May 2012
MAC-401
C-band
antenna
HD video over satellite
digital
Spark S 750 HD
Pakistan UAE
100.00 10.00
Rs
KSA
Dh
Oman
10.00 01.00
R
Qatar
R
India
12.00 R 125.00 Rs
Bahrain Kuwait
01.00 01.00
D
Lebanon
D
Nigeria
5000 350
LL
S-Africa
N
Namibia
45.00 50.00
R
Singapore 09.50 SGD
R
Australia
11.00
$ incl GST
TV
Indonesia Thailand
25.000,-Rp 200 Baht
Bangladesh 95.00 Taka Egypt
10.00
EP
PRO HD 9618
Z500
SB 7800X PVR
IVISIO 9500
TWIN PRO HD 9818
MINI S200 MX PVR
SB 9600X PVR HDMI
Z300
SuperBox
General Trading L.L.C.
IVISIO DIGITAL TV TUNER 4580
IVISIO DIGITAL TV TUNER 4560
Sheikh Mustafa, Bin Mohammed Al Ustad Building, Shop No. 5, Nakheel Road, Street No. 21, Deira, Dubai-U.A.E. Tel : +971 4 238 5872 Fax : +971 4 238 5871 Email : rashad@super-box.tv Web : www.super-box.tv
International Monthly Magazine
VOLUME: 19 - No: 05
Editor-in-Chief HABIB HADI hadi@tracksat.com Managing Editors SUROOSH IZNA Editor SUMERA HADI Associate Editor SHOUKAT IQBAL KHATTAK Technical Editor HAIDER ALI dishtech@tracksat.com Advertising Manager NAVEED JAMEEL uzair_nomi80@hotmail.com Layout Designer NAVEED AHMED KHAN Accounts Manager S.ASHRAF-UL-HAQ Legal Advisor QAZI MUNAWAR ALAM Editorial Address: Dawood Centre, 101-1st Floor, 124,R, Block-2, Main Tariq Road, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi-Pakistan. Tel. : + 92-21- 34531122, 34531133 : + 92-21- 34316529, 34316530 Fax: : + 92-21- 34528822 E-mail: channels@cyber.net.pk hadi@tracksat.com Distributors UAE Emirates Printing Publishing & Distribution Co. Tel.: (04) 2660337 Ext. 204 SAUDI ARABIA Al-Adabiya Pub & Distributors Tel.: 671 5788 KUWAIT United Company for Distribution of Newspapers & Publications Tel.: (965) 245 6198-(965) 241 2820 BAHRAIN Al Ayam Publishing Est. B.S.C. (C) Tel. : 725111 PAKISTAN Paradise Books & Distributors Tel: + 92-21-4314981-83 Fax: + 92-21-4385075 EGYPT Al-Ahram Tel.: 5796997 QATAR Naz Book Distribution Tel.: +974 4324235, +974 5562809 TURKEY Ukrainian Distribution Tel.: +38 044 261 5876 JORDAN Jordan Distribution Agency Tel.: 962 6 533 7733 IRAQ Al-Khalil Distribution NETHERLANDS Van Gelderen UNITED KINGDOM Golden Publication Ltd. KENYA National Group Ltd. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Future Empire Network Corp. Publisher HABIB HADI Dish Channels is printed on the 1st of every month by Dish Channels Karachi. Dish Channels is Non-Political & NonPatrisian Publication. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot bear responsibility for losses resulting from errors. Printed By: PRINTING IMPRESSION, KARACHI
MAY – 2012
LETTER FROM EDITOR Dear Readers, For years, many people have not considered satellite TV as direct competition for cable television because of the hassle and difficulty of installing a satellite dish. When satellite TV was first offered, it usually involved placing a large satellite dish in a prominent place, perhaps somewhere in the garden, and then using a trial-and-error method of lining it up to the appropriate satellite. During and after bad weather, this process had to be repeated. Today the story is different. Satellite TV uses a mini dish to receive the signal. This mini dish is far more sophisticated than the traditional satellite dish, with the ability to tune in to the signal, and in many cases send it as well as receive it. This makes satellite TV a two-way process and allows the satellite dish to be used for connection to the internet and email services. Many people prefer to have the flexibility of choosing from the wide range of channels that satellite TV gives, and using a mini dish allows them to have the option of receiving satellite TV in the city. No longer do people have to limit their viewing to the relatively small number of local and national channels that cable television companies have to offer. Satellite TV is coming of age, and it's opening up television choice to everyone.
e
By
S AT MART
Contents
230th LEGEND ISSUE OF PUBLICATIONS
Letter from Editor
8
An Introduction to freesa... 47
Global Flash News
12
The Role of Satellite Dire... 48
The New Age of satellite...
18
Pakistani Channels
50
C-Band Antennas
19
Pakistani Channels
51
Sat Mart
20
Digital TV why make the...
52
Test Report
24
Modes of Transmission
53
Cable TV Evaluating...
26
Samsung TV
56
Test Report
28
Comparing HDTV Satelli...
58
China Satellite Navigation
30
Around the Satellite World
60
Test Report
32
Trouble Shooter
64
How Do FTA Satellite...
34
Search Satellite
67
Development of satellite...
36
Digital TV
75
Do You Know Over Satell...
38
Should You Buy Your...
76
Ikusi
39
Switched on to Satelltie...
77
HD Video Over Satellite
40
Directional Chart
78
US Satellite Communica...
42
Directional Chart
79
Satellite TV and its impr...
44
Terrestrial Television
81
Triax
46
Digital Chart
83
TEST REPORTS
SUPERBOX SPARK S 750 HD
AB-COM IPBOX 9000 HD PLUS
OPENSAT 9900 HD PVR
ARTICLES VIEW
18
34
53
75
76
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
GLOBAL FLASH NEWS
AMOS-5 SATELLITE CO VENEZUELA BARS CABLE, SATELLITE CHANNELS SPACECOM SIGNS AFRICA DEAL
Venezuelan regulators have ordered cable and satellite operators to stop carrying one of the country’s best known broadcasters, RCTV International, along with five other stations, alleging that the broadcasters violated a requirement to air President Hugo Chávez’s speeches. The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Venezuelan authorities today to allow all of the stations to resume operations immediately. On orders from the National Telecommunication Commission (CONATEL), cable and satellite providers stopped transmitting RCTV International and five other stations shortly after midnight, local press reports said. The action against RCTV and the other stations—Ritmo Son, Momentum, America TV, American Network, and TV Chile—was taken after the stations chose not to air a speech by Chávez. The next day, during his weekly radio and TV program “Aló Presidente,” Chávez said, “We applied the law. If they don’t follow it, they won’t be allowed back on the air.”
Spacecom Satellite Communications Ltd. (TASE:SCC) has signed a deal to provide satellite communications services in Africa. The services will be provided via its Amos5 satellite. The 6-year deal begins from the start of the commercial operation of the satellite in 2012. Spacecom expects total revenue from the deal to reach $47 million.
The Amos 5 communications satellite is scheduled for launch in 2012 and to operate for 15 years on an orbit that will provide coverage of Africa and parts of Europe and the Middle East. Until the Amos 5 is ready, Spacecom will provide services via the Amos 5i satellite, whose services it purchased for $45 million in September 2009. MAY
12
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
POLSAT MULLS PAY-TV SOLUTION FOR DTT
Polsat owner Zygmunt Solorz-Zak has said that pay-TV may be the only way to fund the deployment of set-top boxes on Polish DTT. In an interview, Solorz-Zak said he believed 2012 would be the year when Poland’s much-delayed DTT platform finally launched, but that it would only be a complement to satellite. “If the state will not pay extra for the set-top boxes you have to find the funding for an alternative. It may be the introduction of pay-TV channels.” Solorz-Zak pointed out that the MPEG-4 technology chosen for the Polish DTT system meant that the cost of receivers would be more than is the case for satellite receivers. “Today, we produce top boxes for satellite, but if there is such a demand, we can also produce others.” Declining to comment on whether he would be interested in bidding for 2.6 GHz mobile spectrum, Solorz-Zak said he would rather not invest in mobile TV, given the availability of standard DTT content on some handsets.
GLOBAL FLASH NEWS that is now fully operating at the 36 degrees East position. This new agreement extends to 2025 a relationship between the two companies that began in 2000 with the positioning of Eutelsat's W4 satellite at 36 degrees East to support MultiChoice's DStv platform which now reaches into more than 800,000 homes in sub-Saharan Africa.
DTT FOR 12M ITALIANS POSTPONED UNTIL SEPT
The launch of DTT in Italy’s Lombardy and Eastern Piedmont regions will be delayed from April to September. The Government aims to avoid the replication of the
problems that occurred in Lazio last November. In view of the regional elections in March and the World Cup in South Africa the risk was too great that over 12 million Italians in the country’s most populous regions would be left "in the dark". Meanwhile, many local TV channels in Lazio and Rome are at risk of closure. The combined effect of the economic crisis and
MULTICHOICE AFRICA EXPANDS EUTELSAT AGREEMENT Eutelsat Communications has confirmed the signature of a contract with MultiChoice Africa, the pioneer in multi-channel pay-TV across sub-Saharan Africa. MultiChoice has signed for a total 20 Ku-band transponders for 15 years on Eutelsat's new W7 satellite
MAY
the transition to DTT has put small broadcasters on their knees. The Analogue Switch Off has been taking place without clear rules on the positioning of the channels in the digital multiplexes, offering a privileged line-up for RAI and Mediaset and poor visibility for the others. The figures confirm this: RAI in particular, but also Mediaset, have seen a dramatic increase of viewers, while local channels have experienced a drop of around 10 per cent in audience.
