The rapid developments in Satellite TV and Internet technology have made it possible to watch satellite TV on PC. Now, anyone with a computer can now watch TV programs from anywhere around the globe. From sporting events and news programs, to the latest movies, soap operas, comedy shows, informational and educational programs and many more, all the best shows can now be transmitted directly to your computer. If you want to watch satellite TV on your PC but do not know yet how to, here are some important things you should know.

Your computer will need special hardware for it to be able to receive satellite TV signals. You would have to install PCTV cards which decode the analog signals from the TV channels into digital signals that the PC or TV can recognize. PCTV cards come in two types, either external or internal. The external PCTV cards typically come with a box that is directly connected to the computer via its USB port. The cable will be linked either to a cable or telephone line, according to the kind of broadband internet access you have. Wireless PCTV card varieties are also available. Meanwhile, the internal PCTV card is installed within the computer through the PCI slot.

However, a PCTV card isn't all you need to view satellite television channels through your PC. To enjoy a quality viewing experience with satellite TV on PC, you need internet with broadband or DSL speeds of up to 512 kbps or higher. The faster the broadband speeds the better the picture and sound quality of the TV channel signal transmitted to your pc.

Also, your computer should be capable enough since these PCTVs have minimum required PC configuration namely a CPU with Pentium III and no less than 1GHz or higher, 128 MB in RAM, with Windows 98, 200 or XP installed and must have, as a minimum, one USB port. A CD-ROM drive is also necessary for installing the drivers for the PCTV card. Other PCTV cards have the capacity to record TV programs and store them into your hard drive. If you want this function, just keep in mind that you will need a large quantity of available space on your computer's memory.

If your PC satisfies all these requirements, then in no time at all you are ready to watch satellite TV on PC. There are an overwhelming number of satellite TV channels you can access from all over the world including news channels, movies, cartoons, TC shows, soap operas, sports channels, cartoons, infotainment programs, interactive programs and many more. In fact, at last count, it is estimated that there are more than 3000 TV channels available to date. Most of these satellite TV channels use digital signals for sharp, clear and vivid picture and sound quality. Sometimes you will need to subscribe to satellite TV services to access more channels and more TV content.

Now you can watch satellite TV on PC and have virtually thousands of satellite TV channels right at your fingertips. No need to worry too if you get lost amidst this glut of channels because some satellite TV on PC services offer channel management to let you organize your favorite channels and bookmark them so that you wouldn't need to surf through tons of channels to find and watch your favorite TV channel on your PC.

The past few years have seen a stiff competition among TV screen producers for superiority with the main players being plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD). Plasma television sets have won in the number of sets sold and either is a fine selection for the average family.

As newer technologies continue to develop, we are seeing a shift away from plasma and LCD to a new technology called DLP or digital light processing. Digital light processing creates imagery similar to LCD when viewed side by side but they use different ways to create images. DLP uses technology that employs optical semiconductors to digitally manipulate light. The display chip delivers the best pictures on any type of product – large-screen digital TVs or projectors for homes, businesses, professionals, or digital cinema. Used worldwide, DLP technology is used in more than 10 million systems by more than 75 manufacturers.

Visual excellence is created by DLP with its ability to operate small projectors or light up large movie screens from up to 75 feet. The clarity of the images is superb with brilliance and depth that must be seen to be appreciated. The DLP chip is a digital micro-mirror device that uses an array of up to 2 million hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors with each mirror measuring less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. When it is connected to a light source and a projection lens, the mirrors reflect an all-digital image onto a screen or other device by tilting toward the light source. When the source is disconnected, the mirrors tilt away creating dark pixels.

Speed is key in DLP technology. A bit-streamed image code directs each mirror to switch on and off several thousand times per second reflecting pixels in up to 1,024 shades of gray to convert signals into detailed gray images. A white light passes through a 3-color wheel (red, green, and blue) giving it the capability of producing up to 16.7 million colors. Home television systems use single-chip configurations while Cinema projectors use three-chip configurations. It is interesting and amazing to know that a three-chip DLP Cinema projector can produce more than 35 trillion colors using a prism. These color hues are all produced from three basic colors combined with the on and off states (flashes) of each micro-mirror. A DLP screen has a higher refresh rate and enables high-action movies and sports events to appear smoother. Avid sports fans appreciate the intricate detailing of imagery viewed on a DLP screen.

Competition and demand work together to decrease prices, and there is very little difference between the price of DLP and LCD. To make a wise choice between the two, it would be good to view both side by side at your local electronics retailer. Then make a buying decision based on your comparison and needs.

More and more viewers are turning to rear projection sets when it comes to purchasing a large screen TV. The sets are a great alternative to more expensive widescreen TVs and come in a variety of sizes, including 40- and 60-inch models, and are fairly affordable. Both Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) rear projection sets offer impressive image quality, HD capabilities and are definitely cheaper than Plasma sets.Rear projection sets operate by projecting images onto a screen, like in a movie theater. Projection sets require a darkened room for the best effect. The largest size for a rear projection set is about 70 inches. Although rear projection televisions tend to be rather large and unwieldy, installing these sets in your home theater is relatively simple.

Rear projection sets do not offer the flexibility of viewing that comes with a plasma set. The best angle for watching is in front of the set, at eye level. Any variation of position can lead to diminishing color, brightness and contrast. A 150-degree angle for viewing is what many rear projection sets offer, which is fine for most home theaters. Consumers should find out more about the angle factor before purchasing a set.

Glare can also be an issue with rear projection sets. If viewers utilize a screen saver to protect the screen, this can cause glare during viewing. It's okay to remove the screen saver, but the screen itself is extremely delicate and should be protected when not in use. The screen can be costly to replace.

Overall, rear projection sets require very little maintenance, with the exception of replacing the projector bulb. However, the bulb is pretty expensive - from $300 to $500. These bulbs tend to last from between 2000 to 4000 hours. The sets themselves start at $3000 for a good 46-inch DLP model. DLP, which stands for Digital Light Processing, is a form of TV technology whereby a source of light is reflected off of a chip. The chip is coated with thousands of very small mirrors that move to produce the images a viewer sees on the screen. These sets are good for watching HDTV and feature great image quality, with terrific contrast.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) models operate on the same technology used in computer monitors. These sets feature great resolution, but dark blacks can be a problem. This is because light is reflected through panels in the LCD display to light up the images a viewer sees while watching. Sometimes, the pixels in the set can result in a grid on the screen. However, the HD quality of these sets is very close to that in DLP sets.