Buzz
Satellite providers collect video feeds from various programming sources and transmit the signals to an orbiting satellite. The satellite then sends the signals back down to Earth, where your satellite dish receives the signal and forwards it to your set-top box.High-definition televisions have transitioned from being a luxury for early home theater aficionados to a common purchase for the average consumer. Early models were priced in the thousands, but now some can be found for under $300. However, purchasing an HDTV is just the beginning – to fully experience HD programming, you’ll still need a compatible media source for your new television.
One option for HDTV viewing is satellite HD service. By subscribing to a satellite HD plan and obtaining the necessary equipment, owners of HDTVs can enjoy a wide array of programs with sharp visuals and surround sound that pulls you in.
Satellite HD service operates similarly to standard satellite television. The provider acquires content from various sources, compresses it into a digital signal, and transmits it via satellite to a dish on the ground. The satellite, positioned in geosynchronous orbit, remains fixed above the Earth, moving at the same speed as the planet's rotation. Without geosynchronous orbit, satellite TV wouldn’t be possible, as users would have to constantly adjust their satellite dishes to maintain a connection, especially when the satellite moves out of range on the other side of Earth.
The orbiting satellite functions as both a receiver and a transmitter. It receives channel feeds from the service provider, then beams the signals back toward Earth. The customer's satellite dish acts as an antenna, capturing these signals and passing them to the receiver set-top box (STB). For a more in-depth look at how satellite television works, check out our article on "How Satellite TV Works."
Older satellite receivers convert the signal from a digitally compressed format, like MPEG-2, into an analog format. HDTV sets, however, can interpret high-definition signals, which is where satellite HD comes into play. Satellite HD service follows the same basic principles as regular satellite TV, but employs different encoding methods. With the proper STB, you can decode and enjoy high-definition content.
In the next section, we'll explore how satellite service providers encode signals. We'll also cover the equipment required to receive and decode those signals so you can enjoy HDTV.
High-definition television offers far superior clarity and vibrancy compared to standard TV. Before the rise of digital video, the standard signal format was analog, with a resolution of about 704 x 480 pixels. With the introduction of digital video, consumers gained access to TVs capable of displaying far more pixels, up to 1920 x 1080 on some models.
Satellite HD Signals and Equipment
HDTV made its debut in 1998, marking the beginning of an era with superior resolution and sound quality.
Photo courtesy of Consumer Guide ProductsUncompressed video signals demand immense bandwidth, more than satellites can simultaneously receive and transmit. That's why satellite service providers compress video signals, especially for high-definition content. This is done using a compression system standard set by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).
There are several different MPEG encoding standards. You may recognize MP3 files, which utilize the MPEG-1 standard for audio. Until recently, satellite systems used the MPEG-2 standard to compress video, which reduces the video size by a ratio of about 55:1. Nowadays, DISH Network and DIRECTV, the two major satellite providers in the U.S., use the more efficient MPEG-4 compression standard, which is better suited for fast-moving visuals such as in sports and action films.
Prior to adopting MPEG-4 compression, satellite service providers were limited in the number of HD channels they could offer due to bandwidth constraints. As cable companies began offering HD packages, satellite systems had to innovate to keep up. Both DIRECTV and DISH Network upgraded to MPEG-4, enabling them to offer more HD channels with greater efficiency. However, this upgrade meant customers needed to replace their equipment to access the new content.
Satellite companies initially designed dishes and set-top boxes to receive and decode signals in the MPEG-2 format. However, MPEG-4 is very different from MPEG-2, making older equipment incompatible with the new signals. Customers had to decide: keep the old service with their existing equipment, or pay to upgrade and enjoy more HD content. Although providers currently allow customers to make their own choice, in the future, all providers will transition to the MPEG-4 format, making older equipment obsolete.
Although satellite HD receivers use different encoding methods, they function similarly to standard set-top boxes. The video signal travels from the provider’s satellite dish through a cable to the receiver. The receiver then performs three essential tasks:
- Decrypt the signal. To prevent signal theft by individuals using unauthorized dishes and receivers to steal service, satellite providers scramble the signals using encryption codes. The receivers sold or leased by the companies are equipped with a chip designed to decrypt these signals, ensuring only authorized users can access them.
- Decompress the signal. Formats like MPEG-4 allow HD signals to be transmitted from the provider, but televisions cannot interpret compressed signals. The receiver’s role is to decode the signal, converting it from MPEG-4 to its original, uncompressed form.
- Send the signal to the television. Once the receiver decrypts and decompresses the signal, it sends it to the customer's HDTV for viewing.
Next, we will explore the current landscape of satellite HD service.
Current Satellite HD Service
DIRECTV is one of the top two satellite service providers in the United States.
Photo courtesy of DIRECTVTo attract customers, many satellite TV providers offer HD programming. The two leading satellite service providers in the United States are DISH Network and DIRECTV, both offering various service packages designed to meet the needs of a wide range of consumers, from families to avid viewers. Both companies also offer multiple options for those seeking HDTV content.
DIRECTV and DISH Network are continuously refining their services, including pricing and channel options. Although it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, here's an overview of how the two stack up against each other:
- DIRECTV offers a package with over 80 HD channels, and other plans include up to 40 HD channels. In all but two packages, HD content is considered an add-on, requiring an extra $9.99 per month for access. The remaining two packages include HD as part of the overall price. HD options include a wide selection of movie channels like HBO and Showtime, sports networks, and niche channels such as National Geographic. Some channels, like the Smithsonian Channel HD, are exclusive to HD broadcasts.
- DISH Network provides over 70 HD channels, though the available channels depend on the selected subscription package. The HD add-on costs $20 per month, and availability of HD channels may vary by region. In certain areas, DISH Network also offers local HD channels.
Satellite HD providers often offer a broader range of HD channels compared to cable services. For example, Comcast in Atlanta provides just 15 HD channels, including a few local broadcast stations. Since cable services are region-specific, they can easily include local HD broadcasts. Satellite services, however, are national and may have regional offices that collect and transmit local HD signals to satellites. Depending on the provider and region, satellite customers might be able to access local HD channels, or they may need to rely on an antenna to pick up over-the-air signals.
Both cable and satellite HD services have their ups and downs: Cable pros: local HD channels are typically available and weather conditions don’t affect signal quality. Cable cons: limited channel selection. Satellite HD pros: larger variety of HD channels, including niche options not found on most cable networks. Satellite HD cons: lack of local HD channels in some areas, and weather interference may disrupt the signal.
