FTA files work with an FTA receiver to stay updated on the satellites in space. For channels to be properly display, the keys on the FTA receiver have to be constantly updated. This can be done manually, or automatically. If done manually, they have to be updated up to four times a day. This can prove to be inconvenient.
FTA files allow your receiver keys to automatically roll over and receive the most updated information from the satellites in space. This means that after you originally load the files, it is hands-free maintenance.
Many do-it-yourselfers find that the most difficult part of setting up satellite television is correctly hooking up your receiver to your TV to receive the FTA files signal. Spending the money to have a professional get you hooked up initially might be the most prudent course of action to take.
Matching FTA Receivers with the Proper FTA Files
Most FTA file providers supply FTA receivers with various types of capability,:
FTA Files for the nFusion FTA Receiver: This receiver offers FTA satellite service to users in Canada, the USA and the Caribbean. Ease of setup, amazing sound and clear picture, make this one of the most sought after FTA receivers by satellite TV owners.
General Price Range: From $125 to about $275.
FTA SITE for the Pansat FTA Digital Satellite Receiver: What some might refer to as a ?fully loaded? FTA receiver, it has everything you might need to get the most from FTA TV.
Some of its features include: Fully compliant MPEG-2 Digital & DVB broadcasting capability; Multi-language OSD; up to 5,000 TV & radio programs; universal remote, SD (secure digital) card access; and 256-Colors (graphic user interface) number.
FTA FIX Files for the Captiveworks CW 600s Satellite Receiver: The CaptiveWorks CW-600S receiver supplies FTA reception for US and Canadian satellite consumers.
The Premium edition of this receiver offers some one-of-a-kind components, ie, a swifter Conexant Main Processor for starters. Some of its standard features are an easy-to-use interface, auto smart satellite search, multi-timer function, and a 32Mb Flash ROM for fast, easy channel surfing.
FTA Forums
FTA forums are an invaluable tool for learning about and keeping abreast of FTA technology. For the uninitiated, FTA stands for Free to Air, as in free broadcast television and radio programming.
In a global economy FTA programming can be an insightful way to keep up on what?s going on in various parts of the world. It is estimated that there are some 5,000 radio and TV programs available worldwide for FTA viewing.
If you?re interested in accessing FTA broadcasts, you need to first familiarize yourself with the technology of the industry. FTA forums are ideal for this.

FTA Receivers: A Popular FTA Forum Topic
Because receivers are one of the basics of satellite TV technology, most FTA forums are rife with commentary about them. There are four major brands of FTA receivers (Coolsat, Pansat, Viewsat, and SonicView) and you will find questions about all of them in a good FTA forum.