Your business is seeking to specialize in selling and installing DBS satellite systems. Your background has been primarily in cable. You do have some knowledge on DBS satellite systems that came from brochures and some materials on the Internet. However, the focus of such brochures from the cable field was to show why and how cable was better than DBS communications.

Now you need to obtain a comprehensive education on DBS technology and learn how companies use different architectures to deliver TV programming. To quickly get Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications education and training, follow these steps:

1. Acquire knowledge about Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications education and training via courses.

2. Invest in books or user guides to learn about DBS TV.

3. Study reviews to get information on DBS satellite information.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take courses in Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications education and training

One of the best ways to understand Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications is to take courses. DBS satellite courses enable you to get a high-level view of how DBS TV works. Learn how companies use different architectures to deliver TV programming, such as the modern DBS satellite syste

I recommend: TRA offers courses on direct broadcast satellite communications. You will learn about the various archiectures that companies implement to deliver programming. If you need new hires to be certified in DBS communications, check out Field Operations Training; new hires can take a course online. This website also offers other courses, such as a KaKu certification program and a troubleshooting and service certification program.

Learn more about DBS TV through user guides

To be proficient in DBS satellite information, invest in books or user guides. This documentation provides recommendations regarding which direct broadcast satellite manufacturer you should purchase from. You'll also learn how to install and manage your DBS satellite systems. These books will provide good information on technologies such as HDTV or digital video compression.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ shows several books on direct broadcasting satellite TV systems. These books can be intensive in that some contain mathematical formulas. If you’re looking for a manual that’s produced by a direct broadcast satellite manufacturer, you’ll want to check out Device Manuals. You can download the manual onto your system.

Obtain more DBS satellite information by reading reviews

Reading reviews not only will give you the latest trends on DBS satellite systems, but you also can learn about their features and specifications. For example, you can learn if the HDTV receiver offers digital video recording, interactive capabilities, or Internet access. Another great way you can learn about DBS technology is when reviewers compare systems.

I recommend: Satellite DIRECT provides reviews on DBS TV systems. Technology Metro also talks about DirecTV, which is one of the largest manufacturers of DBS satellite systems. You can learn about the services it provides.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't throw away those CD-ROMs that come with your handbooks on DBS satellite systems. Watch them, because they can provide additional Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications education and training.

Your office can have the best TV reception with direct broadcast satellite. Direct broadcast satellite can achieve that for you at a cost that is comparable to cable. A DBS satellite system can be a wise investment if you want to have television in your office and show your customers the best quality television.

With direct broadcast satellite TV, you can get a satellite system that is right for your business and not only that, they're portable, which means you can take your DBS system with you if you move. The satellite dish can also be mounted in a number of places so that it can be a subtle part of your environment. There is a lot of DBS satellite information out there, it just takes finding the right information for yourself to make the right decision when purchasing.

1. Direct broadcast satellite offers numerous channels to choose from and all are in digital quality.

2. With DBS communication, you can install it most anywhere, alleviating the need for cable wiring and installation.

3. A DBS satellite dish can be moved wherever you go, making it easier to relocate if needed.

Action Steps
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Find out more about direct broadcast satellite (DBS) communications

Check out the installation techniques on the DBS systems.

I recommend: Satellite Tech has extensive information on how DBS systems work. SAE International has a variety of information on new products and developments that will help in your decision.

Find an installer for your direct broadcast satellite

Check with local installers to see whether they have a different solution that is possible for your business.

I recommend: Find local installers by checking out HomeBlue. HomeBlue has a system that matches contractors to your needs. Another similar service is Volt Telecom Group.

Find the plan you like by checking with the direct broadcast satellite manufacturer

Check out the many different packages a satellite broadcast system has to offer. They can be as simple as a basic package or you might want more to offer in your office and want to go with a premium package for your DBS TV.

I recommend: Look at the different packages each company has to offer. DishNetwork and DirectTV both have many plans that can differ in price and style. You'll want to find the one that is the best fit for your individual needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always call and talk to the direct broadcast satellite manufacturer companies to see if they have any specials or offers that can help with your budget.
• •  Find out if there are any extra or hidden charges that you might not be aware of with direct broadcasting satellite TV.

DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) communications is the distribution of audio and video via satellite. A DBS satellite must be strong enough to send the signal directly to a small- or medium-sized dish or dish antenna. These dish antennas are commonly on homes or businesses, but signals also go to antennas that allow home and vehicles to receive satellite radio. Unlike the national broadcasting networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, DBS doesn't require a broadcasting facility near the user. The images are transmitted directly from the satellite to the customer.

