The TV signals transmitted through the satellite dish and LNBs are in a format that no television can decode and display – you need a satellite TV decoder for that. Even though television networks are usually similar in many aspects, they often differ in the type of decoder they are offering.
Some networks maintain a high level of control over the satellite TV decoder business and only sell their own brand of decoders directly to the customers. Although they offer a full range of satellite TV decoders, your choice is limited to the ones provided by the television network. The DISH Network in the United States has such a policy.
Other television networks, like DirecTV, have a more open policy concerning the satellite TV decoder business and are partnered with several manufacturers, providing a built-in decoder on many TV sets. DirecTV is partnered with companies such as Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Panasonic, Samsung, RCA, Sony, Zenith etc.
Here are the most important features you should consider when buying a decoder.
HDTV-capable: If you own an HDTV or HDTV-ready monitor, then you can get high-definition programming through your satellite TV decoder. If you don't, you gain nothing from getting an HDTV-capable decoder. However, you should consider this feature if you plan to upgrade your television set in the near future.
Home-theater-capable: Any satellite TV decoder can be used in a home theater setup, but some cheaper models lack the audio and video connections to support home-theater at the highest quality. To ensure the best home-theater quality, your decoder should include at least an S-video output and a digital audio connection for Dolby Digital Surround.
PVR-Equipped: Digital satellite TV systems allow you record your favorite programs to watch whenever you want. Although you can add a PVR to a home theater system, it would be more convenient to have these units integrated in the satellite TV decoder system.
Picture-in-Picture (PIP): This is an interesting feature that is certainly worth having, allowing you to watch one channel and have a picture playing a different channel in a section of the screen. This is like watching two channels in the same time. It is very useful when you're watching your favorite show but switch to another channel to skip the commercials, allowing you to switch back quickly when the show starts again.
Parental control is another important feature that allows you to prevent your kids from watching stuff you don't want them to.
RF Remote Control is a feature that allows you to control your satellite TV decoder without having to be in a direct line-of-sight with the receiver, as with IR remotes. This means you can control your decoder from another room, which is very useful if you are sharing the DSS receiver with two TV sets. Regardless of the way you purchase your satellite TV decoder, these are important features that should definitely be taken into account to ensure you're making the right decision.
