Satellite Receivers

A satellite receiver can be analog or digital and it receives satellite transmissions. The receiver is connected to a television set, a VCR or even a stereo system. The satellite signal which comes into the receiver is converted by it to a single channel, whichever channel the TV viewer switches on to watch. Often the receiver performs a decoder function to receive encrypted television transmissions.

There is no cable for satellite receivers, and there is a large variety of programs. But for viewing TV you can't just buy the receiver, with it you have to buy an outdoor satellite antenna and a remote control. Normally there are large networks in each city who are satellite providers and you have to subscribe to a provider so that you can have access to the signal.

If you are receiving the standard satellite programming, then a round 18-inch satellite dish is required, but if you are looking for high-definition reception an oval dish measuring 18 x 20 inches is required. When you subscribe to the provider the satellite dish is included in the package. The dish has to be installed in such a place where there is no obstruction by buildings or trees and normally with an exposure to the south. The reception through satellite receivers is exceptionally clear, as satellite TV is broadcast in the digital domain. The signal is either clear or there is no signal at all. If there is heavy wind, rain or lightning there can be a disruption of the signal, but this is just temporary. In any case disturbances and loss of signals happens much less than with cable TV providers.

Standard tuners or HD tuners are a part of the satellite receivers. The function of a standard receiver is to decode the digital broadcast signal and then sent to your TV in analog format. An electronic program guide (EPG) comes with that which contains a list of the available channels and programming. And if you have an HD receiver, it receives the high-definition satellite signals. Then it carries the signals to your high-definition TV (HDTV) or HD-ready TV in its existing widescreen digital format. All channels do not broadcast in high-definition, but an HD receiver is capable of handling non-HD programming.

A very popular option is the combination of a satellite receiver and a digital video recorder (DVR). In this format a DVR and a satellite receiver are combined into a single component, and this can save a lot of space in setting up your home theater. The functions of the DVR include pause, rewind and fast forward of live TV.

There are several additional features which can be implemented in the receiver like parental blocks, list of favorites or even picture-in-picture viewing. The receiver can have a display Caller ID on the TV screen, because satellite systems need a phone link to download periodic updates. If you have multiple TVs in your house, they can be connected to one satellite receiver box, and you can watch your TV programs in different rooms.

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