Help with replacing an FTA receiver

[howardv]

I'm a complete novice, so please bear with me. A few years ago, I had a company install an FTA satellite system for my elderly parents. We are in Los Angeles and my parents like to watch some Arabic and Persian channels. Yesterday, the receiver broke down and won't turn on anymore. I need to replace it. My mom has dementia and this was the only way to keep her entertained! Without this dish she is driving me crazy! So I need to replace it ASAP.

The existing broken receiver is a Fanchiou Digiworx2800S. What's the least expensive brand/model that I can replace this with? It's gotta work with the current dish that's installed on the roof (looks like a direc-tv dish, but it's round and slightly larger - fixed, not motorized or moving). The replacement receiver just needs component output and analog stereo outputs. Don't need any fancy features and hoping to spend in the $100 range (if possible).

I have no idea which satellites it was getting. Hoping the new one can do a search and find the stations. I really don't know anything about this stuff. I just see so many makes/models and "C" band (or some other band). Don't know which one we need or what I should look for.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Mr Tony]

welcome

Since the satellite is aimed at 97W (that is where most of the International channels are) any receiver out there will work. You dont need anything elaborate and can find most basic receivers for under $50 shipped

I cant google anything on that receiver so I assume its something basic.

I would recommend something like one of the following (all are good models that will get the job done)
a Coolsat 4000,5000,6000
Fortec (most models)
Pansat 2700, 3500
Visionsat (that has an option to add a hard drive to record programs)

Alot of members here at one time or another have used one (or more) of the receivers I posted so we can help get ya set up if need be

 

[howardv]

IceBerg, thanks a lot for your response. You've put me in the right path. The Visionsat seems interesting since it can do DVR. I just read your review of it. Not sure if this is something my parents will ever learn with their memory disability.

Thanks again!

 

[Mr Tony]

The Visionsat will work without a DVR.

I assume you are setting it up and all they do is channel up and down to watch the programming?

 

[howardv]

Yes, the most basic operation...just change channels and volume. Usually I see lots of FTA receivers on Craigslist. But when I need one, they all disappear. I found an ad from a local installer on Craigslist and he said he has one for $85. I forgot the model he mentioned, but I hadn't heard if it before. I'm supposed to pick it up from him tomorrow. I would have rather buy a better known brand on the Internet, but I want to get my parents going ASAP.

I appreciate all your help!

 

[Mr Tony]

once you get it let us know the model/brand so we can help ya

There are lots of different models out there (a lot more than I posted above) that work

 

[rv1pop]

I hope you have return privileges from the dealer... if it fails to do the job. Most receivers Iceberg recommends have good scanning abilities so finding the channels should be easy, deleting the unwanted ones and sorting the desired one will be the main challenge.

We have answers, you will have questions - lets see if we can get a match.

POP