
DSS.TXT 
DSS (Digital Satellite System)

Overview:
This it information on the new Digital Satellite System by RCA, now for sale in Iowa and the Midwest area. The Satellite dish is completely different from the older 10 foot Satellite systems.
The DSS dish is 18 inches in diameter and is lite weight. It can easily by installed on a deck railing, on the side of a house or on the roof of the house. Since the DSS dish receives all satellite signals from two satellites orbiting side by side around the Earth, the DSS dish needs no motor to aim it at different locations in space. The DSS dish is a fixed pointing dish. The signals sent from the two satellites in space are all digital signals. In comparison, the older 10 foot satellite dishes get their signals from various satellites scattered across the southern sky. These are "analog" signals only, that the 10 foot dishes can receive, and cannot come close to the quality of the "digital" sound and picture transmissions that the DSS systems receive. The digital sound is perfect "CD quality" sound that offers superior sound on even the smallest of TV speakers. The digital audio is also full stereo and surround sound standard. The picture transmitted by the DSS satellites has a perfect "photo like" clarity that is completely noise free. Cloud cover or rain does not reduce the picture quality. It must be noted that some may experience signal loss in very heavy rain storms, but this is rare in the Midwest area.  

How it came about:
RCA Electronics developed the DSS system along with Thomson, and Hughes Electronics/Communications. RCA manufactures the hardware. Thomson, and Hughes launched the two satellites (DBS-1 and DBS-2) from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. Both satellites are now fully operational as of 9/19/1994 providing 150 TV channels capacity, all digital sound and picture quality. RCA now is increasing production to attempt to keep up with demand as the DSS system is introduced throughout the US. The "rollout" date for Iowa was Sept. 9 1994. 

The Hardware:
The DSS systems consists of an "18 inch dish", a "receiver" (the dish connects to via RG-6 coax cable) and a "remote control" (to change channels and operate DSS menu functions). There are two DSS systems available for purchase both by RCA. One sales for $699 and the other for $899. The difference between the two is:

$699 model vs. $899 model 

>The remote on both units are universal remotes, controlling a remote controlled TV also.                    However, the $899 units remote ALSO can control two additional components ( like a VCR or Audio/CD components).
>The $899 units dish has twin outputs, for connecting two receiver units to the one 18 inch dish.
>Two sets of video/audio outputs on the $899 receiver back panel. One set on the $699 unit.
>The dish on the $899 unit is made of fiberglass. The $699 dish is metal. Both are gray and look identical.

Both units consists of:

>A universal remote that also controls the TV (if TV is remote controlled).
>A bracket for mounting the dish on a railing or side of a house/wall.
>The receiver, both having video/stereo audio output. (the $899 has two output sets)
>An "S-Video" output for high resolution S-Video TV's.
>A standard RF coax connector  output for connecting  TV's with no video inputs (selectable          output channels 3 or 4)
>A coax connector input on receiver, for connecting a TV atenna or cable box for pass through
to TV when the DSS system is off. (Can pass TV antenna connected through to TV when DSS if off, if needed by user).
>A telephone modular jack connector on receiver (for DSS receiver security and Pay-Per-View subscriber verification)

Installing:
There is an optional "install kit" for around $70 that consists of the RG-6 coax cable, a standard telephone cord (25 feet), a "how-to" video tape and various brackets for installing the dish on a roof crest, or brick sided house. 
NOTE: RG-6 coax cable is available from Radio Shack for 22 cents a foot and screw-on connectors for the RG-6 coax is under $2 for a set of two. Standard telephone cord can be had anywhere in stores. And a "S-Video" connection cable (if you have an S-Video input on your TV) is available from RadioShack. You will need a bubble level (small one will due),  4 or 6 screws around 1/4x1-1/2. And common tools (screw drivers, small wrenches, ect). Also a compass is useful (one with degree markings).
 
The two DSS transmitting satellites are located at a compass setting of aprox 184 degrees (Southwest) and an elevation of aprox 42 degrees (Iowa location settings)
Note: The DSS receiver will give you your precise compass location settings on screen in the "menu/setup" by entering your zipcode via the remote control. 

