Top Dish Network Retailer
800-916-3121
Code: 1004 *
|
|
Top DIRECTV® Retailer
1-800-580-5494
Code: CD316*
|
Bookmark This Site
|
Satellite TV Glossary
Have you become confused by all of the new terminology you have come in contact with in your satellite tv research?
You have come to the correct place. The glossary below is compiled from various satellite tv resources. It contains definitions
for all of the most common satellite tv terms. Also, feel free to use the navigation above to continue your research on satellite tv
offers including Dish Network and DIRECTV®. Compare Dish Network and DIRECTV®, satellite TV and cable and research all of the latest
Dish Network and DIRECTV® offers.
Access Control System:
The mechanism which takes care of the conditional access.
Actuator:
A motor system that drives a motorized multi-satellite dish antenna.
Antenna:
Device which picks up and delivers satellite signals to a receiver; most commonly a dish antenna.
Azimuth:
The angular distance (side to side) from true north, along the horizon, to the DBS satellite, measured in degrees. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise azimuth and elevation angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.
Bandwidth:
Range of frequencies occupied by a signal or allowed by receiving equipment (basically, what a receiver is capable of receiving).
Baseband:
The raw satellite TV signal before it is remodulated to become a signal that is suitable for a TV.
Beam:
A satellite transmission pattern. It may be wide, narrow or spot.
Bird:
An alternate name for a satellite.
Blackout area:
A pre-defined area of the country where particular programming (often sports or special events) will not be available, usually because of contractual agreements.
C-band:
Signal frequency range (3.70-4.20ghz) used for satellite TV in America and Africa.
Clarke Belt:
Named after its founder Arthur C. Clarke, the Clarke Belt is an orbit used by satellites at a height of 22,250 miles, in which satellites make an orbit in 24 hours, yet remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth´s surface.
Conditional Access:
A method which ensures the program provider gets paid for its services by the user.
Conditional Access Module:
The (detachable) conditional access interface.
DBS:
Direct Broadcast Satellite
DBS band:
Signal frequency range (11.70-12.40ghz) intended for direct TV broadcast by satellite channels. Not all TV satellites use this band.
Decoder:
Unit that is connected to a satellite receiver in order to unscramble a picture that is protected by encryption.
Digital Audio Broadcasting:
Standard which describes the method of transmitting digital audio.
Downlink:
A signal´s path from satellite to dish antenna.
DSS:
Specific reference to the DBS system offered by DIRECTV®/USSB.
DTH Broadcast Satellite:
Direct-to-Home Broadcast Satellite. DIRECTV® and USSB's satellites are manufactured by Hughes. Echostars' satellite are manufactured by Lockheed Martin. These satellites are in a geostationary orbit about 22,800 miles above the earth in various orbital slots within the Clarke Belt.
DVB:
Digital Video Broadcast. Broadcast standard for digital radio and television, using MPEG-2 compression. DVB is being supported by all European manufacturers and broadcasters.
Electronic Program Guide (EPG):
A chronological listing of all available programming covering an extended time period (typically 36 hours or more). This listing displays on your TV screen.
Part of the transport stream which contains the database and/or user interface for the electronic TV guide.
Elevation:
The angular distance (up and down) of a satellite above the horizon. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise elevation and azimuth angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.
Footprint:
The antenna coverage pattern which a satellite directs toward the earth. This defines the geographic area in which signals can be received.
Feedhorn:
A device which collects the signals at the focus of the satellite dish antenna and channels them to the LNBF.
Fixed Dish System:
Satellite TV system in which the dish antenna is targeted at one particular satellite.
Footprint:
An area of the Earth that is able to receive a particular satellite´s signals.
FSS Band:
Portion of the KU-band (10.95-11.70ghz) which is the main satellite TV band.
HDTV (High-Definition Television):
Broadcast by DIRECTV® at 1080i resolution, HDTV programs deliver ultra-clean, ultra-sharp pictures when viewed on an HDTV-compatible DBS receiver and TV. The audio standard for HDTV is Dolby® Digital.
