HistoryThe first known fictional depiction of a satellite being launched into orbit is a short story by Edward Everett Hale, The Brick Moon. The story was serialized in The Atlantic Monthly, starting in 1869.^[1][2] The idea surfaces again in Jules Verne’s The Begum’s Millions (1879).

In 1903 Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857–1935) published Исследование мировых пространств реактивными приборами (The Exploration of Cosmic Space by Means of Reaction Devices), which is the first academic treatise on the use of rocketry to launch spacecraft. He calculated the orbital speed required for a minimal orbit around the Earth at 8 km/second, and that a multi-stage rocket fueled by liquid propellants could be used to achieve this. He proposed the use of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, though other combinations can be used. During his lifetime he published over 500 works on space travel and related subjects, including science fiction novels. Among his works are designs for rockets with steering thrusters, multi-stage boosters, space stations, airlocks for exiting a spaceship into the vacuum of space, and closed cycle biological systems to provide food and oxygen for space colonies. He also delved into theories of heavier-than-air flying machines, independently working through many of the same calculations that the Wright brothers were performing at about the same time.

In 1928 Herman Potočnik (1892–1929) published his sole book, Das Problem der Befahrung des Weltraums - der Raketen-Motor (The Problem of Space Travel — The Rocket Motor), a plan for a breakthrough into space and a permanent human presence there. He conceived of a space station in detail and calculated its geostationary orbit. He described the use of orbiting spacecraft for detailed peaceful and military observation of the ground and described how the special conditions of space could be useful for scientific experiments. The book described geostationary satellites (first put forward by Tsiolkovsky) and discussed communication between them and the ground using radio, but fell short of the idea of using satellites for mass broadcasting and as telecommunications relays.

In a 1945 Wireless World article the English science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke (b. 1917) described in detail the possible use of communications satellites for mass communications.^[3] Clarke examined the logistics of satellite launch, possible orbits and other aspects of the creation of a network of world-circling satellites, pointing to the benefits of high-speed global communications. He also suggested that three geostationary satellites would provide coverage over the entire planet.

[edit] History of artificial satellites

Main article: Timeline of artificial satellites and space probes

See also: Space Race

The first artificial satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957. This triggered the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States.

In May, 1946, Project RAND had released the Preliminary Design of an Experimental World-Circling Spaceship, which stated, “A satellite vehicle with appropriate instrumentation can be expected to be one of the most potent scientific tools of the Twentieth Century.^[4] The United States had been considering launching orbital satellites since 1945 under the Bureau of Aeronautics of the United States Navy. The United States Air Force’s Project RAND eventually released the above report, but did not believe that the satellite was a potential military weapon; rather, they considered it to be a tool for science, politics, and propaganda. In 1954, the Secretary of Defense stated, “I know of no American satellite program.”

On July 29, 1955, the White House announced that the U.S. intended to launch satellites by the spring of 1958. This became known as Project Vanguard. On July 31, the Soviets announced that they intended to launch a satellite by the fall of 1957.

Following pressure by the American Rocket Society, the National Science Foundation, and the International Geophysical Year, military interest picked up and in early 1955 the Air Force and Navy were working on Project Orbiter, which involved using a Jupiter C rocket to launch a satellite. The project succeeded, and Explorer 1 became the United States’ first satellite on January 31, 1958.

The largest artificial satellite currently orbiting the Earth is the International Space Station.

[edit] Space Surveillance Network

The United States Space Surveillance Network (SSN) has been tracking space objects since 1957 when the Soviets opened the space age with the launch of Sputnik I. Since then, the SSN has tracked more than 26,000 space objects orbiting Earth. The SSN currently tracks more than 8,000 man-made orbiting objects. The rest have re-entered Earth’s turbulent atmosphere and disintegrated, or survived re-entry and impacted the Earth. The space objects now orbiting Earth range from satellites weighing several tons to pieces of spent rocket bodies weighing only 10 pounds. About seven percent of the space objects are operational satellites (i.e. ~560 satellites), the rest are space debris. USSTRATCOM is primarily interested in the active satellites, but also tracks space debris which upon reentry might otherwise be mistaken for incoming missiles. The SSN tracks space objects that are 10 centimeters in diameter (baseball size) or larger.

[edit] Non-Military Satellite Services

There are three basic categories of non-military satellite services:^[5]

[edit] Fixed Satellite Service

Fixed satellite services handle hundreds of millions of voice, data, and video transmission tasks across all continents between fixed points on the earth’s surface

[edit] Mobile Satellite Systems

Mobile satellite systems help connect remote regions, vehicles, ships and aircraft to other parts of the world and/or other mobile or stationary communications units, in addition to serving as navigation systems

[edit] Scientific Research Satellite (commercial and noncommercial)

Scientific research satellites provide us with meteorological information, land survey data (e.g., remote sensing), and other different scientific research applications such as earth science, marine science, and atmospheric research.

[edit] Types

MILSTAR: A communication satellite

• Anti-satellite weapons, sometimes called “Killer satellites” are satellites designed to destroy “enemy” satellites, other orbital weapons and targets. Some are armed with kinetic rounds, while others use energy and/or particle weapons to destroy satellites, ICBMs, MIRVs. Both the U.S. and the USSR had these satellites.
• Astronomical satellites are satellites used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.
• Biosatellites are satellites designed to carry living organisms, generally for scientific experimentation.
• Communications satellites are satellites stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications. Modern communications satellites typically use geosynchronous orbits, Molniya orbits or Low Earth orbits.
• Miniaturized satellites are satellites of unusually low weights and small sizes. New classifications are used to categorize these satellites: minisatellite (500–200 kg), microsatellite (below 200 kg), nanosatellite (below 10 kg).
• Navigational satellites are satellites which use radio time signals transmitted to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. The relatively clear line of sight between the satellites and receivers on the ground, combined with ever-improving electronics, allows satellite navigation systems to measure location to accuracies on the order of a few meters in real time.
• Reconnaissance satellites are Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. Little is known about the full power of these satellites, as governments who operate them usually keep information pertaining to their reconnaissance satellites classified.
• Earth observation satellites are satellites intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc. (See especially Earth Observing System.)
• Space stations are man-made structures that are designed for human beings to live on in outer space. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities — instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station. Space stations are designed for medium-term living in orbit, for periods of weeks, months, or even years.
• Tether satellite.
• Weather satellites are primarily used to monitor Earth’s weather and climate.

[edit] Orbit types

Main article: List of orbits

[edit] Centric classifications

• Galacto-centric orbit: An orbit about the center of a galaxy. Earth’s sun follows this type of orbit about the galactic center of the Milky Way.
• Heliocentric orbit: An orbit around the Sun. In our Solar System, all planets, comets, and asteroids are in such orbits, as are many artificial satellites and pieces of space debris. Moons by contrast are not in a heliocentric orbit but rather orbit their parent planet.
• Geocentric orbit: An orbit around the planet Earth, such as the Moon or artificial satellites. Currently there are approximately 2465 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth.
• Areocentric orbit: An orbit around the planet Mars, such as moons or artificial satellites.

