need an answer on FTA channels

[BYX]

I'm looking to buy me a complete setup of FTA receiver and at least a 36" antenna with motor looking to receive mainly spanish channels from countries in Latin America. My question goes to spanish speakers and non spanish speakers. Can I really receive spanish channels? I'm not interested at all in Arabic, Chinese or languages that I do not understand. In addition to spanish as an english speaker I will enjoy receiving US channels like local stations from all over the US for news, weather, etc.
I need a real answer and not a recommendation to visit LYNGSAT, there is a lot of information that confuses me. For example I know that F stands for free, but if I count al the F's on the KU band there are almost no channels. I could be wrong. How about DVB? is that free or open channels? Bottom line is it worth buying an FTA system? By the way I'm located in Hollywood FL 33024.

[Kanakanak]

The channels you search for are located in most part on Satmex5 but most of them are in C-Band but they are FTA. Otherwise you will have a few FTA spanish tv on G10, AMC4 and 5 but theses are from USA.

Unlike Europe who have dozens of interesting satellite full of FTA TV stations from around the world, North America has nearly only IA5 (T5) for these kind of TV stations.

[BYX]

Thanks for your reply.
Most definitely looks like all the fun is on C Band and not on KU.
I see that there are some good channels on KU but some of them show to be DVB encrypted. Where can I subscribe to see that programming? Is it that some stations go encrypted because they are not mean to be open to the public? Are they encrypted just to protect their signal transmitted to their affiliated stations?
According to LYNGSAT there are some DVB non encrypted channels. Can those be received with any receiver off the shelf?
By the way I want to make clear that I want to have a "clean" legit satellite TV system; I ask all this questions because I want to know before I make the investment.

[Kanakanak]

For spanish FTA TV stations, of course in North America, C-Band is the way to go...

Lets clarified one thing: DVB is Digital Video Broadcasting and is a way to broadcast signals digitally like NTSC do it the analog way.
DVB is not a way of encrypting channels it is a way to transmit it.
Digicipher is another way to transmit signals.

These are some modes of encryption uses in North America that make tv stations unavailable to those who don't subscribe to it:
PowerVu, Nagravision, Irdeto, Viaccess, etc...
Some stations are encrypted for affiliates but most DVB encrypted stations are for subscriptions. In USA you can subscribe, for example, to Globecast World TV and view some scrambled stations if you pay for it with their receiver.

You will need a DVB satellite receiver but you will only receive FTA (Free-to-Air) stations with it. I would buy one with blind search function (I don't have it ), this make the receiver scanning all frequencies on one sat.
You could also install a motor to your dish if you want.
Hope these help! :wink:

[BYX]

Now I have a question on equipment. A local store is offering me a package of antenna and receiver. The receiver is an ARIZA TP-1000 and another package based on the SATWORK ST3688, I also have the option of buying a receiver of my choice, they have Fortecs and Pansats. I understand that all the receivers mentioned have "blind search". Motor is optional.

[bobkat]

The ARIZA TP1000 is not a blind search receiver; furthermore it has been discontinued and support for it will be dicey -- too bad because I have sold and installed 100's of them and they were a nice box (for the money :roll: ).

kat

[BYX]

Thanks for the information on the ARIZA receiver. How about the other brands I am mentioning?
Is it true that the PANSAT brand is one of the best on market?

[bobkat]

The Fortec (some models) and Pansat 2500A are blind search capable; not sure about the Satworks. Pansats are regarded as one of the best FTA receivers going. I have sold quite a few and have had no complaints or DOA product. I believe Fortec to be every bit as good. Both are Korean made and the quality is better than the Ariza and a host of other receivers that are made in China. Pansat or Fortec - I recommend both - its your call.

kat

[BYX]

I got a complete setup of a PANSAT 2500A receiver and a 30" winegard antenna with universal LNB. No motor.
The LNB RF frequencies are 10.70 ~ 12.75 GHz, the I.F frequencies are 9.750 /10.60 GHz, gain 55db, Noise figure 0.5dB.
According to the PANSAT antenna setup this should be a Universal 1 tpe of LNB.
If I select Universal 1 and do a scan it only shows one vertical and and one horizontal transponders.
Transponder 1 shows (1) 11742 V 11.11 and Transponder 2 shows (2) 12182 H 23.00
For the sat scan it is on FTA+Scrambled
I believe I'm correclty aimed, the level shows red, yellow, green with 78% possible a false reading or no reading at all and the quality is 0.
I set it to see AMC5 which is at my true south.
Can anybody give me an advise on what could possibly be wrong?
Azimut for my location is 181 and elevation for AMC5 is 60 to the best of my knowledge.
I am located at 33024