Until recently, satellite TV has called for a satellite dish so that it can capture the signal from satellites in orbit. Large, round, and frequently very large dishes emerged as the identifier of Satellite TV Services. However, the latest developments in streaming technology have allowed pay TV providers such as DISH to rely on a different model for their services that does not necessarily entail the installation of a satellite dish.
What is DISH Network?
DISH Network is the leading direct broadcast satellite service company in the United States offering pay TV services to its clients and is a major rival to cable and fiber optic television services. They have been given satellite TV services in different parts of the country since the 1990s. Traditionally, customers required an unobstructed view of the southern sky to install a dish that is connected to a receiver for receiving programs from DISH. It is the receiver that receives signals from the satellites and transmits video and audio to the customer’s television.
The Move to Streaming
Over the past decade, streaming has thrown challenges to the established pay TV business model. Due to advancements in technology and the accessibility of broadband, customers have shifted to options that allow them to stream news, sports, movies, and TV shows whenever they want. The Pay-TV providers have had to follow this shift for convenience by adopting the creation of their streaming services.
In the year 2019, DISH transformed into the first major Pay-TV provider to offer a live streaming service that is transmitted over the internet. This enabled the company to sell its brand to other segments such as renters, homeowners, whose communities ban the use of satellite dishes, and RV users, among others. DISH Stream now has a new name, namely DISH Fiber and DISH 5G to differentiate it from the current satellite service.
So how does streaming DISH work?
DISH Fiber or 5G does not need a separate satellite dish installation on your house since it is an internet service. It does not matter if the dish has a clear view of the southern sky, it does not have to be mounted. This extends the horizon of DISH programming to more clients.
Here are the basics on how streaming DISH works:
Internet Connection
The first and foremost necessity is an Internet broadband connection, which is contrary to satellite service as it cannot use the Internet. The DISH streaming box just plugs right into the home’s Wi-Fi.
Internet speeds are also tested during the dish installation process as a way of ensuring that customers receive the best services possible. Recommended bandwidths are minimum download speeds of 10 Mbps for a single stream and 30 Mbps for a multi-TV household. Fiber optic or 5G internet provides the best connection and stability in the signal connection.
Streaming Box
Customers get a compact DISH streaming device. It has a design that resembles Apple TV Roku or even both depending on how you look at it. It connects to the TV directly through ports such as HDMI and is typically small in size.
The DISH streaming box, however, does not even decode videos like in the case of the satellite box. It is an IPTV which means that it gets encrypted video streams over the internet and delivers them to the TV.
Cloud DVR & Voice Control
Some of the features that accompany the streaming box are Cloud DVR, which enables the user to record programs, and Google Assistant which allows the user to use voice commands. This means there is no physical DVR box that is used for storing all the DVR recordings and On Demand titles.
Same Programming
The channel packages and programming offered are as follows, which mimic the conventional satellite service. This also comes with all the national cable stations and broadcasting networks, with sports packages included. This makes it easy for the customers who were previously subscribed to the satellite services to change and adopt the streaming packages.
Number of Screens
Another advantage observed about streaming over satellite is that it permits more versatile multi-TV viewing. Satellite boxes connect to one dish, which explains why only a few of the boxes can be connected to an account. To clarify, DISH streaming supports up to 3 live-stream feeds per account.
Cable, however, remains a traditional satellite service’s strong suit for rural areas or a large channel package. However, DISH was able to mimic its fundamental service – live cable and satellite channels – entirely via lightning-fast fiber optic internet. No, having to look for the right area in the yard where the dish is to be installed is necessary.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
