Satellite Tv

Satellite Tv Decoder Allows Signals To Be Viewed

From the time a television signal leaves the satellite provider’s system until it arrives in your home, the signal is scrambled to prevent unauthorized use of that signal. A satellite TV decoder is built into every satellite receiver, which works in tandem with the programming card to enable the subscriber to receive an unscrambled signal. With the authorized card in the system, the signal remains scrambled making it impossible for the television set to show the picture.

Every satellite television receiver will have a card installed which holds the information pertaining to which channels have been subscribed to and allows the signal to pass through for viewing. Unauthorized channels are blocked by the satellite TV decoder and are unavailable. Some illegal cards containing a satellite TV decoder have been made available by hackers and in essence enable a user to steal the satellite signal.

While many hackers argue they are stealing anything tangible, therefore capturing a signal floating freely through the air should not be considered theft, the satellite providers contend that the hackers are receiving a service for free, which deprives them of the revenue for the service they are paying to pass along. Unlike network television, that offers limited signal strength and far less programming options, satellite television pays program originators for the right to rebroadcast their signals.

Fees Based On Subscriber Base

The fees satellite providers are charged by the program originators such as HBO or Pay-Per-View as well as network broadcast channels is based, in part, by the number of subscribers the satellite company has registered. Those using an illegal satellite TV decoder are not listed as subscribers and without the use of the satellite TV decoder and card they would be able to view this programming.

When a person initially installs a satellite TV system and contact a provider for service, the serial number on the satellite TV decoder card must be linked to the serial number of the receiver in which it is plugged. At any time the receiver needs to be changed, because of either replacement or upgrade, the company has to reprogram the satellite TV decoder to work with the new receiver.

Failing to keep your satellite TV decoder up to date with the satellite provider will not enable you to unscramble signals. Without the satellite TV decoder working with the programming card, you will receive no satellite TV service.