What is satellite television?
Satellite television is an electronic device that is used to receive or transmit television broadcasts from a communications satellite that is orbiting in space. The satellite apparatus can range from a simple, inexpensive receive-only earth station (satellite dish) that can be purchased by the individual consumer, to elaborate two-way communications stations used for commercial purposes. Signals are captured and focused by an antenna into a feed horn and low-noise amplifier. The signals are relayed by cable to a down converter and then into a satellite receiver/monitor. Satellite TV is also called direct broadcast satellite (DBS) because it bypasses closed-circuit television systems to pick up signals. (Closed-circuit television is transmitted by wire to a limited number of receivers.) Nearly all channels that are picked up from satellites, however, require subscription fees and licenses. DBS…