WHICH FTA RECEIVER SHOULD I BUY? for Newbie's

[Centauri]

The big question is always being asked here. What receiver is Best?

The gigantic array of choices makes it hard for new people in this hobby to choose.!

What types of FTA's are there?

Basically in a nutshell, there are 3 types of receivers.

1) Regular receivers

Just the basic receiver without High Def capabilities or PVR functionality.

They are lower priced stbs that you can still watch all channels with.

This is usually the easiest to learn with. Makes for a great first time buyer box


2) PVR Receivers

Same as above but with PVR functionality and more difficult to learn.

These receivers are more costly too!


3) HD receivers

As the name states, this is a digital FTA receiver that is capable of receiving the High Definition channels that are available.

At the moment you would need to purchase an extra part (8psk) to be able to pick up High Def channels on DN.

But this may change in the near future.

Not Only will these receivers pick up HD channels but all the rest too.

We're talking big bucks for these bad boys.

But if you ask anyone that owns one, would say its worth every penny!


But you may also see some more unfamilier terms that have come to being. And they are:

1) Clones

A knock off of the original receiver.

A fraction of the cost of regular receivers but you run the risk of original files killing your receiver.

You must always wait for clone safe files.

I do NOT recommend this receiver type.

You must also be careful when buying a receiver.

Clones are sometimes identical to the originals and you may get ripped off.

Only buy from a reputable place


2) Converted

These are receivers that have become obsolete and the coders have stopped pumping out files for.

Using a JTAG cable, the main software in the CPU is re-written to make it think its a different model type receiver.

If your new to this game and is still looking for your first receiver to buy, chances are you won't be looking for this receiver type to buy unless you buy used.


The receivers above all need to be updated with files.

There are a few different ways that files are downloaded to them.

This should play a factor in your purchase decision.

Files are loaded via:
1) Cable (Straight through or Null Modem Cable)

2) USB stick

3) IKS. (Basically its connected to your router )


What Receiver company is the best!!!???
Kinda dumb question to ask.!

Who may be the best of today will not alway be the best.

BlackBird was once the king shit.
Pansat rocked the house at one point.
Viewsat kinda is now but who knows what the future holds. ETC ETC ETC

What should I do to help me make my final choice?
You read the top part of this post and make your choice of what receiver type to buy.


Read some of the reviews from this website that people have written up for us.

These are all NON-Biased reviews and are written by just regular Joe-Shmoes like you and me.

Also...!
Look in the files section and look at who's pumping out the files the fastest and most.

What good is a $500 HD receiver if there is No Support for it!!

BOTTOM LINE!!!

Maximum research before buying a receiver will make you a happier customer in the end

[bikenut]

VIEWSAT with usb so ya wont need cables to load bins, the support is great, had 2 for 3 years now and been GREAT!!!

[kenkell1]

Viewsat ultra or SonicView 4000..both are virtually identical and ease of loading via usb stick is a great thing.
Also conisidering Nfusion but I wouldn't recommend this to a new FTA'er or first receiver.

[NOKIA™]

Viewsat ultra or SonicView 4000..both are virtually identical and ease of loading via usb stick is a great thing.
Also conisidering Nfusion but I wouldn't recommend this to a new FTA'er or first receiver.

on contraire mes ami... Nfusion is very easy to setup ...:D

[kenkell1]

on contraire mes ami... Nfusion is very easy to setup ...:D
Ok, my bad. I just figured for a first time fta'er that having to setup the iks and everything else to get the nfusion to work would not be a good first receiver for someone that didn't know much about fta.

[Centauri]

Good point Kenkell1 :)
It just may be more difficult for those that are not good with networking. My readings on Nfusion indicate that the initial set up is more difficult but once set up properly the stb becomes easy to use.

My personal recommendation.
I love my viewsat ULTRA. I think that loading files the USB way is by far the easiest and the support is amazing.
Thank you Cyphris :)

[NOKIA™]

with the proper how to guide ( posted in support) ...

so easy a caveman can do it:...lol

[bikenut]

with the proper how to guide ( posted in support) ...

so easy a caveman can do it:...lol

Hey Nok...I have 2 Vs Plats are they worth anything to trade in for newer USB Viewsats?? I am near T.O???

