Satellite TV Info

In satellite TV purview, knowing how to use a satellite finder is key to acquiring a good reception. Sure, you can use a compass too, but the margin for error is quite large, considering that you have to search for a tiny speck of the satellite in a space the breadth of Texas. On top of that, there’s a satellite positioned approximately every three degrees along the circle above the equator, so an error of just a few degrees will easily get you the wrong satellite.

A satellite TV finder will help you home in to the right satellite so you can do the final alignment with ultimate accuracy.

No more standing on your roof for hours yelling if signal is good

What a satellite finder does is beep whenever it detects a signal. To use, you simply need to wire the satellite finder between your dish and your receiver. You will need an extra RG-6 (a leftover RG-6 cable will do) to connect the satellite finder to the dish’s LNB. Connect the long cable running down to the receiver on the satellite finder’s other female F-connector.

Now, turn on your equipment and adjust your satellite dish until the meter indicates optimum signal strength.

There are two adjustments you have to make on the satellite dish: the azimuth and the elevation. In order to get the best possible reception, you need to adjust the dish’s azimuth and elevation using the satellite signal finder as gauge for signal strength. Remember, you judge the accuracy by the signal strength: the stronger the signal the louder the beeps or clicks the device will make.

As you can see, tuning a satellite TV dish is easy. Anyone can do it, even relative beginners to DiY. However, take note that both DirecTV and Dish Network offer professional installation, typically free for first-time subscribers. As I have said, it is not hard, but it can be a hassle. If you find yourself in a situation wherein you cannot get a good reception whatever you do, maybe its time to set aside a $100 fee and let a professional handle the task.

As you know, satellite TV installation in a wooded location can be quite a hassle. You have to compete with the trees for aerial space knowing that ANY signal blockage is unacceptable. Tree trunks, branches, even leaves can easily block an extremely weak satellite TV signal trying to reach your dish.

So for instance, if your home sits right at the middle of a densely wooded spot, what would you do to get your satellite dish its necessary elevation?

Mounting dishes on tree trunks eschews the need for a stable stand.
As long as it gets its necessary elevation

There are two ways that you can accommodate a satellite dish in a heavily wooded terrain. You can either:

• remove the obstructions along its path towards the satellite in the sky
• or relocate the dish someplace where it can have a clear view of the satellite in the sky.

Removing obstruction doesn’t necessarily mean felling trees; you can also pollard them, which may be the only possible option in certain situations anyway.

If the direct vicinity of your home is heavily foliaged, you can take the dish assembly someplace else, like mounting the dish on a tree trunk, preferably at the side facing the satellite’s direction, and in doing so eschewing the need for mounting poles.

If that too isn’t possible, you can mount the dish atop a rigid pole on the nearest clearing where the dish can have a clear, unobstructed view.

Take note that whenever cable runs in excess of 100 feet, you may have to use an amplifier to retain the signal. Here’s our page regarding using amplifiers to extend satellite TV wiring.

And the last reminder, coaxial cables are sturdy, but aren’t weatherproof. You will need suitable protection if you expect these to last. Using high-quality suitable types, like “flooded” coaxial cables will ensure durability. If there are joints outdoors, use a liberal amount of silicone grease inside and around the plugs, then wrapping the entire joint with self-amalgamating tape will make it weatherproof.

For anyone who has done any cable wiring, extending a satellite cable should be familiar territory. Whenever wiring runs in excess of 100 feet, an in-line amplifier may be used to maintain signal integrity.

The Signal Loss

Satellite TV uses RG-6 coaxial cables, a pretty common coax variety extensively use in many commercial and home applications. RG-6 can refer to a wide variety of cable design properties which differ in terms of shielding, center conductor composition, or dielectric type. For example, the “flooded” coax variety is infused with heavy waterproofing designed for outdoor use.

Due to physical resistance, a coax cable will lose signal and the extent of the loss will depend on the quality of the cable. Furthermore, signal degradation is expected when the coaxial cable runs more than 100 feet, with the loss approximately at 1.6 decibels at 55 MHz, 6.5 decibels at 1000MHz and 10 decibels at 2250MHz per 100 feet of cable. A cheap coax will lose a great deal more signal than the same length of high-quality cable. However, all coax will lose more signal at higher frequencies (2000 MHz or more) than at lower frequencies (950 MHz or less).

