Satellite TV is delivered by communications satellites, as opposed to conventional terrestrial and cable television. In many areas of the world satellite television services supplement older terrestrial signals, providing a wider range of channels and services, including subscription-only services.

Standards

Analogue television is usually sent (scrambled or unscrambled) in PAL, NTSC, or SECAM television satellite broadcast standards. Digital television, including that transmitted via satellites, is generally based upon open standards such as MPEG and DVB-S. Some of the encryption/scrambling methods include BISS, Conax, CryptoWorks, DigiCipher, DreamCrypt, Irdeto, MediaGuard, NagraVision, PowerVu, SHL, Sidsa, Viaccess, Videocipher, VideoGuard and XCrypt.

Satellite Television – A Look At Some Of The Available Services

Canada
In Canada, the two legal DBS services available are Bell Canada’s ExpressVu and StarChoice. Hundreds of thousands (up to a million by some estimates) of Canadians access or have accessed American services – usually these services have to be billed to an American address and are paid for in U.S. dollars.

United States
DirecTV, the first high-powered DBS system, went online in 1994 and was the first North American DBS service; it is now owned by News Corporation.
In 1996, EchoStar’s Dish Network went online in the United States and has gone on to similar success as DirecTV’s primary competitor.
The majority of ethnic-language broadcasts to North America are carried on Ku band free-to-air; the largest concentration of ethnic programming is on Intelsat Americas 5 at 97° W. GlobeCast World TV offers a mix of free and pay-TV ethnic channels in the internationally-standard DVB-S format, as do others. Home2US Communications Inc. also offers ethnic programming, the platform is on AMC-4 at 101° W, with several ethnic channels as well as free and pay-TV. Several U.S.-English language network affiliates (representing CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, Fox, WB, i and UPN) are available as free-to-air broadcasts, as are the three U.S.-Spanish language networks (Univisión, Telefutura and Telemundo). The number of free-to-air specialty channels is otherwise rather limited…..

Continental Western Europe
In Europe, DBS satellite services are found mainly on Astra satellites and Hotbird (operated by Eutelsat), with Sky Italia, Canal Digitaal and UPC being the main providers in Italy, Western Europe and Central Europe.
BSkyB (known as Sky) also serves Northern Europe and many channels can be received as far away as Cyprus.

United Kingdom
Other than the satellite companies mentioned above, there is Sky Digital – a closed network requiring the companies licensed set top boxes

The evolution of television has seen dramatic acceleration recently. Satellite TV has truly revolutionized the global viewing experience. You no longer have to rely on awkward rabbit ear antennae to bring viewing pleasure. Satellite dishes have become as ubiquitous as the roof antenna was in the early years. The world can now be accessed through numerous, and diverse channels, and programming.

The number of options available with satellite television is overwhelming. Since the broadcast signals used in satellite television are digital, as compared with old analog, the results are crystal clear audio and visual transmissions. Broadcasts can be done in HDTV, or high definition television, which is the latest television technology. Digital transmissions allow a greater degree of flexibility for broadcasters.

In addition to picture and sound excellence, there is a virtual library of movies, sporting events, and news programs to choose from. More than the basic channels of yesteryear. Satellite receivers, when put together with the properly built and positioned satellite dish, hook up with access to more than 225 digital-quality channels. The receiver can also provide an on-screen program guide that can be customized to suit viewers needs. The receiver also has a built-in “Locks and Limits” feature, which gives control to limit channels or programs.

More recently, a spectacular Digital Video Recording feature, DVR, has emerged. This gives the viewer the ability to record, replay, and splice programming scenes as many times, and in as many ways, as desired. That’s what the combination of HDTV and DVR will give: complete control.

Unlike commercial television, which broadcasts free programming, satellite television is not without cost. To get satellite TV, you need a dish antenna, and a receiver designed to work with the chosen service. You can buy the hardware from the satellite company, an electronics store, or a satellite-system dealer/installer for about $100 and up. There is a monthly subscription fee, in addition to the cost of the hardware; this varies according to the level of service. In the past, bad weather could adversely effect the signals, however new technology and improvements have made this a rare issue.