[edit] Altitude classifications

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Geocentric orbits ranging in altitude from 0–2000 km (0–1240 miles)
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Geocentric orbits ranging in altitude from 2000 km (1240 miles) to just below geosynchronous orbit at 35786 km (22240 miles). Also known as an intermediate circular orbit.
• High Earth Orbit (HEO): Geocentric orbits above the altitude of geosynchronous orbit 35786 km (22240 miles).

[edit] Inclination classifications

• Inclined orbit: An orbit whose inclination in reference to the equatorial plane is not 0.
  • Polar orbit: An orbit that passes above or nearly above both poles of the planet on each revolution. Therefore it has an inclination of (or very close to) 90 degrees.
  • Polar sun synchronous orbit: A nearly polar orbit that passes the equator at the same local time on every pass. Useful for image taking satellites because shadows will be the same on every pass.

[edit] Eccentricity classifications

• Circular orbit: An orbit that has an eccentricity of 0 and whose path traces a circle.
  • Hohmann transfer orbit: An orbital maneuver that moves a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another using two engine impulses. This maneuver was named after Walter Hohmann.
• Elliptic orbit: An orbit with an eccentricity greater than 0 and less than 1 whose orbit traces the path of an ellipse.
  • Geosynchronous transfer orbit: An elliptic orbit where the perigee is at the altitude of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the apogee at the altitude of a geosynchronous orbit.
  • Geostationary transfer orbit: An elliptic orbit where the perigee is at the altitude of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the apogee at the altitude of a geostationary orbit.
  • Molniya orbit: A highly elliptic orbit with inclination of 63.4° and orbital period of half of a sidereal day (roughly 12 hours). Such a satellite spends most of its time over a designated area of the planet.
  • Tundra orbit: A highly elliptic orbit with inclination of 63.4° and orbital period of one sidereal day (roughly 24 hours). Such a satellite spends most of its time over a designated area of the planet.
• Hyperbolic orbit: An orbit with the eccentricity greater than 1. Such an orbit also has a velocity in excess of the escape velocity and as such, will escape the gravitational pull of the planet and continue to travel infinitely.
• Parabolic orbit: An orbit with the eccentricity equal to 1. Such an orbit also has a velocity equal to the escape velocity and therefore will escape the gravitational pull of the planet and travel until its velocity relative to the planet is 0. If the speed of such an orbit is increased it will become a hyperbolic orbit.
  • Escape orbit (EO): A high-speed parabolic orbit where the object has escape velocity and is moving away from the planet.
  • Capture orbit: A high-speed parabolic orbit where the object has escape velocity and is moving toward the planet.

[edit] Synchronous classifications

• Synchronous orbit: An orbit where the satellite has an orbital period equal to the average rotational period (earth’s is: 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4,091 seconds) of the body being orbited and in the same direction of rotation as that body. To a ground observer such a satellite would trace an analemma (figure in the sky.
• Semi-synchronous orbit (SSO): An orbit with an altitude of approximately 20200 km (12544.2 miles) and an orbital period of approximately 12 hours
• Geosynchronous orbit (GEO): Orbits with an altitude of approximately 35786 km (22240 miles). Such a satellite would trace an analemma (figure in the sky.
  • Geostationary orbit (GSO): A geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of zero. To an observer on the ground this satellite would appear as a fixed point in the sky.
    • Clarke orbit: Another name for a geostationary orbit. Named after the writer Arthur C. Clarke.
  • Supersynchronous orbit: A disposal / storage orbit above GSO/GEO. Satellites will drift west. Also a synonym for Disposal orbit.
  • Subsynchronous orbit: A drift orbit close to but below GSO/GEO. Satellites will drift east.
  • Graveyard orbit: An orbit a few hundred kilometers above geosynchronous that satellites are moved into at the end of their operation.
    • Disposal orbit: A synonym for graveyard orbit.
    • Junk orbit: A synonym for graveyard orbit.
• Areosynchronous orbit: A synchronous orbit around the planet Mars with an orbital period equal in length to Mars’ sidereal day, 24,6229 hours.
• Areostationary orbit (ASO): A circular areosynchronous orbit on the equatorial plane and about 17000 km(10557 miles) above the surface. To an observer on the ground this satellite would appear as a fixed point in the sky.
• Heliosynchronous orbit: An heliocentric orbit about the Sun where the satellite’s orbital period matches the Sun’s period of rotation. These orbits occur at a radius of 24,360 Gm (0,1628 AU) around the Sun, a little less than half of the orbital radius of Mercury.

[edit] Special classifications

• Sun-synchronous orbit: An orbit which combines altitude and inclination in such a way that the satellite passes over any given point of the planets’s surface at the same local solar time. Such an orbit can place a satellite in constant sunlight and is useful for imaging, spy, and weather satellites.
• Moon orbit: The orbital characteristics of earth’s moon. Average altitude of 384403 kilometres (238857 mi), elliptical-inclined orbit.

[edit] Pseudo-orbit classifications

• Horseshoe orbit: An orbit that appears to a ground observer to be orbiting a certain planet but is actually in co-orbit with the planet. See asteroids 3753 (Cruithne) and 2002 AA₂₉.
• Exo-orbit: A maneuver where a spacecraft approaches the height of orbit but lacks the velocity to sustain it.
  • Orbital spaceflight: A synonym for exo-orbit.
• Lunar transfer orbit (LTO)
• Prograde orbit: An orbit with an inclination of less than 90°. Or rather, an orbit that is in the same direction as the rotation of the primary.
• Retrograde orbit: An orbit with an inclination of more than 90°. Or rather, an orbit counter to the direction of rotation of the planet. Apart from those in sun-synchronous orbit, few satellites are launched into retrograde orbit because the quantity of fuel required to launch them is much greater than for a prograde orbit. This is because when the rocket starts out on the ground, it already has an eastward component of velocity equal to the rotational velocity of the planet at its launch latitude.

Satellites can also orbit Lagrangian points.

[edit] Satellite Modules

The satellite’s functional versatility is imbedded within its technical components and its operations characteristics. Looking at the “anatomy” of a satellite, one discovers two modules.^[6]

[edit] Spacecraft bus or service module

This first module consist of five subsystems:

• The Structural Subsystems

The structural subsystem provides the mechanical base structure, shields the satellite from extreme temperature changes and micro-meteorite damage, and controls the satellite’s spin functions.

• The Telemetry Subsystems

The telemetry subsystem monitors the on-board equipment operations, transmits equipment operation data to the earth control station, and receives the earth control station’s commands to perform equipment operation adjustments.

• The Power Subsystems

The power subsystem consists of solar panels and backup batteries that generate power when the satellite passes into the earth’s shadow.

• The Thermal Control Subsystems

The thermal control subsystem helps protect electronic equipment from extreme temperatures due to intense sunlight or the lack of sun exposure on different sides of the satellite’s body

• The Altitude and Orbit Controlled Control Subsystems

The altitude and orbit controlled subsystem consists of small rocket thrusters that keep the satellite in the correct orbital position and keep antennas positioning in the right directions.