The cable’s resistance is further increased with more length added, requiring more voltage to adequately carry and produce a signal. And satellite TV signals are very weak to begin with. If it becomes too weak due to the length of resistance it has to pass through, you will not get a bad reception; you will lose it completely.

A satellite TV in-line amplifier may help alleviate this problem. By placing amplifiers in between the dish and the receiver, the signal levels can be increased to sufficiently reach the receiver. But take note, an amplifier can only amplify what’s there, including noise. That’s the very reason why amplifiers should be placed nearer the source of the signal rather than the receiving end, to lessen the noise that the coax has picked up. And most of the time, using a larger dish is better than using an amplifier.

In-line Amplifier Usage

Using amplifiers is as easy as fitting the F-Connectors to their respective sockets. Unfortunately, many people miss doing this the right way.

In-line amplifiers should be installed between the satellite dish and the receiver. If there is a multi-switch, the inline amplifier should be located in between the satellite dish and the multi-switch.

If the joint will be outdoors, which is most likely, use a liberal amount of silicone grease or petroleum jelly inside and around the plug to exclude air and moisture and prevent corrosion of the copper contact areas inside. Silicone grease is most recommended since petroleum jelly easily oxidizes. After this, wrap the entire joint with self-amalgamating tape to make the joint weatherproof.

In satellite TV installation, using diplexers is almost always recommended to eliminate unnecessary cost of wiring, labor and installation materials necessary to run two coaxial drops: one coming from the satellite dish and the other from the Over-The-Air antenna for local channels. Why have two coaxial cables traveling the length of your home when you can have just one.

a sonora satellite TV diplexer

What are satellite TV diplexers?

Satellite TV diplexers are passive devices whose main function is multiplexing signals with differing frequency domains into one channel. A typical diplexer will have three ports: a lowpass filter port and highpass filter port both connecting to a third port. Since the signals are occupying different frequencies, both these signals can coexist on a single communications channel without interfering with each other.

In the broadest sense, diplexers are used in satellite TV installation to allow the signal of your satellite TV programming and the signal of your Over-The-Air antenna which you use for your local channels to share a single coaxial cable, instead of having one coaxial cable for each device.

The advantages are obvious: first, it significantly reduces the number of cables running all over your home and makes the overall wiring architecture simple, and two: it makes troubleshooting (and expansion later on) a lot easier.

Satellite TV Wiring with a Diplexer

With a diplexer, you will need only one coaxial cable for both your satellite TV programming and local station programming. Here’s an example:

Since diplexers are reciprocal: meaning these devices doesn't have a notion of input or output, you can feed a signal right back down the same coaxial cable. Here’s an example showing how you can feed a processed signal right back down the line which you can then split to feed a second, third or fourth television set, courtesy of ProSatellite Supply:

Setting up a satellite dish on your RV is fairly easy, and with the right tools you can do it within minutes. The best thing about a satellite TV system – it has portability – just the exact opposite of cable TV. It means you will still have NFL Sunday Ticket whenever you go tailgating because you can lug your satellite TV system with you whenever you go.

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Setting up a satellite dish is theoretically easy. And why wouldn’t it be, when all you need to do is mount a satellite dish, adjust it some until you get a signal, and then tighten all the bolts and screws.

However, many people who actually tried spent ridiculous amount of time setting up and trying to make it work. A lot of things went wrong: a faulty LNB, a broken cable, a broken receiver but usually the problem is always misalignment of the dish itself.

Are you also planning on installing a satellite dish yourself? Here are some satellite dish pointing tips and ideas that should help you save time.

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All things being equal, the simple answer to this question is that it can’t. Not that it’s impossible, but it is highly improbable for the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency used in most wi-fi modems to mess up the 12GHz frequency used by your satellite TV receiver.

There are some folks who experience signal disruptions when their satellite receivers are placed near a wireless cable modem or a wi-fi router. For this reason, they blame the bad TV signal to the modem. In case you experience the same dilemma, here are some tips to help you solve this mystery:

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Technically, there is no such thing as a satellite dish that’s best for a specific service provider like DirecTV or Dish Network. Satellite TV providers don’t even design satellite dishes specific only to their services, and any Dish Network satellite dish will surely work well with DirecTV systems and vice versa.

