Satellite tv or cable connection?
Cable television
Cable television providers offer a range of services, including television, radio, telephone and internet access through a cable network connected to your home.
To access a selection of television shows, than those through free over the air broadcasts subscribers usually need to purchase a membership.
To transmit the picture and sound to your TV at home you will require a cable box. You can choose between a play unit or an advanced digital video recorder (DVR) that allows scheduled recording onto a hard disk.
Unlike receiving broadcasts from television stations through equipment like antennas or dishes installed on the outside of your house cable television does not require any installations.
Unlike satellite TV service subscribers who may face issues with weather conditions affecting quality cable TV service remains unaffected, by such factors.Cable networks also offer a range of options making them an excellent choice, for transmitting high definition videos and providing fast internet connections.
When it comes to to air television the broadcasts are quite similar to broadcast TV and you could even think of it as an extension of traditional broadcasting.
By using this strategy you can access all the channels on regular broadcast TV, which are commonly known as “free to air” channels.
The main difference lies in the fact that this type of television is often transmitted through satellite broadcasts. This means that anyone with the equipment can receive these signals without any cost or subscription.
However it’s important to note that free to air TV distribution isn’t limited to satellite broadcasts; as a result there may be some lines between this type of television and conventional broadcast TV at times.
Compared to television free, to air TV provides consumers with a wider range of channel options.In addition, to the range of television channels there are also numerous radio stations to choose from. What sets apart a cable box, set top box and satellite receivers?
A cable box is a device that converts TV signals into analog signals for viewing. On the hand a satellite receiver. Decodes radio signals that enable television watching.
A set top box allows a television to receive and process television (DTV) signals. As mentioned earlier it proves beneficial for individuals who wish to utilize their TVs for broadcasts.
Different types of set top boxes
A set top box also referred to as an STB has a size and shape to that of a VCR (Videocassette Recorder). It tunes in to high definition TV (HDTV) signals captures them and decodes them. HDTV signals can be obtained through satellites, digital cables or, over the air broadcasts. However caution must be exercised when selecting an STB as there are types
Here are some found varieties of STBs
HDTV tuners
An antenna is employed for tuning in to receive and decode free HDTV and DTV signals transmitted over the air.
Directv receivers
Using a satellite dish these receivers are capable of picking up receiving and decoding satellite signals.
Complete receivers
This particular type of set top box (STB) is designed to tune in receive and decode both high definition television (HDTV) and television (DTV) signals that are transmitted over the airwaves well as through digital satellites. In order to work effectively it requires an antenna, for signals and a dish, for satellite signals.
Cable HDTV receivers
These receivers are specifically designed to tune in receive and decode digital cable signals.