[edit] Communication Payload

The second major module is the communication payload, which is made up of transponders. A transponders is capable of :

• Receiving uplinked radio signals from earth satellite transmission stations (antennas).
• Amplifying received radio signals
• Sorting the input signals and directing the output signals through input/output signal multiplexers to the proper downlink antennas for retransmission to earth satellite receiving stations (antennas).

[edit] Launch-capable countries

Main article: Timeline of first orbital launches by nationality

This list includes countries with an independent capability to place satellites in orbit, including production of the necessary launch vehicle. Note: many more countries have the capability to design and build satellites — which relatively speaking, does not require much economic, scientific and industrial capacity — but are unable to launch them, instead relying on foreign launch services. This list does not consider those numerous countries, but only lists those capable of launching satellites indigenously, and the date this capability was first demonstrated. Does not include consortium satellites or multi-national satellites.

Country	Year of first launch	First satellite	Launches to orbit in 2006[7]

Both North Korea (1998) and Iraq (1989) have claimed orbital launches, but these claims are unconfirmed.

In addition to the above, countries such as South Africa, Spain, Italy, West Germany, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Egypt, and private companies such as OTRAG, have developed their own launchers, but have not had a successful launch.

As of 2007, only seven countries from list above (six ‘major’ — Russia and Ukraine instead of USSR, also USA, Japan, China, India, and one ‘minor’ — Israel) and one regional organization (the European Union, represented by European Space Agency, ESA) have independently launched satellites on their own indigenously developed launch vehicles. (The launch capabilities of the United Kingdom and France now fall under the ESA.)

Also, one international private company (Sea Launch) has launch capability through their purchase of Ukrainian–Russian launchers.

Several other countries, including Brazil, Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey, are at various stages of development of their own small-scale launcher capabilities, and seek membership in the club of space powers.

South Korea, with assistance with Russia is building Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeolla Province. It is schedule to be operating in early 2008, and South Korea is launching KSLV rocket to put the nation’s satellite up into space.

Country	Year of first launch	First satellite	Payloads in orbit in 2008[9]

While Canada was the third country to build a satellite which was launched into Space, it was launched aboard a U.S. rocket from a U.S. spaceport. The same goes for Australia, who launched on-board a donated Redstone rocket. The first Italian-launched was San Marco 1, launched on 15 December 1964 on a U.S. Scout rocket from Wallops Island (VA,USA) with an Italian Launch Team trained by NASA.^[10] Australia’s launch project, in November 1967, involved a donated U.S. missile and U. S. support staff as well as a joint launch facility with the United Kingdom.^[11] Kazakhstan claimed to have launched their satellite independently, but the satellite was built with Russian help.

[edit] Satellite Services

• Satellite Internet
• Satellite phone
• Satellite radio
• Satellite television

Grudge Match Response: Galaxy vs. Portal

Can anything beat Mario?

By David Clayman, Mike Thomsen, Amy Do

January 18, 2008 - The last grudge match was a real doozy. Many of our readers believe it’s crazy to put anything up against the unstoppable Mario. However, if there was one title besides Mario Galaxy that proved that the platformer can still offer unique and mind-bending experiences it was Portal. They are both great titles but there are no ties in the Grudge Match only winners and losers. That said, Portal lost by one of the widest margins we’ve seen in this feature. See our response to the results in the video below.

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A Record

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Dreambox

For other uses, see Dreambox (disambiguation).

The Dreambox is a Linux-powered DVB satellite, terrestrial and cable digital television decoder (set-top box), produced by German multimedia vendor Dream Multimedia. Its firmware is officially user-upgradable, since it is a Linux-based computer, as opposed to third-party “patching” of alternate receivers. All units support Dream’s own DreamCrypt conditional access (CA) system, with software-emulated CA Modules (CAMs) available for many alternate CA systems. The Dreambox is very similar to the DBox2 units distributed by Kirch Media for its pay-TV services before its bankruptcy; it uses the same Linux-based software originally developed for the DBox2. The built-in Ethernet interface allows networked computers to access the recordings on the internal hard disks on some Dreambox models. It also enables the receiver to store digital copies of DVB transport streams on networked filesystems or broadcast the streams as IPTV to VideoLAN clients. Unlike many PC based PVR systems that use free-to-air type of DVB receiver cards, the built-in conditional access allows receiving and storing encrypted content.

The combination of third-party developers and network connectivity which facilitates card sharing, makes Dreambox use particularly common among enthusiasts and those who intend to obtain services without payment. Third-party software for this purpose is neither officially endorsed nor supported by Dream Multimedia and voids the official warranty; however, unofficial web sites support a very large community of enthusiasts.

Models

There have been a number of different models of Dreambox available. The numbers are suffixed with -S for Satellite, -T for Terrestrial and -C for Cable:

Dreambox 8000

This is the long awaited High Definition PVR, due to be released in 2008.

DM7000 (discontinued)

DM7000-S

The DM7000 is based around the IBM STB04500 controller, featuring a PowerPC processor subsystem and hardware MPEG decoding, has 64 MB of RAM, 8 MB of NOR flash memory (directly executable), a Common Interface slot, a dual smart card reader, a Compact Flash card reader, a USB 1.1 port, and an PATA (also known as IDE) interface for attaching an internal 3.5″ hard disk drive to convert the unit into a digital video recorder. Accepts only 220 V AC power.^[1]

Because the boot loader resides in flash memory, this model may require the use of a JTAG in case of bad flashing which destroyed the boot loader. However, a bad flash will occur under rare scenarions, and rarely - near never will you need a JTAG.

DM56X0 (discontinued)

There was a DM5600 and also a DM5620 model. The only difference being that the DM5620 included an ethernet port. Otherwise, the DM 56X0 models were a cut down version of the DM7000 without an IDE interface. They did, however, include an RF modulator allowing them to be used with older TVs that lack a SCART connector.

DM 7020

The DM7020 is essentially an updated DM 7000 with 96 MB of RAM, 32 MB of NAND flash (disk-like) and an RF modulator. Changes were also made on the software side, utilising Open Embedded [1] for the base Linux operating system.

Because the flash memory of this model is not directly executable, the primary boot loader resides in ROM and can recover corrupted secondary boot loader in flash by loading from the serial port.

DM500

The DM500 is the successor to the DM5620 and is the smallest and cheapest Dreambox. It is based around an IBM STBx25xx Digital Set-Top Box Integrated Controller, featuring notably a 252 MHz PowerPC processor subsystem, hardware MPEG 2 video and audio decoding and smart card interfaces. The DM500 features 32 MB of RAM and an unspecified amount of Flash memory, probably 8 MB, given that firmware images are about 5 MB. It has the standard features of a free-to-air (FTA) satellite receiver, plus extensive Fast Ethernet networking connectivity and a single smart card reader. It does not feature a 7-segment LED display, normally found in other FTA decoders.

