Is satellite TV available everywhere?

Satellite is a form of television in which hundreds of channels can be received, however, the reliance of the system entails certain parameters. The main principles of satellite TV are the satellite dish installed at proper location, the direct view to the south sky and subscription with satellite TV service. In general, satellite TV can be received almost in any area, but there are some peculiarities.

The satellite dishes with which satellite TV relies on, are directed towards satellites in geosynchronous orbit over the earth’s equator. This means that the satellites remain stationary with regard to the earth as both of them spin. For the continental United States, the satellites available are towards the southern sky. Alaska and Hawaii would probably need two different satellite positioning systems. Since the satellites direct their signals towards the earth in a beam covering some areas, the dish antennae has to be positioned to receive the signals from that satellite.

The curvature of the earth makes it impossible to go far North or South while at the same time directing the dish high enough to capture the signals. For the lower 48 states, the satellites can be seen from as far north as Alaska and northern Canada. However, buildings, terrain, trees or even the earth itself will hinder reception of those satellite signals that are from above the equator.

Problems arise with denser populations; buildings obscure the required skyline to the southern sky. In case the houses are compact or are situated close to one another, the rear roof alignment or side mounting may not be applicable. Satellites dishes cannot be installed in most high rise apartments and condos or are only allowed at certain locations. Whereas physical barriers can render a community without satellite TV, technology solutions such as cable or fiber optic TV services are normally available in cities.

Satellite TV is typically used in areas that are located far from broadcast towers and cable networks. As long as there are no obstacles in the view of the southern sky satellite TV reception is good in the rural areas. The dish can therefore be installed on roofs, walls, post or from any elevated surface. For mobile reception, some recreational vehicles have placed satellite dishes on the roof or on portable three-legged stands. However, some regions in extreme northern latitudes may not have the appropriate vantage point to view the geosynchronous satellite orbit.

Satellite TV is offered on ships, boats, ferries, and cruise ships that travel across the seas and lakes. The satellite dish is mounted on the upper deck railing or to any other rigid structure of the ship. Gyroscopic stabilization is incorporated in the structure of the antenna to ensure that it remains in the right position irrespective of the movement of ships. While helpful in offshore waters again, interference from the structure on the deck, the cargo and other ships may hinder reception in nearshore or over populated ports. Modern planes do not have satellite television as the speed at which the plane flies makes the position of the antenna and signal alignment rather difficult.

The battery bank supplies electrical current to other satellite TV system components in regions with unstable power supplies. They assist in maintaining the charge of backup batteries. While satellite dishes are affected by outdoor weather and storm conditions, heavy snow loads could be detrimental to the mounting structures of the dishes. This leads to ice accumulation on the surface of the antenna which in turn interferes with the ability of the antenna to follow the path of the satellite orbit. During such conditions or power blackouts for instance, the satellite service is cut off until the conditions become favorable.

Satellite internet connection is similar to satellite television in that it uses some of the same technology. Broadband satellites could deliver television programming in challenging areas, but the process may take more time than a direct satellite television connection. Similarly, low cellular signal strength limits mobility in streaming television content. Thus, traditional satellite dishes are still the best solution for many rural users and remote workplaces.

If one has proper roof access for installation, required height and openness to the South, satellite television service can be delivered almost anywhere in the US mainland. Problematic situations occur in areas located in far north latitude, densely built-up urban zones where structures interfere with the transmission of signals, places with heavy snow load on the dish antennas, and extreme climate conditions. Facilities such as stabilized satellite systems installed in marine vessels supply TV programming from offshore. However, some of them are yet to be closed in few specific areas such as few selected Northern States, highly populated cities, or while in airplanes where it becomes very difficult to have a constant signal.

Satellite TV enables the rural customers and remote worksites to have an access to hundred of video channels. The installation depends on accurate positioning of the dishes, good signal quality and visibility of the southern sky. As such, satellite TV availability stands well when operating in regions that fulfill these conditions. However, geographic barriers created by; natural barriers, buildings, adverse weather conditions and location restrictions may only allow access in some other areas at the edge of the coverage. The advancement in technology has seen satellite TV’S utility being extended to various settings. Yet, there will be some sites that will lie outside the communication range of usable signal reception.