Thread: free-to-air

Lately i've been wanting to watch cable/satellite tv, but the prices and programming [in this country] just turn me off.
I want a service that offers american tv (cartoon network, spike tv, nick, disney channel, discovery, national geographic, animal planet, and locals), plus japanese tv (tv tokyo, tbs, fuji, asahi, nihon, and at-x).
Searching around a forum, i found a post that mentioned FTA (free-to-air) satellite.
It intrigued me because it seemed like i can get everything i want (above) for a reasonable price.
To anyone knowledgeable about FTA, i have some questions:
1) is it true that "everything" becomes unlocked by installing bin files via usb?
2) is it possible to watch japanese tv by using the right satellite/receiver combo?
3) im thinking about a Pansat 4500 Motorized Package with 31" dish, motor and dual linear LNB, will this get the job done?
4) does fta even work anymore? I've read something about satellites going "down," but not sure what thats about.

Btw, if it helps answer my questions, heres my "coordinates" lol
Latitude: 32.525° Longitude: -117° Magnetic decl.: 12° 5' E

1) not "everything" but it does unlock many things
2)yes, just find the satellite which has Japanese channels
3)yes
4) at times it does go down, there are MANY forums talking about this, but they do go live again in a few days

thank you talha, can you tell me if i can get those networks specifically?
cartoon network, spike tv, nick, disney channel, discovery, national geographic, animal planet, tv tokyo, tbs, fuji, asahi, nihon, at-x, and locals?

I had it before the newest system update which is now nag3 I believe. They have since found a way that seems to work with most channels 99% of the ones you mentioned. I live in USA and was able to pick up those as well. As for the japan stations all you need is another dish pointed in the right direction. I havent tried the new setup because my old box was out dated and didn't have usb ports on them. I know that with the new setup you use IKS (internet key sharing) which requires you to purchase a dongle which wires in via Ethernet from router then to the box. draw back is they can trace the IP address, only way I know to prevent is using a proxy server. they shut you down during major events (LIKE THE SUPERBOWL...) which requires a new bin. Sometimes can take days to generate a new one. Rather than usb I believe all you change is the new IKS #??. Haven't hooked up yet due to the current contract I'm in with my cable provider cause cancellation costs more than a new box and dongle... BS! I believe some Pansats have the dongle built in +++. Just remember that, just cause its free doesn't mean its always easy or 100% full proof, It does has its flaws! Let me know if this helps you at all.

those channels are 110.0 and 118.0 satellite, i cant tell you about local channels unless i know which city/state u are at

Very informative juddmann, but i think i'll stick to downloading bin files. I dont wanna be tracked lol

Thanks again talha! You even gave me the satellites! :3

I'll purchase a pansat 4500 ASAP, unless you guys want to suggest something else?

+rep to both of you!

Originally Posted by deadman2bullet

Very informative juddmann, but i think i'll stick to downloading bin files. I dont wanna be tracked lol

Thanks again talha! You even gave me the satellites! :3

I'll purchase a pansat 4500 ASAP, unless you guys want to suggest something else?

+rep to both of you!

The channels that you are looking for are encrypted by the new N3 security and no receiver can decrypt them for now. You need IKS to be able to watch some of the DishNetwork's channels. I've only using western sats since I live in Canada so I can't really help you on japanese channels and I guess that they are on sats that are on the eastern side of the globe. For now, I only watch TRUE fta channels ( channels that are free ) that are on Galaxy 19 95.0W but they are internationnal channels so I don't think you'll like them.

Originally Posted by mokona91

The channels that you are looking for are encrypted by the new N3 security and no receiver can decrypt them for now. You need IKS to be able to watch some of the DishNetwork's channels.

Thats what I had thought but I couldn't really confirm this since its been so long for me. I had a viewsat which closed its doors due to the new security. Lets just say Dish is now stealing from me....lol!:D