Satellite

Canceling Cable or Satellite For Internet TV
Poll

Will You Be Canceling Your Cable or Satellite Subscription This Year?

So, let's see. You've set up your new HDTV and now you're ready to start reaping the high-definition rewards.
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So, let's see. You've set up your new HDTV and now you're ready to start reaping the high-definition rewards. If you're like many, that doesn't mean upgrading your cable package; instead, according to the Los Angeles Times, this is the year that many will forgo cable and satellite altogether in favor of Internet-connected TV.

The availability of traditional network and cable TV shows on the web is ever-increasing, and there are already several options to choose from for hassle-free streaming. And with CES promising to cast some spotlight onto new Internet streaming devices (including Microsoft's rumored answer to Google TV) and web-capable TVs, the general public may be ready to cut the cord in order to save money. What about you: will you be saying goodbye to cable or satellite this year?

Rogue Satellite Threatening Cable Programming
News

Rogue Satellite Threatening Cable Programming

An out-of-control, drifting satellite may threaten cable TV in the US later this month.
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An out-of-control, drifting satellite may threaten cable TV in the US later this month. Two large satellite companies have been trying to get the Galaxy 15 satellite under control since last April, saying it was probably knocked off course by a solar storm. The drifting satellite is still receiving and distributing TV signals, but if it comes too close to other television satellites, reception could be affected. That spells bad news for all you TV addicts!

Another company is trying to protect the AMC 11 satellite — the one in danger of interference — by orchestrating a small, carefully timed orbit shift. If the problems aren't resolved, reception problems could occur as early as May 23. According to NASA, there are 3,000 man-made satellites and 6,000 pieces of "space junk" orbiting Earth — who knew? And serious props to the engineers at NASA for keeping it all under control up there; I'm surprised we don't hear stories like this more often.

US Buying Additional Spy Satellites
News

US Buying Additional Spy Satellites

Click to ReadUS Buying Additional Spy Satellites The Pentagon will buy and operate one or two commercial imagery satellites and plans to design and build another with more sophisticated spying capabilities, according to government and private industry officials.
by CitizenSugar Click to Read

US Buying Additional Spy Satellites
The Pentagon will buy and operate one or two commercial imagery satellites and plans to design and build another with more sophisticated spying capabilities, according to government and private industry officials. The satellites could spy on enemy troop movements, spot construction at suspected nuclear sites, and alert commanders to new militant training camps. The Broad Area Surveillance Intelligence Capability (BASIC) satellite system will cost between $2 billion and $4 billion.

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Headline: Satellite Successfully Shot Down
News

Headline: Satellite Successfully Shot Down

As they've been previewing for days, a US missile successfully shot down a disabled spy satellite that threatened to leak toxic fuel over a large area of the Pacific Ocean.
by CitizenSugar

As they've been previewing for days, a US missile successfully shot down a disabled spy satellite that threatened to leak toxic fuel over a large area of the Pacific Ocean. General James Cartwright said that the Defense Department has a "high degree of confidence we hit the tank." The mission seems straightforward and successful but questions are now being raised by China and Russia that the event was actually an escalation of the arms race.

The Russian and Chinese governments, are arguing that the American action is bound to stoke up fears of an arms race in space. The US criticized China for carrying out an anti-satellite test just over a year ago, saying that it was a deliberate military move, cloaked in secrecy. It could seem hypocritical now, as the US has used a weapons system that is part of their missile defense program.

To find out about the US motivation, read more

Track Your BFF, BF Or GF Via Satellite
Geek Tip

Track Your BFF, BF Or GF Via Satellite

Wondering what your best friend or significant other is doing at this very moment?
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Wondering what your best friend or significant other is doing at this very moment?

The GSM mobile phone tracking system allows you to keep tabs on unsuspecting cell phone users via the GPS-TRACK satellite network.

Based on repeater triangulation, the system tracks mobile phones using GPS and GSM technology. All you have to do is provide them with an area code and phone number and they search for you and provide you with a close up satellite image. While the website is clear it's not responsible for possible tracking errors that may occur, it's pretty entertaining to see how close you can zoom and if you can catch your friends doing something they shouldn't be doing.

You have to account for a margin of error, which changes significantly depending upon where you are based. It's 10 meters (max.) for mobile phones in Europe and the U.K., 25 meters (max.) for mobile phones in the U.S.A., South America and Canada and 50 meters (max.) for mobile phones elsewhere.

Caution: Do not get addicted to spying on your ex. It's not healthy.