Satellite television, also known as Satellite TV, is a broadcast delivery system that transmits television programming directly to viewers’ homes through communication satellites. Unlike traditional terrestrial television or cable television, satellite TV uses satellites in space to deliver programming.
Television programming originates from various sources such as network affiliates, independent broadcasters, satellite broadcasters, or cable channels. The content is then sent to a broadcast center where it is encoded, compressed, and uplinked to a satellite in space. The satellite receives the signals, amplifies them, and rebroadcasts them back to Earth.
At the viewer’s location, the signals are picked up by a satellite dish and passed onto a satellite receiver. The receiver decodes the digital signals, allowing them to be displayed on a television screen. Satellite TV can deliver high-definition (HD) and 4K quality programming.
Weather conditions can affect the quality of satellite TV broadcasts. Heavy rain or snow can disrupt the signal. To access satellite television, specific hardware is required, including a satellite dish and a receiver box. The dish must be pointed in the direction of the satellite broadcasting the channels. Different packages of channels may require multiple satellites.
Satellites used for satellite television are typically geostationary satellites. These satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed as its rotation, keeping them in a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface. They carry transponders, which receive signals from Earth stations and retransmit them back. Each satellite can carry multiple transponders, allowing for multiple television channels.
Commonly used acronyms relevant to satellite TV include VOD (Video On Demand), SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand), TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand), AVOD (Advertising-based Video On Demand), OTT (Over The Top), DTC (Direct-to-Consumer), IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor), vMVPD (virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor), and Pay TV.
Satellite TV relies on an ecosystem of companies, including content creators/producers, broadcasters, content distributors, and satellite operators/service providers. Each company plays a role in the successful delivery of satellite TV services.
Overall, satellite television provides viewers with a wide range of programming options and can be enjoyed in high-quality formats.