Satellite TV Programming: Out of This World
by Duke RitenhouseSatellite television technology has changed the way that more than 27 million people watch TV. By combining the power of orbiting satellites with convenient home-based receivers, satellite television has opened up a new world of possibilities for the entertainment-hungry consumer.
Satellite Service: Flexibility and Variety
The strength of satellite TV lies in two areas: flexibility and variety. Consumers can choose a basic package with only a few dozen channels or they can find packages that include more than 200 channels with multiple audio options as well. Satellite service packages can be modified with just a phone call, so finding the right service level, adding channels, or changing to high definition is easy. Plus, consumers can take their service with them when they move to a new location--even if it's a cross country move.
Along with flexibility, satellite TV is notable for the sheer volume of its available programming: more than 250 channels. Many subscribers can take advantage of satellite TV's all-digital format and receive high definition broadcasts. Even the most basic satellite service plan beams movie, news, entertainment, sports, and educational channels to the subscriber. The advanced packages offer a staggering variety of channels, including everything from home shopping to televised satellite music and "radio."
The Satellite Dish Brings Hollywood into the Home
Film fans will find plenty of opportunities to indulge their passion through their satellite TV service. In addition to specialized channels offering films, DVD-style features, and commentary, satellite service also includes numerous channels that regularly feature movies as part of their programming.
Where satellite TV really shines, however, is through its roster of premium channels and pay-per-view opportunities. Premium channels such as HBO and Showtime routinely show the latest Hollywood blockbusters along with their own in-house productions. Many satellite television subscribers also take advantage of the numerous pay-per-view options provided. For a movie fan, satellite service has eliminated the need for unwelcome trips to a crowded video store. With satellite DV-R or TiVo, viewers needn't miss a thing.
Satellite TV Means Never Missing the Big Game
Since ESPN's launch in 1979, sports programming has enjoyed phenomenal growth with satellite TV along for much of the ride. Fans never have to miss their team's big game (or even a small game). Satellite service provides not only the various ESPN channels, but it also is home to the numerous regional channels owned by Fox Sports Net and specialty channels that focus upon golf, tennis, motor sports, and outdoor sports.
Satellite Service Makes it Easy to Learn While You Watch
By taking advantage of the wide range of programming available through satellite television, it's possible for both adults and children to actually learn while watching TV. Satellite television broadcasts the large family of Discovery channels, and adults will also enjoy the many channels specializing in science and technology, travel, history, and nature.
When the children grab the satellite TV remote, they can tune into the various Nickelodeon channels or enjoy a large selection of kid-themed shows on other channels.
Bringing the World to the Living Room
And that's hardly all of the possibilities that subscribers can enjoy through their satellite service. Depending upon the type of package ordered, satellite TV owners can enjoy programming that ranges from shopping channels to channels broadcast entirely in non-English languages to dozens of channels playing a variety of digital audio offerings. With a satellite dish at your home, the entire world of television is at your fingertips.
About the Author
Duke Ritenhouse has 16 years of writing, editing, and public relations experience. He earned an English degree from a small liberal-arts college.