Also has the ability to be used on Digital satellite, cable and terresteral broadcasts (also known as DVB-S, DVB-C, DVB-T).

Fake versions (known as “clones”) of this DM500 are wide spread and are often sold at a price close to ‘the real thing’.^{[citation needed]}

DM7025

The DM7025 is essentially a DM7020 with the ability to add a second “snap-in” tuner that makes it possible to watch one programme while recording another. It is possible to change the tuner module, selecting between any two of Satellite, Terrestrial or Cable versions. It features a Xilleon 226 system-on-a-chip from ATI, integrating a 300 MHz MIPS CPU core instead of the traditional PowerPC found in other models, and has 128 MB of RAM.

DM600PVR

The DM600PVR is the same small size as the DM500 but includes an IDE interface allowing to add an internal 2.5″ laptop-type hard disk drive. On the outside it adds an S-Video output connector and an analog modem port. It is built around the same IBM STBx25xx integrated controller, but features 32 MB of flash and 96 MB of RAM, of which 64 MB are user-accessible. It is possible to change the tuner module, selecting between Satellite, Terrestrial and Cable versions. There is still just one SCART connector and no 7-segment LED display, just 2 status LEDs. The provided remote control unit is the same one supplied with the 7000, 7020 and 7025 and allows one to control the TV set as well.

Software

The Linux-based software used by Dreambox was originally developed for DBox2, by the Tuxbox project. The Dbox2 was a proprietary design distributed by Kirch Media for their pay TV services. The bankruptcy of Kirch Media flooded the market with unsold boxes available for Linux enthusiasts. The Dreambox shares the basic design of the DBox2, including the Ethernet port and the PowerPC processor.

The factory-installed distribution on the Dreambox is mostly available under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and uses standard Linux API’s, including Linux DVB API and Linux Infrared Remote Control (LIRC). This configuration encourages enthusiasts to modify its functions, particularly in the form of so-called images such as PLi, View, Gemini, Neutrino, Colosseum.

In addition, unofficial third-party conditional access software modules (CAMs or emulators) are widely circulated on the Internet that emulate the CA systems developed by VideoGuard, Irdeto Access, Conax, Nagravision, Viaccess and other proprietary vendors. Many Dreambox owners use these softcams in conjunction with card sharing software to access pay TV services without a subscription card inserted in every connected box. This practice may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

There are also many 3rd party addons & plugins available that will extend the functionality of the Dreambox too. Some plugins are model specific, while others run all boxes. Plugins such as Jukebox and SHOUTcast playback, also external XMLTV guides, a web browser are available, and a VLC media player interface for on demand streaming media. Games are also abundant like PacMan and Tetris.

Notes

1. ^ In order to use model DM7000 within North America, a stepup transformer is needed to run the Dreambox on 220 V. This is the only model Dreambox that requires this when used in North America.

FTA Receiver

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A Viewsat Xtreme FTA receiver

A free-to-air or FTA Receiver is a satellite TV receiver designed solely to receive unencrypted broadcasts. Modern decoders are typically compliant with the MPEG-2/DVB-S standard for digital television, while older FTA receivers relied on analog satellite transmissions which have declined rapidly in recent years. Overwhelmingly, FTA receivers are manufactured in South Korea and China.

[edit] Uses

[edit] Mainstream broadcast programming

In some countries, it is common for mainstream broadcasters to broadcast their channels over satellite as FTA. Most notably, in the German-speaking countries, most of the main terrestrial broadcasters, such as ARD Das Erste, ZDF and ORF offer FTA satellite broadcasts, as do some of the more recent satellite rivals such as Sat. 1, 3sat and RTL. The satellites on which these channels broadcast, Astra 1x, are receivable throughout most of Europe.

In the UK, three of the original five terrestrial broadcasters, BBC1, BBC2 and ITV1 broadcast FTA on digital satellite, including many of their regional variations. However, in some countries, it is not the norm for mainstream channels to broadcast on FTA satellite television.

[edit] Ethnic and religious programming

FTA receivers are sold in the United States and Canada for the purpose of viewing unencrypted free-to-air satellite channels, the bulk of which are located on Galaxy 25. This provides an alternative option for various ethnic communities to watch television from their native countries without subscribing to an often expensive programming package from a major satellite TV provider. There is also a substantial amount of Christian-based programming available on several satellites over both North America and Europe, such as The God Channel.

[edit] Rural and hobby use

Over-the-air digital TV signals do not reach very far outside the city in which they are transmitted. FTA Receivers can be used in rural locations as a fairly reliable source of television without subscribing to cable or a major satellite provider. Equity Broadcasting and other programmers use the nearly 30 North American satellites to transmit their feeds for internal purposes. Often these feeds include programming from major network television affiliates, as well as content often carried in over-the-air digital subchannels. These unencrypted feeds can then be received by anyone with the proper decoder. DXers also use FTA receivers to watch the numerous wild feeds that are present on many of those satellites.

[edit] Signal piracy

The widespread popularity of FTA receivers is undoubtedly due to the fact that they use the same technology employed by Echostar’s Dish Network and BCE’s Bell ExpressVu. Often, hackers are able to reverse-engineer the software and add the necessary coding to allow unauthorized reception of all channels offered by Dish Network and Bell ExpressVu, including premium movies and pay-per-view. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of FTA receivers do not condone this practice and most will not sell to individuals whom they believe will be using their products for this purpose. Use of third-party software usually voids any warranties.

Unlike traditional methods of pirate decryption that involve altered smart cards used with satellite receivers manufactured and distributed by the provider, piracy involving FTA receivers require only an update to the receiver’s firmware. Electronic countermeasures that disable access cards have no effect on FTA receivers because they are not capable of being updated remotely via satellite as provider-issue receivers are. Periodically, the provider will change the processes in which encryption information is sent.^{[citation needed]} When this happens, third-party coders will release an updated altered version of the FTA receiver software on dozens of internet forums.^{[citation needed]} Usually, this happens within hours after the countermeasure is implemented.^{[citation needed]}

While smart-card piracy often involves individuals who re-program access cards for others (usually for a price), piracy using FTA receivers involves third-party software that is relatively easy to upload to the receiver (a process called “flashing”) and is distributed freely on the internet.^{[citation needed]} Websites that third-party coders use to share this software often have anywhere from 50,000 to over 200,000 registered users.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Common Features

The Installation Menu.

[edit] Installation menu

This is the main control panel that allows the user to configure the receiver to interact with LNBs, switches, motors, and other equipment. The user selects the LNB type, Local Oscillator Frequency, appropriate DiSEqC switch port, and motor configuration. If all the settings are correct for the appropriate equipment, a signal bar showing strength and quality will appear. At that point, the receiver can be used to scan the satellite to detect channels.

FTA Receivers scan all transponders on the satellite to detect channels.

