What is satellite TV?
How does satellite television compare with cable?
How hard is satellite TV to install?
Where should I install my satellite dish?
Can my homeowner's association forbid satellite dishes?
Can I have satellite TV in my apartment?
Why do I need to connect my phone to my satellite dish?
When does my satellite use my phone?
What does it cost to have more than one receiver?
Can I hook up more than one TV?
What is an access card?
What parental controls are available?
How does pay-per-view work if I have more than one receiver?
Why are some channels not available?
What can cause poor reception?
Why do local channels cost extra?
If the game is blacked out in my area, can I still watch
by satellite?
What is HDTV?
What will I need to get HDTV?
How much programming is available in HDTV?
Satellite TV, obviously, comes from satellite broadcasts of programs. It has changed somewhat from the days when you had to have the huge dish set up in your back yard. Now you can have it anywhere you have a clear view of the southern sky. It is even available in cars. Satellite television offers a wider range of programming than cable in most cases, as well as clearer reception at most times. It is somewhat susceptible to weather, however.
How does satellite television compare with cable?
Satellite television reception is clearer than cable reception, for starters. The basic satellite package offers you more channels as well. You can get local channels from either service. If you love movies or sports, satellite television typically offers you a wider range of programming choices as well. Satellite TV is often cheaper than cable, so for the money you get an excellent deal.
The one area cable may have an advantage in is that it is easier to get multiple televisions hooked up to cable with most services. With satellite, you do have to get one receiver for each television, unless you want to watch the same programming on every television. However, the extra cost is not extreme, and many services include free installation of satellite receivers for multiple televisions, so the costs do not increase at the time of installation.
How hard is satellite TV to install?
Installation of satellite TV is not too difficult; however, as installation is free with many plans, this may not be a concern for most first-time satellite buyers. If you need professional installation, it is generally affordable. If you do choose to install it yourself, read the instructions given with your equipment carefully and do not rush the job. Call your satellite company if you have any technical concerns with installing a system yourself.
Where should I install my satellite dish?
Your satellite dish should be installed outside your house where it can get a clear view of the southern sky. Although you may be tempted to install it inside for one reason or another, there truly is no need to do so. In addition, window glass can interfere with your signal, lowering your picture quality.
Can my homeowner's association forbid satellite dishes?
No. This has not been allowed by the FCC since 1996, so long as your satellite dish meets certain size requirements, which most modern dishes will.
Can I have satellite TV in my apartment?
Yes, in most cases. You are allowed to place a satellite dish if you are leasing your apartment and have a clear view of the southern sky. It is polite, of course, to ask your landlord if they have a preference for where a satellite dish is mounted outside your apartment. You will most likely need to have a balcony to mount your dish on.
Why do I need to connect my phone to my satellite dish?
Connecting your satellite dish to your phone helps with billing and allows you to order pay-per-view movies and events. You must use a land-line phone; not a cell phone. Rather than calling in, you can order with your remote. Also, customers whose phones do not hook up to their satellite receiver may or may not be able to order all pay-per-view events.
When does my satellite use my phone?
Your satellite uses a toll-free number to make a very brief call in the middle of the night. If you happen to be using the phone, it will simply try again later. You can be certain it will not interfere with the regular use of your telephone.
What does it cost to have more than one receiver?
Cost depends on the model ordered. With most satellite television companies, you may get a certain number of receivers free with your initial order, depending on the number of rooms you are installing satellite TV into. It does cost extra each month to have those receivers operating each month, which of course varies by company and plan.
Can I hook up more than one TV?
Absolutely. There are two ways to go about this. The first is to have one receiver for each television. This option allows every television to be set to a different program. The second option is to only have one receiver, but this means all televisions hooked to that receiver will always be tuned to the same program.
The access card provides the information necessary to identify your receiver(s) so that you can get your programming. It has billing information unique to your account, so you can order services with ease.
What parental controls are available?
This may vary by company; in addition, some televisions have the V-chip already installed, so you may have more than one way to control what shows may be watched. The satellite company may allow you to block programs by rating, limit pay-per-view spending or even block channels.
How does pay-per-view work if I have more than one receiver?
If you have more than one receiver, you need to be certain to place the order through the television you wish to watch the program on. If you try to watch it through two different receivers, you will be billed for two viewings.
Why are some channels not available?
Channel availability depends on agreements the satellite company has made. They have to pay for the programming offered to you, and sometimes an agreement is simply not possible. Before signing up with a satellite company, make sure they do offer the channels you most want. It also depends on customer preference, so if you know of a channel you want, make sure to tell the satellite company about it. Enough requests will make it worth their while to add to their lineup.
What can cause poor reception?
Satellite television is somewhat sensitive to harsh weather. Snowstorms can degrade the quality of your signal, as can heavy rainfall. This is temporary, however, and your signal should clear up with the weather. Snow on your satellite dish can also limit its ability to receive signals clearly. There are accessories to help prevent snow buildup if this is a common problem for you. If all else fails, unplug your system for at least 15 seconds, then plug it back in, to see if it resets.
Why do local channels cost extra?
Your satellite television provider must pay to use the local channels just as they do for national channels. To keep things fair, this cost is only charged to those customers actually receiving local channels.
If the game is blacked out in my area, can I still watch by satellite?
No. Your satellite provider has a legal obligation to observe game blackouts.
High Definition Television is a new format which improves the picture quality your television set receives. Not all televisions can take advantage of high definition, but this is becoming increasingly popular. When purchasing a television set look for one that is HDTV-ready even if you are not planning on ordering HDTV services any time soon. This will keep you from needing to buy another TV as HDTV becomes more common.
It is possible to purchase a television with HDTV equipment already installed; you may even choose a television which already has a receiver for some satellite providers, so you only need to order services and a satellite dish to get started. Otherwise, you will need to order HDTV equipment in order to take advantage of HDTV.
How much programming is available in HDTV?
There is quite a bit of programming available in HDTV. As you watch television, see how often your favorite shows are broadcast simultaneously in HDTV. Many movies are also broadcast in HDTV, allowing you to view them in as good of quality as they were in the movie theater.
