Difference Between Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS) And Non-Broadcast Systems
Satellite transmissions are used to distribute television and radio programs from one geographic location to another within a single continent or across continents. Using satellites, programs originating anywhere in the world may be seen live in virtually any other country. Signals from these satellites can be received in a home equipped with a dish to receive the signals and a processing unit that converts the signals so that they can be fed to a TV set. Some programs for paying customers are scrambled during transmission and received only by TV sets equipped with a descrambling device.
Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS).
In the late 1990s, direct broadcast satellites (DBS) emerged in the United States as a programming-delivery option. Several companies, including DirecTV and the DISH Network, offer satellites that send signals directly to homes equipped with dish antennas. Customers can choose from more than 200 different channels available through these services. With a variety of subscription packages among which to choose, viewers can enjoy clear digital picture and sound quality, surround sound, and often, HDTV broadcasts. Customers in a steadily growing number of markets can also access the feeds from local network affiliates.
Non-Broadcast Systems
Television signals can be delivered to users by coaxial cable. Some of the first systems that distributed signals in this way were developed to bring television to homes in valleys that were skipped by broadcast signals. Often a community antenna, located in a high area where broadcast signals can be received, was set up to receive and amplify television signals that were then carried to individual homes via coaxial cable. These systems were called CATV systems. Subsequently, cable-television companies were established to bring television signals to homes even in areas that could receive broadcast transmission. Cable television made possible clear signals that were not subject to local interference, with the result that the picture and sound were of better quality than could be received by broadcast transmission. In addition, more channels were made possible via cable distribution of television programming. Cable television also permits the transmission of pay-per-view movies, sporting events, and concerts.