| Satellite TV for many years has been the domain | | | | The end result of what you are doing it that |
| of tech wizards and corporations. Not any more. | | | | when it comes to home entertainment, your |
| It's very easy to construct your own system | | | | television has quickly become the source for |
| using the informaton in this article. | | | | relaxation and amusement. While there are an |
| The fundamental elements that make up a | | | | array of channels and programs to choose from |
| satellite TV system are:- | | | | nowadays, it all depends on the system that you |
| 1- A Satellite Dish | | | | have. It can be difficult to decipher which is |
| 2- A Satellite Dish Mount (portable or fixed is fine) | | | | better, but home satellite systems and cable |
| 3- An LNB (low noise block amplifier * Goes on | | | | television are the most widely used systems |
| the arm of the dish) | | | | today. Here are 6 things you can do to help |
| 4- A Satellite Receiver (many brands and versions | | | | choose between the two. |
| available * Shop around for a suitable well priced | | | | 1. The first thing you should do is contact local |
| model) | | | | cable companies and satellite providers to get |
| 5- A Satellite Finder (analogue and digital varieties | | | | prices. By contacting the companies, you can learn |
| * Analogue though generally cheaper) | | | | how much it costs for certain packages and cable |
| 6- Accurate Satellite Charts | | | | boxes versus a home satellite system. |
| Choosing the right satellite dish for your area is | | | | 2. After learning about the prices, look in-depth at |
| the most important factor. Dishes come in many | | | | the various packages they offer. You want to |
| sizes ranging from very small (in the centimeters) | | | | find a package that offers as much of your |
| to many meters. | | | | interests as possible. There is no point in paying |
| In recent times with the increase in satellite | | | | for an expensive home satellite system (or |
| transmission power people are able to get away | | | | purchasing the parts to DIY) that has only a |
| with a much smaller dish then they did in the past. | | | | couple sports stations if sports are your passion. |
| Typical size for coverage in many areas is 78 to | | | | 3. High-definition television has become the new |
| 88 cm s. (for the KU band * If you are a | | | | thing with television, providing viewers with crystal |
| beginner to satellite I recommend KU reception if | | | | clear programming. Not all cable television systems |
| it is available in your area. For those that have an | | | | or home satellite systems have high-definition, so |
| interest in C band reception you will generally need | | | | make sure that you ask your local provider if |
| a much bigger dish. eg Greater then 1.5m for | | | | they offer this feature. |
| many areas) | | | | 4. As crazy as it may seem, some home satellite |
| The LNB is the part on the end of the arm. It | | | | systems do not include local channels. If you live in |
| amplifies the weak signals that are collected and | | | | a smaller town, this is more common than not. |
| reflected into it by the dish. This signal once | | | | There are many competing satellite providers all |
| amplified, is carried down the satellite cable to the | | | | trying to win over the public and a majority of |
| satellite receiver. Here it is converted into a signal | | | | the public is looking for national coverage. If you |
| that your conventional television can understand. | | | | do want local channels you should look closely into |
| It should be noted that A LOT of the available | | | | the provider that you sign up with. |
| services from the satellites ARE encrypted to | | | | 5. The picture quality is one of the most |
| prevent theft. These services will generally require | | | | important parts to the entertainment. Keep in |
| a monthly or annual subscription for their | | | | mind that home satellite systems tend to have |
| reception. If you are intending to view these | | | | better broadcast quality than cable television. |
| ensure your satellite receiver has an imbedded | | | | However, satellite television is more prone to go |
| card reader or Cam Slot and can decrypt the | | | | down due to weather complications such as |
| services you are interested in. (you should also | | | | heavy rain or snow. |
| check your providers terms and conditions or | | | | 6. The last thing to consider is how many rooms |
| service agreement to ensure that what you are | | | | and TV's you are looking to get systems |
| hoping to achieve would not be in violation of | | | | connected to. Some providers offer specials for |
| them) | | | | having additional rooms, while other providers |
| The satellite finder and charts are only used during | | | | have a limit to how many rooms you can have |
| the initial installation until you have a picture. The | | | | connected to cable boxes or satellite dishes. |
| finder can then be removed. Your local satellite | | | | As you can see, there are a number of things |
| parts dealer will be best able to advise on the | | | | that should be considered prior to signing up to a |
| correct equipment and alignment procedures for | | | | home satellite system or cable program. The |
| your area. For people installing to the roof ensure | | | | more research you do prior to agreeing to |
| you are competent and take all the necessary | | | | anything, the better chance you will have of |
| safety precautions! | | | | finding the right system for your household. |