Free-to-air (FTA) is a term used to describe television (TV) and radio broadcasts, which are broadcast, unencrypted and may therefore be picked up via any appropriate receiver. The term should not be confused with free-to-view, which describes TV, which is available without subscription, but which is encoded and may therefore be restricted geographically. Neither of these options can be described as pay-TV, which describes a subscription service, which is encrypted. The term typically refers to delivery by satellite television, but in various parts of the world where encrypted digital terrestrial television channels exist, broadcast on UHF or VHF bands, it can also be applied to those systems.
Although these channels are described as free to use, the viewer does in fact pay for them. Some are paid directly by payment of a licence fee or voluntary donation, where as others are paid indirectly for consumer products and services where part of the cost goes toward television advertising and sponsorship.
Free-to-air is used for international broadcasting. It can often be described as television's equivalent of shortwave radio. There are a number of competing systems in use, with early adopters having used C-band satellite dishes of many feet in diameter to receive signals which were originally analogue FM, later digital using the Motorola-proprietary Digicipher II system or later still going to Ku-band and under one-metre dishes with most often the international DVB standard. The following are the types of Free-to-air Receivers:
Satellite Dish
A satellite dish is a special type of parabolic antenna designed with the purpose of transmitting signals to and/or receiving from satellites. A satellite dish is a particular type of microwave antenna, which comes in varying sizes and designs, and is most commonly used to receive satellite television.
Satellite Television
Satellite television is television delivered by way of communications satellites, as compared to usual terrestrial television and cable television. In many areas of the world satellite television services supplement older terrestrial signals, providing a broader range of channels and services, including subscription-only services.
Set Top Box
The term set-top box describes a device that connects to a television and some external source of signal, and turns the signal into content, which is then displayed on the screen. The signal source might be an ethernet cable, a satellite dish, a coaxial cable, a telephone line, Broadband over Power Line, or even an ordinary VHF or UHF antenna. This means any or all of video, audio, Internet webpages, interactive games, or other possibilities. A set-top box does not always need to contain a tuner of its own. A box connected to a television set's SCART connector is fed with the baseband television signal from the set's tuner, and can ask the television to display the returned processed signal instead. This feature is used for decoding Pay TV, and in the past was used for decoding teletext, before decoders became built-in. The outgoing signal can be of the same nature as the incoming signal, or even an "insert" over the original signal, thanks to the "fast switching" feature of SCART whereas in case of Pay TV, this solution avoids the hassles associated with having a second remote control.
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FTA channels available will come from all over the world and sometimes they come and go or turn into paid channels and can be scrambled or become encoded. New free channels do come up frequently but as the popularity of the channel increases it is encoded or encrypted, i.e., it is made a paid channel. Currently about 25% of the U.S. Television market has given way to the satellite. In the United Kingdom about half the population uses satellite television.
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Free to air satellite receivers and files are getting better and more popular than ever before, and more and more are scrambling to own this highly advanced technology. Digital technology is truly the indication of the future, and many companies and corporations are trying to cash in for growing this business. The FTAs offered by some companies feature cutting-edge technology, great features, and user-friendly controls.
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Viewsat Ultra FTA Receiver is considered as an ideal choice for everyone in this world. Moreover the cost of this equipment is also reasonable and is within the reach of a normal man. You can find the clarity of the display and the sound of an MP3 song very amazing.
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By: Jeff Herder | 10/02/2007 | Communication
This Sonicview SV1000 Free to Air receiver makes it so much easier for you. Its superior performance will ensure that your needs as a viewer are always met. With this model, you will get the very best OSD and EPG performance. The SonicView SV1000 with advanced universal remote is what you want ultimately when only the best will do.
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For all the viewers who are tired of paying the subscriptions fees at the end of every month, Free-to-air satellite technology is a god sent opportunity to view channels all over the world without paying a penny.
Fta (free to Air) Receivers & Files
By: Jeff Herder | 10/02/2007 | Communication
Free-to-air satellite technology is a modern way of free televiewing, which transmits broadcasts without necessitating subscription. Free-to-air programs are transmitted to satellite dishes; however, receivers and file supports are required. This is to ensure that you'll be able to view the programs clear.
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Free to air satellite receivers and files are getting better and more popular than ever before, and more and more are scrambling to own this highly advanced technology. Digital technology is truly the indication of the future, and many companies and corporations are trying to cash in for growing this business. The FTAs offered by some companies feature cutting-edge technology, great features, and user-friendly controls.
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