Need to know before jumping into Free-to-Air (FTA) Testing

What Newbies need to know before jumping into Free-to-Air (FTA) Testing


1. What satellites have programming that you want to see (LyngSat)
a. True Free-to-Air Satellites
i. No subscription is required
ii. Too many satellites to list
iii. Uses Standard (linear) or Universal LNBFs, which are not the same as those used for Dish.
iv. Requires 30” D!ish (or larger). Remember larger D!ishes are better.

b. Dish – Although many sats, most popular are 119 (SD), 110 (SD), and 129 (HD)
i. You should sub for this
ii. Uses circular LNBFs
iii. Requires at least one 18” D!ish (although larger is better)
iv. Requires a choice of interconnect technology (Standard circular, DishPro, DishPro Plus)

d. Dish - sub only
i. You have to sub for this
ii. Uses circular LNBFs

2. Find an appropriate satellite D!ish mounting location that allows:
a. Safe and easy access for installation and optimizing,
b. A clear line-of-sight to the satellites of choice,
c. A plumb mount (critical for D!ish aiming),
d. The optional use of a motor (if doing this, make sure the line of sight is clear from horizon to horizon), and
e. Each cable run (from LNBFs to set-top boxes, a.k.a. STBs) is less than 150’. For example:
i. OK - Going from a 36” D!ish to a SonicView (140’), ViewSat (100’), and CoolSat (80’). In this case, all STBs will work.
ii. WRONG - Going from a 39” D!ish to a Coolsat (180’), a ViewSat (20’), and a SonicView (50’). In this case, the Coolsat won’t work.

3. Determine the number of TVs that need STBs.

Since complexity is a result of serving multiple satellites with multiple STBs, seriously consider how many TVs really need a STB. Consider that video-senders may be a more affordable solution than dedicated STBs for TVs that are infrequently used.

4. Commit to one interconnect technology.

This choice determines how you get satellite signals to your set-top box (STB).
a. Standard circular (industry standard) – More cabling is required, but components are more affordable. Generic circular LNBFs and
Direct TV LNBFs are in this category. Uses industry-standard DiSEqC switch technology.
b. Legacy (DN proprietary) - More cabling is required, but components are affordable. Legacy uses the same technology as the industry standard circular LNBF, the only difference being that the name "Legacy" is applied to products made by Echostar. Switches start with a “SW” (ex. SW21, SW64).
b. DishPro (DN proprietary) – Less cabling is required, but switching components are more expensive. Switches start with a “DP” (ex. DP21, DP34).
c. DishPro Plus (DN proprietary) – Less cabling is required, but switching components are (even) more expensive. Switches start with a DPP (ex. DPP44)
d. Invacom QPH-031 - Commonly used with motorized D!ishes. Contains Standard linear and Standard circular in one unit, though not a Universal LNBF. A DiSEqC switch is required to use both linear and circular outputs.

e. Universal - Designed for viewing frequencies only used in Europe and Asia, although it can be used for all true FTA satellites over North America. It's not useful for anything else. Despite its "universal" name, you cannot use it to get both True FTA and Dish/BEV. Industry-standard DiSEqC switching is appropriate for this LNBF type.

If you’re choosing True FTA satellites only, you’ll use either Standard linear or Universal. I recommend using Standard linear if possible; it allows the most flexibility and affordability. Even so, I own a DishPro Plus system. FWIW, DN equipment is perceived as having the highest quality.

5. Choose your STB(s).

STBs seem to have enthusiast web-sites and forums/communities of FTA experts and newbies. Find and join at least one (more is better).
a. Introduce yourself and your vision thus far (from questions 1-4). You’ll find many people on the same adventure and experts are waiting to help.
b. Read up on what others have done. Most have done what you are most likely trying to do.
c. Do your research on your preferred STB – maybe there’s a better one out there. In FTA, better means more features, more affordable, more support, more utilities, and future firmware.
d. Identify what needs to be done to or with your STBs after installation to get your programming.

6. Diagram your planned installation and validate it with the enthusiast community

7. Buy your equipment

8. Install your equipment or have your equipment installed by experts

9. Enjoy FTA testing