Final answer:
Television receive-only (TVRO) is the correct term for satellite dishes designed to receive satellite TV signals, which focus the signals onto a receiver tuned to the appropriate frequency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The item referred to as satellite dishes due to its appearance and whose sole purpose is to receive programming signals transmitted via satellite is the Television receive-only (TVRO). TVRO systems are designed with large, concave dishes that collect and focus the weak signals sent from orbiting satellites. These dishes work similarly to radio-reflecting telescopes and are composed of a metal reflector that captures radio waves and reflects them to a focal point. Once focused, the signals are directed to a receiver, which is tuned to resonate at the specific frequency of these satellite broadcasts. As technology evolves, satellite communication utilizes microwaves, and frequency use is much higher compared to traditional AM video and FM audio signals of free transmission, such as those received by an old-fashioned roof antenna. Additionally, satellite dishes enable the reception of high-definition (HD) signals.