Impulse Pay-Per-View:
Conditional access service where the user is able to buy a particular program on a last-minute decision.
Infrared Universal Remote Control:
Line-of-sight remote which will control the satellite receiver and two to four other infrared units such as TVs, VCRs, DVDs or stereo amplifiers.
IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder):
A satellite receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling subscription channels.
KU-band:
Signal frequency range (10.70-18.00ghz) used for most European TV satellites.
LNB (Low Noise Blocker):
The LNB is the component located at the end of the arm projecting from the satellite dish. It converts the Ku-band signal beamed from the satellite to a 3.7 - 4.2GHz signal, then filters out low-end frequencies and amplifies the high-frequency signal before sending it to the LNB's coaxial output(s). Satellite service providers (such as DIRECTV® and EchoStar) have satellites in multiple orbital positions, and a separate LNB is needed to access each satellite position.
LNBF (Low Noise Block Converter with Integrated Feed):
Amplifies received signals and converts them from microwaves to lower frequency signals which are then sent along a cable to the satellite receiver. It works on 13V of power which is supplied by the satellite receiver. A single LNBF will feed one receiver, and a dual LNBF will feed two or more receivers.
The Low Noise Blockdown Feed horn amplifies the signal collected on the parabolic antenna(satellite dish). It works on 13V of power which is supplied by the satellite receiver. A single LNBF will feed one satellite receiver, and a dual LNBF will feed two or more satellite receivers.
Magnetic Polarizer:
Polarizer controlled by an electrical current from a satellite receiver.
Mechanical Polarizer:
A polarizer that is controlled by electrical pulses from the receiver.
Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG):
The organization which defined the standards for moving pictures, like movies.
MPEG-1/-2 Compression:
Method to compress digital signals. This way, the volume of information that has to be sent decreases. MPEG is not a broadcast standard, but a compression method, which is also used for CD-I and Multi Media CD. Thanks to this compression, it is possible to combine several programs into one satellite transponder.
MPEG-1:
Specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). MPEG-1 protocol is not as advanced as MPEG-2 protocol.
MPEG-2:
Latest specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). It is a more advanced protocol than MPEG-1 due primarily its all-digital transmission of data at between 4 and 9 megabits/second (Mbit/sec). Several other enhancements over MPEG-1 are also realized. MPEG formating is the specific formating in which data is transmitted to satellites, transmitted back to earth, and interpreted by set-top units.
Multi-satellite reception:
Satellite program providers maintain broadcast satellites in multiple orbit locations to provide wider signal coverage and greater programming variety. In order to receive programming that extends beyond the satellite provider's "core" programming — examples include HDTV programs, and local channels in some areas — it's often necessary for consumers to use a multi-satellite-capable dish, along with a compatible DIRECTV®Plus® receiver.
Multi-Satellite System (Motorized System):
System in which a specialized receiver, in conjunction with a motorized dish antenna, receives signals from the series of satellites in the Clarke Belt.
Near Video-On-Demand:
Multichannel system broadcasting many copies of a film with staggered start times so a complete film is always available to a viewer with a short waiting period.
Noise Figure:
A measure of the performance (noise contribution) of an LNBF in decibels. The lower this figure, the better.
Offset:
Type of dish antenna with the focus and feedhorn below the center of the dish antenna.
On-screen Program Guide:
This interactive feature allows you to access and scroll through complete program listings right on his/her television screen, in most cases up to a week in advance.
One-Touch Recording:
With the touch of one button on the remote, you can create multiple time recordings of future programs in the on-screen guide. The satellite receiver will control the VCR, starting and stopping the recording at the proper times.
Open TV:
Makes a receiver compatible for all kinds of future multimedia applications.
Orbit:
The path a satellite takes around the Earth.
On-screen Program Guide:
This interactive feature allows the user to access and scroll through complete satellite program listings right on his/her television screen, in most cases up to a week in advance.
Parental Lockout Control:
Allows you to set a password to control access to programming based on channel, rating or content.
Pay-Per-Channel:
With this form of pay TV, the viewer has to pay a certain price per month (or other period) to receive all programs of a certain channel.
