Satellite TV Glossary

Many folks do not understand the terminology or lingo of the satellite industry. This satellite TV glossary is going to quickly go over the terms used in the business. With no further delay let us begin. Good luck and I hope you find this of good use.

Access card: This type of card lets the satellite provider know who you are and who is connecting to the service.

Alternate audio: This basically means the different types of audio channels that are available with a certain movie or TV showing. Things such as foreign language audio dubbing are part of alternate audio.

Attractions: Previews of future of special programs which are going to be aired.

Bullet amplifier: A device used to boost the signal power of your equipment in order to make up for any loss caused by splitting devices.

Coaxial cable: A standard cable that transmits a high frequency signal with minimal to no loss. RG-6 is the cable used to connect the antenna to the dish.

Dish: The receiving part of your end of things. It captures the signal from outer space and relays the information to your TV.

Drip loop: A portion of cable that should be set aside for slack in case you ever bumped into the electronics. This would allow for the equipment to move a little without becoming unplugged from the wall.

F Connector: A type of connector that screws onto or is crimped onto a coaxial cable.

Filtering: Limiting the type of viewing or the amount of viewing possible on the satellite TV system.

Grounding block: A device for the connection of two coaxial cables to earth ground. It helps in preventing electrical surges or spikes.

Key: Some sort of password that allows accessed to be limited or restricted.

Limits: A feature which lets the users set which programs they want to view.

Locks: The ability to restrict access to certain features on the receiver. Locks can be turned on or off by a key.

Mailbox: Almost exactly like email. This allows the service provider to send messages electronically. Storage is adequate.

Main menu: A variety of options to choose from utilizing the service of your satellite provider. You can use a button on the remote to choose which option you want to select.

Mast: A pipe which helps support the actual satellite dish itself.

Mounting foot: Part of the satellite dish antenna that helps mount the mast to the dish.

Point and select: This is a form of selecting and choosing your way around the menu. You simply point to a certain part on the screen and choose the option that suits your needs.

Program guide: A listing of programs available to watch. Normally you can view listings for what is on hours in advance.

Rating limit: Allows certain access to be restricted based on the ratings of the movie industry and the MPAA.

Themes: A way of sorting the program guide based on categories instead of time. You can sort by genre for example.