Satellite TV: The Method Behind the Madness
by John Tuthill

The Basics

Satellite television originates in a transmitting antenna located at the uplink facility of your provider. The satellite signal frequencies are received by a satellite orbiting 22,000 miles above the earth, and retransmitted back toward the earth, at a different frequency to avoid interference.

Geosynchronous-what?

Although the satellite is orbiting the earth, it is able to maintain constant contact with dishes all over the country. The trick is that the satellite is launched into space at exactly the same speed that the planet is turning, so that it stays in the same spot over the earth 24 hours a day. This is called geosynchronous orbit, and it allows your satellite TV service provider to point your dish to a single point in the southern sky for you to enjoy constant access to satellite television.

The Advantages of Wireless

When satellite TV first hit the market in the early 90's, entry-level dishes were huge, expensive units that appealed to only the most die-hard TV fans. Today, compact dishes are hardly noticeable, and much more affordable. What happened? Unlike early programming, modern digital satellite service transmits much more precisely than the old analog signals due to improved satellite and receiver technology.

In Your Backyard

How does the receiving end work? The satellite dish consists of two basic parts: the parabolic reflector and the feed horn. The reflector is the part that is shaped like a dish, while the feed horn is the antenna that is mounted on an arm that extends outward from the dish. The reflector receives and reflects the signal to the feed horn, which routes the signal through a cable to the satellite receiver in your living room. Now that you know, feel free to sit back and enjoy the convenience of your satellite TV.

Source:
How Stuff Works: Satellite TV

About the Author
John Tuthill is an aspiring beekeeper and horticulturist. He lives in Missoula, Montana.