13
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
GERMANY DESIGNING SATELLITE FOR COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP The German Aerospace Center, DLR, is midway through design studies of a telecommunications research satellite to include advanced Ka-band broadcast technologies as part of a partnership with a commercial satellite operator, according to DLR officials. The satellite, called Heinrich Hertz, would use the Small Geo satellite platform being developed by OHB Technology of Bremen, Germany, plus a payload developed by Tesat-Spacecom of Backnang and other gear from Astrium
GLOBAL FLASH NEWS Zhelesnogorsk for 18 months. “Besides, the cooperation includes the usage of satellite image ’s data provided by the space agency to fulfill Telkom’s needs in planning, operating, maintaining and marketing,” said Rinaldi.
RUSSIA WILL LAUNCH TWO SATELLITES
GmbH of Ottobrunn. The project would be the latest demonstration that the German government, which for years had steered clear of satellite telecommunications, intends to maintain a national capability in the sector and to help German industry maintain its telecommunications competitiveness. DLR has been the principal backer of the Small Geo project, one of whose goals is to maintain in Germany a capacity to build commercial telecommunications satellites.
INDONESIA’S LARGEST SATELLITE PRODUCT
Russian space agency will launch two International satellites and a freighter to the International Space Station (ISS), from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, a media report said. According to the RIA Novosti, Intelsat 16, CryoSat 2, and Progress M04M would be launched with three different carrier rockets, a space agency spokesman said. The Soyuz-U vehicle will carry a Progress Mo4M to dock with ISS on February 3 at 6:45 a.m. (Moscow time). Intelsat’s communication satellite ‘Intelsat 16’ will be orbited with a Proton-M carrier on February 12 at 3:39 a.m. built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. Later, the European Space Agency’s CryoSat-2 Earth Explorer satellite will be launched with an RS-20 rocket on February 25, it said.
PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the country’s largest telecommunication company, embraced the National Flight and Space Agency to develop satellite products. The company’s President Director Rinaldi Firmansyah said that one of the cooperation is sending seven people to study in the satellite factory Telkom-3 in Russia, including five Telkom’s officials and two from the space agency. He said that the personnel will study in Russia’s
MAY
14
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
GLOBAL FLASH NEWS
CHINA LAUNCHES SATELLITES TATA LAUNCHES PHOTON TV TO BUILD ITS OWN GPS
China has launched the third in a series of 35 satellites, designed to create its own global positioning network by 2020 and catch up to countries with a more established presence in space. The network, known as Beidou or COMPASS, is intended to provide navigation and communication services for users in the Asia-Pacific region by around 2012, and is to cover the globe by 2020, according to the program's newly unveiled official website. China is trying to catch up with the United States and Russia in space, where it already operates satellites for mapping, weather forecasting and state security. Its successful downing of a defunct communications satellite in 2007 raised alarm bells in Western capitals, which are leery of the Chinese military's growing technological abilities. More satellites could give China the ability to track and attack foreign ships at sea, helping it should a war ever breakout over self-ruled Taiwan, military experts have argued.
Tata Teleservices (TTSL) became the first service provider to offer mobile TV on high speed broadband wireless by launching Photon TV, which allows users to access channels on desktops and laptops. Existing subscribers who have the Photon Plus USB card from Tata Teleservices can avail themselves of the service by downloading an application. The pricing is based on a subscription model. It is currently available in three different subscription options - Rs 4 a channel per month; Rs 29 a month for My Combo (a bouquet of 10 channels); and Rs 75 a month for all 40 channels on offer. However, there is a large hidden cost - the subscriber will have to pay for data downloaded as per the subscriber's data plan. Viewing TV consumes about 1.2 MB per each minute! For example, if a subscriber has taken the Photon Super Surf plan for Rs 1,500 a month, they can watch TV for up to 15 GB (enough for about 160 hours of TV viewing a month) without any additional fee. But usage beyond 15 GB will cost 50 paise per MB.
EUTELSAT--HD DELIVERY VIA EUROBIRD 9A
KabelKiosk, the digital channel platform for cable operators provided by the German subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL), have announced the immediate launch of a new HDTV offer with the addition into the platform of the RTL HD and VOX HD channels of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland. The addition to KabelKiosk of both channels follows the signature of an agreement between Eutelsat Germany and Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, which was announced in Berlin at Eutelsat Germany’s annual reception on January. With their launch in KabelKiosk, RTL HD and VOX 21st HD will be available for the first time in real HD quality for digital cable networks in Germany. KabelKiosk’s German cable partners will immediately be able to offer this new option to their subscribers via Eutelsat’s EUROBIRD™ 9A satellite.
MAY
CCTV'S INTERNET TV CHANNEL
China Central Television (CCTV) has launched a national internet television station, CNTV.cn, in China. The internet TV channel is positioned as a global, multilingual and multi-terminal platform. It will focus mainly on sports, finance and economy related information.
16
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
SRT 2010 HD
SRT 2014 HD
SRT 2015 HD
SRT 3000 HD
SR 55X
SR 140 SR 150
ST 570 ST 560
www.startrackworld.com
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
THE NEW AGE OF SATELLITE BROADBAND Ka band is the latest addition to the family of radio wave spectrum assigned exclusively to satellite broadband providers. For many years, satellite broadband is defined in terms of C and Ku bands. The rising popularity of online multimedia content and web services is causing bandwidth shortage across networks and wireless transmission platforms. Radio frequencies are being maxed out in some sectors. That's why the satellite industry and other wireless data carriers are continuously exploring ways to expand their bandwidth capacity, and one way of doing so is to buy another chunk of radio band to process more signals. Average Ka band uplink operates on frequencies ranging from 27.5GHz to 31Ghz , while most downlink speed ranges from 18.3 to 20.2Ghz. The term “ka band” is a shortened version of “K above” (the band is named so since it is above the K band). Satellite customers with access to Ka band enjoy faster uplink and download speed than normally expected from other satellite bands. But unlike the older bands, the Ka band is more prone to signal attention, especially during unpleasant weather. The Ka band belongs to electromagnetic range of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. However, lower frequencies are also used in older applications. Most satellite broadband applications operate on a MAY
minimum range of 1 to a maximum of 40 GHz. Since Ka band suffers from significant attenuation during rainy season, it is used more often for satellite broadband applications instead of TV broadcasting. In terms of transmitting data over global networks, the attenuation of some packets is not a big trouble for reputable satellite broadband carriers with good Ka band infrastructures. Large diameter Ka-band antennas can achieve optimum efficiency depending on its design. Critical design factors include reflector surface accuracy, antenna/ feed design, thermal effects, structural antenna stiffness and integrity, anti-icing capability, monopulse tracking, HPA phase combining, hub integration and installation and alignments. Ka band engineering is a specialty that needs to be applied during the design planning phase. Here are some of the things you should look for when selecting satellite broadband providers and choosing Ka band products and services: -Counterweights applied to precision Ka-band rated surface reflector High level of stiffness turntable bearing Dual DC motor gear-pinion drive, preferably with mechanical anti-backlash in azimuth - DC motor jackscrew drive in elevation - Spacious VSAT work platform to facilitate easy maintenance - Large hub and access door.
18
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
C-BAND ANTENNAS
T
he satellite-TV industry was born when consumers began using large C-band antennas to receive cable programming that was being backhauled on domestic satellite systems. By the mid-1980s, programmers began to scramble their signals and charge for access. After several attempts to develop direct broadcast service (DBS) satellite systems failed to get off the ground (including Comsat's), the cable industry's Primestar partnership began service in 1991 using smaller Ku-band antennas. Primestar's business ultimately fell victim to competition from DirecTV, which launched in 1994 and soon acquired it. DirecTV might never have launched had it not partnered with Hubbard's United States Satellite Broadcasting DBS business to share a single spacecraft between two DBS MAY
competitors. By the end of 1998, just four years after DirecTV launched and two years after Echostar launched, those two DBS operators had more than 10 million subscribers; today that number is nearing 30 million. The commercial success of DirecTV and Echostar was hastened by three crucial pieces of legislation. In 1988, the Satellite Home Viewer Act established the legal mechanism to deliver network and superstation broadcast signals to viewers in “white areas� where the public does not receive free primary services. The 1992 Cable Act effectively guaranteed DirecTV and Echostar the right to contract for the cable programming that their potential customers demanded, and the 1999 Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act finally allowed consumers to receive local broadcast signals via their DBS providers.
