What types of TV reception are there?

Linear Viewing and Streaming

There are two basic forms of television. Traditional, linear television broadcasts a program to all viewers at the same time, according to a fixed schedule. In contrast, on-demand television allows viewers to download content individually from the Internet whenever they want.

Cable, satellite, and antenna primarily transmit linear programming, while the Internet offers both: linear channels as streams and on-demand content from media libraries. This distinction explains why the various reception methods require different technologies and different connections.

The Four Ways to Receive TV

The way TV signals reach your home often depends on the type of housing. In some places, there’s a cable outlet in the wall; in others, a dish on the roof provides satellite reception.

An overview of the four reception methods, including the standard, channel selection, picture quality, and technical requirements. Picture quality may vary depending on the channel.

Cable (DVB-C)

Cable TV is delivered via a coaxial cable from the wall outlet and uses the DVB-C standard. Reception is not affected by weather conditions and is easy to set up—simply plug the cable into the TV. Cable TV has been fully digital since 2019. A connection to a cable network in the home is required.

Satellite (DVB-S and DVB-S2)

Satellite reception via DVB-S and the newer DVB-S2 offers one of the widest selections of programming. Most channels can be received for free and unencrypted. You’ll need a parabolic antenna with a clear line of sight to the south and a compatible receiver unit, the LNB. However, the signal may be briefly disrupted during heavy snow or thunderstorms. Private channels are often broadcast in HD in an encrypted format and must be subscribed to separately.

Antenna (DVB-T2 HD)

Terrestrial television is broadcast via DVB-T2 HD and requires minimal equipment. Often, a small indoor antenna is all that’s needed. It’s a good, straightforward secondary option—for example, in the bedroom, in the gazebo, or while camping. The number of channels available depends on the region and the distance to the nearest transmission tower. Public broadcasters’ channels are free to air, while private channels are broadcast in HD with encryption.

Internet (IPTV and Streaming)

Internet TV comes in two forms. IPTV is usually provided by an internet service provider as part of a bundle that includes internet and phone service, and often requires a dedicated set-top box. Streaming, on the other hand, works through apps on a smart TV, smartphone, or small HDMI dongle and isn’t tied to any specific provider. Both require a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection. One of the biggest advantages is time-shifted TV and the media libraries, from which programs can be accessed at any time.

What equipment you need

Whether or not additional devices are needed depends primarily on the age of the TV. Modern TVs usually have a triple tuner that supports cable, satellite, and antenna signals without requiring an external device. Older TVs require a compatible receiver or similar device. For encrypted private channels in HD, a CI module with an activated smart card is inserted into the designated slot on the TV (or an external device, if one is used). When receiving content via the Internet, traditional reception hardware is not required; all you need is a smart TV or an HDMI stick and an Internet connection.

Differences in Picture and Sound Quality

Picture quality varies depending on the type of reception. DVB-T2 HD terrestrial television broadcasts channels in full HD, while cable and satellite sometimes operate at lower resolutions, depending on the channel. With streaming, picture quality depends on the available bandwidth; if the connection is slow, the resolution decreases.

Interesting: There are also differences in sound quality, because not every streaming service offers full surround sound, whereas multi-channel audio is common with cable, satellite, and antenna.

Which TV Service Is Right for Whom?

Which option is right depends primarily on your living situation and your individual preferences and viewing habits. If you have a cable outlet in the wall and prefer a straightforward setup, a cable connection is a good choice. If you want access to many channels—including international ones—and can install a satellite dish, satellite reception is the better option.

A DVB-T2 HD antenna is a simple, portable solution for a second TV or in situations where neither cable nor a satellite dish is an option. And for those who watch a lot of on-demand content anyway and have a fast internet connection, streaming or IPTV often eliminates the need for traditional reception equipment altogether. In many households, multiple methods are used simultaneously.