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How Satellite TV Works

We benefit from the use of satellite technology all the time, yet few of us understand exactly how it works. It isn't terribly complicated in theory, although the result is quite impressive. In a nutshell, satellite television works through a process of sending and receiving audio and video signals. Yes, you probably knew that much already. Below, we will map out the journey these audio and video signals take in order to bring you hours of entertainment.

The images and sounds on your television originate from various broadcasting stations that send their programming up to a satellite floating in space approximately 22,240 miles above Earth, whether from DirecTV or Dish Network. This satellite is known as a geostationary satellite, as it remains in a geostationary orbit. Having an object in this orbit means that it is always hovering directly above the Earth's equator and will remain completely motionless, relative to the Earth. There are many satellites in geostationary orbit around the Earth, although not all of them are being used for television broadcasting. Amazingly, one geostationary satellite can transmit signals to nearly half the area on the planet.

Transponders on a geostationary satellite send signals down to a satellite receiver on Earth (i.e., the television satellite on or next to your house). Why the need to bounce signals up into space only to come down again? Because the transmission is traveling via radio waves, which can only be received using a straight line. Buildings, trees and other objects would obstruct these signals if they attempted to travel horizontally. So, broadcasters essentially have to send a signal up into space, only to have it reflect directly down to a desired location, which in this case is where you will be watching your television.

The satellite dish you have mounted to or by your house, office, etc. receives audio and video signals from space and then properly translates those signals to be gathered by the receiver next to your television. Your dish is designed to be rounded so that it will reflect the signals it catches into the feed horn antenna on the front of the dish. See the device sticking out in front of the dish? That is a Low Noise Block (LNB), which makes your signals "television friendly" and ready for your receiver.

The receiver next to your television, after gathering information from the dish's LNB, decodes the signals further, turning them into actual sound and visuals, which are then sent into your television to be enjoyed by you. You are then free to change channels or, if you have a DVR, record your satellite transmissions as you receive them. As you can see, the logistics of satellite television aren't nearly as complicated as you might expect. In simplified terms, it is merely a process of bouncing signals from the broadcasting companies up into space and back down to your dish's location.

Interested in satellite television? Order DIRECTV.

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