Broadcasting FTA (Free To Air) satellite services throughout Australia, Optus Aurora has been a god send to people in rural and outback areas as well as the caravan and motorhome community. The purchase and activation of an Optus Aurora Smart Card gives the owner access to many ABC and SBS services from around Australia. Imparja, Seven Central, GWN and WIN services are also available in their respective license areas. Wondering what equipment you'll need to receive FTA Satellite TV Services to either a rural residence or a caravan / motorhome ? The basic elements that make up a satellite TV system are:- 1- Satellite Dish 2- Satellite Dish Mount (portable or fixed is fine) 3- LNB (low noise block amplifier * Goes on the arm of the dish) 4- Satellite Receiver (many brands and versions available * Shop around for a suitable well priced model) 5- Satellite Finder (analogue and digital varieties * Analogue though generally cheaper) 6- Satellite Charts Choosing the right satellite dish for your site is the most important factor. Dishes come in various sizes ranging from very small (in the centimeters) to many meters.

In recent times with the increase in satellite transmission power people are able to get away with a much smaller dish then they did in the past. Typical size for coverage in many areas is 78 to 88 cm s. (for the KU band * If you are a beginner to satellite I recommend KU reception if it is available in your area. For those that have an interest in C band reception you will generally need a much larger dish.

eg Greater then 1.5m for many areas) The LNB is the part on the end of the arm. It amplifies the very weak signals that are collected and reflected into it by the dish. This signal once amplified, is carried down the satellite cable to the satellite receiver.

Here it is converted into a signal that your conventional television can understand. It should be noted that many of the available services from the satellites are encrypted to prevent theft. These services will generally require a monthly or annual subscription for their reception. If you are intending to view these ensure your satellite receiver has an imbedded card reader or Cam Slot and can decrypt the services you are interested in.

(you should also check your providers terms and conditions or service agreement to ensure that what you are hoping to achieve would not violate them) The satellite finder and charts are only used during the initial installation until you have a picture. The finder can then be removed. Your local satellite parts dealer will be best able to advise on the correct equipment and alignment procedures for your area.

For people installing to the roof ensure you take all the necessary safety precautions. (You are competent right?) Satellite television is an extremely popular way to watch an array of hundreds of stations. The one downside to satellite is that it can be pricey depending on the program that you set up. What if there was a way to receive all of the satellite stations without having to pay an expensive bill? To your benefit, with ongoing technological development you can now receive Satellite TV from your PC for a small price to pay. There now is a way for you to have Satellite TV from your computer without paying a penny for the stations themselves.

The only fee to have access to hundreds of channels is the price of software that is required to get them working on your computer. You may think that the software is going to jack the prices up to around the range of Satellite TV, but that is where you are wrong. For less than the cost of a monthly cable or Satellite TV bill, you can watch Satellite TV on your computer.

There are a number of different kinds of software to choose from that work for your computer. The difference between the software is how much range you get and how many stations you have access to. The best Satellite TV software on the market will give you access to over 3000 worldwide channels without a monthly fee. Ditch your television antenna today and make the investment in a quality portable satellite tv system package or build your own. You won't be disappointed.

RCB is the owner of Aardvark Electronics http://www.aardvarkelectronics.com.au and the developer of the Vansat Portable Satellite TV System http://www.vansat.com.au