[edit] Blind Scan

There are 63 satellites in orbit over the Americas, 57 over Europe and a further 64 over Asia, a significant number of which will be receivable from any one location. Each of these has a different number of active transponders. Each transponder operates at a different frequency and symbol rate. Many FTA receivers are designed to detect any active transponders and any channels on those transponders. Because they are designed to do this without needing to be pre-programmed with the transponder information for each satellite, this process is referred to as a “blind” scan– as opposed to a satellite scan, which scans according to pre-set transponder values.

Channel Master, created by SharpC, is a popular software program for channel editing.

[edit] Channel Edit/Sort

Once a scan is complete, the channels can often be sorted alphabetically, in satellite/transponder order, or in scrambled/unscrambled order. Additionally, third-party software often allows the option of sorting by the channel’s Station Identification (SID) number. This is so that the individual channels can be numbered in a way that mimics the lineup of Dish Network or Bell ExpressVu. Channels can also be renamed or deleted, either in an on-screen menu or with external software.

The most popular software used to configure and sort channels is a database program called ChannelMaster, which allows the user to name, number, sort, and delete channels and then save them in a format that can then be written to the receiver. The file created that contains channel information is called a channel list. Most popular FTA receiver brands are supported in ChannelMaster, though many newer and less popular brands are not.

[edit] User settings

Most FTA receivers give the user the option of configuring the language, aspect ratio, TV type (NTSC/PAL), and time settings.

[edit] Parental control

Almost all FTA receivers contain a parental lock feature..

[edit] Electronic Program Guide

An on-screen program schedule can be accessed that also contains descriptive information about a selected program.

[edit] PVR functions

A few high-end receivers feature the ability to record programs, pause, and review live TV. Often, a hard drive is not included when the unit is purchased, which allows the user to install any desired hard drive. Some newer units are equipped with a USB port that allows the user to connect a portable hard drive.

[edit] HDTV

A few high-end receivers feature HDTV. These usually include an ATSC over-the-air digital television tuner and MPEG-4 support. A few HDTV units allow for the addition of a UHF remote control. However, an 8PSK module can be installed in place of the UHF remote and allows the receiver to decode the format used on most Dish Network high definition programming.

[edit] Legal Issues

Because FTA receivers are sold specifically for free-to-air use and do not include any illegal software when shipped or sold, purchasing one is not illegal. The market for ethnic and religious channels that do not require subscriptions is significant enough for them to have a legitimate use. Thus, combatting piracy involving FTA receivers has been difficult using legal means.

In July 2007, Echostar filed a lawsuit against Viewtech, an Oceanside, California-based importer of the popular Viewsat brand, alleging that Viewtech intentionally makes it possible for third-party engineers to write software that allows unauthorized access to Dish Network programming. Among the reasons cited in the lawsuit to support that claim is the fact that, according to a legal brief, “Free-to-air channels do not offer the same type of popular programming found in subscription television packages (e.g. HBO, ESPN, etc.). Instead, ‘free-to-air’ television channels typically include limited religious, ethnic, business, music, information, and advertising content”. According to Echostar, this type of programming is not widely popular enough to justify the estimated 2 million FTA receivers that have been sold in recent years. Echostar also alleges that authorized Viewsat dealers frequently advertise on websites used to share information on how to gain unauthorized access to programming.

Viewtech has since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying that the company plays no active role in the theft of Dish Network programming. Viewtech says that manufacturers and distributors cannot be found liable for the piracy of end-users. The company also claims that Echostar cannot sue Viewtech for violating copyright law because Echostar does not hold rights to the content it delivers.

Echostar has since filed similar lawsuits against Panarex, a North Hollywood, California-based company that imports the Pansat brand and Freetech, a San Jose, California-based company that imports the Coolsat brand.

A satellite dish is a type of parabolic antenna designed with the specific purpose of transmitting signals to and/or receiving from satellites. A satellite dish is a particular type of microwave antenna. Satellite dishes come in varying sizes and designs, and are most commonly used to receive satellite television. Many of the offset type of satellite dishes are sections of a larger parabolic dish.

The parabolic shape of a dish reflects the signal to the dish’s focal point. Mounted on brackets at the dish’s focal point is a device called a feedhorn. This feedhorn is essentially the front-end of a waveguide that gathers the signals at or near the focal point and ‘conducts’ them to a low-noise block downconverter or LNB. The LNB converts the signals from electromagnetic or radio waves to electrical signals and shifts the signals from the downlinked C-band and/or K_u-band to the L-band range. Direct broadcast satellite dishes use an LNBF, which integrates the feedhorn with the LNB. (A new form of omnidirectional satellite antenna, which does not use a directed parabolic dish and can be used on a mobile platform such as a vehicle was announced by the University of Waterloo. [1])

Modern dishes intended for home television use are generally 43 cm (18 in) to 80 cm (31 in) in diameter, and are fixed in one position, for Ku-band reception from one orbital position. Prior to the existence of direct broadcast satellite services, home users would generally have a motorised C-band satellite dish of up to 3 metres in diameter for reception of channels from different satellites. Overly small dishes can still cause problems, however, including rain fade and interference from adjacent satellites.

Motorised satellite dishes are still popular with enthusiasts. There are three competing standards, which often are all supported by a set-top box, DiSEqC, USALS, and 36v positioners. They can only supply one receiver.

A common misconception is that the LNBF (low-noise block/feedhorn), the device at the front of the dish, receives the signal directly from the atmosphere. See, for instance, this BBC News 24 [2] countdown that shows a “red data stream” being received by the LNBF directly instead of being beamed to the dish, which because of its parabolic shape will collect the signal into a smaller area and deliver it to the LNBF.

In Europe the frequencies used by DBS services are 10.7 - 12.75 GHz on two polarisations H and V. This range is divided into a “low band” with 10.7 - 11.7 GHz, and a “high band” with 11.7 - 12.75 GHz. This results in two frequency bands, each with a bandwidth of about 1 GHz, each with two possible polarizations. In the LNB they become down converted to 950 - 2150 MHz, which is the frequency range allocated for the satellite service on the coaxial cable between LNBF and receiver. Lower frequencies are allocated to cable and terrestrial TV, FM radio, etc. Only one of these frequency bands fits on the coaxial cable, so each of these bands needs a separate cable from the LNBF to a switching matrix or the receiver needs to select one of the 4 possibilities at a time.

In a single receiver residential installation there is a single cable from receiver to LNB and the receiver uses different power supply voltages (14/18V) to select polarization and pilot tones (22 kHz) to instruct the LNB to select one of the two frequency bands. In larger installations each band and polarization is given its own cable, so there are 4 cables from the LNB to a switching matrix, which allows the connection of multiple receivers in a star topology using the same signalling method as in a single receiver installation.

The theoretical gain (directive gain) of a dish increases as the frequency increases. The actual gain depends on many factors including surface finish, accuracy of shape, feedhorn matching.

With lower frequencies, C-band for example, dish designers have a wider choice of materials. The large size of dish required for lower frequencies led to the dishes being constructed from metal mesh on a metal framework. At higher frequencies, mesh type designs are rarer though some designs have used a solid dish with perforations.

