Once seen as a status symbol for those who could afford a large satellite dish, television signals received from satellite companies have now become relatively commonplace. The satellite television market has become smaller over time, with only a few companies now representing the majority of satellite TV options. The provider that an individual chooses is based on both which channel lineup they prefer and which company is able to offer them the better deal. In order to draw in the most customers, many satellite TV providers have begun offering other services such as high-speed internet connections as well.
Function
Regardless of the satellite company that you choose, the basic function of their services remains the same. Through the use of a small satellite dish, which is generally attached to the side or roof of your home, a digital television signal is received from a satellite in orbit around the Earth. This signal generally provides more than one option for popular channels (often designated as "East" and "West") because different satellites will be used to provide the signals for those channels depending on the time of the day and the location of the satellites in their orbits. Individuals who purchase broadband internet access through a satellite company will send and receive data packets through the same satellite connection that they use to receive TV and HDTV signals.
Misconceptions
It's often believed that you can receive every channel lineup from any of the major satellite television providers. While this is true for the most part, some channels have signed exclusive deals with one provider and can only be accessed through them. In some cases this may be because of policies upheld by specific satellite companies, such as a limitation on adult networks. Other causes for this exclusivity can be sponsorship of the channel by the satellite company or an exclusive deal that has been signed by one of the network's major competitors with a different satellite company. All basic channels and most premium channels will still be available with all providers, however.
Identification
The two main satellite television companies, Dish Network and DirecTV, each strive to establish a separate identity so that consumers won't confuse one for the other. Each strives to be the better satellite television provider, often competing to try and provide more features and more high-definition content than the other. Despite this rivalry, they are both united in the fact that they tout satellite television service as being superior to that which is provided by cable television companies. Both companies also offer internet access, though the means of providing it differs (Dish Network offers satellite internet powered by Wild Blue satellite internet services, while DirecTV offers DSL connections established by local DSL service providers.)
Significance
Satellite companies present the only real competition to local cable companies, allowing individuals who don't have a cable hookup or who prefer not to have traditional cable to receive high-quality television signals and HDTV channels. Because of the digital nature of satellite television broadcasts, a larger degree of programmability is often offered on basic satellite TV packages than would be available with similar packages offered by cable companies. Since a digital receiver is required to decode satellite signals, more satellite sellers tend to offer DVR packages at a basic rate than their cable competitors as well.
Considerations
Satellite television isn't right for everyone. Depending on the satellite company that you choose you will need to have a specific clear view of the sky so that satellite signals can be received without interference. Many satellite providers are unable to offer local stations as a part of their satellite packages, though an increasing number have been able to add at least some local channels to their programing lineup. Satellite connections can be interrupted by heavy rain or other weather, causing the signal to degrade or the dish to lose the signal completely until the bad weather breaks up. Satellite service does offer the advantage of being unaffected by other problems which can affect cable companies, however (such as downed cable lines.)
Tags: satellite company, satellite television, cable companies, available with, channel lineup, company that, company that choose