| With more than 20 millions subscribers in United | | | | business, 18-inch satellite dishes were introduced. |
| States, satellite TV broadcasting surely is a big | | | | DirecTV was the first company to provide 18-inch |
| business. The growth of satellite TV business is so | | | | satellite dishes with all digital quality to their |
| fast and we believe even the big players - Dish | | | | customers. It was also the first company to |
| Network and DirecTV (Direct TV) did not expect | | | | provide a national system with an interactive |
| this much at start. | | | | on-screen program guide. Later as Dish Network, |
| Since satellite TV was invented, there were few | | | | who also uses the same systems, 18-inch dish |
| types of satellite systems commercialized in the | | | | became very popular and you can see them |
| U.S. market. The first type has been around since | | | | everywhere in the country. The 18-inch satellite |
| the late 1970s and early 1980s. These satellite | | | | dishes are operating using DBS, which stands for |
| dishes are about six to 12 feet across and require | | | | Direct Broadcast Satellite. Broadcasts are received |
| a lot of yard space. These devices are called | | | | from high frequency satellites that allow signals to |
| TVRO satellite systems. These systems are still | | | | be picked up on small dishes. The dishes used by |
| available today. | | | | DirecTV and Dish Network is not required to |
| People who own TVRO systems are required to | | | | move. |
| have a descrambler. Descramblers are either | | | | As the technology evolves, programming and |
| purchased as separate hardware or they are | | | | equipment continue to improve. Thanks to the |
| sometimes inside of the receiver. In addition to | | | | ever-improving tech and fierce market |
| having a descrambler, an owner of one of these | | | | competition between Dish Network and DirecTV; |
| systems must subscribe to the channels he or | | | | new satellite TV customers now receive wide |
| she wishes to view. TVRO systems also provide | | | | choices of programming selection, topnotch |
| a variety of free channels. These satellites are | | | | picture quality, and unbelievable free-bargains from |
| required to move to locations where various | | | | satellite service providers. You can compare |
| satellites are in space so the signal can be | | | | satellite TV systems and find the one that |
| received. | | | | provides the service you need. DirecTV and Dish |
| As DirecTV stepped in to the satellite TV | | | | Network are both popular services. |