How Does Satellite TV Work?
Satellite TV is currently the best method to get the TV programming that you need for entertainment and enjoyment in your home. It beats cable companies hands down ' offering more channels, more HD channels, better pricing, better picture and better customer service. When you look at it from that perspective, choosing satellite is a no-brainer. However, many consumers are unsure just how satellite TV works. Satellite TV is much different from cable. With cable TV, the transmitting station sends out the signal via ground wires that run into your home. Satellite is very different.
Satellites ' The TV signal that you receive in your home comes from satellites orbiting the earth. However, it starts out from a transmitting station. The station beams the signal to the satellite, which, in turn, beams the information directly to your home for your enjoyment. The satellites used for this purpose use a geosynchronous orbit, placing them above the equator.
Because they use a geosynchronous orbit, they remain in the same position at all times, rather than orbiting around the planet as it hurtles through space.
The placement of the satellites over the equator is no accident. This allows them to have a much greater range of transmission when aimed at North America. In fact, the signal can be received throughout the US and Canada, as well as much of Mexico. Plans are in the works to extend that coverage to the equatorial regions, as well.
Transmitting satellites use different techniques to send the signal down to your home. For instance, some use a single large spotter beam to transmit their signal to customers. A better option is to use multiple spotter beams, which enables more customers to receive TV signal and results in a clearer picture, due to lower degradation.
The Dish ' Those TV signals are beamed down to earth, where they are picked up by a satellite dish at your home. The dish may be an 18-inch affair, or a 20-inch dish. Regardless, they both work the same way. Once that signal is received, it is transmitted via RG-6 coaxial cable into your home, to the receiver. Once at the receiver, the signal is then sent on to the TV set and, viola, you have TV.
To take advantage of satellite TV, that satellite dish must be mounted in an area with a clear view of the southern sky. Remember where those satellites orbited? That's right; their signal comes from the south. Therefore, any large trees, buildings or other obstructions may block or degrade your TV signal. You can mount your dish on your roof, your chimney, the back of your home or it can even be freestanding in your backyard.
The Receiver ' The receiver that you choose from your satellite provider is a big part of your enjoyment. Different receiver models have different capabilities. For instance, newer receivers can receive high definition TV signal. As another example, advanced receivers come with an HD DVR, which allows you to record high definition and standard definition TV programming. Obviously, the right receiver is vital to your enjoyment.
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Direct TV is the nation's leading provider of satellite television services. For the best in sports programming, movies, and high-definition entertainment, check out the many great Direct TV packages available right now.