When you want to watch satellite TV in your home theater, you would need an indoor device to receive the satellite signals down-stepped from frequencies of 12Ghz to the 950-2150MHz range. This will allow you to view the satellite television content. Because satellite TV is a multi-channel media, these devices, called satellite receivers, are fitted with signal processors and software capable of switching from one channel to another.

The processors in satellite receivers also control the amount of voltage supplied to the low noise blocker (LNB) as well as the presence or absence of the 22 kHz tone. This particular frequency controls the LNB to receive the TV channel that you will request (with your remote control) from the satellite receivers.

The number of features offered by satellite receivers often dictates the cost of satellite receivers. In terms of picture quality, there are low-cost satellite receivers capable of displaying TV images that match or are even superior to the images presented by higher-cost satellite receivers. The drawback of these cheaper satellite receivers is that you will have to remember and execute numerous little adjustments needed by satellite receivers to tune into each and every channel broadcast by the satellite TV provider.

In some instances, satellite receivers operate as stand-alone units receiving programs from only one satellite. A number of satellite receivers, however, are fitted with antenna controllers that maneuver a motorized dish antenna to move from one satellite to another.

High-end satellite receivers are actually dedicated computers loaded with advanced microprocessors and memory storage circuits. These satellite receivers come with original software programs pre-installed by the manufacturer, which automatically perform all the various electronic tasks needed to receive the signals from available satellites.

All satellite receivers should maximize the strength of the incoming signals. Before you buy satellite receivers, you may want to evaluate their performance. The best evaluation method is to connect the satellite receivers to a dish equal in diameter to the one that will be installed at your home. You can then actually see the performance of the satellite receivers as they receive signals from different satellite services.

You can choose from a wide range of optional features that different models of satellite receivers may provide. These features of satellite receivers might not be essential to your satellite TV viewing, but they provide opportunity to optimize the receiving system’s performance or to simplify the system’s operation when you’re using the satellite receivers.

Auto Peak

Satellite receivers’ auto peak optional feature fine-tunes the performance of the receiving system if the reception quality from a given satellite or satellite TV service has degraded significantly. For instance, a strong wind may have caused the dish to lose its normal position of alignment with the satellite. You can engage the auto peak feature of the satellite receivers. The satellite receivers will then steer the dish around to fine-tune adjustments to polarization settings and channel frequency in relation to the length of incoming signals.

Filters

Most satellite receivers feature noise reduction filters. You can use this feature to amplify signal strength from the weaker satellite TV channels. The noise-reduction filters will lower the satellite receivers’ threshold point but video fidelity may suffer. When the satellite receivers’ noise reduction filter is engaged, for example, fine sparkly features may be eliminated from an image; other impairments will also be discernible, like picture tearing when video graphics appear with saturated colors (especially the primary colors blue or red).

Parental Lockout

The parental lockout feature of satellite receivers allows you to block particular channels from being accessed by your young children. You can program the on-screen menu of satellite receivers to pick these off-limit channels only after a password has been entered.