Pay-Per-View (PPV):
Conditional access service where the user is able to buy one particular program.
Pay TV:
With Pay TV, the consumer has to pay for the available programs or services, when used.
Polarmount:
Multi-satellite dish antenna mount which enables a satellite dish antenna to track the whole of the Clarke Belt.
Positioner:
Unit which either accompanies a multi-satellite receiver or is built-in and controls the movement of motorized dish antennas.
Program Browsing:
Allows you to scroll through program guide while still watching current channel.
One-Touch Recording:
Wigh the touch of one button on the remote, the user can create multiple time recordings of future satellite programs in the on-screen guide. The satellite receiver will control the VCR, starting and stopping the recording at the proper times.
Parental Lockout Control:
Allows user to set a password to control access to programming based on channel, rating or content.
Program Browsing:
Allows user to scroll through satellite program guide while still watching current channel.
RF/UHF Universal Remote Control:
Controls satellite receiver from distances up to 100 feet, through walls and other obstructions. Also offers infrared control of other A/V components.
RG-6:
The type of coaxial cable recommended for digital satellite TV installations. RG-6 is a larger-size cable than the lower-grade RG-59 cable found in most homes. RG-59 has a small center conductor, a small insulating dielectric, and typically, a single outer shield. By comparison, RG-6 has a larger center conductor, a dual or quad shield, and a much larger insulating dielectric, ensuring greater bandwidth, and lower frequency loss per foot.
Receiver:
Unit which takes signals from a satellite dish antenna and converts them so they can appear on TV.
Satellite:
Equipment in orbit that can transmit signals between station and distributor (or distributor and homeowner); the signals can be analog or digital; each satellite usually has the capacity to transmit a number of different signals simultaneously.
Satellite Dish:
Receives the transmissions being sent from satellites; Distributors have dishes to receive the transmissions from the broadcast stations; Howeowners have dishes to receive transmissions that have been retransmitted by the distributors.
See-through Menu/Guide Displays:
Program guide and/or menus can be accessed without the loss of audio or video.
Set-Top Unit:
Device that converts the digital signal received by the dish to whatever signals are required by the TV set; the name set-top implies that the device sits atop the television.
Smart Card/Access Card:
The Smart Card identifies the satellite receiver to the satellite network. It authorizes descrambling of the satellite signal, and authorizes purchases using the satellite receiver.
A removable credit-card-sized plastic card included with each satellite receiver. The card identifies each individual receiver and provides billing information each month to your program provider.
Threshold:
The measure of sensitivity of a satellite receiver measured in decibels (dB).
Transponder:
Equipment inside a satellite responsible for receiving a single uplinked channel and rebroadcasting it back to Earth.
Uplink:
The transmission of a signal from a ground station on Earth to a satellite.
Videocrypt:
Encryption system which requires a decoder and Smart Card to be descrambled. Used by Sky and several other UK channels.
Video-On-Demand (VOD):
Multichannel system allowing a film to be broadcasted immediately if it is requested by an individual viewer.
VCR Glossary
Auto Clock Set:
Clocks on models with this feature always display the correct time and never need to be reset. This is a handy feature for anyone who uses their VCRs to record programs.
Auto Head Cleaner:
Tapes played in your VCR leave magnetic residue that can degrade the overall picture quality during playback. This feature automatically cleans the video heads every time you insert or eject a tape.
A/V Dubbing:
With the touch of a button Audio/Video dubbing is possible. Audio dubbing replaces the sound without affecting the picture. Video dubbing replaces just the video without affecting the sound. Any VCR with A/V inputs can be set up to do A/V dubbing, however not all have an A/V Dubbing button.
Cable Box Control:
Your universal remote can change the channels on your cable/satellite box, but that doesn't mean your VCR can. To help make timer recording of your favorite programs easier, a VCR with this feature will automatically change the channels on your cable/satellite decoder boxes, eliminating the need to manually configure the channels before you record.