The most important factor of any satellite TV dish is size, obviously the larger the dish size, the better it is on gathering the signals beamed by the satellites. However, the bigger the satellite dish the more prominent it stands out, and rarely a home will have space or the interest for a nine foot eyesore bolted on their house. Therefore, the best satellite dish will be a balance of functionality and compactness.

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There are no cable wires designed specifically for one system, be it satellite TV or cable TV. What works for a cable TV system would certainly work for a satellite TV system. So if you have existing cable lines in your home or apartment leftover from its previous occupant, you can almost certainly use it when you build a new satellite TV system.

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Setting a satellite dish anywhere, as long as it has a fairly unobstructed view of the southern sky—is already a good idea. Mount it on a chimney or bolt it on the roof, it doesn’t matter. The most important factor is it has a wide, clear and unobstructed view of the southern sky. If mounting it on the chimney gives your satellite dish a nice exposure, then by all means, since a chimney is more stable than any 6-foot tripod anyway. Although you’d be pretty much a hardcore for bypassing qualified technicians to install a satellite dish yourself.

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The short answer is—no, you don’t. Satellite TV is entirely an over-the-air service provisioning, which means that you don’t need a cable line, a telephone line or any other physical lines to enjoy Satellite TV service.

Satellite TV gets all programming via a satellite dish which in turn collects the signals beamed by an orbiting satellite, which in turn also receives the signals coming from the service provider. A setup box, also known as satellite TV receiver is used to decrypt these signals.

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Many Direct TV and Dish Network subscribers may have been using “bunny ear” antennas before switching to the dish. If you are one of these satellite TV users, you can use these antennas to receiver local channels and other OTA contents that may not cover your satellite TV subscription.

Hook up your dish and your antenna in one TV by adding 2 extra coaxial cables to your present satellite TV setting. If you have the basic technical skills on the matter, you will find no trouble following the simple instructions below.

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Using a VCR to record programming when you have a satellite TV service installed may be a bit tricky but it can be done. It’s always important to remember that in a satellite TV set up, the satellite TV set up box (also known as the satellite TV receiver) is the primary feed and it always outputs through the frequency of Channels 3 or 4.

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Indeed, satellite TV is one of the best things to happen entering the 20th century. It’s like having your very own movie theater where you don’t have to queue for tickets and popcorn, and you can rewind and backtrack as you please.

Although it is a widely recognized and popular subject, satellite TV is poorly understood, and how its works remains a mystery to most people. In this article, we will find out how does satellite TV works and how it changed the landscape of TV viewing.

What is Satellite TV?

Satellite TV is a television broadcasting service that utilizes a communications satellite, a satellite dish and set-top box to convey communication via a radio signal. Primarily, satellite TV offers 100 times more channels, with better audio and video clarity, and highly customizable service than contemporary TV service such as cable TV. Also, because satellite TV uses the atmosphere to relay signals, it isn’t limited by the topographical and geographical difficulties of most cable TV systems.

How does it work?

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The satellite TV comparisons against cable TV have long been settled by the growing number of satellite TV enthusiasts in the US. Although cable TV providers still hold by far the largest share in the consumer pie, Dish Network and Direct TV are already starting to gnaw away portions of this since optimizing their businesses in the 1990s. With the continued advancement and technological breakthroughs happening in the industry today, it is likely the satellite providers will soon take over cable TV leaders as king in TV broadcasting.

Why is Satellite TV the better choice?

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Let’s compare satellite TV against cable TV by bringing in the big players of the pay-TV industry in the US.

Satellite TV Providers

Direct TV and Dish Network’s basic satellite TV packages start at about $30 and $25 respectively. These include more than 120 all-digital channels. The two providers basically have the same quality of service, same line of promotions. What differs from the other is the cost and some of their program line-ups.

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True, watching satellite TV programming over the internet could be a way cheaper solution than getting it from traditional TV subscriptions.  In fact, subscribers of cable and satellite TV have already began “cutting cords”, so to speak, in favor of OTA antennas from service providers like Netflix and other internet-based providers to save a few bucks over relatively the same TV programming.

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When you compare Satellite TV Providers Dish Network and Direct TV always come first in the list.  Their reputations speak for themselves.  They both offer wide collections of digital channels in their satellite TV deals.  They serve the biggest number of satisfied customers and with the best technology in the industry.

