Digital Satellite TV Systems

Choosing Your Satellite TV Decoder

The first satellite TV decoders were nothing more than an almost dumb set-top-box that just allowed you to receive satellite television.  However, over the years, satellite receivers have become a highly technical piece of gear loaded with all sort of features and options to choose from. So...

How exactly should you choose your satellite TV decoder? What features should you look for when selecting your satellite TV receiver?

Satellite Television: Receiver basics

Television signals feeding in from the satellite dish are in a format no TV can display; you need a digital satellite TV decoder.

Yet, as we will explain further on, the satellite TV receiver have become more than a simple tuner to receive the lower L-band frequencies coming from LNBs on the satellite dish.

The satellite TV signal is scrambled by satellite service providers from the time it leaves the satellite providers' systems until it arrives in your home; this is done to prevent unauthorized use.

Satellite decoders unscramble encrypted satellite TV signals and deliver them usable to satellite TV subscribers. For this purpose, satellite TV decoders incorporate a conditional access module (CAM) with a built-in card reader. This works in tandem with the programming card delivered by the service provider to enable subscribers to receiver scrambled content and watch it on their TV.

The programming card contains information pertaining to a subscriber service subscription, and therefore determines which channels to unscramble for viewing and which to block. The process works by taking the seed key programmed on the card and combine it with the key sent with the encrypted video signal.

Satellite TV systems also require a landline phone connection for downloading periodic updates associated with the interactive on-screen program guide, as well as for pay-per-view services. In the case of pay-per-view, the phone connection is used to send purchase information from the satellite TV decoder to the satellite service provider for both service provisioning as well as for billing purposes.

A modem inside the satellite receiver makes a short duration toll-free call to the service provider computer system - generally programmed to take place during the night. In case the modem senses that the line is in use at the time it attempts to make the call, it will simply try again later.

The phone connection allows a subscriber to order Pay-Per-View movies, get popular sports, and special events subscriptions, by navigating an appropriate graphics interface with their remote control. The phone connection also enables subscribers to have their programming subscription as set through their Pay-Per-View service, mirrored over the other satellite TV receivers connected to the same telephone line.

Choosing a Satellite TV Decoder

The Satellite TV decoder, receiver, or descrambler as sometimes it is called, forms an integral part of your digital satellite TV system setup. This means that what you are buying is in reality part of an entire system together with the outdoor satellite dish antenna, remote control, and equally important, a subscription to a satellite TV service provider. The latter is necessary to get access to satellite TV programming.

Therefore, a first step in choosing a satellite TV decoder is to choose your satellite provider. Currently, your choice is limited to DISH Network and DirecTV. This will definitely narrow the choice of receivers you have.

Still, both DirecTV and DISH network have an extensive range - from the basic set-top-box, to high-end dual-tuner satellite TV receivers with HD support, built-in hard-drive, and a full range of digital video recording (DVR) features to record movies and TV shows.

In addition, both service providers constantly come up with various promo packages through which - as an eligible customer - you may get a complete satellite TV system, including the satellite receivers for free, depending on the package offer you subscribe to. And if the hardware on offer is not exactly what you want, there is always the option to upgrade to a receiver of your choice.

Regardless of how you get your satellite receiver, you always have a few decisions to make before you proceed with your purchase:

Choosing Your Satellite Receiver Options: Important features to look for

Pretty much everything you need to know about satellite TV decoders boils down to features since with the right receiver, you can do a lot more than just watch satellite TV programming. We therefore present you with a list of features that are worth consider when planning a satellite TV receiver purchase.

Once you decided on what you want, all you have to do is call the satellite TV service provider of your choice and proceed from there. Someone from the company will surely walk you through and explain the various options available - however knowing beforehand the features to look for will surely put you in a better position to choose your satellite TV decoder.

Basic Satellite Receivers: The basic receiver is the entry-level set-top-box that allows you to watch satellite TV programming - based on your subscription, in standard definition. Still, the basic receiver comes with a comprehensive program guide that allows you to see everything scheduled on all channels for days at a time. Some basic receivers even come with built-in games that you can play for free.

HDTV-Capable: With the advent of digital TV and the increasing presence of high definition plasmas and LCD HDTV sets in the home, HDTV programming is becoming more popular than ever. And the latest MPEG-4 AVC encoding used by both service providers means even more local and national HD channel programming.

However, to receive satellite HDTV content, you need an HD-capable MPEG-4 compatible satellite receiver. This will then present the incoming satellite HD programming in their native wide-screen format at either 720p or 1080i.

OK, as indicated in our introduction to digital satellite television, you will still be able to receive the present lineup of MPEG-2 HD channels with your older HD receiver, but you need to upgrade to an MPEG-4 compatible satellite TV decoder if you want to be able to watch new local and national HD channels. Both DISH Network and DirecTV offer discounts on an HD upgrade bundle to  make the transition less painful.

The basic entry-level HD-receiver would also include a standard definition tuner to handle channels not broadcasting in high definition.

