1. Introduction

Radio and television is an information dissemination industry that comprehensively uses various technologies such as electronic technology, communication technology, radio technology, and space technology, and uses electromagnetic waves and wires to disseminate information content that combines sound and picture to the audience. With the rapid development of Internet technology, the integration of radio, television and new media has been deepened, forming a new pattern of multi-screen interaction and cross-screen communication. Terrestrial digital television technology, a crucial component of radio and television broadcasting, is capable of receiving digital signals transmitted from television towers, thereby enabling viewers to access television programming. This capability holds significant importance in addressing user demands.

Table 1: Major developments in the television history [1]

2. Early developments in satellite technology

The concept of satellite TV can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when technological advancements in space exploration laid the groundwork for new methods of communication. The successful deployment of Vanguard 1 in 1955 heralded the dawn of a transformative era in satellite communication [2]. Using satellites for television transmission was inspired by the growing interest in space exploration during the Cold War era. The launch of the Soviet Union’s Sputnik satellite in 1957 marked the dawn of the space age and sparked global interest in satellite communications. While Sputnik was not designed for television transmission, it demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for global communication. The significant advancement in satellite television occurred with the deployment of Telstar 1 in 1962, marking the introduction of the first operational communications satellite. Telstar 1 demonstrated that satellite signals could carry television broadcasts across vast distances, bridging the gap between continents and overcoming the limitations of terrestrial broadcasting [3]. Initially, satellite TV was used primarily for experimental and government purposes, including military and scientific applications.

In 1964, the U.S. government awarded a contract to AT&T to develop a commercial satellite system for TV broadcasting. This led to the creation of Early Bird, the inaugural commercial communication satellite for television broadcasting, which delivered services to Europe and North America [4]. Despite the significant costs, these early satellites opened the door for a more widespread use of satellite technology in broadcasting.

3. The commercialization of satellite TV in the 1970s and 1980s

The commercialization of satellite television began in the 1970s when Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS) were introduced. The advent of Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS) enabled consumers to directly access satellite signals through compact, individual satellite dishes. This innovation helped to reduce the cost of satellite TV services and enabled private companies to provide satellite TV to households worldwide.

In 1975, Home Box Office (HBO) became the first television network to utilize satellite technology for distribution. HBO’s satellite broadcasting allowed it to reach a national audience, delivering premium content directly to cable operators who then distributed the signals to viewers. This innovation marked the beginning of a new era for the television industry, in which satellite technology could expand the reach of television content to a broader audience.

The 1980s experienced a surge in satellite TV adoption, initiated by satellites tailored for Direct-to-Home (DTH) services. RCA's launch of Satcom 1 in 1983 enabled direct reception of television signals via consumer satellite dishes, catalyzing widespread adoption in the U.S. and globally. The emergence of companies like DirecTV and Dish Network expanded channel offerings, propelling market growth. Concurrent advancements in satellite technology enhanced signal quality, exemplified by Intelsat VI's increased bandwidth and clarity, ensuring more reliable broadcasts. This era also saw a rise in niche channels and the global proliferation of networks such as CNN and MTV, leveraging satellite technology for continuous broadcasting [6].

Economically, the satellite TV industry has created jobs, spurred innovation in related technology sectors like satellite manufacturing and broadcasting equipment, and transformed advertising markets by providing a platform for global reach.

4. Technological advancements in the 1990s: the shift to digital

The 1990s heralded a transformative era in satellite television with the advent of digital transmission technology. This shift from analog to digital broadcasting enhanced image clarity, sound quality, and bandwidth efficiency. Digital satellite broadcasting enabled the transmission of more channels at superior quality, facilitating the emergence of numerous digital content providers. The proliferation of affordable satellite dishes further accelerated the adoption of satellite TV, especially in rural and underserved regions [7]. The analogue TV spectrum can be repurposed for additional services like more broadcast channels or mobile communications, enabling cognitive radio communications in the released frequency, known as TV white space. Key cognitive radio functions include spectrum sensing, power control, and spectrum management [10]. The evolution of satellite TV has been propelled by ongoing technological advancements in satellite hardware and transmission techniques. Initial satellites had limited capacity and coverage, but enhancements in design, propulsion, and signal processing have markedly improved their functionality. The advent of geostationary orbits enabled satellites to maintain a fixed position over specific Earth locations, facilitating stable signal transmission, which was essential for reliable satellite TV services. Additionally, innovations in digital compression technology have been crucial for the expansion of satellite TV. This technology permits multiple channels to be transmitted via a single transponder, significantly increasing channel availability for viewers. Consequently, this has led to a surge in specialized content catering to varied interests and demographics. The introduction of high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) broadcasting has further enriched the viewing experience, making satellite TV a favored option for many consumers.

The emergence of digital satellite television paralleled the global expansion of satellite services. In Europe, companies like Sky Television and Eutelsat began offering satellite TV services across the continent. Simultaneously, in Asia, countries such as China and India embraced satellite television, providing access to a wide array of international channels and content.

Figure 1: Principle of digital transmission technology

With the growing consumer demand for high-definition and smart TVs, the digital signal TV market will continue to expand. Consumers have higher and higher requirements for picture quality, sound quality, intelligence and convenience, and digital signal TV can meet these needs. HD, UHD, 4K, and 8K resolution TVs have become the mainstream of the market, providing users with a clearer and more realistic viewing experience.