All considered, satellite television is an investment well worth it. Satellite service can include you in a world revolution that is changing the face of how information and entertainment is done in this world. The sky is the limit with satellite services, literally, when it comes to speed, features, and innovation.
About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Direct Satellite TV Network Visit http://satellite-tv-usa.net/ for more information.

Written By: Jay Stockman

Well if you like to listen to music the answer is yes!

But you probably already have a radio that works quite nicely and are wondering why you might want to switch, right?

Satellite radio is a paid subscription – it works via a satellite feed so you can listen to the radio anywhere you want and there is no range restrictions so your favorite song won’t become garbled with static as you drive down the road out of range. It works like satellite television, except it can travel with you. A satellite radio can go in your home, your car or you can carry it around with you. It provides crystal clear digital sound no matter where you are and is commercial free.

Satellite radio can really open up the range and choices of music. With satellite radio subscriptions, you typically have access to several music channels, which reach all genres and subgenres of music. The best providers will also provide you dozens of channels for the latest news, talk radio, and information, along with local traffic and weather forecasts and all the sports events you could want.

XM Radio is rapidly growing and services over 2 million listeners providing 68 music channels. With this satellite radio, you can get country, rap, classical, bluegrass, rock, reggae and most anything else you can imagine. IN addition, there are over 30 channels just for news , sports, talks shows and other entertainment programs that don’t include music. And if that’s not enough there is another couple of dozen channels that provide weather and traffic for most major cities.

If you want satellite radio you will need a reciever and antennae to pick up the satellite feed. This equipment is state of the art, and the best subscription services also offer AM and FM as well as CD accessibility. Satellite radio can be set up to work with your existing home entertainment system, in your car or as a portable that you can bring with you.

Some of the new satellite radios and receivers are quite small and lightweight and good for carrying around. All satellite receivers will conveniently display the channel, song title, and artist name. If it’s a sporting event, they abbreviations for each team will be shown so you can find that game you are looking for instantly instead of having to wait until the announcer mentions one of the teams.

Of course, satellite radio is perfect for listening to in the car since you won’t have to fiddle with tuning knobs or try to find a new station as you drive out or range of what you are listening. Conveniently, many new cars are coming equipped with satellite radio service and even offer it free for 30 days. Don’t worry, though if you don’t want to pay for the service after your trial is up, your radio receiver will still work with the usual AM and FM channels.

About the author:

Lee Dobbins writes for a2z-satellite where you can find more about satellite services including satellite tv, radio and internet.

Written By: Lee Dobbins

Thinking about getting Dish Network and want some background information on its infrastructure? Then here you go.

DISH Network has been around for over a decade now, providing digital services to millions of customers worldwide. With its most recent launch of EchoStar IX, DISH Network boasts nine state-of-the-art satellites in its primary servicing system. Ever wonder where all those satellites are?

DISH Network launched its first Dish Network Satellite in 1995, just three years after EchoStar was granted its first orbital slot. EchoStar I was launched from Xichang, China and placed at 119 degrees West Longitude on December 28, 1995. In March of 1996, DISH Network begins broadcasting to its customers from its very first uplink center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. EchoStar I services an area that spans the western United States to the Central/Mountain region.

With more than 100,000 customers, the company launched its second Dish Network Satellite, EchoStar II from Kourou, French Guiana in South America in September 1996, just one month after opening its second service center in Thorton, Colorado. Also servicing the Western United States, EchoStar II was built by Lockheed Martin and had a launch weight of a whopping 6,360 pounds. Broadcasting began two months later in November 1996.

In October 1997, EchoStar launches its third Dish Network Satellite, EchoStar III from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Another Lockheed Martin product, EchoStar III weighed in at over 8,000 pounds at launch and orbits at 61.5 degrees West Longitude. The satellite services the Eastern United States and has double the transponders of its two predecessors. Just two months later, DISH Network celebrates its millionth customer.