19
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SAT MART
WIZ-299 HD FTA
SONICVIEW 8000 HD Sonicview 8000 HD PVR V2 with internal cooling fan is the hottest new high definition FTA (Free-To-Air) Digital Satellite Receiver that will deliver the best in High Definition television. Sonicview 8000 HD PVR V2 FTA Receiver is very easy to setup and use. This Sonicview High Definition unit will provide 1080i output quality on all the best channels with USB 2.0 port Sharp video tuner and much more. The PVR (Personal Video Recording) function allows you to record your favorite
MAY
shows on external Hard Drive. Sonicview 8000 HD PVR V2 FTA Receiver has a very powerful processor, fastest booting & scan speed which makes this receiver to be the best in the Free To Air World.
COMAG SL 90 HDTV PVR HDTV and digital satellite receiver with 1 Common Interface slot, and USB connection for external HDD PVR recording. Supports DiSEqC/USALS. This receiver has 5000 channel storage, DiSEqC 1.0, 1.2, USALS, 800 page Super Fast Teletext, Software updates via Astra 1 or via USB, 4 digit LED front display, Low-power consumption in Standby, 7 day Electronic Programme Guide, 8 favourite channel lists, Channel list editor, 8 multi-function event timers and quick channel with changing last channel recall.
23
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
Cable TV: Evaluating Your Performance It is important for us to evaluate the performance of our cable TV. Why is it necessary that evaluation is needed for cable television providers? There were some customers who filed their complaints against a cable service provider due to their poor customer service. Not only they were relying on the customer service itself, but also on the packages they were selling. Some cable or satellite television packages were cheaper, but others are expensive. There is what we call criteria or judgment. It means that a service performed by any individual will be evaluated through a series of categories. For example, if you are a Biology teacher, you will be evaluated by various students about your performance. As a teacher, you will get results about your behavior, good grooming and the way you treat students inside the class. If you think the process can be applied with cable TV providers, it can be possible. They can simply rate the performance from highest to lowest. One of the most important things you need to evaluate is quality. When it comes to quality, it refers to various things like reception, pricing and MAY
packaging. Cable TV reception is one of the highest priorities in the business. If the reception of your TV is very poor, you will mark it as the lowest. But if the reception was in high quality, there's no doubt that you may rank the service into a higher one. The prices and packages are also included in this category. It is important that you should have a good relationship with the customer service employees. Once you are an official subscriber, you have the right to rate their service anytime. Customer service is really needed in case you have problems or suggestions about their service. Once you and the representative are talking to each other, try to monitor him or her in terms of treatment. If he or she treats you well, there's no doubt you will give the company a higher rate. For those of you who haven't been familiar with this term, it's quite simple. If the cable service providers can finish their task in a matter of time, there's no doubt that you will give them a higher rating. For example, if one employee does not finish the job within 24 hours, it gives them a bad reputation.
26
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
CHINA SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEM A Chinese rival to the US global positioning system network has started providing services in China and the surrounding area. The director of China's satellite navigation system office, Ran Chengqi, told reporters that the Beidou navigation system is offering services including positioning, navigation routes and time. Ran did not specify who the target users are, but he said Beidou would be available to Chinese and foreign companies for research and development. Beidou will be available to much of the Asian-Pacific region by the end of 2012 and worldwide by 2020. China, and especially its military, have long been wary of relying on the United States' dominant GPS network, fearing that Washington might take the system offline in a conflict or an emergency. The Beidou, or Compass, navigation system was now providing services for China and "surrounding areas", Xinhua said, and Beijing would launch another six satellites in 2012 to expand it to most of the Asia-Pacific region. The first Compass satellite was launched in April 2007, after four other experimental satellites were placed in orbit earlier in the decade. It is not clear how many satellites have been launched so far. Once completed, the system will have 35 satellites developed using Chinese technology, and will provide services for MAY
mapping, fishery, transport, meteorology and telecommunications, state media have said. The orbital location of the Beidou 1A satellite has been changed. On or about October 27, as indicated by NORAD tracking data, the satellite underwent a significant delta-V, raising its orbit by about 200 kilometers. Its orbit had been slightly drifting for a few weeks before the maneuver, and there was speculation that the satellite had been placed in a disposal or graveyard orbit. However, on November 24, a second delta-V was observed that returned the satellite to the geostationary belt. The two maneuvers placed the satellite at a new location at about 60 degrees east longitude — the furthest west of any of the Beidou satellites. The satellite may eventually end up at 58.75 degrees east, one of the Beidou orbital slots registered with the International Telecommunication Union. The geostationary satellite, the first for the demonstration regional Beidou system or Beidou-1, was launched on October 30, 2000, and positioned at 140 degrees east longitude. Following several years of use, there were unofficial reports that the satellite was no longer functional. However, station-keeping was maintained, implying some usefulness of the satellite. It remains unclear how functional the satellite is and whether it is still useful for the Beidou-1 demonstration system.
30
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
FTA or free-to-air is a type of TV that does not require a subscription. FTA signals are broadcast without encryption and can be legally viewed by anyone with the proper equipment. Free to air is broadcast from satellites in orbit. Different satellites broadcast separate programming. Most FTA programs are cultural or educational in nature and offered as a public service. Because these satellites can be received from nearly any location, FTA television is often accessible even in areas where traditional and cable TV is unavailable. There are two types of satellite dishes that can be used to receive FTA: C-Band and Ku. Both of these types are widely available and are fairly inexpensive. CBand uses larger dishes and is an older technology, while Ku band dishes are newer and smaller. FTA satellite dishes cannot transmit. They are designed to receive only. The shape of the dish focuses distant television signals and tunes in the broadcast. Usually, an FTA dish is aimed at one satellite. Dishes can also be motorized to aim at multiple sources when needed. An FTA receiver decodes the satellite information. This is similar to a standard cable box. A coaxial cable connects the dish MAY
HOW DO FTA SATELLITE SYSTEMS WORK?
to the receiver, which is in turn plugged into the TV. FTA receivers use software to scan and find available satellite broadcasts. These are assigned to different channels, which can be easily switched. Once channels are set, the system operates from a remote. Viewers can tune into a variety of programs from the comfort of the living room, with no subscription charge required. Conceptually, satellite television is a lot like broadcast television. It's a wireless system for delivering television programming directly to a viewer's house. Both broadcast television and satellite stations transmit programming via a radio signal (see How Radio Works for information about radio broadcasting). Broadcast stations use a powerful antenna to transmit radio waves to the surrounding area. Viewers can pick up the signal with a much smaller antenna. The main limitation of broadcast television is range. The radio signals used to broadcast television shoot out from the broadcast antenna in a straight line. In order to receive these signals, you have to be in the direct "line of sight" of the antenna. Small obstacles like trees or small buildings aren't a problem; but a big obstacle, such as the Earth, will reflect these radio waves.
34
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
Direct to Home Services or DTH is becoming increasingly acceptable these days. There are a handful of reasons for this. With a DTH connection at your home, you can rest assured of continuous entertainment without worrying about a cable failure. The images displayed are more vivid, colorful and attractive that the normal cable. There are also options for choosing your favorite channels only, thereby saving unnecessary expenses. It is no wonder that everyone wants to install Internet Protocol Television at his or her homes. This spurt of demand has brought in a big group of Internet Protocol Television and DTH Service providers who are vying to garnet a piece of the pie. The vide variety available may bamboozle an uninitiated buyer. Tall words, promises, advertisements
MAY
etc may misguide people. So it is imperative that you first look for product reviews of all the biggest players in the field before selecting one. The initial charges of different service providers vary. So does the charge levied per channel. Most of these players provide many free to air channels absolutely free of cost to get new buyers. But many educational channels and sports channels are not free at all. The service providers mix and match all things to create an attractive package. You may have now understood that how complex the world of IPTV and DTH services are. There are chances that you may end up with a DTH connection, which is not at all suitable to meet all your needs. But there is no need to be worried here. BSNL, Tata, Reliance, Airtel, Sub network, Dist TV, Videocon etc are some of the leading players in the field. Product reviews on each of these services are available now, which you can use if required. Go through them, compare them, evaluate them in the long and a short-term perspective and then only buy. Such an approach would fetch you brilliant dividends. Now that analog television is officially over, the concentration is on digital and HD TV. HD TV is necessary for the larger screen televisions. The flat screen televisions have a might higher resolution capability. Movies generally have a higher quality of resolution than regular TV programme.
