direct broadcast satellite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Formal/Business
Quick answer
What does “direct broadcast satellite” mean?
A telecommunications system in which television or radio signals are transmitted from a ground station to a satellite, which then broadcasts the signal directly to individual receivers (like satellite dishes) at homes or businesses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A telecommunications system in which television or radio signals are transmitted from a ground station to a satellite, which then broadcasts the signal directly to individual receivers (like satellite dishes) at homes or businesses.
Refers to the technology, industry, or service providers (e.g., DirecTV, DISH Network) that deliver programming via this method, as opposed to terrestrial broadcast or cable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the full term and the acronym 'DBS'. In UK, 'satellite television' or the brand 'Sky' is more common in everyday speech. In US, brand names 'DirecTV' or 'DISH' dominate casual reference.
Connotations
Technically neutral in both, but may imply subscription-based, multi-channel television versus free-to-air broadcast.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of the DBS industry. In UK English, 'satellite TV' is the more frequent collocation.
Grammar
How to Use “direct broadcast satellite” in a Sentence
The [PROGRAMME] is broadcast via direct broadcast satellite.[COMPANY] operates a direct broadcast satellite service.The signal is transmitted using direct broadcast satellite technology.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “direct broadcast satellite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The DBS market is highly competitive.
- They offer a direct broadcast satellite package.
American English
- The DBS industry is consolidating.
- We need a direct broadcast satellite licence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger created a dominant DBS provider in the region.
Academic
The paper examines the regulatory framework for direct broadcast satellite in the EU.
Everyday
We switched from cable to a direct broadcast satellite service for more channels.
Technical
The DBS transponder operates in the Ku-band frequency.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “direct broadcast satellite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “direct broadcast satellite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “direct broadcast satellite”
- Incorrect article: 'a direct broadcast satellite' (referring to the system), but 'a direct broadcast satellite service'.
- Using 'directly broadcast satellite' (adverb form) is incorrect; 'direct' is an adjective here.
- Confusing DBS with satellite internet.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but 'direct broadcast satellite' (DBS) is the specific technical term for the system, while 'satellite TV' is the common, generic name for the service.
Typically no. DBS is designed for one-way broadcast of television/radio. Satellite internet uses a different two-way technology, though it may share some similar infrastructure.
DBS transmits signals from a satellite to a personal dish. Cable TV sends signals through a network of physical coaxial or fibre-optic cables buried or strung to your home.
Because DBS satellites are high-power and operate in a high frequency band (like Ku-band), which allows for a strong signal to be received by a relatively small, inexpensive dish.
A telecommunications system in which television or radio signals are transmitted from a ground station to a satellite, which then broadcasts the signal directly to individual receivers (like satellite dishes) at homes or businesses.
Direct broadcast satellite is usually technical/formal/business in register.
Direct broadcast satellite: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˌrɛkt ˈbrɔːdkɑːst ˈsætəlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˌrɛkt ˈbrɔdˌkæst ˈsætəˌlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Direct from the satellite to your living room.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TV signal going DIRECTly from a BROADCAST studio to a SATELLITE, which then shoots it straight to your dish. DBS = Direct, Broadcast, Satellite.
Conceptual Metaphor
A cosmic relay station; a mirror in the sky reflecting television signals.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key feature of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system?