The continuous innovation and upgrading of digital signal TV technology are important driving forces for promoting its development. In recent years, OLED, laser, Mini LED and other new display technologies have continued to popularize and mature, improving the picture quality and sound quality and promoting the intelligent and personalized development of TV products. At the same time, the rise of smart home technology has also made digital TV a part of the home intelligent control center, further expanding its application scenarios and functions

5. The role of satellite TV in bridging the digital divide

Satellite TV significantly bridges the digital divide, especially in rural areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure and high-speed internet. This aligns with the Digital Divide theory, which emphasizes disparities in access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) due to geographic, economic, and social factors. In these regions, satellite television serves as a crucial link to global information, news, entertainment, and education, often inaccessible through traditional networks. Satellite services connect underserved populations, providing an affordable alternative to conventional broadcasting and addressing infrastructural inequality. Technological advancements, such as smaller, cost-effective satellite dishes, enhance satellite TV's reach in remote areas, facilitating access without complex infrastructure. This democratizes information access, enabling rural populations to access media content comparable to urban areas. By mitigating technological exclusion, satellite TV addresses the "access gap" central to the Digital Divide. Furthermore, the integration of satellite TV with broadband services has led to hybrid systems, offering high-quality programming and on-demand streaming.

As satellite technology continues to evolve, particularly with the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the global reach of satellite TV is expected to expand even further. LEO satellites, with their low latency and ability to provide high-speed internet, are expected to bring reliable connectivity to even the most remote corners of the world. This will further enhance the role of satellite TV as a tool for global communication, enabling more people to access educational resources, emergency broadcasts, and entertainment, regardless of their geographic location.

Beyond its role in everyday connectivity, satellite TV’s adaptability extends to critical scenarios where traditional infrastructure fails. In addition, satellite TV has been instrumental in providing critical information during emergencies and natural disasters. In areas impacted by hurricanes, earthquakes, or other emergencies, satellite television has functioned as a critical resource, providing news and information when ground-based communication systems are compromised.

This resilience of satellite services, combined with the ongoing advancement of technology, ensures that satellite TV will remain a crucial medium for information dissemination for years.

Thus, satellite TV continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the world, not only through entertainment and news but also by providing essential services to communities with limited access to other forms of media, thereby advancing the Digital Divide theory’s goal of equitable technological inclusion.

6. Global expansion and market dynamics

The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a rapid expansion of satellite TV services across the globe. The introduction of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite services allowed consumers to receive satellite broadcasts directly via small dish antennas, bypassing traditional cable and terrestrial networks. This development democratized access to satellite TV, making it available to a broader audience. Companies such as DirecTV in the United States and Sky Television in the United Kingdom emerged as major players in the DTH market, offering a wide range of channels and services.

The increasing demand for diverse and high-quality content has also fueled the growth of satellite TV. Satellite operators have invested heavily in acquiring exclusive rights to popular sports events, movies, and television shows, attracting subscribers with premium content offerings. The global nature of satellite broadcasting has enabled media companies to reach international audiences, fostering cultural exchange and the globalization of media content.

7. The challenges of satellite TV in the age of internet streaming

While satellite television has grown significantly, it has faced increasing competition from internet-based streaming platforms in recent years. The rise of services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video has changed how consumers access entertainment. Streaming platforms offer on-demand content that can be accessed via the internet, bypassing traditional broadcast and satellite systems altogether. This shift has led to a decline in the traditional cable and satellite TV markets, as more consumers opt for streaming services due to their flexibility, affordability, and convenience. The growing popularity of over-the-top (OTT) services, which deliver content directly over the internet, has further eroded the market share of traditional satellite TV providers.

The rise of internet-based streaming services, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime, has also posed a significant challenge to traditional satellite TV providers. The proliferation of high-speed internet access and the rising demand for on-demand media have prompted numerous consumers to favor streaming services over satellite television, resulting in a notable decrease in subscriptions to conventional satellite offerings [8]. Satellite TV remains crucial in regions with limited internet access, particularly rural areas. Companies are evolving by providing hybrid services that merge satellite TV with internet streaming, as seen in Dish Network’s Sling TV, which integrates both services on one platform.

8. The future of satellite TV

Looking forward, the future of satellite TV is likely to be shaped by several factors, including the ongoing development of satellite technology, the expansion of broadband internet services, and the growth of 5G networks. Integrating satellite services with internet technologies could lead to new hybrid media delivery models, where consumers can access both satellite channels and streaming content through a single device or platform.

Additionally, the continued miniaturization of satellite technology and the launch of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites by companies like SpaceX (Starlink) may lead to a new era of global satellite coverage. Innovations such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, led by companies like SpaceX’s Starlink, are poised to revolutionize internet connectivity worldwide, offering new opportunities for satellite TV to integrate with digital and streaming platforms. [9] The development of 5G networks could also enhance the potential of satellite TV by providing faster internet speeds and more reliable connections. This could enable satellite TV providers to offer better quality content and expand their range of services, further competing with internet streaming platforms.

9. Conclusion

Satellite television has significantly evolved since its inception, driven by technological advancements. From its experimental beginnings in the 1960s to widespread adoption in the 1980s and 1990s, satellite TV has transformed media access. The shift to digital broadcasting, the emergence of hybrid satellite-internet models, and challenges from internet streaming have influenced its development. Looking ahead, satellite TV is poised to adapt to new technologies and consumer preferences. As internet speeds improve and new satellite networks emerge, the integration with streaming services may become more seamless, enhancing consumer access to entertainment. Despite competition from streaming platforms, satellite TV remains a vital component of the global media landscape, delivering essential services to remote audiences and fostering global connectivity through broadcast technology.