The final part of the FTA Receiver Guide is a checklist you can use to help make your decision easier. Print this guide and make notes as you look through all of our detailed receiver reviews.
• Do you have an LCD (thin and flat) TV that is larger than 25”? If so, a receiver that supports OTA (OVER-THE-AIR) ATSC HDTV is worth the investment. Look at the Viewsat 9000 HD, Captiveworks CW-800S PVR, Pansat 9200 HD, and the Sonicview HDTV models.
• Are you looking for a multi-media center that can play your MP3 files and show slideshows? Newer receivers with a front USB port generally let you plug and play with your music and pictures. The Captiveworks 800s will even play movies you are able to put on a USB drive.
• If you are new to FTA and you have a Wireless Internet configured in your home, consider a receiver from Nova combined with a WiFi bridge. The unit is simple and easy to operate and will keep you up and running all by itself. The Nova nFusion is a low cost simple introduction to the world of FTA.
• If you are installing the device in a mobile home, RV, or fifth wheel, look for a higher quality receiver from a manufacturer with a solid reputation such as the Sonicview 360 series. When you are mobile you’ll want a nice PVR for the times when no signal is available and you’ll want a unit that supports a rotation device as well as an external ATSC (local broadcast) digital antenna.
• A PVR is essential but if you really love your TV make sure you look at how the PVR works. Does it require a computer such as the nFusion or does it work with an External HD (Hard Drive)? If you want to watch a show and record a different show you’ll need a unit with a Dual Tuner.
• Are you adventurous? Consider a PC Card or USB Device such as the Nexus-S. These cards plug into your PC and use software to play FTA TV. Software has come a long way and can do some amazing things but requires a lot of trial and error to get it configuration and isn’t for the novice.
Novice
Experienced User
Cutting Edge
Entry Level/Budget Brand
If
you’re a novice, invest a little and save some pain.
Pansat
3500 SD
Sonicview
360 Premier
Starter Unit
nFusion
Nova
Viewsat
VS Pro
Sonicview
360 Elite
Best Value
Sonicview
360 Elite
nFusion
Nuvenio HD
Pansat
9200 HD
Only the best
Sonicview
8000 HD With 8psk module is currently the best receiver all around.
In part 1 of this series we looked at what general features make FTA receiver models different. In part 2 we’re going to look at specific FTA receivers that are all a good entry into the FTA hobby. With dozens of models on the market it is important to find one that fits your exact needs.
The 360 Premier is an excellent way to get started in the world of FTA. This workhorse features all basic features plus a host of features such as the front USB ports that can be used to update the software or to record your favorite shows. The receiver has excellent community support, boots quickly, and can even view Photos and Music from a usb drive.
(Click here to read our full review of the 360 Premier and Elite Products from Sonicview)
Sonicview SV-HD8000
$469.00
Possibly the most popular HD receiver available, it features a solid lineup of features, excellent community support, a built in cooling fan and support for additional hardware tuners needed for some satellite reception.
Viewsat Ultra
$159.99
The Ultra is Generation 2 receiver featuring a USB port, fast blind scan and variety of output options. All around, the features included with this receiver are solid, fast, and well tested. The true 7-day Electronic Program Guide has some unique features as well.
NFusion Nova
$149.99
The nFusion Nova represents and entirely different way to FTA. This fairly new product line entered the FTA market with a giant splash featuring live updates over the internet automatically and a very impressive satellite setup and scanner. The Nova includes an interesting type of PVR allowing your shows to be record over your wireless or wired home network directly on your home computer or laptop.
The included PVR is on the low end but the automatic updates and impressive EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) as well as the fast Blind Scan make this worth a second look.
Sammy Satellite recommends the nFusion Nova as the best hassle free entry into FTA as long as you have high speed internet or wireless available. Make sure you read the full nFusion Nova and nFusion Nuvenio HD receiver.
Pansat 3500SD
$119.99
The Pansat 3500SD was the first “Generation 2” receiver and features a large range of support for FTA around the world. The receiver is fairly basic but does FTA very well. Loading software is very easy with the included front-loading SD CARD slot and software is quick to arrive on the site when needed.
Pansat 9200HD
$399.00 + Expansion Module
It’s hard to find something bad to say about a dual tuner receiver that supports MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 and Over-the-air (ATSC) HDTV. With the optional expansion module the receiver is capable of decoding virtually every format as well as surround sound. This model features a fast cpu for a responsive on-screen display as well as a 10,000 channel EPG. There is an included PVR offering some ability to record shows.
Pansat is known for well built machines that can last for years and that means there are always users willing to lend a hand.
When choosing an FTA receiver it is important to know some of the basic differences that make receivers unique. There are many receivers on the market and picking your first receiver can seem daunting at first. Here are some basic differences between receivers that may make the choice easier.
Standard Definition receivers (sometimes called SD) output signals in the most universal and compatible format. Normal television and most Cable TV signals are sent in “Standard Definition” so this is what you are most likely already using. If you check your Cable TV Boxor existing satellite receiver and you have a Yellow RCA Cable plugging into your TV or you are simply receiving TV over-the-air using an antenna then you are using Standard Definition. Please see our images section for pictures of the yellow RCA cable, a Coax Cable, or an S-Video cable as all of these mean you are watching “Standard Definition” TV right now. Sammy’s bottom line, if you currently get Basic Cable or watch TV from an antenna and you are happy with the picture or your TV is less than 27”, go with Standard Definition.
High Definition receivers (HDTV) output signals to your TV using newer technology. In order to use an HD receiver, your TV must support component input cables or HDMI. It may be a good idea to read our article “Is the High Price for High Def Worth it?” for more information on HD content. Sammy’s bottom line, if your TV has the ability to handle Component Input or HDMI then an investment in an HD capable receiver may be worth the money.
Another popular feature available on some models is a “PVR”. You may think of a PVR as “TIVO” although not all PVR systems are made the same. At a basic level, a receiver that includes a PVR offers the ability to record a show and somehow watch it later. Having the ability to watch the shows and movies on your own schedule is one of the greatest advances in TV ever but not all PVRs are created the same so check carefully if you’re looking into a PVR. Sammy’s bottom line, FTA receivers don’t have the same level of PVR as a TIVO® but keep this feature on your radar if you have a busy schedule.
There are a huge number of channels that may or may not be configured on your FTA receiver and keeping them under control is important. Some models offer the ability to group channels into “Favorites” and some even have multiple folders allowing different members of the family to organize the channels they watch and skip the channels they don’t. Sammy’s bottom line, if you have kids or a wife you may want to look for Favorites and Parental Controls on your next receiver.
Next generation receivers have all types of fun features that take advantage of the Internet. Some models may offer Radio Streaming or the ability to download icons representing the available channels. These models are usually reserved for the techies who love to tinker but if you have the time to learn and the patience to ask questions then these exclusive cutting edge features can be very rewarding.
The final thing to look at when considering a new receiver is the team behind it. Check out our support forums and see how active the section is that deals with the receiver you are considering. Take a look at our Guide to Posting Questions article and feel free to ask questions about the receivers you are considering. Sammy’s bottom line, a well supported brand with fewer features is a better investment if you are just getting started.
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