Make sure you have a fairly clear view of the DSS satellites in the SW location (no trees or buildings obstructing the SW 184 degree skyline. Then, find the best location on the house or deck railing that will allow mounting of the 18 inch dish. If your house has a overhanging roof, you could mount the dish on the side of the house, under the overhang, for better weather protection. There are very clear directions included with the DSS dish (the optional install kit is not needed if you purchase your own RG-6 wire and screw-on connectors for the RG-6 cable)
 
First, attach the DSS receiver to your television (following the included instructions). You have options of  using the S-Video connection (if your TV supports S-Video), or standard video/stereo audio connections, or the RF antenna type output for TV's without audio/video inputs (channel 3-4 output selectable). Also, connect a standard telephone cord from the DSS receiver to the nearest phone jack (RadioShack also has adapters for connecting two phone cords to one jack if needed).
 
Turn on your DSS receiver and TV, and select the TV input that you connected your DSS outputs to. Call up the on-screen menu to go into the dish setup section. By entering your zipcode, you can get the precise compass settings to assure sky clearance to the DSS satellite and to later help aim your DSS dish. 

Next, following the included instructions, attach the DSS dish to the location you selected best. You will use a bubble level to assure the dish mounting bracket is level horizontally and vertically (this is very important, but easy to do). 

Then (the hardest part), run the RG-6 cable from the DSS dish mounted outside, to the DSS receiver connected to your TV inside your home. 

Now (the fun part), use the DSS remote control to go into the on-screen menu and into the "dish positioning" menu. You will get a visual and audio beep (you will need a second person to watch the TV while your outside with the dish). Use the degree markings on the DSS dish to select your compass settings (elevation and direction). When your pointing at the DSS satellites, your TV will show the satellite signal strength and the beeping tone will become a steady tone indicating you've located the DSS satellite!!!
Note: Make minor dish adjustments to get the best DSS satellite signal strength (around 75 to 85 is excellent signal strength) displayed on the TV "dish positioning" screen. When the best signal is located, tighten the dish bolts to lock down the DSS dish setting. 

Then (the great part), using the remote control, press the "cancel" or "guide" button and a crystal clear picture of the "coming attractions"  will now be playing on your TV. You'll notice the excellent "picture perfect" picture, and sharp crystal clear  "CD quality" stereo audio RIGHT AWAY!!!
This difference, compared to regular broadcast TV ,cable TV, or the standard 10 foot satellite dish systems, is DRAMATICALLY superior. 
Also, again, you DON'T need the optional $70 "install kit", if you purchase your own RG-6 coax wire, have a compass, a bubble lever, bolts around 1/4x1-1/2, and follow the included instructions that come with the DSS.

You can now call the two program suppliers to start subscribing to all the excellent movies, pay-per-views, standard cable stations, CD music stations (no commercials!!!), and SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS, that will forever banish the words from your mouth "there's never nothing good on TV to watch...!" 

Program suppliers: 
Which there are two of. "Direct TV", and USSB" provide all the programming for the DSS systems and can also be very helpful in assisting with any operation questions, you may have, concerning the DSS system and hardware (remote control, ect). They both offer 24-hour assistance via 1-800 telephone numbers. 
"Direct TV" supplies most of the programming for $29 a month for their "total" package. This includes 28 channels of constant CD music with no commercials. These music channels are broken down into different listening (rock, classical, jazz, oldies, gospel, and 23 more!). They are met to be used with your home stereo system by connecting the stereo audio from the DSS receiver to your stereo receiver inputs. You can easily do this by purchasing two audio RCA type adapters for a few dollars from RadioShack, allowing connection of two sets of stereo audio cables (one for TV and one to stereo receiver) from the stereo audio output on the DSS receiver.
 "Direct TV" subscription also includes over 40 channels of "pay-per-view" movie channels for $2.99 each. Pay-per-view movies start every 30 minutes, so you'll never miss out and you have a huge selection of movies to chose from at any one time starting every 30 minutes, not just ONE at a time like the cable companies offer.
 Currently, as of this posting, you could chose from the following pay-per-view movies on your DSS system from Direct TV:
Ace Ventura - (channels 102,103,104,105 - all with different starting times each 30-minutes)
Addams Family Values (multiple channels - different starting times)
Body Snatchers  (multiple channels - different starting times)
Heaven & Earth  (multiple channels - different starting times)
I'll Do Anything   (multiple channels - different starting times)
In the Name of the Father  (multiple channels - different starting times)
Iron Will             (multiple channels - different starting times)
Major League II   (multiple channels - different starting times)
Philadelphia       (multiple channels - different starting times)
The Pelican Brief                 (****ECT...***)
Tombstone                          (****ECT...***)
What's Eating Gilbert Grape  (****ECT...***)
Blank Check
My Father the Hero
Wayne's World 2
Cool Runnings
Cabin Boy
The Air Up There
Sister Act 2
Look Who's Talking Now
Geronimo
Reality Bites
A Dangerous Woman
Ring of the Musketeers
Mr. Jones
Gunmen
My Life
The Piano
A Perfect World
Chills and Thrills
Immortal Combat
Ring of Steel
Showdown
Ice Runner
Deathwish 5
Cool Surface
Forced to Kill
Great Bikini Off Road Adventure
Body Shot
The Harvest
Angie
Twenty Bucks
On Deadly Ground
Searching for Bobby Fischer
The Three Musketeers
Blink
House Party 3
And these are ONLY the "pay-per-view" channels (remember, DSS offers up to 150 channels)

