Is using a direct tv satellite to broadcast fta channels illegal?

Question

im using an old direct tv satellite that we had for a couple years now and we dont even have the service anymore but the satellite is still there..is using it with a fta program (free to air) such as for example coolsat, pansat, or viewsat, illegal?

Answer 1

FTA is just that, Free to Air.  Keep in mind that a dish only receives a signal.  Without a receiver, you can't do anything with that signal.  If a receiver is decrypting a paid channel, that makes it illegal.  The dish cannot decrypt anything, and it's not illegal to just pick up the signal.  FTA receivers are designed to get free channels, so you're not doing anything illegal by getting those channels, even with an old direct tv dish.

Answer 2

Not as a general rule. You can use any kind of antenna (sat. dish in this case) to receive (you are not broadcasting) any signal you care to "point it at". It only gets illegal if you try to steal encoded signals from a pay service.

Answer 3

You said broadcast, I think you meant receive?

As a general rule, if its send unencrypted, then its a free for all.

On the other hand, if your "breaking the encryption" somehow, then thats theft.  That would usually include using hacked cards in a hacked receiver.

Answer 4

Free to air is not Illegal, hacking the codes is.

In order to receive FTA channels you must have a box such as sonic view, coolsat, pansat, ect and attach it to a Dish Network Dish. I am not familiar with using DTV equipment

To get FTA  installation locally, go to http://sathookup.com/network-network/map... for local satellite installers