38
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
DIGITAL SMATV SYSTEM mor
IKUSI is a pioneer in introducing Digital Systems in the Middle East Region. RF Technology users can now look forward to a breathtaking picture quality and many
MAY
e channels per frequency simply by switching to the cost effective Digital Technology. COFDM and QAM are the major digital technologies influencing the region. Of the two technologies, COFDM is the latest. Armed with the complete range of Digital Products, IKUSI solutions are secondary to none! Unlike earlier programming, broadcast is now completely digital, which means it has high picture and stereo sound quality. In fact, broadcast technology has improved even further and most of the popular channels are now transmitted in HD format! But in conventional RF systems, even though the broadcasted signal is in digital format, the signal reception modules convert it back to analogue form. The broadcast picture clarity is lost! In contrast to that, DVB-S/S2 Signal or Digital Satellite Signal (950-2150 MHz) when converted to COFDM format (47-862 MHz) helps retain the original picture quality. In this technology, several signals can be compressed and sent at right angles to each other (orthogonally inclined) which helps eliminate multipath interference. Also, the additional bandwidth obtained can be used to incorporate guard bands to protect the signal from outside interference. Thus, Digital TV doesn't suffer from vision impairments such as ghosting, co-channel interference, low signal levels and snowy pictures. The other significant advantage is that hundreds of programs can be tuned using Digital Technology as compared to the very few 90 programs that could be
30
tuned using RF Technology! IKUSI has developed many products/solutions for COFDM & QAM Technologies which include MTI Series (QPSK to COFDM Transmodulation Headend), MAC Series (AV to COFDM Standalone Modulator), DTR-100 (SD Digital Terrestrial Set-top Box), HD-300T (HD Digital Terrestrial Set-top Box), DSA800 (Touchscreen Digital Signal Analyser), MDI Series (DVB-S/S2 or SAT to QAM Transmodulation Headend) and many more. Both MTI and MDI have models with and without the Conditional Interface Slot. Also, MAC has 2 models, MAC-201 & MAC-401, with 2 and 4 Inputs respectively. The latest IKUSI Product, CODEX can provide high-end, studio quality Digital SMATV on Coaxial and IPTV on Ethernet simultaneously! IKUSI and its Authorized Distributors and Dealers together have organized many presentations on IKUSI Digital Products all over the Middle East. Several IKUSI Digital TV Projects are already at the execution stage with many more in the pipeline! With the comprehensive range of latest Digital SMATV products, knowledge, R&D expertise from IKUSI Head office in Spain, support & technical backing from IKUSI Middle East, TV viewing on Digital platform looks bright in days to come.
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
HD VIDEO OVER SATELLITE
For many years, videoconferencing over satellite has had a reputation for being of poor quality and expensive. However, with the high levels of growth currently taking place in regions like Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, the overall difficulties presented by travel in those regions (cost, unreliability, time-consuming, danger) and the relative lack of terrestrial communications infrastructure, market
MAY
interest is growing in videoconferencing over satellite (which can deliver lifelike, face-to-face communication and collaboration with colleagues, partners, suppliers and customers in hard-to-reach areas) — as long as it can be delivered in high quality and at an affordable price. Many Western multi-national corporations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have come to expect the ability to communicate face-to-face with remote teams, and they expect to have it in emerging regions as well. However, the lack of communications infrastructure in these areas makes the deployment of terrestrial-based videoconferencing systems in, and to, these regions difficult, if not impossible. While an obvious alternative to terrestrial-based videoconferencing might be satellite, when organizations think of this option, they often think “poor quality”, “difficult to use” and “expensive”, based upon what has been traditionally available. Fortunately, recent technology developments are enabling a new era in high definition (HD) videoconferencing over satellite. One where the quality,
40
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view usability and cost challenges are being met and overcome. Anyone who has seen traditional videoconferencing over satellite knows that the experience to date has left a lot to be desired. This is primarily due to high and fluctuating conditions around three main factors: Latency, jitter and packet loss. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done about the latency challenges with regard to satellite communication. It takes a certain amount of time for a signal to travel from the Earth, up to a satellite and back down again However innovative satellite communications companies have discovered that, while you can't do much to reduce or eliminate the latency inherent in satellite-based communications, you can make it relatively unnoticeable by ensuring it is predictable and steady. By combining steady and predictable latency with levels of packet loss and jitter that are near to zero, a latency range of 475-525 ms is almost imperceptible. In fact, many people that have seen the new HD video conferencing over satellite have remarked that they cannot tell the difference between it and a video conference conducted over a terrestrial link. With the ease of communications available to us from modern technology, our level of patience with anything that presents extra work or complexity is short. To that end, it is crucial that any new communications technology be quick and convenient to use and that any complexity be hidden from the users. With new HD videoconferencing over satellite technology, great efforts were made to ensure an easy set-up, use and disconnect process. With a goal of being frictionless, and as easy to use as any land-based videoconferencing system, new HD videoconferencing over satellite systems are portal-based, where users simply log onto a portal, request service and see their circuit turned on in approximately 30 seconds. They then operate the videoconferencing system of their choice for as long as they like. Or, they connect a
MAY
location with their global scheduling and management system and that system turns off and on as any managed system on their network. The fact that the circuit is actually a satellite connection is completely hidden from the user. While a great deal of very complex things happen once a person requests service (the video on demand (VoD) server determines which spectrum is available to use; the VoD server then selects the correct satellite and transponder; and the VoD system then connects both end points), those activities are mostly concealed from the user's view. All they know is that within a short time span, they are speaking face-to-face with teams and colleagues located in some of the most remote, hard-to-reach regions on the planet. One aspect of ease of use that organizations interested in HD videoconferencing over satellite should look into is a single supplier's ability to handle the planning, setup and management of the service. Especially in hard-to-reach countries and areas of the world, it is important that a supplier be experienced with the unique and often challenging requirements for shipping, customs, logistics, construction, licensing, etc. in these areas. The ability to deliver a service level agreement (SLA) with service response in hours, rather than days, is an important consideration for such a mission-critical communications service. For many organizations with a need to communicate with remote regions, costs are a key factor. To date, videoconferencing over satellite has been prohibitively expensive for many organizations because of the dedicated bandwidth necessary to conduct sessions.
41
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Instantaneous worldwide communications, connecting all nations, has been a dream of mankind for ages. Until the development of technologies to build, launch and operate artificial earth satellites, specifically communications satellites, the means to make such connections was unavailable. Through communications satellites, it is now possible to access telephone, telegraph, instant news information and computer links around the globe. This global connectivity provides military commanders with the ability to exercise nearly on-scene command and control. Communication satellite systems and uses continue to develop rapidly. The Echo I spacecraft was a 100-ft. diameter balloon made of aluminized polyester. It was inflated after being put into a 800-900 nautical mile orbit. Radio waves could be reflected off of the smooth aluminum surface. Echo demonstrated satellite tracking and ground station technology that would later be used in active systems. After Echo II was launched on 25 January 1964, NASA abandoned passive communications systems in favor of the superior performance of active satellites. In 1961, three active satellite programs were started under contract to and with cooperation of NASA. Two were for medium-orbit satellites and one for a 24hour-orbit “repeater.� The programs culminated in the 1962 launch of two medium-orbit satellites, TELSTAR and RELAY, and the 1963 launch of SYNCOM, the first 24-hour orbit (geostationary) satellite. Meanwhile, the military program to build a geostationary satellite (ADVENT) was experiencing delays in launcher availability and cost over-runs. The first operational military satellite communications system began five years later and was comprised of two Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDSCP) satellites, which were launched in July 1967. These satellites were de-signed to launch in groups of up to eight, and a total of 26 IDSCP satellites were launched in four groups to near geostationary, 18,300 statute mile orbits. The IDSCP evolved into what is today's Defence Satellite Communications System (DSCS). The IDSCP satellites are often referred to as DSCS Phase I. In February 1969, the IDSCP was followed by the Tactical MAY
US
Inside view
SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Satellite Communications (TACSATCOM) program. This program was used to evaluate mobile user needs in tactical situations. Satellite systems have significantly improved the reliability and the accuracy of aviation and maritime communications, moving those functions out of the high frequency (HF) portion of the radio spectrum. The advantages of satellite communications are extensive.
SYSTEMS
42
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
SATELLI T E TV AND I T IMPROVE S MENTS The number of people using satellite TV system has increased since its emergence into the market in the early 1960s. The technology behind it has also advanced a lot since the "Early Bird", one the first commercial satellite TVs. This TV had very poor pictures of low quality as compared to the present day crystal clear Direct-to-home deliveries available on Satellite Television. Satellite TV works by means of communication between a satellite dish, a set-top-box and the global communication satellite. The whole set communicates by means of signals sent by an elliptical geostationary orbit located about 37, 000 km away from the earth's surface. The cycle of the satellite TV communication is a two part process. First, an uplink station sends powerful signals to the satellite geostationary orbit via a dish network antenna. The surface of the uplink station dish is large because this increases the preciseness of transmissions to the MAY
orbiting stations. After this, the transponder relays signals back to earth which are then seen in the satellite TV. As a result of the evolved technologies and emergence of new ideas, quality of reception has improved over the years. Early, the images on TVs were of low quality and were subject to atmospheric interference. And as technology continued to improve, new better solutions were invented. The use of parabolic dishes assisted in improving the strength of the signals. In the early days, sound and images were not in fine resonance. But later the satellite TV gurus invented a low noise amplifier which they use to tune the accompaniment of sound and images. Another aspect that has changed about satellite TVs is that the costs of equipments and the expenditure of installation have tremendously gone down. This is due to the cheaper alternatives that
44
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view have been employed as far as technology is concerned. For instance, the switch from the CBand systems to the currents satellite TV systems enabled cheaper connection to the UHF TVs and made it possible for viewers to view multiple channels from
the same connection line. This in turn resulted to mass production in relation to the equipments and commercial connections. Of late, further improvements of the
satellite TV have been witnessed due to the rise of digital quality technology. This is a vast leap from the former standards like PAL and NTSC. The satellite TV has been fully digitalized. These improvements have seen subscriptions to satellite TV connections rise as opposed to traditional analog connection days. Before, satellite TV ownership was left to the rich elite but now, money has no bearing on whether or not one gets satellite TV connection. Now we have color televisions that have high resolution mega screens which closely resemble the early invention. Even the way people receive their television pictures has largely improved and with the coming up of satellite television, things are really getting better what with free satellite television. We now have such companies as DirecTV or the Dish Network that have offers for satellite television free of charge as compared to the usual digital television MAY
providers. But the question of 'how free is free?' still arises. With the current decline in economy, it would be difficult to believe that satellite television could be offered free when we know that satellite television is only for those who pay monthly fees or subscribe. You may be offered free installation for it but remember that you need the equipment, for example, the dishes that serve to receive the satellite signals, which you will have to purchase and to pay the minimum coding charge, though at a reduced rate. There are costs you will still incur so it is not completely free as
such. These interruptions can be so bad such that you may be forced to keep reloading the program card. Redirecting of signals is an offence punishable by the law and satellite television providers are inventing ways of catching the offenders before turning them to law-keepers, in order to maintain their reputation of being quality service providers.You may consider the internet as a way of getting digital quality satellite content especially if you have a PC connected to the internet and the right software installed. You can watch satellite television content from it but it is not completely free again since the software necessary to download the content must be bought or acquired. You only need to be careful here as getting a good deal is difficult with so many deceitful people out there.
