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.

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

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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

Viewtech Inc. has recently imported a NEW VERSION 2 ULTRA. This version is currently for sale in the US and Canada. We’re now using a higher quality Samsung tuner and have made other improvements to the internal hardware. Pictures of the new unit can be seen on the products page. Distributors, Dealers, and Consumers please take note to the external changes so that these new Ultras are not confused with clones.

Welcome to the world of FTA. MPEG-2 is a worldwide satellite transmission standard for digital broadcasting. It is the wave of the future, because of the simple economics that can allow 8 or even 10 video signals to occupy the same space as one channel of analog transmission. Just as some analog signals can be scrambled for subscription use, digital channels can be transmitted either scrambled or in-the-clear. In-The-Clear is known in the digital TV world as FTA or Free-To-Air. There are literally hundreds of Free Channels Available to North Americans for Viewing. National public broadcasters have adopted MPEG-2 as a cost-effective way to distribute their signals on limited budgets.

Viewsat has been the undisputed #1 selling FTA Receiver and is now extremely excited to announce the much anticipated VIEWSAT 9000HD! This is the most amazing FTA Satellite to ever hit the market. To get yours, contact one of our authorized dealers.

NOW WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROL FAN!

> Current complete product line <

The VIEWSAT VSPRO is our newest and of course most powerful and exciting Free To Air Receiver to date! This PVR ready receiver will knock your socks off. This receiver was initially designed to be a dual tuner PVR so the GUI was created for TRUE PVR functionality. In order to make this unit more affordable, we redesigned it to have a single tuner with the option of adding an external Hard Drive through either of two USB ports. The VSPRO uses the fastest processor ever in the FTA market, a blazing 260MHz ST! With 32 Mb SDRAM, a beautiful new GUI, 2 USB ports (front and rear), this STB is sure to be Viewsats new best seller. For more information, contact a Viewsat dealer near you.

Please take note of the NEW Version 2 ULTRA seen below. You will notice that the power switch is positioned horizontally. There are also other noticeable changes to the rear panel. The side panel has changed as well.

The VIEWSAT ULTRA is best selling Free To Air Receiver. We’ve added a faster processor (200 MHz), double the memory of the Xtreme (32 Mb SD RAM), and a USB communications port for easy data updates. Now you can use your USB flash drive to update your receiver. The new universal remote that comes with this unit is awesome. If that’s not enough, wait until you see the new colorful Graphic User Interface. This is by far the best FTA STB the market has ever seen.

Viewsat VS2000 Platinum LITE

The long anticipated VIEWSAT PVR7000 is finally here! It took us a little longer to release the PVR than we anticipated. We wanted to make sure that the customer would be getting a high quality product. This is a dual tuner PVR! Any standard IDE hard drive can be easily installed through the front access panel. This new addition to the Viewsat product line is sure to be a winner.

The Xtreme has all of the same features and technical specs as the Platinum model below plus TRUE HARDWARE BLINDSCAN and COMPONENT VIDEO OUTPUTS! If you are serious about your FTA, then you will want this new model.

VIEWSAT PLATINUM (Firmware Blindscan)

The Viewsat Platinum is the Viewsat Lites big brother. This Free To Air satellite receiver includes a card reader and an fiber optic audio output. This STB also includes a universal remote.

VIEWTECH NEWS

UPDATE 7-21-07

Viewtech Attorney Responds to False Allegations.

Dear FTA Community:

As you may know, Echostar and Nagrastar have filed a Complaint in a California Federal District Court against ViewTech and Mr. Jung Kwak. I’d like to be absolutely clear — only ViewTech and Mr. Kwak have been named as potential defendants. None of ViewTech’s distributors, dealers or customers are named or even identified in the allegations of the Complaint, or on any other list. The Federal Court has not been asked, nor has it given any interim relief whatsoever to either Echostar or Nagrastar. ViewTech and Mr. Kwak are confident that they will prevail as the lawsuit proceeds, and they will keep all of you informed of any significant developments in the future.

Attached please find a letter that I have prepared regarding the lawsuit, and regarding the false statements circulating throughout the industry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or ViewTech.

Respectfully,Manny de la Cerra
The Law Office of Manuel de la Cerra

> Download The Official Letter in PDF Here <

Viewsats now come with 2 Year Warranty!

Now, there’s yet another reason to be sure you buy an original Viewsat! We’ve just increased our warranty to 2 years. We want the consumer to know that we truly stand behind our products!

UPDATE 4-23-07

DIE CLONES DIE!