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Dish, or dish antenna

For customers to receive DBS, a dish antenna is required. This is more commonly known as a dish. The dish antenna for standard satellite programming is an 18-inch circle. The dish antenna required for high-definition programming is an oval dish that measures 18 inches by 20 inches.

I recommend: UltimateTV from Microsoft talks about how a satellite dish antenna works. SearchMobileComputing.com has information about the parts of a dish antenna.

Broadcast Satellite Service, or BSS

Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) is a less common term referring to Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS).

I recommend: Satnews offers a definition of BSS in its satellite terms glossary.

Satellite receiver, tuner

A satellite receiver is what connects your dish antenna to your television. All video and audio received by the dish travels through the satellite receiver to the television or stereo. Even though most people refer to it as a satellite receiver, it's also known as a tuner.

I recommend: Microcom offers a definition of a satellite receiver, which it refers to as a "receiver for satellite." HowStuffWorks offers more information about satellite receivers.

Aspect ratio, high definition

DBS is available in standard definition and in high definition. The ratio of the width to the height of an image determines the aspect ratio. An aspect ratio of 4x3 is a standard definition picture. An aspect ratio of 16x9 is a high definition picture. High definition programming through a DBS provider usually costs more than standard definition programming.

I recommend: Glossary: Satellite and Computer Technology offers a definition of aspect ratio and explains the difference between standard definition and high definition. HDTV Pub.Com talks about HDTV reception via satellite.

Resolution

The most common types of resolution are 720p and 1080p. Manufacturers are slowly discontinuing televisions that support 720p because 1080p is the optimum resolution. 1080p is a type of high definition resolution. If satellites offer 1080p resolution, it means it's a high definition picture with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

I recommend: CNET compares the difference between 720p and 1080p. SatelliteTVGuru.net also compares the two types of resolution and even offers pictures so you can clearly see the difference.

Specialty channels

One of the benefits of DBS is the wide variety of channels available through satellite. Many of these channels aren't available over the air or even on cable. Channels that meet the needs of a certain niche are called specialty channels. Movie channels and foreign channels fall into this category. Customers should expect to pay more to subscribe to specialty channels.

I recommend: Specialty channels are one reason to choose DBS, according to Satellite Technology, and are discussed in more detail at AbsoluteAstronomy.com.

Direct broadcast satellite allows users to use a small satellite dish, usually 18 inches in diameter, to receive satellite television programming signals. DBS TV is most often used in residential areas, but you can put it to work in your business to provide unique programming to your customers.

Direct broadcast satellite programming options include specialty packages that might include sports programming you can show in your sports bar or local channels so your customers can catch local news and weather information. With DBS communications, your programming options are endless. Consider these direct broadcast satellite (DBS) communications applications and uses to put this technology to work for you in your business.

1. Direct broadcast satellite allows you to access your local channels.

2. DBS satellite provides premium channel programming to customize what your customers can watch.

3. DBS satellite information allows you to receive direct broadcast satellite programming even in rural areas.

Action Steps
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Use direct broadcast satellite to get local channels

In years past, cable television packages offered a huge advantage over direct broadcasting satellite TV because cable offered local channels as part of the package. Now, DBS satellite system providers offer local high definition programming in most markets across the United States.

I recommend: Visit the Expert Satellite website to see how local channels work with direct broadcast satellite. Digital Insurrection operates a database to help you determine if local channels are available in your area through direct broadcast satellite.

Use direct broadcast satellite to get premium channels

DBS satellite systems offer you access to premium channels. You might opt for movie channels like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax or Starz, or you can upgrade to a premium package that includes niche sports channels or custom music channels. These DBS communication options allow you to tailor the programming you show so it best meets your customers' needs.

I recommend: DISH Network offers premium channel packages to its subscribers for a fee. The premium channels offered by DIRECTV are available in high definition, or you could subscribe to a package that allows your customers to play games.

Use direct broadcast satellite to receive programming options in rural areas

Direct broadcast satellite system has a significant advantage over cable and other forms of broadcast programming because it's accessible even in the most rural areas. Because it uses satellite technology, direct broadcast satellite communications is available whether you're in the middle of downtown or in the middle of nowhere.

I recommend: GAO, the US Government Accountability Office, provides a history of DBS, direct broadcast satellite, and how it’s used in rural areas. The Creativebusinesssolutionsinc.com website explains why DBS is popular in rural areas. DBS Info addresses the rural availability of direct broadcast satellite.