45
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
Amplifiers in SMATV
NETWORKS
Extra power and capacity is most often an advantage in sports, in your car, in computers and in many other processes. In the handling of signals in TV/radio networks (e.g. SMATV solutions) you do however have to think differently, and this especially applies to the selection of amplifiers and their maximum gain capacity. Unnecessary amplification power adds unnecessary noise and reduces signal quality.
MAY
Carrier-to-Noise (or C/N) ratio is the value used to describe how efficiently the active components in a distribution system preserve signal quality. More specifically, a C/N-ratio is the ratio between meaningful information (TVsignal) and background noise added by the component, and this value (measured in dB) has to be maximized. To optimize signal quality, we need to look at the formula for calculating C/N-ratios and to understand the relationship between the different parameters. Actually the formula is fairly simple and conclusions even more so. As in this example, amplifier gain is typically the one factor causing the largest reduction in C/N-ratio and signal quality. Additionally it is worth noticing that it is not the adjusted gain, but the maximum gain of the amplifier that counts. As an installer or systems designer you only
46
have very limited options to minimize the amplifier’s inherent noise and impedance noise. And for reasons outlined below, an output level of more than 95-98 dBµV will start creating other problems when cascading amplifiers. So, the one important factor you can control is the amplifier’s maximum gain. As the above formula shows, signal quality is improved, when you “economize” with power (and costs) and select an amplifier with the gain needed but no unnecessary amplifying capacity. Based on the formula, one can perhaps also draw the conclusion to maximize output level (Uout) and reduce the number of amplifiers needed. This is right in respect to C/N-ratio but an output level above 95-98 dBµV will create new and different problems: Intermodulation. Intermodulation is the result of overdriven signals, and occurs because the amplifier radiates energy on the operating frequency as well as frequencies above and below the same assigned frequency. The result is frequency components generated by the amplifier and visible on various channels throughout the channel raster, typically in the form of undesired shadows or patterns in the TV-picture.
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
AN INTRIDUCTION TO FREESAT reesat is a joint venture in the UK between BBC and ITV television destined to be a satellite alternative to freeview. The advantages of Freesat over terrestrial television are in the number of channels and the quality of the broadcast.
F
The service launched to the public on May 6 2008. Upon launch, the available channels included all BBC and ITV channels (with the exception of ITV2+1), most of Channel 4s channels, as well as channels from broadcasters such as Euronews, CSC Media Group, Al Jazeera and Chello Zone. Copying its launch issues at the end of the last century, Channel Five was notably absent from the party, as were channels from MTV, BSkyB and UKTV. Currently, Freesat has 147 radio and television channels on its books. Although the adoption of more channels is going slightly slower than they had predicted, there are numerous more entertainment and music channels on the horizon. There are a number of channels broadcast on Freeview which Freesat does not have access to. These are (at the time of writing): MAY
Smile TV, Quest, Partyland, National Lottery Xtra and teleG. To get Freesat, you will need a satellite dish. If you don't already have one then you will be able to get one from any of the numerous satellite shops around the country. Installation of a satellite dish generally costs in the region of £80. Once you have your satellite dish installed, you will need a digital receiver box. These contraptions pick up the digital signal from the satellite and relay the picture to your television. They can cost anywhere from £50 to right up and over £800 and you generally do get what you pay for when it comes to features and quality. Features to look out for on your Freesat box are HD channels, Surround Sound, the ability to pause, rewind and record both HD and SD television programmes and interactive programme guides. Again, though, the more features you want, the more you will have to fork out. If all of this is very new and sounding a bit jargon-y to you, then you would be best to visit your nearest satellite TV specialists for a chat. Most places are very happy to point you in the right direction for your equipment and have demos so you can try before you buy.
47
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
THE ROLE OF SATELLITE DIRECT IN MODERN LIFE
Television plays a huge role in our lives nowadays. We watch it for fun, for education and to get fresh information. There are many ways to watch TV. The most conventional one is having TV set coupled with satellite/cable service. The other one, like satellite direct, is watching TV on computer via internet. Something inbetween are special STBs (Set Top Boxes) that are connected to your computer via USB and get signal from cable or satellite dish. The most inexpensive way to watch TV is probably Satellite Direct. It costs about $30 and brings 3500 TV channels to the table. Another nice thing about Satellite Direct is that it's a one-time payment. No monthly subscriptions! Cable TV on the other hand is much more popular and accessible since every household can get it. Satellite TV is also very accessible and especially useful for remote areas where cable TV isn't available. Cable and satellite MAY
TV usually come with monthly subscriptions. Satellite communications and broadcasting represent the most important space-related commercial market. Revenues of satellite operators are mainly generated by sales of capacity (i.e. leasing of satellite's transponders: data links and bandwidth) and added value services. The bulk of the satellite communications business comes from television. By early 2010, there were 1.4 billion households with a television around the world, providing roughly five billion people access to TV programmes at home (ITU, 2010). In the OECD, 95% on average of all households have at least one television (OECD, 2009). The number of households around the world with direct-to-home (DTH) satellite dishes rose from 82 million in 2000 to 177 million in 2008 (ITU, 2010). As shown in Figure 5.1 the number of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscribers
48
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view outnumbers the numbers of terrestrial and cable broadcast viewers in 11 countries. The function of an earth satellite station is to transmit and receive information frequency through microwave signals of a certain frequency. It has a large parabolic disc aerial. A communication satellite will amplify these microwave signals, convert them to another frequency and transmit them to other earth satellite stations. As the world becomes more sophisticated more modern communication methods and devices are introduced to the market. An artificial satellite is a spacecraft placed in orbit around the Earth or other planets. The electrical power required by satellite is provided by panels of solar cells and small nuclear reactors. Satellites are kept in the correct position by small rocket motors called thrusters. They orbit with their disc aerials pointing to Earth. When the thrusters run out of fuel, the satellite eventually drifts out of position and becomes unusable. Satellites are equipped with radio transmitters, radio receivers and electronic circuits for storing data. Communication satellite provide services such as relaying telephone conversations, transmitting television broadcasts around the world, sending computer data between relay stations on different continents and facsimile transmission. Information is transmitted using microwaves. Microwave signals are used in satellite communication because they can travel far without being scattered by particles in the atmosphere and have very high frequencies in the atmosphere and have very high frequencies. They are also not reflected by the ionosphere. A satellite communication system consists of two systems: a) earth satellite stations b) communication
MAY
satellites that occupy a special orbit called geostationary orbit. The function of an earth satellite station is to transmit and receive information frequency through microwave signals of a certain frequency. It has a large parabolic disc aerial. A communication satellite will amplify these microwave signals, convert them to another frequency and transmit them to other earth satellite stations. A typical satellite consists of a number of repeaters (transponders), each of which provides a large-capacity communication channel. Each transponder has a receiver tuned to a frequency range that has been allocated for uplink communication signals from Earth to the satellite. Following the receiver, each transponder consists of a frequency shifter to lower the received signals to a downlink frequency, a filter tuned to the frequency of the transponder and a power amplifier to transmit signals back to Earth. The communication capacity of a satellite is determined by the number of transponder channels and the volume of communication that can be transmitted on each channel. Although this varies from one type of satellite to another, the most commonly used satellite in 1995 had 24 transponders. Each can carry a colour TV signal (or 6 digitally compressed TV signals) or at least 1200 telephone voice signals in one direction. Each new generation of satellites tends to have increased communication capability. The transmitting and receiving stations on Earth (earth stations) range in size from sophisticated, expensive stations that send and receive all types of communication signals to relatively simple and less costly stations (dish-shaped TV antennas) used only to receive television signals.
49
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
Madni Channel
3740 V 2815 3/4
Urdu Islamic Channel
Fashion TV
3745 V 2625 3/4
Fashion Channel
Such TV
3906 V 2814 3/4
Urdu News Channel
Khyber News, AVT Khyber, K2 Music
3914 V 7300 3/4
Pashto News Channel
ARY Digital
3914 V 7300 3/4
Urdu Entertainment Ch.
