| ite TV continues on its relentless march to industry | | | | covering programs such as entertainment, sports, |
| domination. Every day thousands of American families | | | | documentaries, history, natural history, as well as a |
| say their final farewell to the cable TV providers and | | | | range of music channels covering all tastes in music. |
| make the move to the all-conquering technology that | | | | For most subscribers, these basic packages will form |
| is the satellite TV format. | | | | the core of their viewing options, and come with |
| The reasons why a subscriber makes this move are | | | | names indicative of the quality of the programs. Dish |
| varied and many, but the single most important | | | | Network use names such as Classic Bronze, Classic |
| reason is because of the extra number of channels | | | | Silver, Classic Gold, and America's Everything Pak, |
| that can be transmitted with satellite technology. | | | | whilst DirecTV uses terms such as Choice, Choice |
| These channels cover all the family's well-loved and | | | | Extra, and Premier. |
| popular favorites and a range of channels and | | | | To these basic packages can be added what both |
| programs that are popular overseas. | | | | providers call Premium packages. These are packages |
| First amongst these newer channels are the wild-life | | | | of movies channels covering new releases from the |
| programs from all over the world, followed by a | | | | popular movie providers; access to a huge library of |
| resurgence in the interest in political and military | | | | older film favorites; sports channels covering all the |
| events. The satellite TV companies are mindful of | | | | major sports and including college sports as well as |
| this ever-growing interest and satisfying this demand | | | | channels covering many of the major over-seas |
| is an important aspect of the operation of a satellite | | | | events in a variety of sports. |
| TV provider. | | | | The Premium packages also provide for 'special |
| The technical nature of satellite TV means that a | | | | events' for a pay-per-view-fee. These events may |
| larger number of channels can be accommodated - | | | | cover a boxing match; a musical concert or some |
| the technological restrictions that apply to the | | | | such similar once-only event; martial arts; WWE |
| transmission of cable signals do not apply to the | | | | wrestling; and much more. |
| satellite format. This gives satellite TV greater scope | | | | Those who enjoy adult movies are well catered for |
| for offering an increased number of channels and a | | | | with these premium packages. Both Dish Network |
| greater variety of program topics. | | | | and DirecTV offer adult themed movie packages for |
| The two major satellite TV providers in America | | | | a monthly fee as well as a range of adult movies on |
| offer very similar channels to their subscribers. The | | | | a pay-per-view basis. |
| more popular channels, those that have been | | | | The latest innovation in TV technology was the |
| available with cable TV for many years, are | | | | introduction of High Definition television. To enjoy this |
| incorporated in what the satellite companies refer to | | | | latest advancement a subscriber needs a HD |
| as their Family packages. As these channels provide | | | | television - most new ones sold today are HD sets. |
| the core of the packages, they are sometimes called | | | | And from a satellite TV provider a HD receiver or a |
| 'starter packages'. | | | | HD DVR unit - both can be supplied for a small |
| From here there are various basic packages offering | | | | monthly fee - together with a subscription to a HD |
| an increasing number of more sophisticated channels | | | | package. |