UNDERSTANDING GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE TV TECHNOLOGY

In the mid-point of the 1940’s, a man named Arthur Clarke recommended that three geostationary satellites orbit the earth. His suggestion was for the satellites to be positioned 120 degrees apart and 22, 30 miles beyond the surface of the earth. Due to the relative altitude and specific distance to one another, the satellites would be positioned in a very pin pointed geographical area.

For the receiver, a Houston-based company called Houston Systems designed and produced a receiver. The concept of geostationary satellite was quite successful, soon being adopted by the United States. The first satellite to be created by this country was known as Synoom, which was launched in 1963 by the Hughes Space Company. Okay, so why is geostationary satellite such an incredible discovery? Well, by using three satellites, each positioned strategically, the entire earth’s surface can be covered, meaning people around the globe can enjoy the benefits of satellite.

You see, for satellite to provide the proper speed of surface, it is imperative that it be positioned at exactly 22,300 miles above the earth. As the three satellites remain in position, each traveling at the same speed as the rotation of the earth, the synchronization makes for the perfect solution. Although this technology is relatively new, prior to geostationary satellite, signals for television viewing were possible via microwave relay stations, going between various cities and countries. For this to work, the signals were received, followed by a re-broadcasting so program information could be relayed. Unfortunately, microwave relay was not only labor intensive but also expensive.

As geostationary satellites became more and more the norm, the limitations seen with the earlier microwave relay technology were resolved. Based on the inventor’s name, the area in which these three satellites are positioned in known as the “Clarke Belt”. What makes this so unique is the power produced by the satellites. For instance, each of the satellites individually is capable of providing coverage to 40% of the planet’s surface!

The system involving the geostationary satellites and receiver is known as “Television Receive Only”, or TVRO, which consists of five primary parts to include the television studio, transmit receiver, satellite, earth station, which is a person’s home or business, and the headquarters station for each satellite. Typically, a satellite is equipped with transponders that are designed to receive the signals through the antenna. From there, the signals are powered up and then returned to the earth’s ground station.

For the individual, satellite is exciting, reliable, affordable, and revolutionary. If you go this route over cable television, you will enjoy more channels, better controls, higher instance of reliability, and crisp, audio, and video. All because of Arthur Clarke, our television viewing has changed. Just as with other technology, we expect even greater advancements over the upcoming years.

Before You Go On.....
Sign up to the SatelliteTVonPCReviews.com Newsletter!

"Keep up to date with the Latest Developments in Satellite Television Technology, get free insider reports, Plus Take Advantage of Exclusive Discounts on Our Product Range"

This is a private SatelliteTVonPCReviews.com mailing list. Your details will never be sold or given to any third party.

Home | Contact Us | Satellite T.V Articles | Satellite TV On PC Software