ARY QTV, Zauq, Music, News
3914 V 7300 3/4
Islamic, Cooking, News
HBO Pakistan
3914 V 7300 3/4
English Movie (Irdeto-2)
DM Digital
4071 H 14240 3/4
Urdu Channel
PTV Home, PTV News
4091 V 13333 3/4
Urdu Channnel
ATV Pakistan
4091 V 13333 3/4
Urdu Channnel
Awaz TV
4096 H 2309 3/4
Sindhi Channnel
PTV Global USA
4102 V 2894 3/4
Urdu Channnel
PTV National
4114 V 7000 3/4
Pakistani Regional Ch.
Hum TV
4132 H 9200 3/4
Urdu Entertainment Ch.
Masala TV, Style 360
4132 H 9200 3/4
Urdu Cooking Channel
A Plus, A Lite
4154 H 5632 3/4
Urdu Entertainment Ch.
Aaj News
4161 H 3040 3/4
Urdu News Channel
Waseb TV, News One
4166 H 5700 3/4
Seraiki Ch., News Ch.
TV One Global
4166 H 5700 3/4
Urdu Channel
4180 V 26666 3/4
Urdu News Channel
AJK TV
3778 V 3333 3/4
Kashmiri Channel
Starlite, Silver Screen
3715 V 3600 3/4
Movie Channel
Apna News
4056 V 5000 3/4
Punjabi News Channel
Filmazia, Filmax
4056 V 5000 3/4
Movie Channel
Ten Sports Pakistan
3712 H 14454 3/4
Sports Ch. (Irdeto 2)
CNBC Pakistan
3810 H 3312 2/3
Urdu News Channel
Samaa TV
4119 H 3333 2/3
Urdu News Channel
Dawn News
4127 H 3255 3/4
Urdu News Channel
Hidayat TV, Hadi TV
4130 H 2251 3/4
Religious Channel
Rohi TV
4142 H 3306 3/4
Punjabi Channel
Dunya News
4150 H 6600 3/4
Urdu News Channel
Express News
4158 H 6510 3/4
Urdu News Channel
Geo News
MAY
Asia Sat 5 100.5 E
Sabzbat Balochistan PTV Bolan Din News Apna News Kook TV 8XM Value TV KTN, KTN News Kashish TV Sun TV Filmazia Film World Filmax AKS TV Metro One N-Vibe Indus Vision Ravi Sindh TV News Sindh TV Sohni Dharti TV Oxygene Waqt News Samaa TV Aruj TV Business Plus Zaiqa Sharq TV G Kaboom City 42 News Royal News Haq TV Virtual University Kohenoor TV Hope TV Health TV Mehran TV Channel Five VSH News PTV Global ARY News UK ARY News USA Geo UK Aag TV QTV Pakistan Geo News ARY Madani Channel PTV Prime Madani Channel Indus Vision Aaj News Dawn News MAY
Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E Paksat 1R 38.0 E
3819 V 2222 3/4 3856 V 2893 3/4 3872 H 2170 3/4 3879 V 7234 3/4 3879 V 7234 3/4 3879 V 7234 3/4 3970 H 2170 3/4 3973 V 6509 3/4 3973 V 6509 3/4 3987 V 2800 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4020 H 27700 3/4 4033 V 4340 3/4 4033 V 4340 3/4 4038 V 2800 3/4 4042 V 2850 3/4 4047 V 3255 3/4 4097 V 1600 3/4 4101 V 2800 3/4 4124 V 5000 3/4 4124 V 5000 3/4 4129 V 1700 3/4 4135 H 3255 3/4 4137 V 3255 3/4 4141 V 2800 3/4 4145 V 2170 3/4 4158 V 12000 3/4 4168 V 2800 3/4 4172 V 2800 3/4 4177 V 2800 3/4 4181 V 2170 3/4 3979 V 3255 3/4 3950 H 2170 3/4 11224 V 27500 2/3 11390 V 27500 2/3 11390 V 27500 2/3 11426 V 27500 2/3 11426 V 27500 2/3 11426 V 27500 2/3 11546 H 27500 2/3 11546 H 27500 2/3 12523 H 27500 2/3 12643 H 27500 2/3 10815 H 27500 3/4 10930 H 27500 3/4 10930 H 27500 3/4 12303 H 27500 3/4
Balochi Channel Balochi, Brohi Channel Urdu News Channel Punjabi News Channel Seraiki Channel General Channel Property Channel Sindhi Channel Sindhi Music Channel Urdu Channel Movie Channel Movie Channel Movie Channel Urdu Channel Urdu Channel Urdu Channel Urdu Channel Punjabi Channel Sindhi News Channel Sindhi Channel Punjabi Channel Music Channel Urdu News Channel Urdu News Channel Urdu Channel Urdu Business Channel Urdu Cooking Channel Pashto Channel Music Channel News Channel Urdu News Channel Islamic Channel Educational Channel Urdu Entertainment Ch. General Channel Health Channel Sindhi Channel Urdu News Channel Balochi Channel Urdu Channel Urdu News decoder Urdu News decoder Urdu News decoder Music Channel decoder Islamic Ch. decoder Urdu News decoder Urdu Ch. decoder Islamic Channel Urdu Channel Islamic Channel Urdu Ch. decoder Urdu Ch. decoder Urdu Ch. decoder
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
DIGITAL TV: WHY MAKE THE SWITCH? There are various reasons as to why so many TV consumers are opting for digital television. For starters, digital TV channels take up less bandwidth - which, in turn, means that broadcasters can offer consumers a greater number of digital channels in the same space. Moreover, those who opt for digital TV are usually given the option to utilise various other services, including digital interactivity, multimedia, electronic programme guides, language and subtitle options, or multiplexing - where more than one programme is allowed on the same channel. This, of course, is all in addition to the high-definition quality offered with digital television. Digital television offers images made up of smaller pixels - and more of them - compared to analog TV. So images are crisper, cleaner and more detailed. Digital TV is also advantageous in that its signals react less fiercely to interference than analog signals. For instance, interference with analog signals might result in the ghosting of images and disruptive noises. However, digitised signals won’t experience problems like these because digital TV tuners and converter boxes receive numeric information by the antenna. The decoder only requires enough information to MAY
assemble a picture - and the only way the process can fail is if the tuner or converter box doesn’t receive substantial information from the antenna. Even then, the interference is minimal. With so many advantages to digital TV, it makes sense that so many UK TV viewers are making the switch from analog television. But with all the digital TV options available on the market, it could be difficult to choose a service that’s right for you. If you’re considering switching from analog to digital, keep in mind that there are various methods to effectively narrow your options to fit your needs. To start, keep in mind that many digital television offers might include various other services as part of a package so explore all package offerings, keeping an eye out for services that might benefit you most. For example, you can find digital TV packages which give you the option of choosing the types of channels you receive - so you’ll gain access to the programmes you love the most. And finally, you’ll want to pay close attention to pricing. Make sure you take note of any minimum contract requirements or pre-planned changes in monthly charges, so you know exactly how much you’ll be paying for your digital TV service.
52
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
There are two basic kinds of analog transmission, both based on how they modulate data to combine an input signal with a carrier signal. Usually, this carrier signal is a specific frequency, and data is transmitted through its variations. The two techniques are amplitude modulation (AM), which varies the amplitude of the carrier signal, and frequency modulation (FM), which modulates the frequency of the carrier. Most analog transmissions fall into one of several categories. Until recently, most telephony and voice communication was primarily analog in nature, as was most television and radio transmission. Early telecommunication devices utilized analogto-digital conversion devices called modulator/demodulators, or modems, to convert analog data to digital data and back. Analog transmission is still very popular, in particular for shorter distances, due to significantly lower costs and complex multiplexing and timing equipment is unnecessary, and in small "short-haul" systems that simply do not need multiplexed digital transmission. However, in situations where a signal often has high signal-to-noise ratio and cannot achieve source linearity, or in long distance, high output systems, analog is unattractive due to attenuation problems. Furthermore, as digital techniques continue to be refined, analog systems are increasingly becoming MAY
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
legacy equipment. Recently, some nations, such as the Netherlands, have completely ceased analog transmissions on certain media, such as television, for the purposes of the government saving money. Analog transmission is a transmission method of conveying voice, data, image, signal or video information using a continuous signal which varies in amplitude, phase, or some other property in proportion to that of a variable. It could be the transfer of an analog source signal using an analog modulation method such as FM or AM, or no modulation at all. Some textbooks also consider pass band data transmission using a digital modulation methods such as ASK, PSK and QAM, i.e. a sinewave modulated by a digital bit-stream, as analog transmission and as an analog signal. Others define that as digital transmission and as a digital signal. Baseband data transmission using line codes, resulting in a pulse train, are always considered as digital transmission, although the source signal may be a digitized analog signal. Less formally than the theoretical distinctions mentioned above, two main types of signals encountered in practice are analog and digital. In short, the difference between them is that digital signals are discrete and quantized, as defined below, while analog signals possess neither property.
