Monday, March 31, 2008

Satellite TV Reception Typically Slashes Through Light Clouds

In most cases satellite TV reception is better than the picture available from cable television are far superior to over the air broadcasts with very little issues with interference. Since all signals from satellite providers is in digital format, they are immune to many of the influences on analog television and are not dependent on the quality of the wiring used for cable. The biggest influence on satellite TV reception is weather and unless there is heavy cloud cover due to a storm, the signal will still pierce the atmosphere.

There has been a lot of talk about how the line of sight signal requirement of satellite television is hindered by clouds, but the reality is unless the clouds are exceptionally thick, like those during a major storm, they have little effect on satellite TV reception. There may be the occasional scramble of the signal that lasts only a few second, but for most users of satellite TV reception is seldom an issue.

Additionally, most cable companies receive many of their signals by satellite from the channels they host and if the satellite TV reception is interrupted in the are in close proximity to the cable company's receivers, they will also be experiencing the same type of satellite TV reception interruption.

Consistent Line Of Sight Signal Required

There are some physical challenges to good satellite TV reception, since they require a direct line of site between the satellite and the antenna. Trees, houses and other types of obstruction will block the signal, rendering the system useless. Installing a satellite antenna in the winter takes some preplanning. The signal my be picked up close to trees that during the summer are filled with leaves, effectively blocking the satellite TV reception.

Today, both major providers of satellite television services offer free installation of their systems, including the mounting and aligning of the antenna. Prior to mounting the antenna the installer should be able to tell if the satellite TV reception will be available due to surrounding buildings and landscaping. The homeowner should insure they check the available line of sight before any holes are made in the house.

Those with high definition televisions will need to have a receiver capable of high definition. Understand that simply because the satellite TV reception is bringing in a digital signal does not mean it is processing it for high definition. It may require a different type of set top box, but currently both providers offer them for High-def users.

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