Radio and home entertainment has been a popular pastime for many years. The two main methods of radio and home entertainment are satellite radio and free-to-air (FTA) broadcasting. Although both are effective, they have distinct advantages over each other. Both methods utilize similar types of frequencies and also allow the same channels to be broadcasted, but the way in which each system receives these signals is quite different.

One major difference between these two systems is their method of receiving in regards to the intermediate frequency band. In a free-to-air (FTA) system the radio is programmed to automatically pick up and play any FCC approved channel that is set for that frequency. This is done based on the ability of the receiving radio to receive and play a certain type of signal that has been formatted into that particular frequency. In a satellite system the incoming signals are first converted to an electrical signal by a transceiver that then decodes the signal and converts it back to an audio signal. Once this process is complete the radio will play the selected music. In order to do this the receiver must have the ability to decode (decode) the analog signal.

There are two different kinds of FCC-approved broadcast receivers. The first is the Electric Penteconductor Radio Service (ETRS), also known as the CDBS. This is a very expensive type of radio receiver and is only suitable for homes, businesses, and government structures that need more power. There is a limit on the frequency of the channel numbers that can be played, so longer stations or bigger channels will require a license. This can prove costly for those wishing to broadcast long-term programs such as TV or FM music. Another drawback is that some ETRS systems use a finite broadcast time frame, or a broadcast range, that cannot be altered without upgrading the equipment.

The second type of FCC approved radio receiver is the local oscillator (LA) based system. This is an open-standards type of system that receives signals from a number of nearby stations. The advantage of this is that the signal can be tuned by local technicians who work in each geographic area. In comparison, the CDBS requires technical and geographical assistance from technical support technicians in each area that the radio station is being operated. As well, the LA system can accommodate multiple channels.

There are three main types of radio receivers: band channels, single mode fibers, and mhz transfer channels. Band Channels: These are the most commonly-used form of radio receivers and are often the cheapest form available. These receivers receive signals from a number of nearby stations by utilizing a narrow bandwidth, usually in the 500-meter frequency range. The benefits of using this form of radio are that there are few, if any, interference problems, and the receiving antenna can transmit signals with clarity. In addition, band channels often have better power efficiency and less crosstalk than do their faster-sized counterparts. Band channels come in a variety of wattage, although they tend to run at greater output power in larger rooms.

Single Mode Fiber Receivers: These types of receivers work on a single frequency. They are the smallest form of receivers, and are often used for indoor operation. These types of receivers often operate at higher output powers, but operate more slowly than band channels and are suitable for use indoors.

Mhz Transfererers: These types of radio receivers are the most efficient for long-range communications. Mhz transfer technology transmits frequencies in bursts of high frequencies, which allows the use of much more power. Mhz transfer devices are also better for transmitting over longer distances than the intermediate frequencies and band channels offer.

Intermediate Frequency Receivers: These types of radio receivers can receive a variety of frequencies within a short range, but are generally not as powerful as the mhz transfer devices. The advantages of the intermediate frequencies include their lower power consumption. The major disadvantages include their longer range operation and their inability to send or receive signals beyond a few feet. Some may also receive enough energy from the transmitter to power a small television set.

Bandwidth Direct Transfer: These devices are more compact and work well for indoor operation. However, they do not work well when trying to transmit over longer distances. They are able to transmit at a lower frequency, while still receiving an excellent amount of power. Most of these types of receivers use a transceiver chip with a small antenna to receive the data and convert it into the intermediate frequency. Many people choose to purchase a transceiver with a long enough range that it can receive all of a household's communication signals.