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Satellite Service
Satellite television programming is an alternative to cable TV. It has the advantage of being picked up almost anywhere in the country including out-of-the-way places where cable is not available. DirecTV and Dish Network provide millions of customers with satellite broadcasts all around the country. Deciding what receiver to use depends on certain factors and different satellite receivers require different setups.
DirecTV or Dish Network
Your receiver selection depends on the specific satellite provider you use. Both major companies (DirecTV and Dish Network) manufacture (or use) similar receivers, but in order for the satellite setup to work; you must use receivers produced for DirecTV on a DirecTV system and the same with Dish Network satellite receivers. This narrows your selection of satellite receivers, but other options must also be considered. You do not specifically have to buy a new receiver from the satellite provider, but you do need to buy one compatible with your satellite setup.
Desired Satellite Receiver Functions
Satellite receivers come with all type of functions and your specific needs will narrow the group of receivers even more. Do you want a receiver that picks up HD (high definition) signals? This requires a specific antenna (satellite dish), a HD television and an account package with HD programming (monthly fee) included. If you use an HD receiver and do not have any of the above mentioned, you will still get satellite programming, but not in HD.
Do you want to have a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver added to your satellite setup? This type of receiver allows you to stop; pause, rewind and record live television broadcasts. It works like having two VCRs, but it is built-in to one satellite receiver. DVR receivers permits you to record one channel and watch another channel at the same time or record two channels at the same time and watch another recorded program. This type of a receiver requires two satellite signals to work, since it is like having two receivers in one. This means you must have two satellite signals (cables) going to this receiver and to use it; you must also have DVR service (monthly fee) as part of your monthly package. These types of satellite receivers are offered in HD, SD (standard) and HD/SD combinations (Dish Network only).
Both satellite companies offer a basic (SD) satellite receiver, if you do not need either HD or DVR functions. This type of receiver requires a dish and cable run to the television to work, but no other fees are added to your monthly package price.
Connecting the Satellite Receiver to Your Setup
Connecting a satellite receiver requires basic knowledge of how a satellite system works. This includes mounting the correct satellite antenna (dish) to pick up the signals of a precise satellite(s), running the necessary cable(s) properly to each satellite receiver, connecting the receiver to a television plus having the exact monthly package deal to receive all of the services needed.
This varies depending on your specific satellite setup. Once you decide on the type of receiver, you must learn what is needed for it to work properly. If you want to replace one receiver with a similar one, it will simply mean swapping out receivers. If you are changing to a different type of receiver, you may have to alter your complete satellite setup. Then you must be able to understand how to install it correctly, since it varies greatly from installing a single standard satellite receiver to installing a HD DVR receiver. Read the manual (user guide) for the type of receiver you want to learn more about this. You can follow the directions provided and perform the installation yourself or you can contact your satellite provider, which will often times perform the installation for free when you get a satellite receiver from the company. Another option you may consider is to consult or hire a professional satellite installer.
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