fta satellite receiver

A buddy of mine can get great deals on FTA (free to air) satellite receivers and I have been thinking about picking one up. I have done some research and narrowed it down two receivers, the Pansat 2005A and the Fortec Lifetime Ultra:



Pansat 2500A

Smart Search from 1 to 45 Msps

(about 20 minutes per satellite)

Multi-function on-screen user interface.

(256 colors, picture-in-graphic, favorite lists, sorting, parental locks, 7 day EPG, Multi-Language)

Built in PAL-NTSC conversion.

Stores up to 3000 channels and 60 satellites

Timers

Easy satellite locator screen with bargraph & audio beeps

Manual PID scan, Network Scan, Multi-sat scan

Diseqc 1.2 & 1.3 control including diseqc positionner control capability.

Polarizer control for mechanical polarity tuning.

S-Video output for optimal video reproduction on S-Video TV sets.

Dolby Digital (AC3) coaxial output.

Hardware power on/off switch for added security.

RS232 port for software updates.

Front panel display.

UHF remote control port for UHF remote control kit (optional).

Loop through IF port for multiple receiver hookup.

Fortec Lifetime Ultra

EPG (Electronic Program Guide) - 7 days of program information

Fully compliant with MPEG-2 Digital & DVB broadcasting

950~2150 MHz input Frequency (IF loop throughput)

Variable input Symbol Rate (1.5~45 Msps)

Multi-language OSD (On-screen Display)

Automatic PAL/NTSC Conversion

Fast Channel Change

Flexible reception of SCPC & MCPA from C/Ku band Satellites

Timer Function (Automatic On/Off Setting Function)

256-Colors (Graphic Use Interface)

P-I-G (Picture-in-Graphic) On-screen Display

Powerful Channel Editing Function

  -Sorting: Alphabetic, Satellite, FTA/Scramble, Parental Lock,

   TP Order

  -Move, Delete, Edit Favorites

  -Parental Lock, Channel Rename, Channel Skip

Manual PID/Satellite & TP/Network Scan

Simultaneous Scan of 4 Satellites

USALS Compatible

Capable Of Setting the Frequency for SMATV Systems

Upgrade through RS-232C (STB to STB, PC to STB)

The pansat receiver definitely seems to be the popular of the two although the fortec seems to be gaining ground. Considering I already have two satellite dishes on my house maybe I don't need another one. A fta receiver would be fun to play with though. So many toys, so little time...



BTW, eBay has great deals on Fortec and Pansat fta receivers.