What kinds of Satellite Television Networks are there?

Satellite television networks currently available in the United States include FTA, TVRO, DBS, and DSS.

DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite)

EchoStar's Dish Network utilizes DBS technology to distribute paid programming over Ku Band.

DSS (Direct Satellite Service)

DSS is actually a type of DBS.

DirecTV uses DSS technology to provide paid programming over Ku band.

FTA (Free To Air)

Some television networks transmit in the clear over C Band and Ku Band.

In addition to scheduled programming, many television networks use these frequencies for backhauls, which is transmitting unedited video from one location to another.

Individuals with FTA receivers are able to gain an insiders view into the business of television, news, and sports entertainment.

FTA satellite networks are unencrypted and can be received and decoded by anyone with an FTA receiver at no cost.

For more information on FTA satellite networks, see What is Free To Air?

TVRO (TV Receive Only)

TVRO is a term used to describe paid programming available using the same technology as FTA programming.

In the United States, TVRO programming is available from National Programming Service and SuperStar.

Analog TVRO premium channels are encrypted using VideoCipher II RS and digital TVRO premium channels are encrypted using Digicipher II.

Books on Satellite Television

The World of Satellite Television	This indispensable handbook to the digital satellite TV revolution places you at the vortex of a dazzling world of entertainment. This brand-new ninth edition provides everything you need to know about selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining your own satellite TV system. DBS, digital video compression, HDTV, and other innovations coming your way are also presented in a down-to-earth style that is accessible to everyone.
Digital Satellite TV Handbook	The Digital Satellite TV Handbook and companion CD-ROM will serve as your complete interactive course in the new digital satellite TV technologies. This textbook, which provides a comprehensive overview of all the digital satellite TV platforms currently in use world-wide, includes the essential satellite coverage maps and transmission parameters that readers will need to receive digital TV services from any location around the world. It also presents those aspects of digital video compression and high definition TV that are of the highest relevance to installers, technicians, and other satellite professionals working in the global direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV industry. The Digital Satellite TV Handbook analyzes the hardware requirements of digital DTH receiving systems by comparing and contrasting the new digital TV technologies with earlier analog TV transmission systems, so that readers can readily grasp all of the details required to make the transition from the analog era of yesterday to the new all-digital world of the future.
Satellite Television: Techniques of Analog and Digital Television	Satellite television is part of the lives of millions of television viewers worldwide and its influence is set to increase significantly with the launch of digital satellite television services. This comprehensive reference book, written by the author of the highly successful 'Digital Television', provides a technical overview of both analog and digital satellite TV. Written concisely and thoroughly, it covers all aspects of satellite TV necessary to understand its operation and installation. It also covers the evolution of satellite television, and contains a detailed glossary of technical terms. This book will prove invaluable to those working in the telecommunications field, both professionals and undergraduates alike. It will be particularly useful to those who need to evaluate satellite transmission against other methods, such as digital terrestrial broadcasting. A technical overview of both analog and digital satellite TV.Covers all aspects of satellite TV necessary to understand its operation and installation.Contains a detailed glossary of technical terms.