Satellite TV has been popular since the early 1990′s and it is an alternative to cable tv. Satellite TV is very similar to broadcast tv. Satellite tv sends out their programming to a satellite provider who shoots the signal into space which targets specific geosynchronous satellites. With broadcast tv, their programming is sent out via radio waves. Satellite TV is far more advanced using a powerful system. These satellites remain stationary, following the planet as it spins. The interesting thing about these satellites is that they are positioned 22,200 miles from earth.You can find a quick rundown here

One of the interesting things about satellite tv in the early days is that satellite customers had to have a huge dish install in their yards and they had to search around to find their own programming. One good thing about this is that these customers could find programming that was not available anywhere else. Today, most satellite customers get their service from a Direct Broadcasting Satellite Company that offers most programs like the cable companies.

Getting a signal to your television by means of satellite requires a series using five components. The programming source, the broadcast center, the satellites, the home owner’s dish and the in home receiver.