Direct-to-Home Broadcast Satellite. Direct TV and USSB's satellites are manufactured by Hughes. Echostar's satellite are manufactured by Lockheed Martin. These satellites are in a geostationary orbit about 22,800 miles above the earth in various orbital slots within the Clarke Belt.

DVB

Digital Video Broadcast - satellite system offered by Echostar

Infrared Universal Remote Control

Line-of-sight remote which will control the satellite receiver and two to four other infrared units such as TVs, VCRs, DVDs or stereo amplifiers.

LNBF

The Low Noise Blockdown Feedhorn amplifies the signal collected on the parabolic antenna(satellite dish). It works on 13V of power which is supplied by the satellite receiver. A single LNBF will feed one satellite receiver, and a dual LNBF will feed two or more satellite receivers.

LNB

The Low Noise Blockdown amplifier performs the same functions as the LNBF.

MPEG-1

Specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). MPEG-1 protocol is not as advanced as MPEG-2 protocol.

MPEG-2

Latest specific data transmission protocol (format) developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). It is a more advanced protocol than MPEG-1 due primarily its all-digital transmission of data at between 4 and 9 megabits/second (Mbit/sec). Several other enhancements over MPEG-1 are also realized. MPEG formating is the specific formating in which data is transmitted to satellites, transmitted back to earth, and interpreted by set-top units.

On-screen Program Guide

This interactive feature allows the user to access and scroll through complete satellite program listings right on his/her television screen, in most cases up to a week in advance.

One-Touch Recording

Wigh the touch of one button on the remote, the user can create multiple time recordings of future satellite programs in the on-screen guide. The satellite receiver will control the VCR, starting and stopping the recording at the proper times.

Parental Lockout Control

Allows user to set a password to control access to programming based on channel, rating or content.

Program Browsing

Allows user to scroll through satellite program guide while still watching current channel.

RF/UHF Universal Remote Control

Controls satellite receiver from distances up to 100 feet, through walls and other obstructions. Also offers infrared control of other A/V components.

Satellite

Satellite Equipment in orbit that can transmit signals between station and distributor) or (distributor and homeowner); the signals can be analog or digital; each satellite usually has the capacity to transmit a number of different satellite signals simultaneously.

Satellite Dish

Receives the transmissions being sent from satellites; Satellite distributors have satellite dishes to receive the transmissions from the broadcast stations; Homeowners have satellite dishes to receive transmissions that have been re-transmitted by the distributors.

See-through Menu/Guide Displays

Program guide and/or menus can be accessed without the loss of audio or video.

Set-Top Unit

Device that converts the digital signal received by the satellite dish to whatever signals are required by the TV set; the name set-top implies that the device sits atop the television.

Smart Card

The Smart Card identifies the satellite receiver to the satellite network. It authorizes descrambling of the satellite signal, and authorizes purchases using the satellite receiver."

VIEW: Cell Phones | Cell Phone Plans