[bjag]

I purchased a Viewsat Ultra because my neighbor had one and I figured I could
call on his help if I got stuck. I love my Viewsat, it is so user friendly. A 2 yr old could do it..hope this helps. This is my first try at FTA and I am "electronically challanged"..(some would say stupid at anything electrical) and if I can do it, everybody can.

[caseman]

Personally- I believe iks is the way to go these days. Neosat is the best. Get a PRO or an iPRO 2000 Plus. Auto update means you are never down. Its the only FTA I use these days. All the rest are too up and down for me.

If you dont have hi speed internet I recommend a Viewsat or a Coolsat. Better yet, get hi speed and a Neosat. Watch tv.


:D

[NOKIA™]

a Coolsat?...:eek:

I don't think so Tim...lol (Home Improvement)

[caseman]

Hey Nokia - Home Improvement was a good show.

As far as Coolsat, I am thinking over the long term. I still remember when they were the only game in town for a few months with the cardshare.

And my Coolsat still works every once in awhile. LOL.


:D

[ferrocios]

Captiveworks has been solid for me so far. I'm testing the 700 which has a USB port.

[Peterbilt]

Great post Cent!!

[Centauri]

Thanks bud. :)

Keep your inputs coming guys. I want to know why you chose the receiver you did. I know we have a large CNX fan club here. It too has the USB file loading capability and some models have the PVR ready capability and DivX ready. All at a great price. :coolup:
CNX is another thumbs up receiver

[fifties]

Like the Pansat 2500A before them, Viewsat Platinums are workhorses - I have two of them. If I were to upgrade, I would do so to Ultras, simply for the easier USB loading capability. Viewsat's support, BTW, is legendary - they are ALWAYS there.

As far as being up, I have considered springing for a Captive Works 700, which also features USB loading, as a back-up receiver.

My Sonciview 8000 is the cats pajamas, lol. Excellent PQ on both SD and HD, USB loading, and very fast file updating. Support is faster by a few hours or a day, than Viewsat.

I have a Pansat 2500A clone, which I bought cheap on eBay, converted, and use as a spare. For the money, it is an excellent extra receiver, receiving good support with converted bins by jvvh and CS.

[caseman]

Thanks bud. :)

Keep your inputs coming guys. I want to know why you chose the receiver you did. I know we have a large CNX fan club here. It too has the USB file loading capability and some models have the PVR ready capability and DivX ready. All at a great price. :coolup:
CNX is another thumbs up receiver


CNX is a good receiver no doubt. But besides the IKS auto update of the Neosat PRO and iPro 2000 Plus they also have auto-setup function, USB update, and are PVR ready. Neosats are also compatible with Tivo. Lots of good features at a good price and very reliable if you have high speed internet.


:cool:

[malcolmbig]

i had my cs4kpro for about three years,retired him for a cw600s prem. it was recommened to me .the price was good and the setup was easy,all
together it is a good stb for the price

[whiteboard]

Thanks bud. :)

Keep your inputs coming guys. I want to know why you chose the receiver you did. I know we have a large CNX fan club here. It too has the USB file loading capability and some models have the PVR ready capability and DivX ready. All at a great price. :coolup:
CNX is another thumbs up receiver

Ok I went with the cs 7000 pvr because I had a bev pvr and walked into a local shop with no clue what this was all about. My only regret is that I hadn't found the geeks before then. Not saying I would have made a different choice due to the limited pvr options at the time but I have learned one thing for sure. If you want uninterrupted free tv you are barking up the wrong tree!

Unless you use the legal FTA options like I do (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Otherwise I can't believe how some people bitch about down times like they were paying d or b for service and were put out! Get every box and shut the f up! If missing a sitcom is soo bad for you then maybe, just maybe an ecm is the least of your troubles! :chicken:

[Centauri]

Here is the 2008 annual Centauri FTA catagory award winners:

Regular Receivers winner is: Viewsat ULTRA

PVR receiver winner is: CNX Trio

HD receiver winner is: Sonicview HD8000

Best Clone receiver is: NONE!!!!! They all stink :p

Converted receiver winner is: RBBB's very own Pariza 2700

What are some of your receiver picks?

