A satellite tv decoder used to be a plain box
that receives satellite tv signal. However, as technology is progressing
greater, satellite receivers transform to a betterment. Nowadays, it can offer
many options and features. That’s why it would be such a troublesome if you
don’t do research in advance before purchasing it.
What is the First Step?
Well, the very first step to take is
deciding upon your satellite tv provider. The provider will show you various
satellite tv decoder to choose. Whether you want to have a plain set-top-box or
an advance one. The price obviously differs.
The advance satellite tv decoder comes with unique
features with it. Those are high definition support, digital video recording
features, and a built-in hard drive. Today, there is more than just watching
channels provided by your satellite tv provider. You definitely have an option
to make use of the advance of technology.
The Features
If you opt to have a modern, up-to-date
decoder, you are to make sure they have the offered features as follow.
· High Definition Support
HD plasmas and LCD are now so popular that
lots of people want to have HDTV programming in their satellite tv. If you
belong to one of them, then you obviously have to choose a decoder that is
compatible with an HD-capable MPEG-4. This compatibility allows you to watch HD
channels in wide-screen formats, whether 720p or 1080p.
An older version of decoder indeed still
allows you to watch MPEG-2 HD channels. However, if you wish to enjoy both
national and international HD programming channels, then MPEG-4 decoder is
needed. Some providers usually offer you discount for an upgrading to HD
packages.
· Digital Video Recording
(DVR)
If you don’t want to miss a single episode
of your favorite tv show or an important game, then a DVR is a must-have
feature in your decoder. It allows you to record your favorite shows and sport
events on a storage device so that you can see it later when you want it. It
also allows you to rewind, fast-forward or pause live TV.
· Home Theatre
Capabilities
Not all decoders have the audio and video
ports needed to support or allow a high quality for home theatre setup. If you
wish to experience home theatre atmosphere in your own room, you have to check
this feature availability in the decoder.
· Parental Control Feature
Some advance decoder has parental control
feature. This allows parents to safeguard their kids from watching tv channels
that do not fit their age.
Choosing a decoder will take
considerations of your budgeting as well aside from the above list. So, be wise
on picking it. Make sure your chosen satellite tv decoder suits your needs and wallet as
well.