Satellite television in the USA is divided into two major types.

• The first major type is TVRO. TVRO satellite systems have a large dish which is movable. The movable dish enables a TVRO system to view programs on the many satellites that are positioned in the Clarke Belt. TVRO satellite systems are also called BUD, Big Dish, C-Band, and Full View satellite TV. Just remember that if the dish is large (usually 6 - 12 feet across) and it moves, it is a TVRO satellite system.
   
• The second major type of satellite TV is DBS. DBS systems have a small dish (18 inches to 3 feet across) that does not move. DBS systems require specific receiving equipment and have their own programming line up. The 2 major DBS satellite TV providers are DIRECTV and DISH Network.

How It Works
Before satellite TV programming can reach 20 million+ subscribers' homes, it must first begin on the ground at a satellite uplink station. DIRECTV and Dish Network operate their own satellite uplink stations.

These stations play two roles: First, they receive programming from affiliated networks like ESPN, CNN, and HBO. Because video programming contains a very large amount of data, the uplink stations must compress the data so that it can be easily transmitted to a satellite. Once the programming has been sufficiently compressed, the station transmits the data to satellites orbiting above the earth.

Features

• In 2006, all-digital satellite programming is transmitted in Ku band, which makes the C band analog cable programming an outdated technology. Having a digital satellite TV suscription means having hundreds of channels of high resolution programs, including the most popular and entertaining shows, movies, sporting events, and adult channels, from around the world.
   

• The on-screen program guide allows the user to view exactly what programs are scheduled to be broadcast on all of their channels, many days or weeks in advance.
   

• A high-tech receiver and a remote control to be used for channel surfing, access to the program guide, and to adjust settings.
   

• Satellite Internet which is compatible through the same dish as television service.
   

• HDTV - High Density Television compatibility. Add HDTV channels to your basic service plan.
   

• DVR - Digital Video Recording. Program a DVR receiver to record your favorite shows, even while away from home with your TV turned off.  Satellite Radio channels. CD quality music channels with no commercials are available and are sometimes standard.