[fifties]

I would suggest for a regular receiver, the Captive Works 700;
cheap at around 100 bucks or so, USB loading, and Captive Works support is bitchen.
I understand they have a deal where their fixes come out right after plastic does.

[chance37]

Any word on the Nfusion. Is this auto updating for real or what.

[v-rod]

My VS,SV Are down and I am watching my Nfus right now.I got it last week and with a few Questions and a few great answers from this site i was up and running in no time at all.And wireless (netgear XE-102)to boot:coolup:

[caseman]

Any word on the Nfusion. Is this auto updating for real or what.

See previous post from V-Rod. Yes nfusion is working.

:cool:

[Gugi47]

Is there one receiver that is easyer to program? All new receivers are about the same, like driving a car, You get out of a Ford into a Toyota, basicly everything is there, just in different places.

Where should I get advise on the receivers I am considering? This Forum, Give the greatest weight to the "Senior" members with multiple receivers. There are many who have one receiver and think it is the greatest (just like your first car, the best car in the world!).

Where should I buy from? Any reputable satellite dealer, such as the ones that advertise on this site, ONLY IF they carry the manufacture and model that you have chosen. Note: stick with your selection, do not get talked into another that they have a "special" on, If they can't supply your selection, find another dealer who can.

Clones, what are they? If the receiver is popular there will be Clones, a better more accurate description would be "Counterfeit". A clone or counterfeit is a PHYSICAL copy of the original, they will even have the logo's and trademarks, they look exactly like the original. But that is where it quits, the insides are different, and the original manufactures programs that change frequently will not always work in the clones. They have very poor support. STAY AWAY FROM CLONES! Buy from a reputable dealer. If in question, ask the dealer, is it a clone? and use a credit card, for protection.

What is the "key" in selection of a receiver? SUPPORT! Support if the most important "feature" of the receiver. Many people get wrapped up in the speed of the processor, the size of the memory etc. While these features are important, they are secondary to support. If you buy the NEW "SUPER WAZZO" receiver that was the dealer special, and the dealer tells you it is a great receiver, however after the next ECM (Electronic Counter Measure, the providers send them to confuse non-subscribing receivers) and it is not supported in a timely manor. With the new "SUPER WAZZO" there are few answers and IF'y support, because it is new and not yet popular. The senior members and Mod's will or may not have the answers. So you wait for a answer or a new program, your receiver is down and wife pissed! - - So what to do? - - Buy a "Seasoned" receiver with good support. Seasoned = been on the market 2 years or longer with a good track record of supporting its products with updates. With the "Seasoned" receiver it will have alot more support in this forum, as the Mod's and Senior Members will be more likely to own them, and thus more familuar with them. Another area that is not talked about and is very pertinant, is receiver and software stability, there are receivers w/programs that have a assortment of problems that show up, vidio glitches, rebooting the receiver, locking up, just to name a few. This again is usually poor software support.
Support = How long does it take the receiver manufacture to get the program for the receiver adjusted and YOUR receiver up & running after a major ECM (Electronic Counter Measure). This will be YOUR down time, and the $20.00 that was saved on the new "Super Wazzo" receiver may not have been such a great deal!

Some pointers; Look in the "FTA Receivers - Files Only" forum, under the Manufacture/Model headings and compare the software download dates on the receivers that you are considering after a ECM (Electronic Counter Measure), what Manufacture and Model had the fix the quickest?
A feature that is worth consideration is the USB memory stick programing and is avaiable on some receivers. The receiver has the usual serial port for programing, plus a additional USB port feature, this uses a USB memory stick/drive to transfer the programs from your computer to the receiver instead of the usual serial cable. It is fast and convenient. I highly recommend it.

My top picks for stable and supported receivers:
-Conax
-Viewsat
-Sonicview
Enjoy it and good luck.