The Decoder

This is what converts the electrical signals from the lnb into what the TV can use. Now since this discussion is about fta, we have to focus on decoders that can be used for that purpose. Decoders gotten from pay TV companies have been configured for use for receiving their transmissions, what we need for fta is a deocer that can show you what satellite signals are available in your area, allowing you to chose what you want to receive, while also allowing you the option of using it for pay TV. There are several types of decoders that fit this bill, and the most common manufacturers are strong, humax, technomate, kaon, etc.
More recently, computer users have been provided with what is known as a DVB-S card which can be incorporated into the computer so it can be used as a decoder among other things and it can serve the same purpose ad a stand alone decoder.

NOTE: a brief note about the type of wires used for setting up satellite TV connection is in order. Ordinary wires cause the signal levels to drop along the length of the wire so that if the distance between your lnb and decoder is far, all the signals from your lnb might have been lost before it gets to your decoder. For this reason, a special type of coaxial cable which has an insulation sheet between the inner and outer wires, which has a reflective surface facing inwards to help minimize signal loss is used. Even then, at distances greater than 50m the signal attenuation becomes significant enough to mess up your signal, so you might need a line amplifier.