FTA and DVB-s-Getting started & Faq

[arboristman]

FTA and DVB-s-Getting started & Faq


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. What is FTA???

A. FTA stands for 'Free To Air' which is the type of receiver that some clever code writer named Al7bar was able to modify to emulate the DN (dish) stuff without the CAM (Conditional Access Card). This box will receive MANY satellite signals that are free and with modification, some scrambled channels.


Q. Does work on DTV signals???

A. NO these systems do not work on DTV at all. DTV cards can not be emulated completely the way DN and BEV can.


Q. Are the FTAs difficult to set up???

A. That depends on how technical you are. If you have problems setting the time on your VCR then the FTA stuff is not for you. Once you have a satellite signal, you must search for the channels and put them in order. The guides do not work and the channel number will not be assigned correctly. IE DN channel HBO 300 may be displayed on the front of the box as channel 13.


Q. I hear that the FTAs are Bullet proof, is that true???

A. This is NOT THE CASE!!! While the FTA has made it thru many of the previous ECMs, as of this writing they are currently down (both BB and Fortec). I am sure that there will be a fix for the systems soon. However, with the FTA becoming more mainstream you will see more ECM activity aimed at the FTA systems. (Keep in mind that you can still get the FTA channels)


Q. What is better Black bird or Fortec (silver bullet)???

A. That depends first off of what bird (satellite) you are trying to view. As of this writing, blackbird will decode BEV AND DN, while the Fortec will only get DN. The next consideration is how technical are you. The BB (blackbird) is fully programmed and ready to decode right out of the box, the Fortec will require reprogramming before it can decode any scrambled DN signals. However, I would not base your decision strictly on 'ready to go', there will be many ECMs to come and reprogramming the box will be required to keep it receiving scrambled channels.


Q. I hear the BB will grab the decryption keys for you, is that true???

A. As of this writing, the BBs with software rev. 4.0 will automatically get the keys to decrypt the scrambled channels. With the foretec you have to enter the keys using the remote. This will most likely change in the near future, and the Fortec will most likely be able to auto-grab keys as well.


Q. Is the Silver bullet a good box???

A. The silver bullet is just the Fortec with the modified software already loaded on it. I would not pay more then you would for a Fortec and what you think your time is worth to reprogram it. Keep in mind that you will need to upgrade it when the ECMs come...


Q. How hard is it to reprogram the FTA boxes???

A. Reprogramming the boxes is done with a 9 pin straight through RS-232 cable (pins 2-2 & 3-3), not a crossover (pins 2-3 & 3-2). And the proper up loader and modified code. I think we will be better off with a step by step how to program in each section to avoid confusion.


Q. Can I use the same dish and LNBs that I already own???

A. That depends on what you already own. DTV and DN LNBs can be used with the FTA boxes to get DN and BEV channels. They will even get some Free To Air channels as well. A single dish pointed at one bird with one cable will work great. However, if you want to receive more then one bird at a time it gets a little more complicated. The easiest way is with a dish 500 without the internal switch or two single dishes and a DiSeqC Switch. We might even need a section just on switches and LNBs just to keep the straight.

Original posted by DSStroyer