The dish is a reflector antenna and almost anything that reflects radio frequencies can be used as a reflector antenna. This has led to dustbin lids, woks and other items being used as “dishes”. Coupled with low noise LNBs and the higher transmission power of DTH satellites, it is easier to get a usable signal on some of these “dishes”.

Another common satellite dish is the VSAT. This provides two way broadband communications for both consumers and private networks for organisations. Today most VSATs operate in Ku band, C band is restricted to less populated regions of the world. There is a move which started in 2005 towards new Ka band satellites operating at higher frequencies, such as Spaceway offering greater performance at lower cost. These antennas vary from 74cm to 120cm in most applications though C-band VSATs may be as large as 2.4m.

Welcome to a new FTA Blog about Fta Files, Fta Support and Fta Receivers

FTA VIP Is your FTA head quarters for Fta hardware and Fta support.

There’s no need to search forums endlessly for what you need. We have everything you need here in a safe and reliable place.
http://www.ftavip.com/FtaBlog

Fta Files & Fta Support FTA support includes full instructions for updating your FTA receiver, Fta files,
Fta keys, Fta software and tech support.
We have step by step, easy to follow instructions to get your FTA receiver up and running.
In the case you run into a problem with your FTA receiver we
include tech support to get you back up in no time.

CaptiveWorks Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes a range of high end Digital Video Broadcasting Receivers.
The company launched its first receiver for the US and Canadian markets in December of 2005. Based on initial reviews, the CW-600S is making a strong impact on the Free To Air Satellite Receiver market.

The CW-600S and CW-600S Premium FTA Receivers are the first in a line up of unparallel receivers introduced to the US and Canadian markets.

The CW-1000S is the most advanced set top box available for Standard Definition TV. It is a feature packed Linux based Open Source Free To Air Satellite Home Entertainment Platform with IP-TV and DVR functionality.

The CW-3000HD is the most advanced High Definition Multimedia Platform available. It is a feature packed Linux based FTA and ATSC Home Entertainment Platform with IP-TV, P2P-TV, web (Firefox) and DVR functionality.

Our main focus is to provide leading edge technology coupled with unmatached satisfaction to our customers.

Please use one of the following methods:

Mail:
CaptiveWorks Inc.
624 WEST AVENUE 27
Los Angeles, CA 90065
USA

Email:
sales@captiveworks.com

Telephone:
818-303-1353

Panarex Electronics is a leading global provider of the Pansat® brand satellite TVRO (television reception only ) equipment to consumers through authorized Pansat® dealers and distributors. The company offers a complete line of satellite equipment including digital MPEG-2 DVB receivers, antennas, LNB and LNBF, feedhorns, positioners, DiSEqC motors and switches. Constantly striving to innovate, we invent, engineer and deliver quality satellite products at an affordable price for our customers.

Established in 1983, by founder W.T.Kim, Panarex Electronics began as a fledgling company and has grown significantly to the current staff. After developing the first analog DTH satellite Ku-receiving system with the Pansat® brand name in 1989, Panarex located a niche market within the United States and initially supplied over 100,000 pieces. The company then expended to create and introduce several more products under its own label, Pansat®. In 1990 the company expanded sales to a worldwide level with markets in the Middle East, Africa and South America manufacturing and selling more than a million analog receivers. Another crucial mark for the company came in 1997 when Panarex developed Pansat® model 100A free-to-air digital receiver. After the introduction of our first digital receiver, the company eventually introduced new models: 200A, 1000A, 2000A, 2100A, 300A, 500CI, 330A, 700HC( PVR ), 2000V( Viaccess ), 2300A, 100E, 2500A, 1500A, 5000HC, 2700A and our most recent model, 3500S(Conax), 6000HXC(PVR), 2800A, 250SM, 9000HD, 9200HD.
As of Oct 2007, total Pansat product line of receivers have been sold over 1.5 million! (Analog 1M, Digital 0.5M).
Panarex continually strives to research and develop new, user-friendly and high quality products. Our customer service staff is ready to address any repair service request usually within 24 hours.

We would like to thank all the Pansat® dealers and customers who have worked with us over the past twenty years. It has been a pleasure working with you all and we hope to provide continual support to you in the future.

Panarex Electronics

11672 Tuxford St., Sun Valley, CA 91352 U.S.A.

Tel: 818-768-5161

Fax: 818-768-5191

E-mail: pansatusa@cs.com

9200HD
High Definition
Satellite & Terrestrial Receiver

• Free To Air Channel Reception Only

• Dual Inputs (Satellite & Terrestrial)

• Standard Definition/High Definition contents (MPEG2 and support MPEG4 AVC/H.264)

• High Definition Video Output : HDMI(HDCP) and Component(YPbPr)

• Audio Decoding : ISO/IEC13818-3(MPEG-2 audio/MUSICAM) Dolby AC-3

• Full compliant of MPEG-S Digital & DVB broadcasting

• 950-2150 MHz Input Frequency (IF Loop Throughout)

• Satellite Scan - simultaneous scan with 10 satellites

• Flexible reception of SCPC & MCPC from C/Ku-Band satellites

• Variable input symbol rate(1-45 Msps)

• Video output resolution : 480p, 720p, 1080i

• User selectable output resolution

• EPG (Electronic Program Guide)

• Multi language OSD

• Fast channel change

• 10000 channels TV & Radio Program

• Timer function (automatic turn On/Off by setting function)

• RTC (Real Time Clock)

• PIG (Picture In Graphic)

• 5 favorite list & unlimited programs per each

• Powerful channel edit function

- Sorting : Alphabetic, Satellite, Parental Lock, CAS, S-ID, TP order, All

- Move, Delete, Favorite Edit

- Parental Lock, Channel Rename, Channel Skip

• Manual PID / Satellite & TP / Network Scan

• S/PDIF (Digital Audio or Dolby AC3 stream out)

• DiSEqC 1.2 and USALS compatible

• Comparable of setting the frequency for SMATV system

• Universal II remote

• Integrated USB 2.0 (Host), support to USB memory stick

• UHF ready (U-30 kit optional)

• DVB-S2(8PSK) ready (S2 tuner kit optional)

• Smart Scan

 

6000HXC
Digital Satellite Receiver
Dual Tuner PVR

• Slim Size, Low Heat, Low Power, Low Noise , Light Weight

• Soft&Stable Forward and Backward in Various speed

• Easy & Simple data transfer(PVR HDD<->PC)

• Front Cartridge Type (2.5″ HDD)

• Fast Cutting of the recorded memory

• Power Scan:Fully Automated Satellite Scanning

• 10,000 Channels TV& Radio Programmable

• Multi Windows (4,9,16 pictures)

• 2 Tuner Inputs

• 100 Satellite, 10,000 channels programmable

• 2 Common Interface Slots

• Real Time Clock

• USB V 2.0

• PIG / PIP

• Smart Search

• 60GB Mini Removable HDD (36 Hours of Recording)

