A removable credit-card-sized plastic card included with each satellite receiver. The card identifies each individual receiver and provides billing information each month to your program provider.

Azimuth

The angular distance (side to side) from true north, along the horizon, to the DBS satellite, measured in degrees. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise azimuth and elevation angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.

Blackout area

A pre-defined area of the country where particular programming (often sports or special events) will not be available, usually because of contractual agreements.

DBS

Digital Broadcast Satellite. Often used to refer to satellite TV systems and their components (ex: "DBS system," "DBS receiver," etc.).

Downlink

The transmission of a signal from a satellite back to Earth.

Dual LNB

An 18" dish with a single LNB and two outputs. This dish looks only at the satellite in the 101° position.

Electronic program guide

Provides an on-screen listing of available channels and program data over a certain time period. All DIRECTV systems feature an intuitive on-screen program guide that can display two or three day's worth of programming. DIRECTV DVRs with TiVo provide 2 weeks of listings, as well as keyword searching to help you find what you want to watch and record.

Elevation

The angular distance (up and down) of a satellite above the horizon. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise elevation and azimuth angles for your location. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.

Footprint

The antenna coverage pattern which a satellite directs toward the earth. This defines the geographic area in which signals can be received.

HDTV (High-Definition Television)

Broadcast by DIRECTV at 720p or 1080i resolution, HDTV programs deliver impressively clean, sharp pictures when viewed on an HDTV-compatible receiver and TV. The audio standard for HDTV is Dolby® Digital. For more information, see our article about HDTV.

IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder)

A satellite receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling subscription channels. Usually simply referred to as a receiver.

LNB (Low Noise Blocker)

The LNB is the component located at the end of the arm projecting from the satellite dish. It receives the signals sent by the satellite ("Ku-band") and converts them to a lower frequency (3.7-4.2GHz) that can be accepted by a compatible satellite receiver. LNBs send this converted signal to the satellite receiver via RG-6 coaxial cable. DIRECTV currently has satellites in three orbital positions, and a separate LNB is needed to access each satellite position.

MPEG

The digital signal compression standard used by digital satellite systems. Compressing the audio and video signals allows more channels to be broadcast over the same bandwidth. Satellite systems use two different versions of this standard:
MPEG2. This format is used for the vast majority of satellite programming, and delivers high-quality picture and sound.
MPEG4. This newer version of MPEG compression is used for delivering high-definition local programming in some markets. Receiving this programming requires the use of an MPEG4-compatible receiver. Newer high-definition DIRECTV receivers are compatible with this format. MPEG4 is more efficient than MPEG2, so it allows more data to be packed into the same amount of space.
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group.

Multi-satellite reception

Satellite program providers maintain broadcast satellites in multiple orbit locations to provide wider signal coverage and greater programming variety. In order to receive programming that extends beyond the satellite provider's "core" programming — examples include HDTV programs, and local channels in some areas — it's often necessary for consumers to use a multi-satellite-capable dish, along with a compatible DIRECTVPlus™ receiver.

Multiswitch

If you want to hook up more receivers than you're your dish can accommodate, you can use a multiswitch to split up the satellite feed without compromising signal quality. Some multiswitches also allow you to add over-the-air broadcasts or cable feeds, and send both signals to each viewing area via a single coax cable. (You'll need a diplexer for each viewing area to split up the signals again.)

RG-6

The type of coaxial cable recommended for digital satellite TV installations. RG-6 is a larger-size cable than the lower-grade RG-59 cable found in most homes. RG-59 has a small center conductor, a small insulating dielectric, and typically, a single outer shield. By comparison, RG-6 has a larger center conductor, a dual or quad shield, and a much larger insulating dielectric, ensuring greater bandwidth, and lower frequency loss per foot.

Triple LNB

An 18" x 20" dish with three LNBs and four outputs. This dish looks at the 101°, 110°, and 119° satellites. It is required for HD customers, Spanish language services, and locals in some markets because these services are not all available from the 101° satellite.

Uplink

The transmission of a signal from a ground station on Earth to a satellite.

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