FTA Fever Free-To-Air (FTA) Satellite TV Receivers

Pansat 3500SD Standard Definition SCAN DISK CARD FTA Satellite Receiver

Design & Features Review

Replacing the original Pansat 3500S models, the new Pansat 3500SD FTA satellite receiver sports a new front panel design and almost twice the processor speed. But that's not all…

The Pansat 3500SD features 2MB flash memory and 16 MB SDRAM to facilitate faster 3-Day Electronic Program Guides and satellite scanning. In fact, the Pansat 3500SD can scan four satellites simultaneously, and is 100 satellite-programmable. The 3500SD also features component video output and fully supports MPEG-2 & DVB broadcasting.

While this second-generation digital FTA receiver doesn't include the Personal Video Recording (PVR) capability of the Pansat 600HXC PVR or the high definition resolution of Pansat 9200HD, there are other features to brag about. Perhaps the most famous feature of the Pansat 3500SD is its built-in Secure Digital (SD) Access Card reader, which provides easy and fast software updating — updates complete in around 10 seconds. The 3500SD also includes a standard RS-232C connector for transferring files from PC-to-receiver or receiver-to-receiver.

The 3500SD features a Conax CA-7 embedded Smart Card Slot and ships with a 128MB SD Card, which allows you to play MP3 audio files.

The Pansat 3500SD's other noteworthy features include Picture-In-Graphic (PIG), 5,000-channel (TV and radio) memory capacity, and a channel-sorting feature that allows you to categorize channels alphabetically, by satellite, FTA/Scramble, or Parental Lock. And changing channels on the 3500SD is a pleasant experience — no pauses between channels.

The Pansat 3500SD is not the most technologically advanced FTA receiver on the market, but it's a reliable, user-friendly workhorse. The Pansat 3500SD outperforms the Pansat 2700A and Pansat 2800.

What's In The Box: The Pansat 3500SD ships with a Diseqc Switch, a null modem cable, RCA cables, 128MB SD Memory Card, universal remote, (2) AAA batteries, and Pansat 3500SD User Guide.

Buy Pansat 3500SD: $119 WITH FREE 128MB SD CARD!

CLICK HERE FOR CANADA

Comparative Buying Guide

Compare the Pansat 3500SD to our other 2nd generation Standard Definition USB 2.0 non-PVR receivers:

• Sonicview 4000 — $99. 1 USB port
• Neusat SP 6000 — $39. 1 USB port
• Neusat SP 6000 Premium — $49. 1 USB port
• Coolsat 6100 Private — $79. 1 USB port
• Viewsat Ultra Lite — $79. 1 USB port
• Captive Works 700S— $89. 1 USB port
• Viewsat Ultra V2.0 — $119. 1 USB port
• Pansat 3500SD — $119. No USB ports

Comparison Highlights: Our second-generation FTA receivers include: Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Coolsat 6100 Private, Viewsat Ultra 2, Viewsat Ultra Lite, Sonicview 4000, Captive WorksCW 700S and Pansat 3500SD. The receivers in this class are generally comparable in terms of processing speed, memory capacity, and Electronic Program Guide. The Pansat 3500SD doesn't include a USB port, but is still considered a second-generation receiver since it does include (Secure Digital) SD card technology, which allows you to transfer files.

The Sonicview SV-4000 USB is a time-tested FTA receiver. It costs less than the Pansat 3500SD and Viewsat Ultra Version 2, plus it offers equal or greater functionality. The Sonicview 4000 USB costs more than the Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Coolsat 6100 Private and Viewsat Ultra Lite; however, the Sonicview 4000 offers superior functionality and performance over the Captive Works, Neusat, Coolsat and Viewsat models, and the Sonicview 4000 is better supported than the Neusat Premium and Neusat SP 6000.

The Pansat 3500SD includes a 128MB SD Card with purchase. However the Neusat SP 6000, Neusat SP 6000 Premium, Coolsat 6100 Private, Captive Works 700S and Viewsat Ultra 2, Viewsat Ultra Lite and Sonicview SV-4000 USB ship with 1GB USB flash drives as a free promoition from www.ftafever.com.

Ultimately, Sonicview's stellar reputation for accessibility and support distinguishes the Sonicview SV-4000 USB from this pack of second-generation receivers. Sonicview provides frequent bin updates and impressive warranty processing of repairs and exchanges.

Looking for a High Definition FTA Satellite Receiver?
You may wish to consider:

• Sonicview 8000 HD PVR w/Fan — $369