53
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
SAMSUNG'S 'FUTURE-PROOF' VOICE-CONTROLLED TELEVISION
A "smart" internet-connected television that has the ability to have its hardware upgraded every year has been unveiled by Samsung. The device has a slot which allows new kit to be added to boost processing performance and add new features. The innovation may help reassure shoppers concerned about their screen becoming outdated. The move is aimed at helping the South Korean tech giant retain its lead as the world's best-selling TV maker. Samsung's president of consumer electronics, Boo-keun Yoon, unveiled the firm's flagship LED television at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas noting that his firm currently sells two televisions every second. In addition to its "smart evolution capability" Samsung has also added gesture, voice and face recognition features to the ES8000 model. A built-in camera allows users to browse the internet with a wave of their hand and to change channel by speaking in one of the more than 20 languages that the set can "understand". A facial recognition facility also allows the set to recognise users, pulling up the relevant selection of their favourite apps. The device is the latest in a run of so-called Smart TVs launched by the firm since 2008. Samsung is on course to MAY
hit a milestone of 20 million global TV app downloads before the end of January, said its president of consumer electronics America Tim Baxter. New apps announced at the trade show included Rovio's Angry Birds video game. Samsung also announced its users would be given free access to a new Angry Birds on-demand animated television channel, marking the latest evolution of the hit title. Connected televisions with built-in processors are tipped as one of the hottest trends at this year's CES. Event organiser, the US Consumer Electronics Association, has said it expects that about half of all shipped TVs would have internet capabilities in 2012. By contrast it said the figure was 12% of all units shipped in 2010. While Samsung pursues its own software solution, its rival LG has announced a television with built-in Google TV facilities for the US market. Panasonic and Haier are among several other companies also showing off new connected TV facilities at CES. Although sales of internet capable TVs are on the rise, analysts said the trend can be explained by the fact that the facility is offered on most of the biggest and highest quality sets.
56
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
we provide digital headends complete solution from Grundig Scupus Motorola Tandberg Scientific Atlanta Arris Harmonics Blankom Drake
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
When it comes to the latest technology, nothing beats the world of high definition. Two of the leading satellite television providers, DIRECTV and DISH Network, have even included in their products HDTV receivers, which offers subscribers access to high definition channels like HBO HD and ESPN HD. HDTV channels are broadcasted using a digital signal that only produces images that are very detailed. Watching your favorite sports or movie channel will never be the same as soon as you experience HDTV. To be able to enjoy this at the comfort of your own home, you will have to subscribe to one of these HDTV providers. Your television should be HDcapable and the rest of the equipment will be supplied by the HDTV provider of your choice. The equipment will include an HDTV satellite dish and HDTV satellite receiver. For the HD-capable television, you can choose from the many LCD and plasma television being sold in the market. Their prices typically range from $300 to $900. On the other hand, the HDTV satellite receivers provided by DISH Network and DIRECTV both feature Dolby Digital Surround System and programmable channels and menus which you can customize to suit your preferences.
MAY
These HDTV receivers can be connected to your home theater or stereo system if you want to enjoy the ultimate in television entertainment. You will also be guaranteed of excellent quality images with 1080i resolution. Aside from the standard HDTV receiver, you can also choose to have a receiver with digital video recorder combination or the HD DVR receivers. These receivers possess recording features so you will no longer have to worry about missing your favorite shows. What is even more amazing is the ability to record them in HD format and up to 200 hours of television programming. The only noticeable difference between the DIRECTV and the DISH Network receiver is that DISH Network will offer you their HDTV receiver for free while DIRECTV can provide you with a free HDTV receiver in the form of a $99 rebate, once you subscribe to their services. Since HDTV satellite receivers would come with an HDTV satellite dish, it would also be nice to know the difference between those provided by DIRECTV and DISH Network. Both satellite television programming providers offer their satellite dishes for free as well as their installation.
58
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
AROUND THE SATELLITE WORLD
IRAN TO UNVEIL THREE NEW SATELLITES
EURONEWS PLANS PERSIAN, TURKISH BROADCASTS
Iran will unveil three new satellites amid Western concerns that Tehran is using its nuclear and space industries to develop atomic and ballistic weapons. ISNA news agency quoted Communications Minister Reza Taghipour as saying that one of the three home-built communications satellites is still under construction. Taghipour named the three satellites as Toloo (Dawn), Ya Mahdi and Mesbah-2, but did not elaborate on exactly when they would be launched. Ya Mahdi, Taghipour said as quoted by ISNA, was an "experimental satellite" and the launch would be for testing camera and telecommunications equipment. Mesbah-2, which is under construction, "is a low-orbit telecommunication satellite for storing and sending messages," he said. "It can do different tasks, not as a 24-hour link, but it can be used for limited communication applications." Iran's defence minister Ahmad Vahidi said Wednesday that Toloo is a "reconnaissance satellite," ISNA reported. Vahidi had previously said Toloo would be unveiled during celebrations in early February marking the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution. He said last month that Toloo was designed by Sa Iran, also known as Iran Electronics Industries, an affiliate company of the defence ministry.
The pan-European television news channel Euronews has said that it planned to start broadcasting rolling news in Persian and in Turkish this year. Broadcasts in Persian, spoken in Iran and Afghanistan, are planned by the end of the year, said the broadcaster based in the eastern French city of Lyon. Turkish broadcasts will start sooner. Iranian authorities tightly monitor foreign-language media in the country and the BBC has accused them of trying to jam satellite broadcasts of its own Persian-language service there. The two new services will be broadcast from Lyon by satellite and cable as well as online, like the station's existing channels in eight other languages, which include English, French, Russian and Arabic. "This way we will be broadcasting in all the major languages of the Europe, Middle East and Africa zone," Euronews president Philippe Cayla said.
DISH NETWORK USA: 14 MN SUBS DISH Network L.L.C., the fastest growing DTH service in America, has now got more than 14 million subscribers. "Surpassing 14 million subscribers is testimony to the strides we made over the past year in providing a best-in-class video experience," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, President and CEO of DISH Network. "We have more MAY
60
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
AROUND THE SATELLITE WORLD high definition channels than any other TV provider, we feature award-winning DVR technology, and we do it all at the most economical prices in the business.”
ASTRO TARGETS 500,000 HDTV SUBS
"aggressively grow" its broadcast distribution across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2010. A CNBC Spokesperson told News on News “CNBC today confirmed that its signal is now available free-to-air for direct-to-home satellite users in the UK, increasing the channel’s distribution to more than 11 million UK households." Whilst the move benefits residential viewers across the United Kingdom, businesses which distribute CNBC in the workplace, such as gymnasiums and trading floors will still need a commercial licence from CNBC. “Businesses receiving the channel and redistributing it to multiple users are still required to have a viewing licence from CNBC," the CNBC spokesperson added.
Astro All Asia Networks is aiming to get 500,000 of its current subscribers to take up its high-definition television (HDTV) services, Astro TV CEO Datuk Rohana Rozhan said. For a start, there would be 5 HD channels. Astro Super Sport HD, National Geographic Channel HD, History HD, HBO HD and ESPN HD and broadcast
NO NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SATELLITE TV CHANNELS will begin in mid 2010. Currently, Astro has 2.9 million subscribers in Malaysia, which translates to about 48% household penetration. "Today, approximately 1.2 million of our customers are HD-ready. According to an industry report, 59% of all television sets sold in the first half of 2009 are HD-ready," Rozhan said.
India's federal information and broadcast ministry is not accepting new applications for permission to send and receive data to a satellite for television content in the country, pending a recommendation from the regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. While the current technology allows
CNBC GOES FREE TO AIR ON SATELLITE IN THE UK CNBC in Europe has confirmed that it is now broadcasting without encryption to more than 11 million digital satellite enabled households in the United Kingdom. The move to become a free-to-air channel in the UK is part of the network's strategy to MAY
61
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
AROUND THE SATELLITE WORLD for a more efficient use of bandwidth for satellite television, the total bandwidth available is still limited, the ministry said in a notice on its Web site. The notice said that the present policy for granting permission for 'uplinking' and 'downlinking'--including the criteria of eligibility--needed to be revisited. The ministry has sought recommendation from TRAI, which provides advice to the government that may be accepted, or questioned, by the ministries.
CHINA TO SEND THIRD NAVIGATION SATELLITE INTO ORBIT China plans to launch the third Beidou satellite, as part of the Chinese version of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), into the orbit "in a few days" from the southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, China's Xinhua news agency reported quoting a statement from the centre. Both the rocket, a Long March-3III carrier, and the satellite were in sound condition and ready for launch, said the statement, without giving the exact launch date. China aimed to make Beidou, or Compass, a navigation satellite system that would consist of 35 satellites by 2020, provide global service, Hu Gang, vicepresident of Beijing BDStar Navigation Co. Ltd, was quoted by China Daily as saying in July last year. Beidou is expected to rival the US-developed GPS, the EU's Galileo positioning system and Russia's GLONASS, according to media reports. The homegrown global navigation satellite system will provide regional service around 2012 with a constellation of 12 satellites. The 12 satellites will be part of the programme's first phase. So far only two Compass satellites have been launched into orbit, one in 2007 and the other in April last year.
