What Is C-band Satellite TV?
C-band satellite TV is a range of transmission frequencies that radio and TV channels are using to transmit to satellite dishes.
How Many Channels Can You Receive?
Full-size C-band satellite TV dishes can make the “500 channel universe” a reality. They can provide over 250 channels regularly and another 250 on occasion.
How Big Is a Satellite Dish?
The size of the dish you have to purchase depends on where you live. In the Central United States, you can use a dish that can have between six and ten feet in diameter. If you live on the coast, you should buy an 8-10 foot dish.
How Much Do C-band Satellite TV Dishes Cost?
The average price of a satellite TV dish is about $2,000, although they can vary in price. You can usually get one from a local provider, which you can search for in the phone book under “Television” or “Satellite”. What Is a Transponder?
A transponder is a device on a satellite through which satellite TV and radio channels are transmitted back to earth. C-band satellite TV has 24 transponders.
Do You Have to Pay a Subscription Fee For All Channels?
You don't have to pay a fee for all channels. With C-band satellite TV, there are over 100 free channels and over 150 that transmit wild feeds.
What Are Wild Feeds? Wild feeds are free and unannounced satellite transmissions of news, sporting events or syndicated shows.
What Is VideoCipher II RS?
Most satellite TV channels use a VideoCipher II RS scrambling system. In order to receive these pay channels, you need to have a VCII RS equipped receiver.
How Much Do Your Pay Channels Cost?
Pay channels vary in price. Movie channels, such as HBO or Showtime, cost about $8-$10, while more basic channels, such as CNN or ESPN are about $2 a month or even less. If you order a package, they are usually less expensive. 50 basic channels plus two movie channels usually cost as little as $30 - $35 a month. If you sign a one year contract, they can be even cheaper.
How Do You Order a Pay Channel Package?
You can either have a local retailer order the package for you, usually with a discount as well, or call the programming packager directly.
Where Can You Get More Information on C-band Satellite TV?
For more information on C-band satellite TV you can contact a local retailer and ask for a demo. C-band TV will probably make even more progress in the newer future. Currently, with a 4DTV you can get four types of satellite transmissions: free analog channels and wild feeds, VC II Plus subscription services, free DigiCipher II services and subscription DigiCipher channels. DigiCipher transmissions take up less transponder space and allow much more programming to be transmitted through each satellite.
