Newbie with questions on how to get started

[hendrickx]

I'd like to get into FTA, but I'm not sure where to start. Got Brighthouse for hi-speed internet, so I think I may need to trace the wires in my attic, figure out what's BHN's and what's the TVs. Once I do that I can run a new splitter and out to the roof. I have an existing small disk (Dish Network or DirecTV, not sure, don't think it says on it).

What equipment do you recommend? I'm on a tight budget. I'd love to get some of my favorite channels (Discovery, History, Comedy Central) and some local channels.

The wife is hoping to spend less than $50. I'm hoping for under $100. I realize the channels I just mentioned may need subscriptions. Can you do that without gettting a major provider?

Obviously I'm cluless about equipment to get and what to expect. Any pointers?

Are there alternatives? Can we do some sort of internet based service?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide!

 

[hendrickx]

After reading more, I still want FTA, even though I won't find popular channels there. I could always pick up a nps subscription and still beat the pants off cable. Will my little dish work? I'm fairly clear in the south from the roof, and depending on the angle, from the yard as well.

 

[skewed]

My advice is to check out "the List" here on this site. This will tell you more about some of the programming that they have to offer with fta. You will need a 30" or larger dish depending on where you live and a KU Linear LNB not a circular that is used with the pizzia pan providers. Also to be realistic, you will find a motor will definately come in handy. You may be able to pick up a used superdish or directway or even a hughes net dish to save some money and still have decent performance. But trust me, in this case bigger is better, and when it comes to recievers, listen to the people on this forum, no wheres else. These people know what boxes work best for FTA. The reason I can say this is because made bad decisions when it came to this. I could of saved money and had a better box if I had only come here first.

 

[rv1pop]

skewed answered you truthfully! The biggest part of what he said was not as clear as you might need, that is, look for used dishes for NO COST. Add to that list the Primestar / Channel master dishes. In my opinion they are some of the best, and very often free. What state or area are you in? Our advice for PR or South America will be different then advice for Florida, Colorado, Washington or Yukon.
One piece of advice you will hear is to NOT mix commecial subscription equipment or signals with FTA. There are several reasons for this, but the best one is it will never work right.
Many of us are on very limitted incomes also, but some of us do have extra equipment to loan or sell. Before you buy ANYTHING run it past the forum as skewed said. That can save you money! $$$$
POP

 

[neil_kc1]

Welcome to the forum. Free 2 Air takes a special type of person. There really isn't a program guide like the pay services. but if you don't mind scanning the skys it can be a blast. I would also tell you there are a lot of c-band dishes laying around unused you can pick you can pick up for nothing. My advise READ, and READ more on this sight. Check out equiptment reviews. And ask questions? These guys are great at helping out.

But before anyone can help you much we need to know where you are located.

 

[hendrickx]

I'm in Plant City, FL about 1/2 way between Tampa and Orlando. I have a HOA, but if I remember correctly, they can't stop me for certain types of dishes. (And my back yard is fenced, so if we're not visible from the street, BONUS)

I'd love to see BBC, NBC and FOX. NBC and FOX I may be able to pull from the local towers OTA, haven't tried yet. BBC would need a big dish, right?

 

[turbosat]

BBC World that was on c-band is scrambled now, I believe about 2months back. Except for an hour or so on some of the PBS channels on 125W ku at night, it's gone for us.

 

[hendrickx]

Bummer. Looks like I'll probably end up OTA with a cheap linux box set up as a STB pulling in internet-based streams.

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate the assistance!

 

[Larobpra]

Check out this thread for a way to watch BBC.
http://www.satelliteguys.us/chit-chat-club/160392-i-can-watch-uk-tv-o.html