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How DIRECTV and DISH Network
Satellite TV Work
- The key to understanding how a satellite television
system works lies in understanding the source of the signals - the satellites.
There are several satellites for each provider that stay in geosynchronous orbit, which means the orbits of the
satellites coincide with the rate at which the earth rotates.
Therefore, each satellite stays in the exact same place relative to the earth's surface.
This allows you, the customer, to point your dish at the satellite and never need to move it again.
For example, DirecTV currently has six such satellites in orbit, allowing easy access from anywhere in the United
States. The dish acts as a small antenna which receives the broadcast signal from the satellite.
Click for current DIRECTV
offer.
Click for current DISH Network offer.
- The signal is then passed through coaxial cable
to the receiver which converts the digital signal into a visual and audio output that can be seen on the television
screen. This is a step above even digital cable, which still distributes analog signals on many cable channels,
despite what the name suggests.
Setting up the satellite receiver is easy. Once the dish is put in place and aligned correctly, it is only a matter
of running a coaxial cable from the output of the dish to the input of the receiver and plugging it into an electrical
outlet. Satellite dishes and receivers can even be used on RV's as long as the vehicle is motionless.
Each satellite TV provider has several receivers to choose from, depending on your preferences. Both Dish Network
and DirecTV offer the same choices: Standard Receiver, HD (High Density) Receiver, and DVR or Digital Video Recorder.
Standard receivers offer complete access to all regular channels provided by the service. Some models offer more
than one tuner, which allows for independent viewing capabilities for multiple televisions.
Another common feature is the theme or favorites listings, which allows users to program in their favorite stations,
so when they are channel surfing only the channels they are interested in are shown.
HD Receivers have all the features of standard, but also allow users to receive signals from the fast growing collection
of high-density programmers such as ESPN-HD and Discovery HD Theater. Consumers must keep in mind, however, that
in order for this type of receiver to work, they must also have a high density television. Some models also require
certain types of dishes as well.
The last class of receiver is the type with DVR. By combining the terrific features of satellite television with
the technology of TiVo, viewers can watch favorite programs on their own personal schedule. Live programming can
be paused; more than one show at a time may be recorded. And most models offer over a hundred hours of storage
capability.
For more advice about selecting a retailer, or to learn more about Direct TV receivers, click here.
For DISH Network, click here.
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