Functions And Features Of A Satellite TV Receiver
A home satellite television system is comprised of five major components among which are the programming source, the broadcast center, the satellite, the satellite dish and the satellite TV receiver. In particular, a satellite TV receiver generally has four important functions. First, it decodes or descrambles a satellite television signal that is encrypted. Through a decoder chip of the programming package of a satellite TV provider, this device is able to unlock an encrypted signal. Second, a satellite TV receiver converts a digital MPEG-2 signal and transforms it into another format that most standard televisions can understand. In the US, in particular, digital signal is changed to the analog NTSC format. Third, individual channels are separated from a larger satellite signal using a receiver. Lastly, it monitors the pay-per-view programs availed by a subscriber and subsequently, conveys billing information to the satellite provider.
Different satellite TV receiver models may have different optional features. Though these features do not necessarily affect satellite television services, they may make the device easier to use and improve its overall performance. Among these optional features are filters, automatic VCR timer, auto peak, parental lockout and favorite channels. Filters are satellite TV receiver features that reduce noise and contribute to better reception of some channels that have weak transmission signals. Some models also have terrestrial interference (TI) filters that minimize TI problems that negatively affect reception of some satellite TV channels. Terrestrial interference is caused by the transmission of microwave signals by some terrestrial communications companies like a local telephone company that may interfere with satellite TV reception. Another popular feature of a satellite TV receiver is the automatic VCR timer. This makes it possible for a subscriber to record a satellite TV broadcast so he could watch it at a later time. A receiver can be set up to get a specific satellite TV channel at a selected time. All receivers have internal clocks so they could be programmed or set up to record television shows broadcasted at a certain time with or without the presence of the television viewer at home. Moreover, a satellite TV receiver may also have an auto peak feature. This enables the receiver to make changes in the position of a satellite dish and adjust polarization settings and channel frequency to make sure that peak signal reception is obtained. The quality of reception may be adversely affected if the satellite dish is moved out of its normal alignment by an external factor like a strong wind, and the like. Also available in a satellite TV receiver is the parental lockout feature. This makes sure that children will not view be able to view some satellite television channels. This also makes sure that young kids would not be able to change accidentally the television programming set-up of the subscriber. The favorite channels feature, on the other hand, is a feature that is common to expensive satellite TV receiver models. This allows the user to create a list of favorite video and audio channels for his program selection. Instead of remembering channel numbers, the television viewer only has to select a channel from his favorite channel list. |