• Conax Embedded Card Reader

250SM
Digital Satellite Receiver

• 10 days EPG (Electronic Program Guide)

• Full Compliant of MPEG-2 Digital & DVB broadcasting

• 950-2, 150 MHz input Frequency (IF Loop Throughout)

• Variable Input Symbol Rate (1-45 Msps)

• Multi language OSD

• Automatic PAL/NTSC Conversion

• Fast Channel Change

• 5000 Channels TV & Radio program

• Flexible reception of SCPC & MCPC from C/Ku-Band Satellites

• S/PDIF (Digital Audio or Dolby AC3 Stream out)

• Timer Function (Automatic Turn On/ Off by Setting Function)

• Conditional Access - Conax CAS Embedded

• RTC (Real Time Clock)

• 256 Colors (Graphic User Interface) Number

• PIG (Picture In Graphic)

• 5 Favorite List & 100 Programs per each

• Powerful Channel Editing Function

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

- Move, Delete, Favorite Edit

- Parental Lock, Channel Rename, Channel Skip

• Manual PID/ Satellite & TP/ Network Scan

• Smart Search

• Satellite Scan - Simultaneous Scan

• Diseqc 1.2 & USALS Compatible

• Comparable of Setting the Frequency for SMATV System

• Integrated USB2.0(Host)

• Software Upgrade by USB memory stick (64Mb X1 included)

• Software Upgrade by RS232 Null Modem Cable(Receiver to Receiver, PC to Receiver)

• UHF Ready (U-30 Kit Optional)

• Component Out (YPbPr)

• S-VHS Out

• Universal 2 Remote Control

FreeTech is the leader in the digital convergence industry, FreeTech will lead a new challenge and value-creation cutting edge enterprise, through new products line up to offer more competitive edge to our customers. We hope join us and become part of our winning team. Tour our site, and you will soon appreciate that we can open new doorways for your business venture, as well Coolsat is a high-end DSS Free To Air line of product. We import and distribute in the United States. We also have offices and distribute in Canada under FreeTech Canada Inc. Consumers turn to Coolsat products they are regarded as high-tech pieces of equipment capable of providing the latest features in stunning ways.

Coolsat is a high-end DSS Free To Air line of product. We import and distribute in the United States under FreeTech Inc.
We also have offices and distribute in Canada under FreeTech Canada Inc. Consumers turn to Coolsat products because they are regarded as high-tech pieces of equipment capable of providing the latest features in stunning ways.

A Cutting Edge Multimedia Technology Company
FreeTech is the leader in the digital convergence industry, FreeTech will lead a new challenge and value-creation as a cutting edge enterprise, through new products line up to offer more competitive edge to our customers. We hope you can join us and become part of our winning team.
Tour our site, and you will soon appreciate that we can open new doorways for your business venture, as well as provide you with a seamless DSS experience with only the best-of-the-best equipment at hand.

FreeTech Inc. the company known for excellent support now offers a full 5 Year Warranty on all Coolsat products . To prove that Coolsat is 100% dedicated to the sales and support of its products we are introducing the best warranty in the industry.

What ideas do you have for your future?
FreeTech Canada is open to new dealers of Coolsat products and that means you and your business venture can benefit infinitely.
Whether you would like to invest in Coolsat Products or would like a no-investment and no-risk solution, we guarantee that we can help you succeed. Fill out our Dealer Application today and get kick-started on infinite profits for your business venture!

Freetech inc is the pioneer in the fta business. From the company who broght everyone HD receiver first in the market. Again, we now proudly introduce to you the extraordinarily advanced Time Machine. This state of the art receiver is by far the best.
Coolsat continues with innovation, bringing new technology in “The Time Machine”. With New exciting features yet to be seen in the industry, Coolsat now introduces new unparalleled advancements reaching far beyond today and moving into the future!

	Coolsat 8100HD micRo PVR Features MPEG 2 & MPEG 4 Support High Definition (ATSC Only) Digital Terrestrial(ATSC) & Satellite Set-Top-Box(TS combo) Multiple Video Outputs HDMI, RGB, Ypbr, S-Video & CVBS Seletable output for 1080i, 720P, 576P and 576i format Tunes & Decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats Max 500 GB external USB 2.0 Host Hard Disk Drive (Fat32 format) Premium Grade VFD displaying 12 character(CH #, CH name & Local Time), Recording mode(Record & Play mode), Status Icons (TV/Radio, Dolby Sound and Left HDD capacity) Play back a recorded file at PC Dolby Digital(AC3) 5.1 Channel Surround Sound via optical Aspect ratio adjustment 4:3 (16/9 crop), 4:3 (16/9 letterbox), 16:9 (4/3 pillar box) Multi-Lingual audio & digital closed caption support User friendly OSD and operation. Favorite channel selections. S/W upgrade through USB 2.0 port and RS-232 Parental Guide and rating control. Picture in Picture support (Aux input/optional) Electronic Program Guide. DiSEqC 1.0 & or DiSEqC 1.2 Flash memory 4MB DDR RAM 128MB (DDR400 16MX16) X 4ea Universal Remote Control Smart Card Reader (Option)
	Coolsat 7100 micRo PVR Features Dubbed The “Time Machine” by R&D for its futuristic features, the latest in the coolsat line up of STBs is unique. In Freetech’s extensive research,insight and development of This STB, The Time machine offers up 1 gig of internal memory, enabling You to record instantly, right out of the box. The 1 gig of memory along with USB 2.0, outstanding video, time shift, a full 9 day epg and up to 10,000 channels storage lets us know that that the Coolsat 7000 micRo PVR is another high quality STB by Freetech-Inc. Up to 40 min. Time machine, Recording & Play back using 1 GByte internal internal memory (extended to max 4 GByte) Max 500 GB external USB 2.0 Host Hard Disk Drive (Fat32 format) Support 9 Day EPG Dual USB 2.0 Host support (MP3 Player & JPEG Viewer) MPEG-II Digital & fully DVB Compliant Blind Scan Multi-LNB Controled by DiSEqc Control Version 1.0, 1.2, and USALS Multi Satellite Search On-Screen Display with 65,535 Color Full resolution Favorite Channel Groups Powerful Channel Control by Favorites, Lock, Skip, move and Delete Channel Sorting by Alphabet, Transponder and CAS Multi Language Support (OSD & Menu) Closed Caption Support Maximum 10,000 Channels Programmable Multi-Picture Display Parental Lock / Receiver Lock CVBS Video & Audio Output via RCA Component Y/Pb/Pr Output via RCA S-VHS Video Output Optical & Coaxial Output for Digital Audio Software & Channel Database Upgrade via RS-232 and USB Preimum Grade Universal Remote Control
	Coolsat 6100 Premium Features USB 2.0 Host Support(MP3 Player & JPEG Viewer) MPEG-II Digital & Fully DVB Compliant Blind Scan Multi-LNB Controlled by DiSEqC Control Version 1.0, 1.2 and USALS Multi-Satellite Search On Screen Display with 65535 Color Full Resolution Favorite Channel Groups Powerful Channel Control by Favorites, Lock, Skip, Move and Delete Channel Sorting by Alphabet, Transponder and CAS Multi-language Supported (OSD & Menu) Closed Caption Support Maximum 10,000 channels Programmable Multi-picture Display Parental Lock / Receiver Lock CVBS Video & Audio Output via RCA Component Y/Pb/Pr Output via RCA S-VHS Video Output Optical & Coaxial Output for Digital Audio Software & Channel Data Upgrade via RS-232 & USB Universal Remote Control