Like we predicted, the illegal counterfeit clones continue to die at an unexpected and pleasant rate! Consumers, please be sure to purchase from a AUTHORIZED DEALER. You can find some authorized dealers on our Valued Dealer Page. Otherwise, be sure that the dealer has the authorized dealer logo similar to the one located at the bottom of this page. Logo should link back to the viewsatusa.com website where the logo and company info should match.

UPDATE 4-06-07 -Viewtech Wishes a Happy Easter to all.

CLONE SELLERS THROW IN THE TOWEL!

Clone importers and sellers seem to be realizing that it’s just not worth it. Between irate customers, dead clones, and threat of legal action, some known Viewsat clone sellers are throwing in the towel and turning back to selling original Viewsats!! Nice news as we head into Easter weekend.

UPDATE 3-29-07 (correction to 3-27-07 on battery brand)

CLONES LOOK THE SAME BUT DIE FAST!

With the latest clones hitting the states, it is even harder to tell the difference between the real thing and the fake. Authentic Viewsats come with green colored batteries bearing the name ROCKET or SUPERGARD. If your unit stops functioning, it’s probably a clone. As of now, the only real way to tell if you’ve been fooled is to call 877-845-6586.

UPDATE 3-25-07 (Edited on 5-14-07)

ILLEGAL COUNTERFEIT CLONE SELLING RING EXPOSED!

After several reports from consumers and the review of collected evidence, Viewtech has determined that the following websites are related to or have been selling illegal counterfeit Viewsat clones to unsuspecting consumers. At one time these websites purchased authentic product as an authorized distributor. Recently however, they lost their distributorship and are no longer authorized to sell authentic Viewtech products. The operators of these websites have been notified that they have been selling counterfeit Viewsat clones and the entire matter has been turned over to our lawyers for diligent prosecution.

The websites and EBay user ID’s of the sites that were previously posted here have been removed in order to negotiate a settlement. If you have evidence of any company or website selling illegal Viewsat clones, please email noclones@viewsatusa.com and we will gladly expose them here.

Viewtech wants to thank the consumers that provided us with the evidence needed to bring these scammers down. We recommend to anyone else that has been sold a clone by one of the above sites or any site to please send us a copy of your receipt and a signed affidavit stating that you were unknowing sold an illegal counterfeit Viewsat clone. Although we can not replace the clone for you, you will be helping other consumers from getting scammed.

UPDATE 3-7-07

NEW Toll Free # To Help Combat Clones.

Viewtech now provides consumers with a Toll free phone number that they can call to determine if they have a clone or to simply report a clone seller. That # is 877-845-6586.

Clone Sellers Booted From eBay!

In an on going effort to protect the consumer, Viewtech has had several Viewsat clone sellers removed from eBay. EBay Clone sellers beware, “If you sell Viewsat clones on eBay, you will be reported and your eBay account may be closed.”

UPDATE 2-25-07

Canadian Clone importer Ovislink Nailed!

A small Victory for Viewtech in the “War on Clones”.

After receiving a Cease and Desist letter from Viewtech Inc. Attorneys on Feb. 12th 07, OvisLink Inc. in Canada responded in a way that appeared to be cooperative. On Feb 16th 07, a Viewtech Attorney and a Viewtech representative were allowed onto the OvisLink premises in order to identify illegal counterfeit Viewsat clones. An undisclosed amount of counterfeit product identified. Viewtech believes that Ovislink has counterfeit more product and is withholding it. Viewtech is not satisfied with the lack of cooperation by OvisLink and will therefore continue to pursue them legally. It is Viewtech’s intention to obtain through legal action all evidence indicating how many Viewsat clones OvisLink has imported as well as who those clones were sold to. This is a small but significant victory in Viewtech’s “War on Clones”.

OvisLink (Canada) Inc.
200 Cochrane Drive, Unit 3
Markham, Ontario
L3R 8E8

VIEWTECH INC. DECLARES WAR ON ILLEGAL COUNTERFEIT CLONES!

UPDATE 1-16-07

VIEWTECH GOES TO CANADA!

So it appears the Ultras have been cloned. Well, we’ve been a little slow to bring the hammer down on scumbag clone importers who we would really like to mention here and will in due time. The biggest problem with clone importers and sellers is not only that they are harming us, but they are harming the unsuspecting consumer as well. We are tired of playing games and are sending investigators and lawyers to Canada ASAP to aggressively pursue these fraudulent criminals. It will be costly, but well worth it. Every known clone seller will be exposed. We will pursue these individuals to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you to all of the individuals whom have reported clones sellers to noclones@viewsatusa.com . You are the true clone killers!

