If you are coming directly from standard TV programming or coming over to satellite TV from cable there are quite a few items for you to consider before you ink your name to an extended service agreement. The first thing that you may want to know is just how satellite TV functions. All satellite TV service providers have what is known as uplink stations where the their signal containing their programming is directed up to a series of satellite in geosynchronous orbit around the earth.
Geosynchronous orbit means that the satellite is stationed above the equator and travels in space at the same rate as the earth spins, so it basically stays put in one spot above the planet. After the satellites receive the signal it is then sent back to earth to be picked up by the service providers viewers. The signal is scooped up by the dish and then directed down the cable to the receiver that is sitting on top of the TV where it is then descrambled and played on the screen.
There are two satellite TV providers in the U.S. Right now and they are DirecTV and Dish Network. Deciding between the two can be very difficult, because they do have a lot of similarities but they do have some differences in some of the programming channels that they offer. They also difffer in the number of high definition channels that they offer and how they allow their customers to add them. Read the rest of this entry »