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Q: What is satellite TV and how does it work?

Satellite TV is a type of television system where the signals are broadcasted through communication satellites. In this system, subscribers receive signals directly in their homes via a satellite dish rather than through radio waves (traditional terrestrial TV system) or through coaxial cables (cable TV).
The signal picked up by the satellite dish is converted into TV picture by a receiver, which is then displayed on the TV screen.


Q: How soon can I get a free satellite TV system installed?

The installation time depends on your location as far as both the major satellite TV service providers - DIRECTV and DISH Network are concerned. Usually a satellite TV system is installed within one to five days of placing an order for the service.


Q: Do Cable and Satellite TV offer similar picture quality?

The picture quality of Satellite TV is much superior to that of cable TV.


Q: Can I get local channels with satellite TV systems?

Yes, both Dish Network and DIRECTV provide local channels with most of their packages in almost all metropolitan areas.


Q: Can weather affect the signal quality of satellite TV?

The occurrence of this is very rare and can happen only under extremely bad weather conditions such as torrential rains or very wet snow. Usually professional installation will result in optimally placed dish, thus minimizing lost signals during bad weather.


Q: Do I need a phone line connection in order to use satellite TV?

No. If you want the satellite TV system only for one room and do not want pay-per-view movies and sports programs, you don’t need a phone line. However, if your need is for satellite TV connection in several rooms and want to order certain movies and sports programming by using your remote, a phone line is needed. This telephone usage does not interfere with the normal use of your phone. Nor does it involve long distance charges as the ordering is done over a toll free number.


Q: Can I use my existing cable TV wiring for satellite TV?

Yes you can use your existing wiring to connect the satellite TV receiver to your satellite dish if it is RG-6 coax cable. If it isn’t, you will need new wiring. Fortunately, most cable TV connection nowadays run on RG-6 coax cable so in most cases the existing wiring can be used for satellite TV connection.


Q: What is HDTV?

HDTV (High Definition TV) provides enhanced production and reception of broadcasts. The picture quality is almost 10 times better than the traditional TV and the razor-sharp clarity and lifelike imagery are the highlights of HDTV. The main reason for better performance of HDTV is the improved aspect ratio of 16:9 as opposed to the 4:3 ratio of traditional TV.


Q: Can I get HDTV with satellite TV?

Yes. Both the main providers - DISH Network and DIRECTV – offer extensive HDTV programming.


Q: What equipment do I need for HDTV?

You'll need an HDTV-ready TV set with a built-in DIRECTV® Receiver or a standalone DIRECTV HD Receiver for High Definition programming from DIRECTV. Another essential equipment will be a five Low Noise Blocker (LNB) DIRECTV satellite dish. Typically, in most of the cities where HD local channels are available, you need the following equipment to receive local channels on HD – (a) a five-LNB dish (b) an H20 receiver and (c) an off-air antenna.


Q: Where can I get a satellite TV cost comparison?

There are two major satellite TV service providers in the US - Dish Network and DIRECTV. You can get an exhaustive comparison between the two here


Q: Does satellite TV have parental locks?

Yes, both DISH Network and DIRECTV provide this facility so that you can prevent your children from watching programs, which you think are not suitable for them.


Q: What happens if I change my location?

Satellite TV equipments are portable and impose no major problems if a change in location is required. All you need to do is call the customer care service of the service provider about your plans to move and the installers will set up the connection at your new location.