Starting a Satellite TV Channel – How much does it cost?
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Every day I get inquiries on how to start a satellite TV channel. I have consulted with hundreds, if not thousands, of companies, religious organizations, and entertainment companies on this subject. Having set up satellite TV channels around the world I have learned the trends and styles as they have evolved over the last decade. Although satellite-TV is still very popular it will soon be overtaken in the next decade or two by Internet TV.
I often get inquiries for me to send a complete equipment list for a satellite television channel.
However, it is not that simple and we do not provide a full equipment list unless they are one of our consulting clients. There are several different configurations when it comes to satellite-TV. However, I will just discuss the basics to give you an idea of cost and equipment.
What is Video Server?
The video server, is also known as a play out server, is the cornerstone of your satellite television station. The video server houses and holds your videos and creates playlists, it also allows for the display of graphics across the screen for example sports scores, stocks quotes, and other such graphics.
Next you need a live feed to the satellite uplink. Usually this is done with high-speed fiber or a dedicated high-speed Internet connection.
What takes place is the video signal comes out of the playout server and is encoded or compressed then it is sent to an IP box which is then sent over the Internet to the uplink station.
Of course there is much more to it than just this but these are the basics for starting a channel. When I refer to basics, I’m talking about only what it takes to get your video or live feed on satellite and not any production costs associated with that.
So you’re probably wondering about costs and these can vary quite a bit.
How Much Does It Cost?
Video servers can cost anywhere from $8000 all the way up to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on what you want them to do. Typically a set up can be done for an Internet TV channel for $1,899 to $299 a month using our turn-key system, but comparably, a satellite TV channel can cost around $50,000, sometimes less if your requirements are not as stringent. However, your monthly satellite costs can be anywhere from $8000 a month all the way up to $30,000 a month depending on what satellite you’re broadcasting on.
There are several shortcuts to save you a tremendous amount of money compared to what I quoted above; you can buy our book which has a detailed section on satellite television how to start one. If you look at our navigation bar you’ll see a link to our e-book, it is a very helpful tool for starting a cable or satellite TV channel.
Regardless of your strategies or goals for your new satellite TV channel, it’s always important to have a professional that can guide you through the process. I have seen several companies that I have been brought in to consult with that had made so many mistakes and cost themselves so much money that they did not have to spend.
Companies such as ours save you so much money in the long run, trying to take shortcuts in this business is a bad idea.
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