Satellite TV Entertainment

Options in Satellite TV Entertainment

Generally, satellite shoppers are entitled with three options in United States satellite TV entertainment: TVRO satellite system, DBS satellite system, and the new comers PC satellite system.

DBS system

DBS is the acronym of Direct Broadcast Satellite. Low cost installation, maintenance-free, stable receptions, all these features make DBS system a enhanced commercial product when compare to the TVRO system. Satellite TV via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band. These satellites work on higher frequencies and can transmit higher power signals. This is why smaller dishes can be used to receive satellite signal for DBS systems.

Currently, DBS system is the most popular way for satellite TV entertainment. Dish Network and DirecTV are broadcast using DBS system. To view satellite TV programs using DBS system, all you need is a satellite signal decoder, a small satellite dish (18"), and of course, a TV. If you subscribe the service to Dish Network or DirecTV, you are also required to put on the subscription cards or the 'Key' to view the TV shows legally.

Yes, subscription card is necessary. It is no secret that there are ugly trend in DBS satellite TV where tech guys hack their existing programming-card; or some get their smart card through Internet. By stealing the satellite signals from Dish Network or DirecTV, users can avoid paying any subscription fees. Anyhow, hacking satellite TV descrambles is against the rules and you put yourself in the risk of legal actions. Consumers should beware and avoid falling on to such traps when there are vendors offering such kind of services.

TVRO system

TVRO, or in detail, Television Receive Only is the first satellite system available for home satellite viewing system. Often known as the Big Dish, or the Ugly Dish, TVRO system uses C-Band (in contrast to Ku-band for DBS system) for the signal transmission.

By using a movable big dish, TVRO systems are able to receive common TV programs as well as independent feeds from all over the world. As news broadcasting crews normally transmit their first hand broadcast materials via C Band (same as TVRO system), you could for instance receive the unedited material if your dish lay within the coverage area.

Satellite PC system

The extent of satellite TV entertainment was once again expanded with the introduction of satellite PC system in recent days. Satellite PC system means a piece of computer software that enables you to watch satellite TV programs on your PC monitors. There are various type of software available in the market but most will allow you to watch up to thousands satellite TV program from worldwide.

Some says satellite PC system is revolutionary; some says it's full of fraud and crap; for us, we says it's a little of both. A very important point to be noted is that satellite PC is not something similar like traditional satellite TV program as the channel list in satellite PC is quite different from the traditional one. Do not get disappointed when you notice your satellite PC covers hundreds of Asia/Arab channels but your favorite HBO is no where to be found. Further more, as satellite PC system is relative new in the market; there are lots of unanswered questions in term of the reliability of the software vendor. Do we get customer service on after sales? Is the satellite TV PC picture quality acceptable? Is everything with satellite TV PC legal (outside of US, since its taking worldwide TV programs)?

Now, on the positive side, just imagine being able to turn on the computer and within minutes, be viewing education, movie, shopping, sports, news, and weather channels. With satellite television to personal computer, you can. In fact, many people love the radio capabilities, coming right out of the computer. Just as with television, the computer satellite can provide crisp pictures and excellent audio.

The advantages of satellite television to personal computer are many. For instance, while the kids are watching a Disney channel, you could be watching your favorite movie or sporting event in the privacy of any room you want. Keep in mind that sometimes, cable television will not broadcast a particular game or movie but with satellite television, you will never miss your favorite channels again.

Setting up the different kind of satellite system

For TVRO system, you need to spend a big pile of greens for the equipments and the installation fees. Further on that, you will need to find out what programming is on and when to receive your familiar satellite TV show. To receive different TV program, you might need to move or adjust your big dish - definitely not an easy job for mom and pop users.

Setup and installation are much easier with DBS system. If you stay in United States, most probably you will subscribe to either Dish Network or DirecTV; they provide you the free standard system as well as install the system for you for free and you are ready to go. Cost effective, no maintenance, no moving big dishes, and no more further adjustment.

Setting up satellite PC requires basic computer knowledge. This includes installing the software as well as basic software usage knowledge (screen resolutions, picture size) to fit your needs. Satellite PC is cheap when compare to DBS and TVRO as it requires only one time setup fees (Around $100) and no equipments to be purchased (provided you own a PC).

Conclusion

The existent of satellite TV change how people view TV entertainments. While standard television was okay and cable TV is good, DBS satellite TV and satellite PC are considered ground-breaking. Keep in mind that with any advance technology, there are plus and negative points, if you ever wish to make any purchase, we recommend you to choose wisely and pick only the satellite system that fits your personal needs. Jumping into a deal blindly just does not suit our motto as a smart consumer.