Equally important, some boxes include a built-in ATSC tuner  to enable you to receive local network content already broadcasting in HD via a rooftop antenna. Normally, the built-in program guide in these satellite TV receivers would integrate the information for over-the-air and satellite programs, for seamless switching back and forth from satellite content to over-the-air channels.

Note that if you do not have an HDTV set, then you gain nothing with an HDTV capable digital satellite TV receiver. However, you should always get an HDTV MPEG-4 enabled receiver if you plan to upgrade your TV viewing system in the near future.

DVR Option: Satellite TV receivers equipped with a digital video recording (DVR) option like DISH Network ViP722 HD receiver, or DirecTV Plus® HD20 DVR, allow you to capture your favorite movies and sporting events on a  digital drive to view later at your convenience.

Although you can certainly add your own dedicated DVR to a digital satellite fed home entertainment system, the integration of a built-in DVR with a satellite TV decoder certainly brings in a significant advantage over the two-piece setup. While an integrated DVR would not have all of the functionality of an advanced dedicated recording system, yet a satellite TV decoder with an integrated DVR still allows you to pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV.

And... more important is that the functionality of the satellite receiver electronic program guide  (EPG) would be well-integrated into the DVR's recording menu/scheduling system, thus making recording of future shows quick and easy.

Some of the more advanced DVR-equipped satellite TV decoders would even follow your viewing pattern to predict and tag for you, shows - through the receiver EPG, that are similar in nature to make it easier for you to either watch these live, or have the receiver record these for you. And this apart from saving valuable space in your equipment rack!

Money-wise, opting for a DVR capable receiver also represents a smart move as both DISH Network and DirecTV offer DVR receivers for significantly less than you would pay for a stand-alone DVR from TiVo or ReplayTV.

Interesting DVR receiver options include the top-of-the-line high-definition ViP722™ DVR from DISH Network, which can store up to 350 hours of standard-definition programming, up to 55 hours of high-definition MPEG-4 programming, or a combination of the two. In addition, it also includes an ATSC tuner for off-air local TV reception.

Another satellite TV decoder with DVR support in the DISH lineup is the DISH Player-DVR 622. This is a HD MPEG-4 receiver with two tuners to support two televisions, thus providing the ability to record two shows simultaneously for a maximum of 180 hours of standard programming, or up to 25 hours of HD content, while watching a third recorded program or an off-air program via a rooftop antenna connected to the set-top-box. In addition, you can view separate programming on two televisions.

For more information on these DVR satellite TV decoders, please visit one of DISH Network retailers like VMC Satellite and AllSat.

Similar receiver options are also available from DirecTV. At present, DirecTV top-of-the-line DVR equipped receiver is the DirecTV Plus® HD20 DVR.

This satellite TV receiver has the ability to record two shows at once for a total duration of 200 hours in standard definition, or up to 50 hours in high definition MPEG-4 while watching a third recording. It also includes two ATSC tuners for access to local HD broadcasts where available.

Similarly, DIRECTV R15 100-HR DIRECTV PLUS+ is a standard definition DVR satellite TV decoder with the ability to record up to 100 hours of standard definition content to watch whenever you want. In addition, it includes a comprehensive list of features such as one-touch recording, 2 satellite tuners, and 14-day advanced program guide.

For more information on available DirecTV receivers and related offers, you may visit either DirecTV website, or one of their major retailers like Best Buy or Circuit City.

Home-theater-capable: Any digital satellite TV decoder can be used in a home theater setup. However, some of the cheaper satellite TV decoders lack the necessary audio and video connections on the back of the unit to support the highest quality home theater experience.

For the latter to be possible, your digital satellite TV receiver should at least include an S-video output for standard definition, and component video or an HDMI connection for HD programming. It should also incorporate a digital audio connection for Dolby Digital Surround if it does not include an HDMI output.

Additional basic features worth including are Picture-in-Picture (PIP) viewing - handy for surfing from one program to another or when watching your favorite sports, parental control to keep kids from watching staff you do not want them to, and interactive features.

And a convenient accessory to your satellite TV decoder is an RF Remote Control to control your satellite receiver without the need for a direct line-of-sight with the receiver. Both DirecTV and Dish offer universal RF remotes for their satellite TV receivers such as DirecTV Universal RC-23 or Dish Network 6.0 PRO Remote, a combo IR/RF remote.  

Using an RF remote would allow you to control your receiver from another room, ideal if you are sharing your satellite TV receiver with a second TV sets. Remote controls included with satellite systems vary quite a bit, so it is always good to try them out to see how they feel. And if you prefer to watch your TV in a darkened room, an illuminated model would be best.

Shopping Around

As expressed in this article, satellite TV receivers are available directly from DISH Network and DirecTV as part of a satellite TV system package, as well as through their numerous resellers like Best Buy or Circuit City for DirecTV, and VMC Satellite or AllSat for DISH Network.

Shopping around can deliver significant savings, as well as bonuses like free installation and discounts on equipment. In addition, both providers often run promotional specials that include free installation - including free HD satellite receivers and DVR upgrades, so... you can save on a bundle offer - if you are eligible and your timing is right!

..next: Glossary of Satellite Television Terms and Definitions

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