DBS and TVRO systems

September 17, 2007 3:47 am admin Satellite TV Shopping

What’re ugly dishes and what’re their differences with DirecTV’s 18″ dish system? The quick answer is that these two satellite TV systems run on a different broadcast method - TVRO and DBS. Generally speaking, shoppers who wish to have satellite TV are entitled with two options: TVRO satellite system and DBS satellite system.

Here are the brief intro of each system.

DBS system

DBS is the acronym of Direct Broadcast Satellite. Low cost installation, maintenance-free, stable receptions, all these features make DBS system an 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.