Commercial Advance:
VCRs with this feature will locate and electronically mark commercial breaks when recording your favorite programs. During playback the VCR uses these marks to automatically fast forward past commercials, thus providing the viewer a sense of seamless programming.
Flying Erase Head:
Eliminates noticeable distortion at the transition points between recordings. This enables camcorder users to edit videos with professional looking results. Also gives more clear copying from tape to tape.
Frame Advance:
Allows tape to be forwarded one frame at a time. The feature gives the effect of watching a series of still photos. This feature is found only on VCRs with more than 2 heads.
Front A/V Jacks:
Other audio and video components can be plugged into the VCR using these jacks. Some jacks are conveniently located on the front of the machine for easy access. Front A/V jacks are useful for plugging camcorders into the VCR.
Hi-Speed Rewind:
Players with this feature will rewind tapes at a faster speed. A great feature for those of us who are always rushing to get our movie rentals back on time.
Index Plus+ Programming:
This feature enables you to begin taping a new program onto a partially recorded tape. You enter the counter number where the existing footage ends, and the VCR will begin taping new programming at that point. With this feature, you can take advantage of the full recording capacity of your tapes.
Index Search:
With this feature, the machine will move directly to a specific place on the tape. Enables you to go to the beginning or end of taped material.
Memory Backup:
In the event of a power outage, backup memory will preserve the time, date and all programming information for one minute up to an hour. The feature duration varies by model.
Movie Advance:
This feature gives users the option of skipping previews on rented and store bought movies.
Multi-Lingual:
Provides a choice of instructions in at least two languages when operating the on screen menu.
On Screen Menu System:
A graphic menu system on the screen which allows you to easily program your VCR.
PAL Compatible:
Provides the ability to view a foreign cassette recorded with Phase Alternation by Line (PAL) which is commonly used in Europe and elsewhere. Also called a Multi-system VCR.
Parental Control:
Keep the kids from watching movies or taped programs that they aren't mature enough to see. Features a code that can be used to disable the VCR.
Remote Locator:
Lets you page the remote from the main unit. An audible beep from the remote lets you find it where it is hidden in the couch.
Slow Motion:
This feature allows you to slow the speed at which you watch a taped program. This feature is found only on VCRs with more than 2 heads.
Timer # Days:
This feature indicates how long (in days) that your VCR will remember programs that you want to record.
Timer # Events:
Indicates how many programs the VCR may be programmed to record at one time. Once the events are programmed into the machine, the VCR does the rest.
Types of VCRs
Super VHS:
These models have laser quality picture. This is a high-end feature and S-VHS models are generally top-of-the-line. These systems have the Hi-Fi stereo feature (see that definition).
Video Heads:
Effect picture image. More heads allow for a clean, steady picture; free from interference and shaky noise lines. The number of heads in a VCR varies from 2 to 6, although four is considered standard and plenty. Six head vcrs record and playback in EP mode with SP quality.
Hi-Fi Stereo:
Generates virtually the same sound range and clarity of a compact disc. This feature is the critical component to quality home theater. All Super VHS models have Hi-Fi.
Dual Deck:
A VCR with slots for two tapes. These are generally used for copying one tape onto another.
D-VHS:
These models, using D-VHS tapes, allow you to digitally record and playback direct broadcast satellite (DBS) programs at the same quality they were broadcasted. All D-VHS models have Hi-Fi stereo and are capable of playback and recording on standard VHS tapes.
Universal Remote:
Will operate nearly every brand of television and cable box in addition to the VCR. Good feature because it means that you will only lose (and have to find) one remote.
VCR Plus+ Programming:
Simply enter the four digit code of the program you wish to record (found in the newspaper or TV Guide) and the system does the rest for you. You get to avoid the hassle of entering all the recording information such as date, channel, and start/stop times."
Top Dish Network Retailer
Call iDishNetwork at 1-800-916-3121 and
mention Promotion Code "1004" to receive
Dish Network special offers.
iDishNetwork
|
|
|
Top DIRECTV® Retailer
Call USDIRECT at 1-800-580-5494 and
mention Promotion Code "CD316" to receive
DIRECTV® special offers.
USDIRECT
|
|