	1. Features Processor : DUAL Core ARM Processor (SDRAM : 128MB) Operating SYSTEM : Windows Mobile for CORE Version DISPLAY : Wide 7″ Touch Screen GPS Receiver : Sirf III LCD Resolution : 800*480 WVGA Memory : 2GB SD Card MAP Coverage : USA & Canada MAP Provider : TeleAtlas Storage Slot : 1*SD & 1*CF 2GB Power Supply : DC12V 1.5A (12V) CAR Charger FM Transmitter Frequency: 88.1Mhz __ 107.5 Mhz SIZE : 187(W)*127(D)*26(H) mm2. VIDEO Supported File : MPEG, WMV Text : SMI format Frame : 30 Frame Per Second 3. VIDEO INPUT Video Format : NTSC/PAL Video Type : CVBS Audio : AV 1(Stereo), AV 2(Mono)- Some SD card may not be supported. - Don’t use other CF card except provided one.The product m ay not work correctly. - For emergency recovery purpose only. - For USB memory stick. (Some USB memory stick may not be supported.)
	1. Features Processor : DUAL Core ARM Processor (SDRAM : 128MB Operating SYSTEM : Windows Mobile for CORE Version GPS Receiver : Sirf III SD Memory : 2GB SD Card LCD Resolution : 480×272 QVGA Memory : 2GB SD Card MAP Coverage : USA & Canada MAP Provider : TeleAtlas Storage Slot : SD Card 2GB Power Supply :DC 5V 3A (12V - 24V) CAR Charger DC 5V 2A ( AC100V) AC Adapter Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery FM Transmitter Frequency: 88.1Mhz __ 107.5 Mhz SIZE : 146.5(W)x80.0(D)x26.5(H) mm (Including Battery)2. VIDEO Supported File : MPEG, WMV Text : SMI format Frame : 30 Frame Per Second 3. VIDEO INPUT Video Format : NTSC/PAL Video Type : CVBS Audio : AV 1(Stereo), AV 2(Mono)- Some SD card may not be supported. - Don’t use other CF card except provided one.The product m ay not work correctly. - For emergency recovery purpose only. - For USB memory stick. (Some USB memory stick may not be supported.)

	Coolsat USA the company known for excellent support now offers full 5 year warranty on all Coolsat products. To prove that coolsat is 100% dedicated to the sales and support of its product we are introducing the best warranty in the industry that covers parts and labor. This is one more reason why Coolsat products is number one.FreeTech, Inc. provides rapid service on all new and used CoolSat products in the United States/Canada. Please refer to the limited warranty statement included in the CoolSat manual for specific terms and conditions. The warranty period begins on the original date of purchase (original purchase receipt required), applies to the original purchaser, and covers defects in material or workmanship. If the unit(s) fails during this period, FreeTech, Inc. will review the defect by case by case for repair or replacement require during the warranty period only at our cost.

	Many of our CoolSat products may be actually defect-free. Often, there are configuration issues or corrupt data caused in the unit to malfunction. Before you send your unit(s) in for repair service, we suggest that you consult with a near by FTA installer to avoid problems. Compatibility issue caused by illegal 3rd party file amy cause the unit to not function properly and will void the warranty automatically.The above procedures are for warranty service and the customer will be responsible for any costs associated with non-warranty conditions. FreeTech, Inc reserves the right to make final decisions regarding problem determination and the appropriate service option. Verification of purchase receipt is required prior to the completion of service. Please refer to your FreeTech, Inc. limited warranty statement on our CoolSat manual and on our website (www.coolsatusa.com) for complete terms and conditions.
	Full 5 year warranty covers parts and labor. All repairs /warranties cost only US$29 for shipping and handling fee that is none refundable but required on all products . *We no longer provide warranty service for our discontinued 4000 models(4000Pro and 4000Plus) Thank you for your kind cooperation.
	Must have Coolsat Authorized Dealer’s original Proof of Purchase, and or Receipt. Must be purchased from Authorized Coolsat Dealer (Posted under Freetech Dealer Listing Only). Must have the Default Factory Software installed prior shipping to Freetech Canada. Physically damaged units will not be covered by Warranty, including remote controls.

	-Coolsat 8100 HD Default Software
	-Coolsat 8000 HD Default Software
	-Coolsat 7000 miCro PVR Default Software
	-Coolsat 6100 Private Default Software
	-Coolsat 6000 Premium Default Software
	-Coolsat 5000 Platinum Default Software
	-Coolsat 4000 PRO & PLUS Card Reader Software
	-Coolsat 4000 PRO Default Software
	-Coolsat 4000 Plus Default Software
	-Compare Genuine Coolsat 5000 PCB vs Clone PCB

	Coolsat 4000/5000/6000 Download Now (1.65 MB)
	Coolsat 6100 Private Download Now (1.00 MB)
	Coolsat 7000 miCro PVR Download Now (3.82 MB)
	Coolsat 8000 HD Download Now (2.32 MB)
	Coolsat 8100 HD miCro PVR Download Now (1.02 MB)

	Before downloading any software from this site, please read our disclaimer below:
	Downloading Procedure Warning: To avoid invalidating your warranty, contact your dealer to have a professional technician download software to your receiver.The receiver is capable of implementing software taken from our website. To do so, first download the software onto your computer. The software can then be transferred to your receiver via the RS-232 port and a supplied data cable. *The 4000 Plus uses a Null Data Cable *The 4000 PRO uses a Straight Data Cable *The 5000 Platinum uses a Straight Data Cable *The 6000 Premium uses a Straight Data Cable *The 6100 Private uses a Straight Data Cable *The 7000 miCro PVR uses a Straight Data Cable *The 8000HD uses a Null Data Cable *The 8100HD miCro PVR uses a Null Data Cable Never turn off the receiver during downloading. Any interruption during downloading will damage the flash ROM which will void the warranty. Please wait for the Receiver to reboot by itself even though your computer may say it is completed.
	Warning : Coolsat receivers are only for use with Coolsat authorized software. Unauthorized software cannot, by any means, be used with a Coolsat receiver. Should any receiver contain such unauthorized software, the warranty will be null and void. Authorized software can be found on the Coolsat USA official website.

Gneral Information : 650-376-8000 info@coolsatusa.com
Sales : 650-376-8002 sales@coolsatusa.com
Accounting : 650-376-8004 accounting@coolsatusa.com
Support & Repair Email Only : service@coolsatusa.com Please note:
  Freetech Inc. only offers support on hardware problems