Satellite TV

In 1963 USA launched its first communication satellite in an orbit 22,300 miles above Atlantic Ocean. Since then till now satellite is providing all the means of communication whether is its audio, video or any sort of data. In 1978 PBS (Public Broadcast Service) was introduced, which was the first to provide satellite TV programs. This gave rise to the other networks to use satellite for programming. Moving on the same track, DTH (direct to home) backyard dish systems came into existence. But there was no privacy that is local antennas could catch those signals. To resolve this problem decoders/receivers came in action that could read the encrypted signals. The introduction of decoders showed new dimensions to satellite TV communications and in 1980 FCC came up with a plan of new service named DBS - direct broadcast satellite consisting of geostationary orbital satellite, exchanging (transmitting & receiving) of signals and individual user access to those signals. Since 1980 some tries were made to provide DBS service but in vain till in 1990 MSOs (multi system operators) came up with Primestar providing 30 analogue channels and later digitized 90 channels. Then in 1992 Direct TV and in 1996 Dish network came with a blast, left all other services far behind and are still at the top.

Mechanism of DBS Satellites

DBS satellite TV service works quite differently than other satellite services like DTH backyard dishes. In case of DTH you have to rotate the dish to get desired channels that is different satellites carry different programming. But in case of DBS satellites being in geosynchronous orbit meaning that at fixed location with respect to earth in its orbit, provides all the programs on the same line of sight with digital quality. DBS systems works within the frequency range of 12 GHz to 17 GHz providing so much programming from the one satellite.

Overview of DBS Providers

DBS satellite TV service is provided in USA by:

• Primestar
• DirecTV/USSB
• Dish Network

Primestar was launched in 1992 with 30 analogue channels then later in 1194 they provided 90 - 95 digital channels claiming themselves first in digital service. Their main criteria is instead of selling decoders and dishes they lease them and include lease cost in monthly fee. DirecTV and USSB mutually work to provide 200 channels. Direct TV and Dish network have lots of features that attract the customers over other services like number of packages with respect to prices, DVR, HDTV facilities and much more.
With its top ranking customer support, more than 200 channels, high quality 100% pure digital programming, satellite Internet availability with direcway systems, availability where other broadcasting networks can’t reach, DBS stands tall among all broadcasting networks in USA.