How Satellite TV Works
Digital high definition satellite television is increasing in
popularity, with Dish Network recently reporting crossing the 12
million subscriber threshold and growing, and there are probably
more uninformed as to actual workings of satellite TV than
informed. How does Dish Network make television programming so
realistic in image and sound?
Dish Network, owned and operated by EchoStar Communications,
receives digital satellite signals from their fleet of nine
satellites. Plans are underway at present for EchoStar to launch
their tenth satellite this month - February - increasing their
ability to bring you more and better entertainment.
Communications/television satellites orbit synchronously at an
elevation of about 22,000 miles above the Earth remaining over
certain land masses/areas so that a receiver dish can remain
stationary on the side of a home or in a yard. The advanced
research and growth of Dish Network is directly attributed to
their continued enhancements in the area of home entertainment
programming.
Dish Network obtains select programming from providers like Life
Time, HBO, CNN, ESPN, Cinemax, Showtime, STARZ, and other
sources. These providers, also known as 'uplink' sites initially
beam their signals to the satellites. Dish Network's, whose
broadcast facility is located in Colorado, satellites then
digitize the signaling for quality, encrypt the signals, and
then transmit a digital high definition rebroadcast to installed
receivers in subscriber homes providing the best in home
entertainment services. Each satellite has what is called a
target area or 'footprint', and programming from a given
satellite can only be received within that particular target
area or 'footprint'. The 1980's and 1990's dish receivers were
huge, some being about 10 feet in diameter, but now it is
completely portable so it is easy to take your receiver with you
as you travel in recreational vehicles or boats - just place
your dish facing a Southern sky and signals are easily received.
This process allows Dish Network to deliver digital high
definition and standard satellite services all over the world
and to offer subscribers over 256 channels of quality
programming plus 50 channels of Sirius music in CD quality
clarity. Dish Network offers the most complete and diverse
packages available with premium movie channels, 500
commercial-free movies each month, excellent sports channels,
interactive gaming with local and national weather and traffic
updates, multi-cultural international programming, educational
channels, VOOM high definition channels, and children's and
adult channels. A Parental Lock feature is included for absolute
control in family viewing. Dish Network offers free equipment
and installation and specified services for a limited time. As a
gift to first-time subscribers, Dish Network includes a Digital
Video Recorder - free - to further enhance viewing enjoyment.
The DVR allows you to digitally record and store up to 100 hours
of programming in 100 percent digital high definition imaging
and sound. This lets the viewer record, fast-forward, rewind,
and pause - even stopping live broadcasting for annoying
interruptions - and then resuming with no problems. You can
create your own instant replays with your DVR as well as a
library of your favorite movies, sports events, or music.
Click on Dish Network now for complete information on packages
and pricing. Comparison-shopping will confirm that you can have
the best and most for about the same amount you are now paying
for average television programming. Ordering is easy - online or
by telephone. A friendly Dish Network representative will answer
any questions, take your order, and schedule installation for a
time that fits with your busy schedule.
Now you are informed as to how your new Dish Network digital
satellite television home entertainment system operates.