What is satellite television?
Satellite television is a way to receive television programming via satellite transmission. The type of dish you buy, in addition to the programming you choose to subscribe to, determines the television programming you will be able to receive in your home. The two most popular types of satellite receivers available are the digital satellite system and C/Ku-band.
What is the digital satellite system?
the digital satellite system (Digital Satellite System) is an 18-inch satellite antenna, or "dish", and digital set top receiver/decoder box. More than 3 million people receive the digital satellite system programming throughout the United States.Click here to find out more about the digital satellite system.
What is C-band? What is Ku-band?
C-band is a range of satellite transmission frequencies (3.7-4.2 GHz) that TV and radio channels use to transmit to full-size satellite dishes. Click here to find out more about C-band.
Ku-band, like C-band, is a range of satellite transmission frequencies (11.7-12.2 GHz) that TV and radio channels use to transmit video and audio programming.
How much do the dishes cost?
The average cost of a the digital satellite system is between $199-$500 depending on the hardware's features. This cost does not include installation or programming. Discounts are available, and the cost of the digital satellite system has been on a decline for the last year. A full-size C/Ku-band system with the new 4DTV receiver technology averages between $2,000-$2,500, not including installation or programming.
Is it true that many channels are free with the big dish?
Absolutely. More than 200 channels that broadcast full-time or on an occasional basis are free. There's live full-time coverage of NASA Select TV, educational programming on PBS and Knowledge TV, dozens of home shopping and religious channels, and, best of all, free "wild feeds".
What are wild feeds?
Wild feeds are unannounced satellite transmissions from a broadcaster's studio to a local TV station which can be viewed with a full-sized dish. Everything from syndicated programs such as Star Trek Voyager to live sporting events are free for your viewing.
How much does programming cost?
Costs vary, especially with a full-size dish. An average package with basic channels and one premium service will cost about $30-$50 per month via a full-size dish. For the digital satellite system, an average package of basic channels and one premium service will cost around $40 per month.
How do I know which dish is right for me?
No matter which system you consider, the dish must point south. If the view of the southern sky from the location you want to install the dish is blocked by trees or buildings, you may not be able to receive satellite TV signals. Obviously, the advantage to the digital satellite system is its small 18-inch dish. But, when compared to a full-size dish, the digital satellite system does not offer as many channels and requires subscriptions to all but a few channels. A full-size dish is an option if you have a location at your home for a six-foot to ten-foot dish. The two advantages of full-size satellite TV are 1) more channels, many free, and 2) lower subscription cost with the ability to buy channels individually. A local satellite retailer will be able to demonstrate the pros and cons of both systems.
How does weather affect reception?
Thick, moist clouds like those present during a thunderstorm impede the reception of the digital satellite system signals. Typically, during a heavy storm the signal may freeze off and on or, at worst, be completely blocked. Outages only occur during the heavy storms directly in the path of the dishes aimed at the satellites and they only last until the storm passes. Snow build-up in the dish, both full-size and the digital satellite system will also impede reception and may even damage the dish.
What maintenance will I be required to do?
Maintenance is very important with a full-size dish because the dish moves from satellite to satellite. the digital satellite system requires very little, if any, maintenance - when properly installed and aimed - because the dish does not move.
What is the future of satellite television?
It is very bright. Satellite TV will be one of the first transmission methods for high definition TV (HDTV) broadcast that will more than double the resolution of today's picture. Super high speed (400 kbps or more) Internet connectivity is now available and additional computer interactive services will be launched starting in 1998 on the digital satellite system and, most likely, full-size satellite TV. More satellites, more channels, more viewing choices and more flexibility in purchasing programming are coming.
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