What is DISH Network TV vs. Free to Air Satellite TV?

Are you in possession of a DISH Network® over the air antenna and are curious about its applications? Want to know what makes free to air satellite TV free? There are a lot of questions swirling around this obscure but not so new topic. Let SatelliteDish.tv provide some answers for you...

The most common satellite television programming is encrypted by TV providers [link to satellitedish.tv/compare/tv-providers] like DISH Network. Over the air antenna television, which is called free to air (FTA) satellite TV, is unencrypted. Meaning, there is no provider. There are FTA channels that are accessible with free to air satellite receivers and 30-inch satellite dishes (for sale nearly anywhere you would buy satellite TV equipment)

What is TV That is FTA, But Not Free Satellite TV USA?

While the FTA conversation is mostly conducted within the parameters of free satellite TV USA, there is FTA TV via VHF or UHF bands. These are FTA because they are also unencrypted and, therefore, do not require a paid subscription or strong satellite receivers to be enjoyed.

Where is Free to Air Satellite TV Available?

FTA TV is quite an international sensation. Free to air satellite receivers all over the world are pulling in channels wherever there are satellite dishes for sale. FTA TV is popular in portions of Asia, Africa, Europe, Down Under in Australia, a hop over from here in New Zealand, Canada and, of course there’s the free satellite TV USA movement.

Is Free Satellite TV USA Really Free?

Free is always a tricky term. DISH Network’s free offers are free. However, the issue is, while free to air satellite TV is not tied to a for-profit TV provider and, therefore, you can get channels without paying for a subscription, it’s not entirely free. Often, for instance, taxpayer money pays for some of it or contributions from the public or there is the matter of license fees. Additionally, to get technical, it costs money to get the necessary free to air satellite receivers and the satellite dishes for sale. Whereas, with DISH Network TV, there’s no equipment to buy.

What is The Downside To Using Your Free to Air Satellite Receivers To Get TV?

There are about a thousand channels you can get for free via free to air satellite receivers for which you don’t need a subscription to DIRECTV® or DISH Network. Over the air antenna channels are great in number, however, a vast majority of them are not in English. Strong satellite receivers and antennas can pull in the channels, but the English channels are usually fewer and limited to very specific interests.

With FTA Strong Satellite Receivers, What Channels Are Available in English?

Your strong satellite receivers can capture channels like Gospel Music TV, Peace TV, Knowledge, The Retro TV Network, PBS World, BYU TV, The Patient Channel, Folk Roots, Fashion TV America, God’s Learning Channel and more. If you look around online, you’ll find many directory-like listings and some even separate the channels by language.

What Channels Won’t I Get With My FTA DISH Network Over The Air Antenna?

If you want channels like The Disney Channel, HBO®, Showtime®, E! Entertainment, MTV, The History Channel, Nickelodeon, NBA League Pass, Encore, Lifetime, Spike or the NFL RedZone, you are better off looking into DISH Network’s channel packages. DISH Network is the lowest priced nationwide satellite provider, with the widest choice of channels.

Are There Satellite Dishes For Sale That I Need To Enjoy Free Satellite TV USA?

You’ll need to find the right satellite dishes for sale, FTA strong satellite receivers and a Ku band LNBF. It’s always helpful to have an analog or digital signal strength meter. It’s possible you’ll want to have a motor to allow your satellite dish to move to capture a signal from multiple satellites in orbit. Plus, you need a clear path to the southern sky. Whereas DISH Network TV provides new, first-time customers Free Standard Professional Installation in up to 6 rooms, so you’re guaranteed to have the best reception possible.

 

How Do I Set Myself Up For Free to Air Satellite TV?

Sadly, part of opting for free satellite TV USA means you’re on your own. Unlike having DISH Network, over the air antenna TV is inconvenient for the busy entertainment seeker, as no one is designing channel packages for your household to enjoy.

You would have to search for channels you might want, then figure out which satellite they’re coming from, then determine what format the desired channels come in and their frequency. In this case, “Free” means more work on your part and your time is worth money too. If FTA Satellite sounds like too much work for too little of what you really want, remember: DISH Network has the best value and the best TV entertainment with the lowest all-digital price nationwide…every day!

Related Articles