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS, also from Direct TV, with selection of events and games way too numerous to list here.

Note: The optional extra charges, not included in the $29-a-month, would be, naturally, the "pay-per-views" ($2.99 each showing) and the sports package that gives you ALL the numerous sports channels for a monthly rate, and also PlayBoy channel for an extra fee AND just added the "STARZ" channel for $3 a month. All other channels and features (music channels, and following TV channels) ARE INCLUDED in the $29-monthly Direct TV subscription rate.

Included also from Direct TV for $29-a-month (billed monthly by mail)
Channel #  - Name
256  A&E
236  Country Music Channel
246  CNBC
202  CNN
203  Court TV (full OJ trial coverage)
204 CNN 2
225  Discovery
215  E! TV
206  ESPN
232 Family Channel
240  The SCIFI Channel
233 TBS
220 Turner Classic Movies
226  The Learning Channel
235 TNN
227 The Cartoon Channel
229 USA
287 ABC (from outside Iowa for fee)
282 CBS  (from outside Iowa for fee)
284 NBC (from outside Iowa for fee)
286 PBS (from outside Iowa for fee)
289 FOX (from outside Iowa for fee)
242 CSPAN1
243 CSPAN2
230 TRIO
271 ENCORE (#1)
272 ENCORE (#2) LOVE MOVIE THEMES
273 ENCORE (#3) WESTERN MOVIE THEMES
274 ENCORE (#4) MYSTERY "" ""
275 ENCORE (#5) ACTION ""  ""
276 ENCORE (#6) TRUE MOVIES "" ""
277 ENCORE (#7) AMERICAN YOUTH "" ""
222 THE DISNEY CHANNEL
223 THE DISNEY CHANNEL WEST
          ---and also---
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
BLOOMBERG TV FINANCIAL NEWS
MUSIC CHOICE VIDEO'S CHANNEL
TV ASIA
NEWS WORLD
(with more to come in early 1995)

Included from program provider "USSB" for their monthly subscription rate of $7.95 to 34.95
(below is full $34.95 subscription)
990 COMEDY CENTRAL
965 VH-1
970 FLIX                      (movies all uncut / no commercials)
980 HBO EAST            (movies all uncut / no commercials)
983 HBO WEST           (movies all uncut / no commercials)
981 HBO-2 EAST         (movies all uncut / no commercials)
984 HBO-2 WEST        (movies all uncut / no commercials)
982 HBO-3                   (movies all uncut / no commercials)
967 LIFETIME
973 CINAMAX EAST     (movies all uncut / no commercials)
975 CINAMAX WEST    (movies all uncut / no commercials)
974 CINAMAX-2            (movies all uncut / no commercials)
989 MTV
968 NIK
985 SHOWTIME EAST  (movies all uncut / no commercials)
987 SHOWTIME WEST (movies all uncut / no commercials)
986 SHOWTIME-2         (movies all uncut / no commercials)
977 THE MOVIE CHANNEL EAST  (movies all uncut / no commercials)
978 THE MOVIE CHANNEL WEST  (movies all uncut / no commercials)
THE ALL NEWS CHANNEL
Note: "East" and "west" locations are the same programming, delayed for time zones. "2" and "3" (as in HBO-2 and HBO-3) are completely different HBO's showing all different programming from the other HBO's. 

