A Little About the History of Satellite TV

In a true example of how life can imitate art, especially when it comes to futurism, Arthur C. Clarke, author of the modern classic "2001, A Space Odyssey," might not have even known the visionary quality of his own statement in the article "Extraterrestrial Relays." Published in 1945, the article detailed plans for putting three 'space platforms' into orbit above the Earth's equator. The result would be worldwide communications achieved by bouncing signals off these space platforms. Over ten years later this vision would be realized with the actual placement of such 'platforms' in outer space. By 1957 the Russians had officially launched Sputnik, the first satellite in the world, followed by Explorer I the first successful satellite launch from the United States in 1958. As part of the 'space race' that transpired during the Cold War, many technological developments were made, NASA was created, and of course, satellites were born.

Now that satellites had been invented, the big question was how they could be used to improve the everyday lives of citizens of the world, as well as improve military and government intelligence and communications. With private companies fueling the first geosynchronous satellites in orbit, the groundwork for technologies like satellite TV and satellite internet had been laid. The very first television programming to be delivered by satellite was 'The Thriller from Manila,' a heavyweight boxing match delivered by HBO in 1976. This same year the first Direct to Home Satellite TV system was invented by NASA scientist Emeritus H. Taylor Howard... in his garage!

For those who say sports programming and religious programming is no good, the two both had big hands in bringing satellite television into the consumer market. In 1977 Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network was the first satellite delivered basic cable channel, followed by the Family Channel, and the Turner Broadcasting System. In the 1980s satellite television system sales were doing quite well, materials were getting cheaper, and consumers even then were enjoying the many advantages of satellite programming over cable. The service was far more economical than cable, in fact it was free, although the set up could be quite costly (between $3,000 and $10,000). Additionally, the excellent satellite picture quality couldn't be beat. However, by 1984 the 'Cable Act' passed outlawed free-dish satellite television programming.

Despite many setbacks after the 1984 Act was passed, including a dramatic drop in sales, satellite companies began to rebound in the 1990s. The amount of channels offered was dramatically increased, and satellite became known for its quality specialty programming, movie selections and sports coverage. Today, satellite internet and satellite radio have also become quite popular, only further expanding the average consumer's interest in such services. The average satellite customer is enjoying features that cable struggles to keep up with like HD picture quality, and programming 'on demand.' An all around excellent choice in terms of not only product quality, but service and price, the world will likely continue to support the development of global satellite communications and entertainment initiatives for many years to come.