Requirements to get started in FTA

You have heard of FTA or have a relative or friend who has FTA.
But are unsure how to get it going. Here are the basic requirements needed.

What to expect;
With correct program installed into a correctly setup receiver, a correctly setup dish antenna, you will be able to receive all of the programs that are offered by the satellite program provider's satellite. Including all PPV Movies, Sports, Porn, Premium programming and most of the network channels from major cities (you can watch your favorite network programs in different time zones). You will be able to receive what the receiver can decode and provider puts on the satellite, goto lyngsat.com for programing information, provided your dish antenna can see the satelite with out any obstructions.

NEGATIVES - You are using 3rd party programs/software, the satellite program providers take a dim view of it, and there can be legal repercussions. With this said, the providers send down in the data stream to the receivers, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM’s). The ECM’s are designed to stop the non-subscribing receivers from working. So you will not get 100% up time, and if the providers are successful you may not have any satellite. However judging from previous history, when a major provider changed it’s encoding system, it took approximately 2 months for the programmers to get a solution. However that has been the exception, most down time has been less than 24 hours (most receivers). The programmers that do the corrective programs work for the receiver’s manufacturer. How quickly they get out the corrective program, will be YOUR down time.

Requirements;
Access to a computer that has an Internet connection and runs MS Windows NT. You MUST have some computer literacy. You MUST be able to download a program from the Internet, unzip it and upload to a thumb (zip) drive, the ability to read, comprehend and follow directions.

Dish antenna;
Most are “surplus” dishes from major satellite providers. And you must have the ability to install the dish (if not currently installed). You should "Survey" the site for a clear view of the satellite, prior to purchasing any equipment.

COST:This assumes that you have a computer as described above, a working TV and are "doing it yourself".
Receiver; basic (NO video recorder, Hi Def. Etc.) $100.00 to $200.00 new w/shipping. Buy this item new from a reputable dealer, such as the dealers that advertise on this site, as their are clone (Counterfeit) receivers, when purchasing a receiver, get advice, BUY A NAME BRAND that has been in business at least 3 Years, There are allot of startup receiver companys and sadly, allot of orphans. The SINGLE most important thing is SUPPORT! When there are Electronic Counter Measures (ECM's), and the receiver has to be re-programed, the time it takes the manufacture to fix the program, WILL BE YOUR DOWN TIME! The $20.00 that was saved buying the bargain receiver, may not be a bargain.
Dish antenna, $10.00 for a used 18-inch provider logo dish, to $100.00 for a 30+ inch dish with LNB, buy locally if possible, as shipping these can be costly.
Cable, and miscellaneous installation parts $ 20.00 to $50.00 (estimated).

Conclusion;
If you decide this is for you and you have a friend or relative that you can get support from, is helpful. However if you are handy with tools for the dish installation, can meet the computer requirements and are not afraid to ask questions, you should not have any problems.