Satellite TV is a very complex and advanced technological marvel. In order for Satellite TV to work, there are various equipments which work together in order to deliver the super quality images and sound on the viewer’s television screens. Few of the Satellite TV equipments that are used at the customer premises are described here. Few are required for Satellite TV service to work while few others are optional equipment which enhance the viewership experience in some way
Few of the Satellite TV equipments that may be found at the customer premises are satellite receiver dish, set top box, smart card, DVR, HD Receiver, remote control and Sling Box. Lets now what purpose these Satellite TV equipments serve.
Satellite TV dish
The Satellite TV receiver dish is used for receiving signals broadcasted from the TV Satellites in space. There are different types and sizes of dishes. The usual small dish (18 to 24 inches) provided by the Satellite TV providers is known as Smart dish. This is usually placed on the rooftops of houses.
Smart dish consists of a parabolic plate, LNB and Feed horn. The parabolic plate receives the signal from the TV Satellites and reflects them to the feed horn. The signals received are weak because of their long distance travel. The Feed horn attached to the dish receives the weak signals and sends them to the LNB.
LNB (Low Noise Block tuner) makes the signals strong by amplifying them. LNB tuners are available in single, dual, triple and quad types / options. Dual tuners enable the viewers for watch two different channels in separate TV’s within one Satellite connection. Likewise triple for 3 and Quad for 4 channels in different televisions.
Satellite set top box
The signals amplified by the LNB are sent to the set top box through a cable. Set top box or indoor receiver is connected to the television set.
Set top box is an important device which is used for converting the satellite signals into audio or video signals that are understood by the Television box. The TV Satellites send the signals in specific codes (encrypted) for security purpose. The set top box decodes the various encrypted signals and further changes them into audio and video signals.
Satellite TV smart card
Smart card also known as access card is inserted in the set top box. This card looks like the credit card and has a microprocessor in it .This card provided by Satellite TV provider has special features.
This signal holds the key for decoding the encrypted Satellite TV signals received. Only with the key, the encrypted Satellite TV signals can be converted to audio and video signals.
The access card holds the keys only for channels for which the customer has paid and hence is able to decode only those channels. The satellite signals for rest of the channels remain encrypted due to absence of the key and thus unavailable for viewing
The Satellite TV access card is thus a locked gate for the unauthorized viewers.
HD Receiver (High Definition Receiver)
This is optional equipment which enables the next generation, High Definition (HD) entertainment service provided by both Dish Network and Direct TV.
DirecTV and Dish Network both provide HD channels to the viewers. These high definition channels provide awesome picture quality and 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound. This sound is equal to the sound quality provided in movie theatres. To receive this HD channels HD receivers are required. It is an important equipment because HD channels give good picture and sound quality through HD receiver only. DirecTV and Dish Network provide various HD receivers in different models.
Satellite TV DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
This also is an optional equipment which ensures that a viewer never misses any of his or her favourite shows or programs.
Satellite TV service providers, provide a DVR (digital video recorder) to record programming .This equipment uses a storage device usually a hard disk in which it stores the recorded shows. With the help of DVR viewers can record their favourite programs even when they are not around and then watch it later.
Remote control
The remote control provided by the Satellite TV networks is called universal remotes. These universal remotes are equipped to control not only the Satellite TV set top box but also other equipments such as set top box, DVR, TV, DVD and HD receiver at the same time. So there is no more messing around with several remotes to control each device
Satellite TV Sling box
Sling box is new device used for delivering Satellite TV Programs on a PC. It is handy and wireless. Sling box connects Satellite TV set top box or DVR and a PC.
With the help of sling box, viewers are able to see satellite TV on the internet. This benefits the people to see the programme wherever they wish without charges and without confining themselves to their living rooms or bed rooms.
Satellite TV media is thus globalized due to its extraordinary feature thus breaking the physical boundaries and limitations for watching Satellite TV. This Satellite TV equipment has become a big hit with Satellite TV consumers.