The free to air system, also known as FTA, is sophisticated satellite technology that allows you to watch television programs with any qualified FTA receiver, such as the SonicView system. With these such systems, a client is required to download an FTA receiver program as well as various support files. Generally, there is no subscription requirement, and the available programming is unencrypted, though a client may have restricted channels based on geography.

Available FTA programming depends on geographic location and the satellite the client chooses to install on their house. With recent advances in technology, HD FTA receivers and programming are also available. These programs are available to some clients from countries on opposite sides of the world, and as many as two hundred satellite and digital channels can be received using the appropriate receiver.

Apart from the FTA receiverprogram and support files, the client will also need to buy and install a satellite receiver dish on their house. If the client wishes to access the FTA programming available on different satellites, then an antenna motor will be needed to point the dish at multiple satellites, in order to make the most of what is offered by the FTA system.

There are many different FTA systems available for client use along with the SonicView system, including ViewSat, K-Box, and nFusion. There are also various website hosts, such as CoolSat and ViewSat, which offer some of the best satellite receiver programs to prospective clients.

As with any other entertainment programming, there are commercials to interrupt your viewing sporadically, and some of them ask for donations. While it can be frustrating to sit through these disruptions, there is very little difference between the viewing of FTA programming and pay to view (PTV) programming. However, unlike with traditional PTV programming, there are no monthly fees for the client to worry about. The primary costs for the client include the FTA receiver program, the support files, the satellite dish for their house, and the dish motor, if the client so chooses to install it. Depending on the client’s desires and location, additional support files may be necessary to correctly run the FTA programming. Technical support programs should be adequate to take care of any technical issues that may arise during use, but many FTA retailers offer additional support if the need reveals itself.

FTA systems are on the rise as PTV programming becomes more expensive to the average household. The cost of the FTA system is a one time issue, while PTV programming requires a monthly fee. Oftentimes, the PTV systems require little money for setup but the client never actually owns the hardware. Conversely, the FTV systems are completely owned by the client, never leased. The FTA systems are a viable option for the discerning client who wishes to experience in-depth visual entertainment with low cost, maintenance, and worry.