To watch satellite TV on PC or TV, there are quite a handful of methods to do so. It is important that we know our options since television is very much part of our life. In a recent study, statistics showed that more than 99% of our American homes own more than one television, with national average at around 2 TV sets per home. In fact, a good percentage of our households, more than 25% are already watching satellite TV. Let us take a walkthrough to various options to watch satellite TV on PC or TV.

Watch Satellite TV on TV

There are essentially 2 basic ways to watch satellite TV on our TV sets. You should be pretty familiar with Television Receive-Only (TVRO) as it was the pioneering satellite TV systems. These kind of do-it-yourself (DIY) satellite TV systems receive satellite TV feeds from FSS-type satellites, on C-band frequency. These systems are also called big ugly dish systems (BUDS) for its signature large satellite dish which are typically 3 to 6 feet in diameter. Before pay television and subscription-based Direct Broadcast Systems (DBS) services like Dish Network and DirecTV appeared, it was the only source of satellite TV. This way of watching satellite TV still exists in different parts of the world such as Australia, India and Europe but is generally for Ku-band DVB. In the US, more are ditching them to watch satellite TV using other methods. This is understandable since the TVRO system requires cumbersome satellite dish setup and is very limited in the number of stations available.

The most common method now is of course to watch satellite TV using Direct Broadcast Systems (DBS). Big names like DirecTV and Dish Network are two more popular DBS service providers in the US. In order for you to watch satellite TV, you need to subscribe for one of the monthly TV program packages. Normally, depending on the package, there are some variations in the types of programs you get to watch though you should be able to watch from several hundreds of satellite TV channels. The satellite dish did not die in this system; it just shrunk to about one and a half foot. One advantage about such a system over the TVRO was the stationary positioning of the satellite throughout the day. TVRO satellites need to be adjusted to receive different station feeds at various times of the day.

Watch Satellite TV on PC

You may have heard the recent buzz about being about to watch satellite TV on PC. Yes, it is true. There are also 2 ways to watch satellite TV on PC. You can either install a PCTV card on your PC to receive satellite TV feeds or by installing special PC satellite TV software. In both cases, you would require an internet connection, preferably broadband and a computer with minimum hardware requirements. That’s it and you are ready to tap into hundreds to thousands of worldwide TV stations.

This new concept of digital or internet satellite TV is based on using Free-To-Air (FTA) digital satellite broadcasts to bring decoded satellite TV channels to your personal computer. The internet satellite TV stations have been said to carry a wide selection of TV programs ranging from movies and TV series to scientific and geographic documentaries and include even children educational programs. More folks are being won over to watch satellite TV on PC, in particular to using PC satellite TV software for obvious reasons. The number of satellite TV stations is staggering, and the picture and sound quality is crystal clear. And they simply love the fact that they only need to invest in a software to watch satellite TV on PC that would not even cost them more than a movie and meal.

Read more about PC satellite TV technology at my blog and discover how you can enjoy your favourite TV shows and watch satellite TV on PC starting from today. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Generally, satellite shoppers are entitled with three options in United States satellite TV entertainment: TVRO satellite system, DBS satellite system, and the new comers PC satellite system.

DBS system

DBS is the acronym of Direct Broadcast Satellite. Low cost installation, maintenance-free, stable receptions, all these features make DBS system a enhanced commercial product when compare to the TVRO system. Satellite TV via DBS system is done in the Ku-Band. These satellites work on higher frequencies and can transmit higher power signals. This is why smaller dishes can be used to receive satellite signal for DBS systems.

Currently, DBS system is the most popular way for satellite TV entertainment. Dish Network and DirecTV are broadcast using DBS system. To view satellite TV programs using DBS system, all you need is a satellite signal decoder, a small satellite dish (18”), and of course, a TV. If you subscribe the service to Dish Network or DirecTV, you are also required to put on the subscription cards or the ‘Key’ to view the TV shows legally.

Yes, subscription card is necessary. It is no secret that there are ugly trend in DBS satellite TV where tech guys hack their existing programming-card; or some get their smart card through Internet. By stealing the satellite signals from Dish Network or DirecTV, users can avoid paying any subscription fees. Anyhow, hacking satellite TV descrambles is against the rules and you put yourself in the risk of legal actions. Consumers should beware and avoid falling on to such traps when there are vendors offering such kind of services.

TVRO system

TVRO, or in detail, Television Receive Only is the first satellite system available for home satellite viewing system. Often known as the Big Dish, or the Ugly Dish, TVRO system uses C-Band (in contrast to Ku-band for DBS system) for the signal transmission.

