Satellite TV, that sounds like a technology best left to professional technicians. This might have been true 15 years ago when the cost of equipment and the lack of easy to use 'pocket meters' made it an impractical proposition. In today's world of reliable Chinese manufacturing combined with easy to use, low cost equipment, Satellite TV is more than an option; it's almost a buzz word amongst travelers both young and old around campfires and caravan parks.
In short, Satellite TV enables the user to view crystal clear pictures on their current TV set almost anywhere in Australia. By simply pointing a small satellite dish in the right direction and at the correct elevation to the sky, one is able to enjoy a quality of picture normally only seen when watching a DVD on your TV at home. That's how good it really is.
The satellite is geostationary. This means that it rotates at a speed that is relative to the rotation of the earth. When the dish is aligned once, it need not be moved until you are ready to pack up. The dish is aligned by consulting the necessary satellite elevation charts to find the 'look up angle' of the dish to the satellite in your area. By connecting the dish to a satellite finder, the dish is simply rotated until a response is heard on the meter. The TV can then be checked for picture. Having a good digital satellite finder will ensure this process is easy to complete.
The satellite decoder is just like a digital set top box, it has its own remote control for changing channels and is connected to your TV using standard AV cables. The decoder has a smartcard slot. This slot accommodates what is known as an 'Aurora smartcard'. The smartcard provides access to the channels and without it you will not be able to view pictures. Once your system is up and running, your card is activated by emailing Optus (they own and operate the satellite) and ABC and SBS should be up and running within 3 - 4 hrs generally. The commercial channels are then activated in a similar way. Once you have completed this step, you can travel the country far and wide and enjoy hassle free TV in some of the remotest parts of Australia with NO ONGOING COSTS.
Be wary though as there are many different styles of dishes, meters and decoders (satellite set top boxes) on the market and there's no point owning a cheaper system if you can't get it to work. Some important points to be aware of when purchasing a satellite TV system are:
- The dish must feature an easy to elevate bracket. There are many dish designs out there. Some good and others not so good. Make sure the dish moves smoothly side to side and up and down. A 65cm dish will offer good coverage over most of the country.
- · Always go for a digital satellite finder as the analog needle type units are crude and difficult to use.
- · Be sure to have sufficient lengths of cable as there may be obstructions nearby that will prevent your dish from receiving the satellite signal.
- · If you choose to mount your dish on a tripod, make sure is it durable and stable. Movement in the tripod will cause loss of signal.
- · 12VDC/240VAC satellite decoders are now available and having this option enables you to free camp without AC power.
