Direct TV Satellite Receiver

The digital satellite receiver is one of components needed for satellite TV. Because it's responsible for receiving the signal from the satellite and then transferring it to the television set, it is crucial customers have a good receiver for their satellite systems.

How Does A Receiver Work?
In order for a receiver to work, a number of things need to be in place. For the channels to relay onto the television screen, a process like this is followed:

1. The broadcast center first receives signals from programming sources. Programming sources are the actual channels themselves; Direct TV and Dish, for example, don't own all of their programming sources - they pay the channels themselves (like Disney or HBO) to broadcast them. When the broadcast center receives the signals from the programming sources, it sends a broadcast signal to satellites that orbit the Earth.
2. Next, the satellites in orbit receive these signals from the broadcast center and then bounce them back down to the ground.
3. The customer's satellite dish senses and picks up these signals from the satellites. Then, they are sent to the receiver located in the house.
4. The receiver takes the signals and, in essence, "unscrambles" it and broadcasts it into a picture onto the television set.

Types of Receivers
Direct TV has a number of different receivers, depending on package and upgrades purchased. In addition to the standard receiver, there are also HDTV receivers and DVRs. These have different qualities and requirements, and are only available through upgrading to different packages.

The standard receiver is nice and has a variety of features that will make the satellite system easier to manage and handle. For example, it has a universal remote, which is nice because many satellite systems have separate remotes for the receiver, VCR, and DVD players. This can be cumbersome after awhile and sometimes the remotes are difficult to keep track of and learn how to use.

The standard receiver also has an extra set of AV outputs. In addition, it has a number of other features users may find helpful. For example, customers who also have caller ID can see who is calling them from a display on their TV screen. The receiver also lets you shop, receiver news updates, scores, and weather forecasts on the TV screen. The receiver also has a feature that allows users to program their favorite shows. Once the show begins, the receiver will automatically change the channel.

Installation
Like many companies, satellite companies are in constant competition with each other. One way Direct TV sets themselves apart from other companies is through promotions like free installation and 24-hour customer service in the event the equipment doesn't work or the customer is having trouble installing it. Many times, the dealer the customer purchases the satellite system from will have the system professionally installed.

If you are not getting your receiver professionally installed, it's important to read the instructions carefully so that you know exactly where everything goes. Check to make sure the equipment has all of the cables needed for it to work properly. You may need to go out and purchase certain cables yourself.

If you are having trouble installing your receiver, the user manual that came you're your receiver has an entire section of troubleshooting and frequently asked questions. Often, this section is enough for you to be able to determine where the problem lies and then correct it. Direct TV has a customer support hotline that will help you determine what is wrong with your receiver, whether you're not receiving sound or the picture is blurry, and then talk you through the steps it will take to fix it.