DirectToHome

Direct-to-home, commonly abbreviated as DTH, is a method of delivering television programming by satellite directly to a home dish and set-top box, bypassing local cable or terrestrial networks. Signals are transmitted from a broadcast satellite in geostationary orbit to a dish installed at the viewer’s premises, where a low-noise block downconverter (LNB) and a receiver decode the signal for display on a television. DTH systems typically use digital video formats and a conditional access system to control subscriber access. Viewers subscribe to a bouquet of channels from a service provider; packages commonly include standard-definition and high-definition channels, with growing availability of 4K content in many markets.

Deployment and reach: DTH became commercially widespread from the 1990s onward as a scalable alternative to cable, especially in rural areas, regions with large geography, or limited local infrastructure. It is prominent in many regions, including parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, with providers offering regional or language-specific lineups.

Advantages and limitations: DTH provides broad channel choice and independence from local cable networks; it requires a fixed satellite dish, a clear line of sight to the satellite, and periodic equipment maintenance. Weather can degrade reception. Upgrades to newer compression standards and satellites have expanded capacity and channel count, including high-definition services.

Regulation and market: DTH services are typically licensed and regulated by national communications authorities, with rules on content, consumer protection, and technical standards. Competition often includes cable, IPTV, and satellite platforms, shaping pricing and packaging strategies.