By using a movable big dish, TVRO systems are able to receive common TV programs as well as independent feeds from all over the world. As news broadcasting crews normally transmit their first hand broadcast materials via C Band (same as TVRO system), you could for instance receive the unedited material if your dish lay within the coverage area.

Satellite PC system

The extent of satellite TV entertainment was once again expanded with the introduction of satellite PC system in recent days. Satellite PC system means a piece of computer software that enables you to watch satellite TV programs on your PC monitors. There are various type of software available in the market but most will allow you to watch up to thousands satellite TV program from worldwide.

Some says satellite PC system is revolutionary; some says it’s full of fraud and crap; for us, we says it’s a little of both. A very important point to be noted is that satellite PC is not something similar like traditional satellite TV program as the channel list in satellite PC is quite different from the traditional one. Do not get disappointed when you notice your satellite PC covers hundreds of Asia/Arab channels but your favorite HBO is no where to be found. Further more, as satellite PC system is relative new in the market; there are lots of unanswered questions in term of the reliability of the software vendor. Do we get customer service on after sales? Is the satellite TV PC picture quality acceptable? Is everything with satellite TV PC legal (outside of US, since its taking worldwide TV programs)?

Now, on the positive side, just imagine being able to turn on the computer and within minutes, be viewing education, movie, shopping, sports, news, and weather channels. With satellite television to personal computer, you can. In fact, many people love the radio capabilities, coming right out of the computer. Just as with television, the computer satellite can provide crisp pictures and excellent audio.

The advantages of satellite television to personal computer are many. For instance, while the kids are watching a Disney channel, you could be watching your favorite movie or sporting event in the privacy of any room you want. Keep in mind that sometimes, cable television will not broadcast a particular game or movie but with satellite television, you will never miss your favorite channels again.

Setting up the different kind of satellite system

For TVRO system, you need to spend a big pile of greens for the equipments and the installation fees. Further on that, you will need to find out what programming is on and when to receive your familiar satellite TV show. To receive different TV program, you might need to move or adjust your big dish – definitely not an easy job for mom and pop users.

Setup and installation are much easier with DBS system. If you stay in United States, most probably you will subscribe to either Dish Network or DirecTV; they provide you the free standard system as well as install the system for you for free and you are ready to go. Cost effective, no maintenance, no moving big dishes, and no more further adjustment.

Setting up satellite PC requires basic computer knowledge. This includes installing the software as well as basic software usage knowledge (screen resolutions, picture size) to fit your needs. Satellite PC is cheap when compare to DBS and TVRO as it requires only one time setup fees (Around $100) and no equipments to be purchased (provided you own a PC).

Conclusion

The existent of satellite TV change how people view TV entertainments. While standard television was okay and cable TV is good, DBS satellite TV and satellite PC are considered ground-breaking. Keep in mind that with any advance technology, there are plus and negative points, if you ever wish to make any purchase, we recommend you to choose wisely and pick only the satellite system that fits your personal needs. Jumping into a deal blindly just does not suit our motto as a smart consumer.

With the arrival of media center PC’s, PC Satellite TV cards have become more popular. With a media center PC, you don’t have to spend a lot of money as you would with desktop components. You can have an affordable DVD player, surround sound system, and have the ability to play a wide range of audio and video formats. Here’s a few great things about integrating satellite TV with your personal computer:

• You can receive digital satellite programming for free• You can have a free digital video recorder (DVR)• PC satellite TV systems are highly affordable

Receive Satellite Channels For Free

Don’t get too anxious about this. When I mentioned free, I’m not talking about satellite TV piracy. Just like there is free local television, you can receive free digital satellite channels as well. This is called Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite programming. These channels are not encrypted and you’re free to legally view them without paying any monthly fees.

Record Digital Video On Your PC

Most satellite TV cards have the functionality and software to record programs that you receive. You can either record live shows, or schedule your DVR to record at times and dates that you specify. You also have the capability to time-shift. So if you had to take a small break in the middle of a live show, you could come back, rewind, and start from where you left off. Unlike popular DVR’s on the market, you don’t have to pay any monthly fees.

Highly Affordable Digital Television

If you consider not having to pay any monthly satellite or DVR fees, you can see that you’ll be saving a lot of money. The only thing that you’re required to pay for is the satellite dish, PC satellite TV card, and any installation fees. You can save more money if you decide to install the equipment yourself.

Even though all of this might seem too good to be true, please keep in mind that all of this is free programming. It isn’t comparable to premium channels that you could receive through DirecTV or Dish Network. However, there are hundreds of Free-to-Air channels that you can receive. If you’re not too much of a TV-holic, you might want to learn more about Free-to-Air television a bit more.