Sincerely,

Viewtech, Inc. Staff

Viewtech, Inc. is offering a $5000 reward to any individual or company that provides information leading to the conviction of any individual or company involved in the importation and/or distribution of illegal, counterfeit, Viewsat clones.

Viewtech, Inc. takes counterfeiting very seriously and will aggressively protect its business. Viewtech, Inc. has hired private investigators and a legal team to track down those illegally importing and distributing counterfeit products. We are currently pursuing several leads . Individuals and companies involved will be exposed and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.

WARNING TO ALL VIEWSAT BUYERS- Viewtech, Inc. is aware that counterfeit Viewsat clones are being manufactured in China and are being imported by companies in the US and Canada. We strongly recommend that you buy from authorized dealers only. Authorized dealers will carry the authorized dealer logo pictured below. That logo must link to a page similar to http://www.viewsatusa.com/authorized_dealer_123456.htm . Note: Number will be different for each dealer . This page will confirm if the dealer is legitimate. Authorized dealers receive this logo only after they have executed a dealer agreement stating, in part, that they are not and will not in anyway be involved in the illegal distribution of counterfeit Viewsat clones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a counterfeit Viewsat clone?

A: A counterfeit Viewsat clone is a cheap copy of the original. A genuine Viewsat is of high quality and manufactured in Korea. The illegal copies are currently being made in China. Manufactures in China are able to make a cheap copy that is designed to fool the unsuspecting consumer. Because the counterfeit manufacture cuts several corners to reduce cost, the units are sub-standard and often cease to function within weeks. When the unit fails, you are then stuck with worthless hardware that cannot be legally repaired.

Q: Which models are being cloned?

A: The Viewsat Xtreme, Viewsat Platinum, Viewsat Platinum Lite, and Viewsat Ultra models are currently being cloned. Please be sure you buy from an authorized dealer! If you’re not sure, call us.

Q: What are the dangers of buying a counterfeit Viewsat clone?

A: If you knowingly buy a counterfeit clone, you are committing a crime. While they look the same, they are not. They are cheap copies of the original. When you buy a clone, you are being ripped off! You get an inferior product. The product is not covered under warranty. The product will most likely fail to operate a short time after purchase because of poor workmanship and may be incompatible with official Viewsat factory firmware.

Q: If counterfeit clones are identical to the original, how will I know if I have one?

A: We have several ways of detecting counterfeits.

• The #1 way to tell the difference between a counterfeit and a authentic Viewsat is that the authentic Viewsats come with green colored batteries are labeled ROCKET or more recently SUPERGARD.

• Authentic Viewsats come with a card reader (except Lite). Some counterfeits will have the slot, but no card reader inside. NOTE: Some Clones include a card reader.
• Clones sellers generally sell at a lower price than normal.
• Authentic Viewsats have 4 rubber feet on the bottom. Some counterfeits do not.
• The remotes are small and some will look very different from the authentic and do not say Viewsat on them.
• The best way to detect a clone is to call 877-845-6586 or email your contact information to noclones@viewsatusa.com and a skilled rep will help you identify whether or not you have a clone.

Q: What if I buy a clone by accident?

If you think you have purchased a counterfeit Viewsat clone, please contact noclones@viewsatusa.com to confirm. After you are sure you have an illegal counterfeit, immediately report the seller to any company involved in the transaction, such as your Credit Card company, Paypal, Ebay, and of course the seller. Demand your money back and let the seller know that you are reporting them for fraud. If the seller sent the unit by USPS, you can report them for mail fraud as well to the US Postal Service. By reporting these people, you decrease the chance of another innocent victim being fooled.

Q: How do I know if I am buying from an authorized dealer?

A: Authorized dealers are issued an Official Authorized Dealer logo and number like the one below. They should have their logo posted prominently on their website. Dealers that do not have a website should be able to provide you with their Authorized dealer number. For example, if the dealer’s number is 123456, you can then verify the number by going to http://www.viewsatusa.com/authorized_dealer_123456.htm .

If you have any more questions regarding counterfeit Viewsats or you would like to report a counterfeit Viewsat seller, please contact noclones@viewsatusa.com.

We appreciate any and all assistance in bringing these criminals to justice. Our goal is not only to protect our products from being devalued, but to protect you, the consumer from getting fooled into buying a poorly made illegal product.

Sincerely,

Viewtech, Inc. Staff

Viewtech, Inc. #446
4140 Oceanside Blvd. #159

Oceanside, CA 92056

Phone: 1-888-VIEWSAT (843-9728)
Phone: 1-760-754-9880
Fax: 1-760-754-9882

Absolutely no walk in service available.

For warranty and or repair, contact techsupport@viewsatusa.com