How to read these lists, column by column

The first step is to choose the list you need. If you only care about English language channels, pick English. If you have only one dish and it's permanently pointed at Galaxy 19, pick Galaxy 19. If you only want a different language or a different satellite, pick that one. Or if you want absolutely everything, pick the master list. In any case, once you've found the right list, bookmark it in your browser.

Next, take a look at the list. By default, the master list and satellite lists are sorted by language, then by channel name. Language and satellite lists default to sorting by channel name first. (You can choose the way you want the list sorted in the Grid Options at the top of each list.) If there is a web site for the channel, its link is listed as "www" at the end of the channel name.

In the second column is a mention of the satellite the channel is on or the language it's in. Clicking that link will bring you to the appropriate satellite or language list. The master list adds an extra column to include both language and satellite.

Third from the right is the column for the transponder's Frequency, Polarity, and Signal Rate, "Freq Pol SR". The first number is the frequency, hyphenated with the polarity of vertical or horizontal. The last number is the signal rate. The frequency and signal rate numbers are close approximations; it's normal if your receiver sees them a tiny bit higher or lower.

Second from the right is the Video Programming ID and Audio Programming ID numbers, "VPID APID". These designate the channel within a transponder's multiplex, or mux. These are the exact numbers for the channel, although sometimes secondary audio streams for a channel can have different APIDs.

Finally, the right column contains the TitanTV code, if any, for the channel. Titan TV is the best online programming source for FTA viewing. To build a grid, register at the site, pick a local cable or satellite provider, then hit the Customize button. You can add and subtract channels to build a grid displaying the shows for many FTA channels.