March of 1998 brings a big change as DISH Network Satellite relocates its world headquarters to the Riverfront building in Littleton, Colorado. Just two months later, EchoStar IV is launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, providing service to the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Now three years old and growing, Dish Network Satellite launches EchoStar V from Cape Canaveral, Florida in September of 1999. Just one month later, DISH Network Satellite celebrates its 3 millionth customer. Orbiting at 110 degrees West Longitude, EchoStar V services the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The year 2000 brings a number of changes, including a fourth servicing center in El Paso, Texas. In July, EchoStar VI is launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming part of the company’s primary satellite system offering core services to the continental United States. In November, DISH Network acquires its 5 millionth customer.

Dish Network Satellite EchoStar VII was launched in February 2002 and takes its place at 119 degrees West Longitude with the company’s other primary satellites. Servicing the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, EchoStar VII was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida and boasted a launch weight of just under 9000 pounds.

EchoStar VIII was launched later that same year, just after the company celebrates its 7 millionth customer milestone. EchoStar VIII was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan and weighed in at 10,274 pounds at launch. Just a few months later, DISH Network systems become available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

In April of 2005, DISH Network launched its ninth Dish Network Satellite from a floating platform at the equator. EchoStar IX will orbit at the 121 degrees West Longitude position and join EchoStar’s eight other satellites in bringing digital service to over eight million customers.

If you’re interested in learning more about Dish Network and satellite TV, go to http://www.dish-network-satellite-tv.ws/

Written By: Frank Johnson

As with all technology, there are always common myths and misconceptions that prevent many people from experiencing that, which would drastically improve their lives. This is true with Dish Network’s digital high definition satellite television services.

Many people think that even though there may be 4 different receivers in 4 different rooms, everyone has to watch the same programming. This is not true. Dish Network offers 4 free receivers, one each for 4 different rooms, to enable different viewing interests.

The weather – it consistently affects the quality of programming. As a general rule, this is false; however, if there is heavy and consistent storming, there may be brief interruptions of reception. This is rare and is considered less of a problem to satellite subscribers.

Satellite reception is available only for individual homes. This is another myth as reception if signaling is excellent in apartment complexes as long as the dish is installed facing a southern sky. Many people have them located on their balconies or outside walls. Always remember, though, if you don’t own the apartment or home, be sure to check with the landlord before installation.

High-speed Internet service is only available through cable companies. This is not true. Dish Network offers high-speed Internet service via satellite. Location is not a problem as signals are transmitted through space from Dish Network’s satellites. You will not experience down time from server problems because of weather or maintenance.

Rumor has it that cable companies tell prospective subscribers that their pricing is cheaper than that of satellite programming. This is not true. Comparisons reveal that satellite prices are within the same range and sometimes lower than cable providers with much more value per dollar. The increased availability of diverse programming in selections and the quality of imaging and sound make the difference giving you more for less money. Click on Dish Network now for a complete listing of programming and pricing information.

Cable providers would also have customers believe that customers must purchase all equipment to receive satellite services. Again, this is not true. Dish Network offers all equipment and installation free of charge, and even gifts new subscribers with a Dish Network Digital Video Recorder – further enhancing viewing pleasure. All free with no requirement for long-term commitments. The only item you are charged for is the programming you desire.

A lot of people think that because of the advanced technology utilized in Dish Network’s digital high definition satellite services; there would naturally be expensive equipment repairs at some point in time. While the nature of the expense of equipment repairs may be true, be assured that when you subscribe with Dish Network for an 18-month plan, you receive Dish Home Protection Plan free (regularly $5.99 per month). This is more or less an equipment insurance provided by Dish Network to save subscribers money in repairs and replacements of equipment.

It is hoped that this information will dispel any misunderstands you may have head and enable you to make a positive decision to switch from cable television services to Dish Network digital high definition satellite television services.

About The Author

Mitchell Medford is a popular reviewer of consumer electronics and has served as a product development consultant for several consumer electronics.

mitchell@newtechnologytv.com

Written By: Mitchell Medford