, if a homeowners' association files a petition seeking a declaratory ruling that its restriction is not preempted and is seeking to enforce the restriction against a specific viewer, service must be made on that specific viewer. The homeowners' association will not be required to serve all other members of the association, but must provide reasonable, constructive notice of the proceeding to other residents whose interests may foreseeably be affected. This may be accomplished, for example, by placing notices in residents' mailboxes, by placing a notice on a community bulletin board, or by placing the notice in an association newsletter.
All allegations of fact contained in petitions and related pleadings before the Commission must be supported by an affidavit signed by one or more persons who have actual knowledge of such facts. An original and two copies of all petitions and pleadings should be addressed to the Secretary, Federal