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You need to have a satellite dish with multiple tuners and a satellite receiver for each of your television. You have to call your satellite TV provider and ask them that you will be needing an additional receiver for you to have the satellite signal on different rooms.

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Connecting an HDTV to a receiver is as easy as hooking your satellite TV receiver box to your standard television set. The following are the quick and easy steps in attaching your satellite TV receiver to your HDTV.

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Having an HD TV does not necessarily give you the ultimate HDTV experience.  You need to have HD programming which are offered by TV providers.  Satellite TV companies (e.g. Dish Network and Direct TV) can help you on this need.  For just a few bucks, you can get the best HD channels from many of their basic program packages.

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Are you thinking of getting a Satellite TV?

Questions like: “Who gives the best service?” or “Who has the better package?” have already been asked many times.

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High definition (HD) TV is one of the hottest technologies in entertainment revolution. Simply descibed, HDTV channels and games can offer much broader and clearer pictures when compared to what is normally seen in a 480 line-standard definition TV (SDTV). And without doubt, shows that are watched in a 720-1080 resolution makes a better viewing experience than any of the best SDTV, as you witness the pictures really coming to life in your own living room.  If you are thinking of buying a new TV set, you should get an HDTV.

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Satellite TV brings viewers more and more reasons to enjoy watching television. Satellite TV technology enables people to watch TV with improved resolution and detail, with wider programming choices at much lower prices.

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Satellite TV is proving itself to be the preferred choice for TV viewing. With the latest advances in digital technology, satellite TV subscribers are getting progressively better picture and sound quality while they watch their favourite primetime shows for increasingly lower cost.

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Pegasus Satellite TV was a subsidiary of Pegasus Communications Corporation (which also owns and operates a group of television stations).  In 2004, Direct TV purchased the assets of Pegasus Satellite Television and is now the largest independent provider of Direct TV programming in the US.

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HDTVs don’t come cheap.  However, if you think your family needs some quality get-together time, you can vouch that having a new 50 in. 1080p Plasma sitting in your living room, that you and your family can enjoy watching primetime shows together with will make this possible – then every dollar you spend will be wise. So before investing your good money for an HDTV, you should know several things.

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Dish Network and DirecTV are the major satellite television providers in the United States. Both offer comparatively the same first-class high def viewing, have access to all the same channels, and both have 24/7 technical support. The only significant comparison for these two providers is pricing.

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Until recently, parabolic dishes of satellite TV began sprouting on homes everywhere around the world. This is because satellite TV has become a very popular choice for TV viewing and there are many reasons for this. While cable is still existent and reigning supreme in some regions, with the current trend of satellite TV it may very well oust cable TV as the king of TV viewing. Read on to know why.

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HDTV or High Definition Television refers to the latest breakthrough in television entertainment. The general difference between standard definition television and HDTV is that the latter has roughly five times the resolution that of SDTV, thus showing greater detail and clarity than either analog television or regular DVD.

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Since High Definition TV, known as HDTV, hit the market in 1998 individuals who love to watch movies and sports have been amazed at what it has to offer them. Those of you who don't have HDTV are probably wondering what all the excitement is about.

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While the internet can be a valuable source of information on just about any subject under the sun, you have to be careful with that information. Just because you read it somewhere online doesn't make it the truth. There are several myths out there that continue to circulate at amazing speed online.

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Many people aren't aware of the many differences between Digital TV (DTV) and High Definition Television (HDTV) and classify them as one and the same. While they are parallel in many ways there are some differences that clearly make HDTV the best form of digital TV available right now. The standards for DTV are established by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC). They monitor the standards for both the sound and the manner in which the video is encoded and received.

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The iPod has definitely taken the world by storm with millions of people carrying these small devices around with their favorite songs on them. Since the internet and the iPod are both very popular vices with the younger generation it was only a matter of time before the concept of bringing the two of them together happened. Throw in the TV to the mix and you have the ability to watch pods or movie casts on the internet.

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Ask an old timer about satellite television and most likely they will roll their eyes. In its early days, satellite TV required huge setup was expensive and technically challenging. Given these difficulties, it is little wonder that this service was relegated to rural areas unable to be serviced by cable TV. As has happened with many things, though, satellite TV has improved to the point where it is much simpler to get set up, and requires a much smaller footprint than ever before.

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