What is FTA Free-to-Air Satellite TV?
Ever wondered how to get free TV channels without a hefty subscription? Let’s chat about FTA free-to-air satellite TV. It’s exactly what it sounds like – TV that’s free and comes through your satellite dish.
Here in the UK, there are many Sky tv dishes, that have become unused, if the householder has gone over to Virgin or similar cable service. No monthly bills, no contracts, just plug in the dish and receive free telly. But how does it work? And is it worth your time? Let’s break it down.
The Basics of Free-to-Air Satellite TV
FTA satellite TV is pretty straightforward.You’ve got a satellite dish that catches signals from space. These signals aren’t encrypted, meaning anyone with the right gear can watch. It’s like catching fish in a public lake – the fish are there for everyone.
What You Need for FTA Free-to-Air Satellite TV
Here’s the kit you’ll need:• A satellite dish (the bigger, the better for signal strength) if you’re only wanting English programmes, then the standard Sky minidish is all that is needed.
• An FTA receiver (the box that decodes the signals)
• Cables to connect everything. That’s it. No fancy subscriptions or smart cards needed.
What Can You Watch on FTA Free-to-Air Satellite TV?
Now, the million-pound question – what can you actually watch?It’s a mixed bag, to be honest.You might get:• Some mainstream channels (think BBC, ITV)
• Loads of international channels **
• If you are German, Italian, French or Spanish, I can even supply you with pre set receivers.
• Niche content (cooking shows, religious programming)
• News from around the world, It’s not going to replace Sky or Virgin, but it’s a very decent option if you’re looking to cut costs.
** with a Sky dish there is UK tv, with a motorised or multi lnb dish there are international channels too.
Is there a Channel guide for International Channels?
For Spanish, Italian, German, French – Yes. With a Enigma type receiver, you can hook up the plugin software “Cross EPG” , an online channel guide database, updated every day automatically. For other language channels the options include websites which show a “whats on guide” .
The Pros of FTA Satellite TV
Let’s talk about the good stuff:
• It’s free (obviously) and lets include French and Italian here as they do have viewing cards but charge much less than our TV license, Italian charge once only, French charge every 4 years but it works out just £15/year
• You can access channels from all over Europe
• No contracts or commitments
• Great for expats missing home TV
The Cons of Free Satellite TV
But it’s not all roses:• Limited premium content
• You need to set it up yourself (or pay someone)
• Channel lineup can change without notice ( rare with UK, France, Germany )
• Weather can affect some international signals, though most satellites over Europe are very stable
Is Free-to-Air Satellite TV Right for You?
Here’s the deal:If you’re a telly addict who needs all the latest shows and sports, stick with your paid service. But if you’re looking to save some cash and don’t mind a bit of channel surfing, FTA free-to-air satellite TV could be your new best mate. It’s perfect for:• Budget-conscious viewers
• International TV fans
• People in rural areas with poor terrestrial reception
• Those who enjoy discovering new, niche content
Setting Up Your FTA Free-to-Air Satellite TV
Fancy giving it a go? Here’s a quick guide:
- Get your gear (dish, receiver, cables)
- Install the dish (or get a pro to do it)
- Connect everything up
- Scan for channels**
- Start watching ** Some receivers have quick setup for UK or German, Enigma boxes can be preset from online sources, so setting up and channel sorting is not such a headache.
It’s not rocket science, but it might take a bit of patience.
The Future of FTA Free-to-Air Satellite TV
Will FTA free-to-air satellite TV stick around? Absolutely. As long as there are broadcasters willing to beam their content for free, there’ll be viewers ready to catch it. Plus, with the cost of living going up, free TV is looking pretty attractive.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it – free-to-air satellite TV in a nutshell. It’s not for everyone, but it could be your ticket to free tv. Give it a shot if you’re feeling adventurous. Who knows? You might discover your new favourite Kazakh cooking show. Remember, in the world of FTA free-to-air satellite TV, the sky’s the limit – literally.
Related
What are the main advantages of using FTA satellite TV over traditional cable
How can I find the best FTA channels for UK programming
Are there any legal risks associated with using FTA satellite TV
How has the shift to digital broadcasts impacted FTA satellite TV