Exposing
the Advantageous &
understanding the Drawbacks
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Some Background Information:
In the United States, the two main satellite TV service provides are DirecTv (often incorrectly referred to as Direct TV), and Echo Star (more known through its DISH Network service).
The signal from these systems is transmitted from satellites that are in a geo-synchronous orbit around the earth - meaning that these satellites stay in the same point in the sky with respect to the earth.
Both DirecTv and DISH Network offer digital transmission of their video content using the same MPEG-2 digital encoding technology as used in DVDs.
This means that both digital satellite service providers are capable of delivering crystal clear video and Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound for a life-like action when watching movies and other events.
It is the capability to deliver the very best audio and video that renders digital satellite TV the ideal choice to complete your home theater system.
But the use of digital technology has a further advantage to both the satellite companies and the end-user alike - digital transmission enables service providers to fit more channels in comparison to analog transmission systems.
It should be remarked that although both digital satellite service (DSS) providers in the US use 100% digital transmission, yet the majority of the program content sent out over these two systems is still analog TV.
On the other hand, DSS systems still carry a relatively larger number of HDTV stations in comparison to Cable TV and off-air TV broadcast - this also explains why many home theater owners opt for a digital satellite service as their primary television source.
Advantageous and Drawback of Digital Satellite TV:
Both DirecTV and Dish Network offer exceptional service, and therefore choosing between these two is an issue that should be based simply on identifying the channel line-up (and price), that would best suit your particular requirements.
At the same time, there are a number of characteristics that are intrinsic to digital satellite services and which should be well understood in order to avoid any possible disappointments at a latter stage.
Being aware of these characteristics should help you determine whether to opt for digital satellite or otherwise. At the same time, one should also realize that digital satellite, Cable TV and off-air TV broadcast do not need to be mutually exclusive - it is all a question of what are your actual requirements.
The primary advantages of digital satellite television include:
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The superior quality of the digital image.
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The availability of hundreds of channels - including movie, sports, news.
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Easy-to-use on-screen program guide that includes all the current and upcoming programming schedule on the system.
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Dozens of digital audio channels
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The availability of a larger number of HDTV television programs in comparison to other TV content sources.
But this is not all...
Understanding the drawbacks:
DSS services are pretty remarkable, yet there are surely a few things which one should also keep in mind:
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Getting Local Stations: Although in general one can get some local package, yet in most smaller cities and in rural areas, you will have to get cable TV or set up a broadcast TV antenna to pick up local stations.
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Satellite receivers: You cannot just plug the cable from your satellite dish into your TV - you need a special receiver. Although it is possible to drive a number of televisions with one receiver, yet if you want to watch different programs, you will need a separate satellite receiver for each TV.
For first-time customers, this should not represent much of an added expense in that both DirecTv and Dish Network have a number of advantageous offers whereby you will get all your equipment requirements 'free-of-charge' in exchange for a one year service commitment.
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Phone-line Requirements: You need to hook your satellite TV receiver into a phone line for it to communicate with your service provider to maintain your pay-per-view account.
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Satellite dish antenna positioning: Your satellite dish must have a clear line of sight to the satellites - without trees, buildings or hills in the way. Further more, you must be within the transmission 'footprint' of the satellites in order to be able to pick up satellite TV services. This means that in some northern areas and in Hawaii, it may not be possible to pick up all the satellites.
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Satellite dish antenna installation: Again, this is not much of an issue especially if you take advantage of the free installation deals on offer by DirecTv and Dish Network authorized online retailers.
The main problem here arise if you do not own your home as in such a case, this can turn out to be a deal-breaker. You will have to check with your landlord prior to proceeding with the satellite TV dish installation.
Similarly, check any building regulations that may be applicable to your area in that if your home is within the historic district, it may be that you would not be able to install a satellite dish in particular if it will be visible from the street. The guiding parameter here should be that the dish color and position should as much as possible, blend with the surrounding environment.
We recommend that you check the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) web site for over-the-air reception device rules as applicable to video antennas and including dish antenna up to one meter (39.4") diameter.
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