Free to air is just want it means....there are channels that are free for anyone with the receiver (like PBS for Kids).....but there are special FTA (free to air) IRD (receiver) that if you program it, it will allow you to watch more that what is suppose to be free......currently only Dish is available.
While BEV and DISH uses the same equipment, there is no public hack for BEV…..it’s just a matter of time.
DTV, there is no hack for DTV period. DTV switch there cards close to 2 years now, and no one has figure out how to hack it.
FTA receiver….the guide doesn’t work…so you can’t hit a button and see what’s on…you will need to surf the internet to see the program guide….the advantage of a FTA IRD is that it less likely to be hit with an ECM (Electronic counter measure)…or in English, the satellite company sends down a “virus” to fry your illegal IRD.
How do they work
Well each one work a little different.
FTA you must plug in a serial cable from your computer to the IRD and program it.....if you screw up, you will need to send the IRD to someone who knows how to repair it, otherwise you just made one heavy (an exspensive) paper weight.
Dish/BEV IRD....you can either use "plastic" which is the original card...and program the card to "open" up all the channels....or b) buy a special board, and program the board to open up the channel. The Atmega 128 board is still in the "fancy" stage....meaning the program is not out to the public yet, but rumors has it, it does work. The other board is the "syndrome".
The hack for Dish overall is still in the fancy stage....meaning that the hack can be gone tomorrow, leaving you will a whole bunch of useless equipment.
The people in the Buy and Sell will say anything...they will say that the hack is here forever...blah, blah, blah......well, they also said that the hack for DTV is around the corner too.....therefore, before you start, treat this as a gamble.....and gamble only what you are willing to loose.
This is a hobby that will probably cost more to do, than to subscribe….if you love computers, and electronics…you will love the hobby, you will be reprogramming your board, and/or reprogramming your receiver.….but if you’re in for “free tv” be prepare to find out that free tv comes with a heavy price tag due to the fact that you will send your item out each time you need to get it reprogram, and this is how the dealers make their living.
Cheers