| mes these days are set up for cable TV, but | | | | wider reach of satellite technology, Satellite TV is |
| there is a growing number who have opted for | | | | readily available in far flung areas where cable |
| the more advanced Direct Broadcast Satellite TV | | | | operators can't reach. |
| (DBS). | | | | * Parental lock-out options. It takes the worry out |
| DBS is more simply referred to as Satellite TV | | | | of parents concerned at what their kids are |
| these days, and is proving to be the biggest | | | | watching while they are out. Most Satellite TV |
| television breakthrough since Cable. | | | | receivers are now able to block certain channels |
| With newer technologies in satellite broadcast | | | | from a television set. |
| being developed, it may very well be cable's top | | | | * WebTV option. Because Internet data can also |
| future competitor. | | | | be transmitted wirelessly, your Satellite TV can |
| There are two sides to satellite TV that you | | | | also receive Internet service from your TV set. |
| should consider before cutting your ties with your | | | | Satellite TV is the answer if you are looking for |
| cable provider. | | | | an integrated television and internet set up. |
| Here are some advantages and disadvantages of | | | | Satellite TV providers can easily hook the same |
| satellite TV: | | | | TV to the Internet at an impressive connection |
| Advantages of Satellite TV | | | | speed for a reasonable price. |
| * High-quality audio and picture display. Satellite TV | | | | * Digital video recorders. With some satellite TV |
| transmits high-quality digital data with the use of | | | | receivers, you can record shows directly to a |
| MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 compression. MPEG-4 is also | | | | hard drive for play back later. |
| known for providing high-definition video streams | | | | Disadvantages of Satellite TV |
| to computers, cellular phones and PDAs or | | | | * Initial investment. The receiver and satellite dish |
| personal digital assistants. Think crisp and clear and | | | | can be expensive. Be sure to compare prices and |
| you have Satellite TV. | | | | sources before making a purchase. |
| * Access to hundreds of channels worldwide. | | | | * Multiple TV sets require multiple receivers. A |
| Satellite TV providers obtain their line-up of shows | | | | separate receiver for each TV is needed, making |
| from both turnaround channels like HBO, ESPN | | | | it very expensive if you have, like most, more |
| and CNN as well as from numerous local channels | | | | than one TV in your home. |
| like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS. | | | | * Can malfunction in bad weather. Since the |
| The ability to receive and send broadcast signals | | | | satellite dish is usually located outdoors, it |
| using satellite technology increases the possibilities | | | | becomes susceptible to malfunction as a result of |
| of gaining access to channels from other countries | | | | weather conditions like snow, very strong winds |
| that utilize similar technology for broadcasting. So | | | | and lightning. Ensuring you get a quality product at |
| you are not restricted to the channels on cable | | | | the outset will help prevent this. |
| networks. | | | | * Installation required. While one can try installing |
| * Choice of programs. A number of unique | | | | the Satellite TV equipment by himself, a |
| channel packages are there for the choosing by | | | | competent member of the provider's technical |
| satellite TV subscribers. You can discard the | | | | support team can do the job quickly with very |
| channels you don't want and select the ones you | | | | little room for error but at an additional service |
| do. | | | | fee. |
| * Wider geographical coverage. Because of the | | | | |