Free To Air [FTA] MPEGII "small Ku band dish" satellite systems are
relatively cheap. But what is available as "free programming" is by far
mostly foreign broadcasts. Lots of Arabic language Arabic government paid
for TV programming (propaganda), Some Spanish and Christian religious
programming. If you get a fairly large dish (1.5 meter diameter) you can
pick-up remote newsfeeds which can get interesting during a significant
"news event", I.E. 9/11.

Before you make a decision peruse the following web site to get a feel for
what satellites are visible over your location (very important) and what
type of free programming may interest you: http://www.lyngsat.com/index.html

"Pops" wrote in message
oups.com...
Here's the deal. I've been reading up on and learning about FTA (free
to air) satellite. I am very interested in buying one of these systems,
but I don't have the disposable cash needed to do so. I do have an Icom
R75, and if I sold it for about $450, I'd have the money for the FTA
with just a little left over.
I have never actually seen one of these FTA systems in operation, so I
have no way of knowing if the trade-off would be worth it. I do own
several other shortwave radios, including two Sony 2010s and a Icom
R71A, so its not like I would be left without the means to enjoy the
SWL hobby.
If anyone of you have experience with FTA, perhaps you can offer some
pertinent advice.
Thank you.
Doug