Where do I point my satellite dish to get free satellite tv?
I’ll say this up front: I’m not looking to steal satellite channels that I would have to pay for (although I am a bit curious as to how that works, but that’s not what this question is about).
I have a satellite TV dish and a satellite receiver box. If the brands matter, I can post additional information. I do not subscribe to satellite TV and I do not have any cards that go into the receivers.
Are there any freely available satellite channels, and if so, where can I find information about the location of the satellites and anything else I need to do to receive the channels?
My receiver box is Hughes Network Systems Model HIRD-B2 and also says on it Star Sight and DSS (a registered trademark of DIRECTV Inc, a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp). I have a round satellite dish from DirecTV.
Yes, the equipment matters. Much of the satellite transmissions now days are digital and you must have a digital receiver for those. A good part are encrypted, but there is still some stuff in the clear. Also, there is some analog programming still up there.
Here is a link to what’s up in the sky, have fun. http://www.lyngsat.com/
ADDITIONAL ANSWER: That equipment is specific to DirecTV and will only work with their service. You must purchase a subscription from DirecTV to make that equipment work.
you need to send off for a freeview card from whichever company your box is. i think it might cost something but not much. you put that in the box and hey presto - freeview! lol
References :
Comment by Melissa — September 29, 2009 @ 5:40 am
Yes, the equipment matters. Much of the satellite transmissions now days are digital and you must have a digital receiver for those. A good part are encrypted, but there is still some stuff in the clear. Also, there is some analog programming still up there.
Here is a link to what’s up in the sky, have fun. http://www.lyngsat.com/
ADDITIONAL ANSWER: That equipment is specific to DirecTV and will only work with their service. You must purchase a subscription from DirecTV to make that equipment work.
References :
US Broadcast Engineer for 30+ years.
Comment by R T — September 29, 2009 @ 5:53 am
The DBS receiver and LNB (DirecTV or Dish Network) will not work for Free To Air reception. For a modest investment in equipment, you can get unencrypted programming (TV and radio) with no subscription fee. It’s a great hobby.
References :
http://www.hilosatellite.com/fta.html
Comment by AmyDiane — September 29, 2009 @ 6:32 am