One of the most cited drawbacks of satellite tv is that it sometimes does not work well in bad weather. Though this can happen with satellite tv, it is not necessarily a fact that your satellite will not work in a storm. There are many factors that can affect the signal of a satellite reaching your receiver that can affect your signal even on the best of days. So, it is important to understand how to get and keep the best signal reception for your location.
In this article we will outline how a satellite tv works during both good and bad weather. We will also provide you with some great tips on how to make the most out of your satellite signal. From home, the boat or even your RV. For more information on obtaining excellent satellite tv service see our previous post “How to Get Satellite TV for an RV” and check out our satellite tv for RV package options.
How Does Satellite TV Work?
In our previous article “How Satellite TV Works” we provide a great rundown on what satellite TV is and how your tv programming makes it onto the screen. To help you better understand why the weather, and a poor dish location, can affect your signal, here is a brief overview of how satellite tv works.
- When you request a tv program from your receiver in your home, a signal gets sent to the satellite in space.
- From there, the satellite sends your desired programming back to you.
- Your satellite dish obtains the signal.
- Your satellite receiver decodes the programming and your tv can be viewed.
For this process to take place, the satellite must be able to receive the signal from your dish, as well as the dish needs to be able to receive the signal sent from the satellite. Without this your satellite reception could be spotty and unreliable or simply not work at all.
Why Does Weather Affect My Signal?
Having great reception is critical to having a great satellite tv experience. Thankfully, most of the time it is simple to get a great connection. Satellites are everywhere in space and most people will not have difficulty obtaining a connection. But, sometimes unexpected things, like bad weather, can cause a temporary disruption of service.
But how does the weather affect a satellite signal? Even during poor weather such as rainstorms, snowstorms or even heavy winds can all weaken a signal. It is not that your satellite is not sending a signal during turbulent weather, instead, the signal is simply weakened making it more difficult for it to effectively be received.
Sometimes there is not anything you can do about your signal disruption during a severe storm. You might simply need to wait it out and try again once the storm has passed. If you are finding that you have consistent disruptions even when the weather is mild, you might have an issue with placement.
How Can I Get Better Reception at Home?
For the best satellite tv reception, it is important to have a correctly installed satellite dish and receiver. At POYNT360, we make this easy by making our hardware installation free for your first two receivers for all of our satellite tv packages. But if you have moved into a home that already has a dish installed, it may be a good idea to have a technician check up on the installation. Sometimes windstorms can cause your satellite dish to be out of alignment and it could be beneficial to have this checked if you are consistently having issues with your satellite tv reception.
Rain and accumulation of water can both interfere with a satellite signal so you should also consider installing your satellite dish away from eaves troughs or any other area that can allow for water to come between your satellite dish and the satellite signal.
If you are having difficulty getting a good signal you should always consider reaching out to your service provider. A good provider will help you troubleshoot what could be interfering with your signal and help you find the best satellite dish placement for your home.
How to Get Better Reception for my RV or Cottage?
Satellite tv is a great option for cottage and RV owners. Being in a rural area means that cable infrastructure often is not available, so satellite is a convenient and affordable choice for entertainment while away from home. But cottages and RV’s can come with unique challenges as well. Thankfully, there are things you can do to consistently have better reception.
One of the most common challenges for obtaining great satellite reception at the cottage is trees blocking your signal. For cottagers this may be remedied by removing trees or installing your dish in an area less covered by trees. RV owners on the other hand may have more difficulty if their location does not offer a clear path for your satellite signal. In this case, having a portable satellite dish might be your best bet to get a great signal no matter where you are.
For more information on obtaining satellite for your RV or even your boat, see our satellite tv plans for RV’s and satellite tv plans for boats. We make it easy to stay entertained while on the move.
Choose a Provider Who Puts Your First
Though there can be disruptions from time to time, satellite tv is a reliable, convenient, and affordable way to obtain tv programming. Though you cannot control the weather, you can control choosing a satellite tv provider that will work with you and help you troubleshoot any service disruptions.
At POYNT360 we go above and beyond to bring you the satellite tv service you need at a price that suits your budget. Get started today and let us help you make the most of your satellite tv subscription. We are always here to help you get connected and keep you enjoying your favourite tv programming when you want it most.
