Things you must know before even thinking about getting started with a FTA System

The title says it all. Here's what this hobby is all about and what you must be prepared for:

1) You need to have internet access.

2) No, seriously. You need to have internet access.

3) If you are "not too good with computers", you need to take a computer class. Nothing involved in receiver maintenance is difficult, but it takes more than being able to turn the computer on and off. I cannot emphasize enough that running a receiver is 100% computer-dependent. If you don't know what is meant by the words "unzip", "flash", or "download", take a class.

4) If your system was given to you as a gift and the person has promised to help you maintain it, do not disregard 1, 2, and 3 above. There may come a day when you are on your own.

5) You need to be prepared to read. Yes, there are spoonfeeders on most sites who will answer each and every question you have, but do not rely on this. Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man how to fish and he eats for life.

6) It goes down. Most of the time it's simply a matter of entering new codes with the remote until a new file is released. Sometimes you will be without TV for days, weeks, or (yes) even months. The moral of the story is don't give up your cable subscription or your existing subscription to Dish or Bell. Treat the "free TV" you get with your receiver as an added bonus to programming you already pay for. That way it doesn't hurt so bad when you're without it for a while.

7) When there is an extended period without access to Dish or BEV, DO NOT under any circumstances, complain about your lack of TV. DO NOT criticize or blame manufacturers for the fact that there is no fix. It is important to remember that free TV is NOT owed to you. The money that you paid for your receiver (I don't care if it's a $150 VS Xtreme or a $500 HD receiver) DID NOT include any support for illegal activity.

8) Do not ask dealers questions about Dish or Bell. The only reason they can sell receivers legally is because they are advertised for legal use. Legal use does not include stealing from satellite providers. If you need to return a receiver for any reason, be sure it does not have anything but the original factory software and do not say that you used software you got from this site. They will tell you you're screwed since you have voided your warranty.

9) Be sure to read the forum site rules before posting. We have pet-peeves against things like panic posting, posting the same thread in multiple forums, asking questions in file sections, or posting keys.