Additional Info:
The RCA DSS system has many user-selectable features accessed through the remote control and on-screen menus. Such as...
>Receiving and viewing E-Mail type mail, sent to you on your DSS system, from Direct TV and USSB TV. You are informed of "new mail" and can read, then "save" E-Mail messages.
(Mail usually consists of "new channels" information, upcoming specials and other general usage information. You cannot, as of yet, send E-Mail on the system)
>Create and select "favorite channel" on-screen program lists. You always have the "ALL" channels list, and "Normal" channel list. And two "favorite" channels list, you create.
>Setting Pay-Per-View spending limits, to control the cost maximum limit for selecting pay-per-view movies. (password protected with over ride)
>Setting channel and "ratings" limits, to blockout movies with "Ratings" over your desired viewing limit. (used to control children viewable movies/channels. Password protected and password over ride)
>Ability to view a list of  "past" pay-per-view selections, with date,times and cost, of each pay-per-view.
>Setting a "Password", to "Lock" your DSS system after setting your "spending limits" and  "Movie Ratings" limits. Password is used to "Unlock" your system also. The "Limits" and "Password" feature use is optional, depending if needed to control family viewing.
>HELP!!! There's on-line "Help" menus available on most all screens and features to inform and help you on using your DSS system.

Some on the "On-Screen Guide":
The On-Screen-Guide is one of the most creative features that the DSS system offers. The Guide shows ALL programming channels on the DSS system, with the name, starting and ending times of all showing on each channel. The Guide looks like the same layout you see in TV guide publication or local newspaper TV guide listings. The on-screen Guide updates, automatically, each 30-minutes with expired times disappearing as they pass. You can scroll down through the channels and selection to see the currently showing items, or you can "Scroll-Right" to see whats coming up in the coming hours, on ALL channels. You can scroll up to 40 hours ahead of time.
You can also get "Detailed" information on most all TV shows and on ALL movies (HBO,MAX,ENCORE,FLIX,ect) on ALL channels. Detail shows starting time, ending time, length, who stars in, and what the feature/movie is about. Its your complete on-line TV guide allowing you to see what's on up to 40 hours in advance, and get detailed information from the DSS satellite on the showings. 
Another very useful feature...Ever tune into a movie or TV show and wonder "what it is you've tuned into ???"...Now, you'll know! Just hit the DSS button on the remote, and the Channel, Name of Show, and Times appear at the top of your screen. You, again, can then also get more detailed information on the show too (stars, date of film, what its about).
Oh yes, you can also call up on the on-screen guide to conduct a search listing of only "Comedy-Movies", or "Drama-Movies", or any other type of movie you feel like looking for. Or use the search for only "Sporting Events" on ALL the DSS channels, its really YOUR choice!

In Conclusion:  
The RCA DSS system will change and greatly improve your TV viewing forever. Like it should have always been, now letting you 'HAVE IT ALL" with YOU in control. The quality is far superior to all other forms of TV providers can ever offer. The cost, compared to cable TV, is "unmatched" for ALL the programming you will now receive, not to mention the "QUALITY"!!!   No more limited selection or expensive charges for the few premium channels, that you pay with cable TV systems. No more putting up with watching what the cable providers give you to watch, now you have true selection! And, no more outages, poor reception or waiting on the "cable guy" to show up. You will fall in love with your DSS system right from the start!
****************************************************************************************************************
Below is a list of some RCA DSS retailers in the Des Moines Iowa area.
Sears
Best Buy
And try any local RCA dealer...
RadioShack, M Wards, and Circuit City, in this and other areas, will be selling the RCA DSS also.

FOR more information try these Telephone numbers. They love to help!
Direct TV......... 1-800-DIRECTV
USSB.............. 1-800-204-USSB 
RCA DSS.........1-800-679-4776
Or contact me on Prodigy WKKA75C
(I am only a DSS user, not involved with the sales or promotion through RCA.
 My only motivation for this Info Sheet is extreme satisfaction with the DSS
 and, so few people know this new system is available NOW in this area.) 
