How to Get Free Satellite TV
Free satellite TV is an option that has been around for a number of years. Typically known as free to air, or FTA satellite television, this option makes it possible to use basic satellite equipment to receive signals from television stations that are unencrypted. In some areas, the range and type of channels can rival anything offered by a fee-based satellite TV service.
- Obtain the necessary equipment. For free to air satellite reception, a basic satellite dish and a receiver are all that is required. In order to view both digital and analog signals that are still used in some parts of the world for television broadcasts, adding a digital converter box to a CRT TV set is often a good idea.
- Position the dish. Choose a location that allows a relatively unobstructed angle of access so the equipment can communicate with the satellites carrying the station feeds. Typically, locating the dish on a rooftop or in an area of the yard that is free of tree cover or multi-story structures will help enhance reception.
- Check the connections. Make sure the dish and all other equipment is properly connected to the televisions in the home. If in doubt, get some professional help from someone who has a background in setting up satellite dishes.
- Program the dish. Most dishes configured to support free to air satellite television will come with specific instructions on how to initiate a scan and lock in all available channels. If your setup also involves the use of a digital converter box, it may be possible to conduct the scan using the remote control that comes with the box, especially if the configuration on the bandwidth for the dish was completed at the factory. Others may require a connection to a computer to complete the configuration before it is possible to scan and lock in the channels available.
Keep in mind that the range of channels and programming will include local offerings as well as channels from other nations. The scope of programming will range from religious offerings to adult oriented presentations. Most dishes will come with options that make it possible to block certain channels, making it easy to filter channels that offer programming that you consider unsuitable for your household.