MAY
DOORDARSHAN TO GO DIGITAL India’s public broadcaster Doordarshan is to receive a massive investment in order for its conversion to digital production and transmission. BBC Monitoring is reporting that India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry has prepared a proposal for an Rs8 billion (US$174 million) investment for All India Radio and Rs6 billion to Doordarshan for completing digitisation which will be shortly placed before the Cabinet, according to a senior government official. The government says it is confident of meeting its deadline of complete digitisation of the electronic media by 2017, the I&B official adds. Doordarshan and AIR, which were beaming terrestrially to the whole country, have stepped up the process of digitisation. Earlier, Doordarshan had set aside an amount of Rs12.09 billion out of a total approved outlay of Rs13.69 billion just for digitisation in the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012).
DTH COMING TO BANGLADESH Bangladesh may soon see its first DTH service, with a parliamentary committee recommending that satellite broadcasting be allowed, to compete with the country’s cable operators. Introducing digital DTH services could help challenge the corruption in the cable sector, as well as giving the government more control over revenue collection from pay-TV. However, the committee has recommended that existing cable operators also be allowed to launch DTH services should they wish to do so. Some of India’s existing DTH operators, such as Tata Sky, may be interested in
62
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
AROUND THE SATELLITE WORLD extending their platforms to Bangladesh, which currently has around 1 million cable homes. The market is estimated to be worth over US$50 million. Bangladesh has just one terrestrial network, state-owned Bangladesh TV. But since cable TV was allowed in the late 1990s, many channels have launched. These include ETV, ATN Bangla, Bangla Vision, NTV, Channel i and Desh TV, which only launched last year.
definition boxes are growing while standard-definition boxes decline. But in Asia, the rapid growth is being driven by a surge in satellite set-top box shipments, in conjunction with strong IPTV set-top growth. Europe is seeing shipment declines across all box types, including IPTV, satellite, cable and terrestrial. In-Stat also estimates 2011 North American cable set top box shipments will decline by over 3 million units.
DELHI TAXES DTH ASIA STILL DRIVING STB MARKET Asian demand continues to drive the worldwide set-top box market, according to new research from In-Stat. Worldwide digital set top box product revenue was $4.4 billion in Q3 2011, on track to hit $19 billion for the year. A new report says that while European shipments slipped 11% in
Delhi has finally decided to tax DTH, bringing it on par with the entertainment tax levied on Cable TV services in the capital. The decision was taken by the Delhi Cabinet in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Residential DTH subscribers will be levied Rs 20 per month as entertainment tax, while commercial subscribers will pay Rs 50 extra, monthly. Besides Delhi, only 7 states - Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra - currently levy entertainment tax on DTH. It varies between Rs 15 to Rs 45 in some states and 6 to 30% in others. This is in addition to a 10.3% service tax. Unfairly, all states charge significant entertainment tax and a 10.3% service charge on Cable TV, which typically provides entertainment to poorer sections of society.
2009, the Asian market is estimated to have seen over 40% growth in shipments last year. Elsewhere, the North American market was up 2.5%, but primarily due to a surge in digital-terrestrial set-top box shipments as the analogue signal was switched off. Across all regions, except Asia, highMAY
63
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SATELLITE TROUBLE SHOOTER
SATELLITE
TROUBLE SHOOTER
SATELLITE BOX How to connect two TV's to one satellite box? I want the same picture on both TV's? (Abbas Rizwi, Karachi) A: The simplest way would be to use the video output for one of the TV's and the RF output for the other one. This requires no extra devices to buy, just a bit of cable. If you want to use the RF output for both, just connect an RF splitter to the RF output of the satellite box, and then one cable from that to each TV.If you want to use the video output from the satellite box (instead of RF), you'll need an appropriate splitter. Depending on what sort of video signal you have (composite, S-VHS, component, or HDMI), you'll need that type of splitter.
MAY
WEAK SIGNALS I change channels on my Q:2When satellite receiver, there is a significant pause with a black screen. Is this
an inherent feature or is there anything that can eliminate that lag time? (Khurshed Alam, Hyderabad) A: This is normal. It takes the receiver some time to properly decode the compressed video signal received from the satellite or digital cable system. You need to wait until the receiver receives at least one key frame in the signal. This delay is unavoidable and an inherent part of the video compression scheme used during transmission.
64
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SATELLITE TROUBLE SHOOTER
TERRESTRIAL INTERFERENCE
MISSING CHANNEL
missing odd channels on some is Terrestrial Interference (TI) Q:3What Q:5I'm satellites and even channels on and how does it affect my system? What can be done about it? (Sajid Aziz, Lahore) A: TI is anything operating on a microwave transmission which is the same as your satellite receives. Depending on the severity of the TI, your screen may be totally snowy or wavy, or you may see "sparkles" in bright or dark colors on your picture. TI may not
affect every channel. It may only be apparent at certain times of the day. Various types of TI filters are available and may help eliminate the problem.
SATELLITE PROBLEM All of my odd/even channels are Q:4out on every satellite. What causes this? (Faran Iqbal, Peshawar) A: Usually this is caused by the Low Noise Block Downconverter (LNB) not functioning properly. LNB is the component responsible for converting the bulk signal your satellite dish receives and breaking it down into frequencies that are recognizable by your satellite receiver.
other satellites. I've tried adjusting the skew and it does not help. Why? (Sumeer Khan, Quetta) A: There may be a lose wire somewhere between your satellite dish and your satellite receiver. If you have verified that all of the wiring from your dish to your receiver is tightly connected, the servo motor on the dish has most likely malfunctioned.
SIGNAL LOSS summer I lost all my channels Q:6 This from noon until about 7 pm. almost every day. I've never had this problem before. ( Anil Peter, via e-mail) A: The LNB on the dish may have become temperature sensitive. Extreme heat or extreme cold may cause all your channels to go out. Check the temperature the next time it goes out and check it again when it comes
back on. If there is a big difference, 90 when it goes out and 70 when it comes back on, the LNB may need to be replaced. MAY
65
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SATELLITE TROUBLE SHOOTER
SNOWY CHANNELS
GOOD SOUND
of my satellite channels are Q:7 All snowy and tuning east/west does
my satellite channels are Q:10All perfectly clear with good sound
not help like it usually does. What is the problem? (Zafar Ali, via e-mail) A: If the dish outside is not pointing directly at each satellite, then east/west tuning will not help. The dish needs to be realigned or adjusted.
except one. It is fuzzy and has a voice message telling me the channel has been scrambled. Why am I receiving that message when I have paid for the channel? (Kamiz Raza, via e-mail) A: You need to adjust the video fine tune on that particular channel. The procedure varies per receiver.
SIGNAL QUALITY signal quality on my pay Q:8 The channels is 80-100 but the picture still looks fuzzy. Could it be my dish? (Asad Iqbal, Islamabad) Answer: If you have a very high signal quality then the problem is not in the dish
itself. It is either a problem within the receiver, a bad cable, or the connection. MAY
LNB PROBLEM every satellite all my higher Q:11 On numbered channels are out but the lower ones are perfect. I had the LNB tested and it is fine. Is it tuning? (Amjad
Khan, Lahore) A: This is caused by the tuner inside the receiver malfunctioning.
66
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
SEARCH SATELLITE Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
MAY
67
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
E.Asia
Mod
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
MAY
68
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
MAY
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
E.Asia
Mod
69
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
Remarks
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
MAY
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
E.Asia
Mod
70
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
Remarks
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
MAY
71
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
MAY
72
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
MAY
73
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SEARCH SATELLITE
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
Channel Name
Freq.
Polarity
S.R.
FEC LNB Band
Mod
E.Asia
Dish Size Pak
M.E & Europe
Remarks
F
www.tracksat.com
MAY
74
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
TV
DIGITAL
Wishing you could pause your favorite TV show while you get a cup of tea? Hoping that you could stop the time at the last few seconds of that baseball game because you so need to go to the bathroom? Did you just miss your favorite television show’s last episode? Now with the newest technology, rewinding, pausing and recording the shows you want is possible! Introduced in the late 1990s, digital TV or DTV is a new method of sending and receiving audio and video through digital signals which aims to free up the broadcast spectrum so it can be useful to more important services for public security and safety or more advanced wireless services. In this technology, multicasting is used wherein one channel can now have several variations, for example channel 7 for an analog TV can become 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 and so on. With this viewers can now experience lesser interference gaining a better reception, clearer sound and image quality, new channels and features. Several Digital TV providers have emerged in the US, including Freeview, Sky Digital and BT Vision. Freeview, more commonly known as Digital Terrestial TV or DTT, provides MAY
60 channels of TV and radio which are broadcasted free with no installation necessary. For some, however the will probably need to buy a new TV. Channel line-up is limited as the more popular ones are not available for free, also Sky Digital, on the other hand offers more channels such as Sky One, Paramount Comedy, and a range of about 200 channels. Unlike Freeview, you need an engineer to install the satellite dish. Also, a digibox and your phone line are then attached to your TV which will allow you to access the interactive services and to verify payment for pay per view channels. Sky Digital also offers broadband internet access. In the United States, the Federal Communication Commission intends to complete the migration by end of 2012. As of March 2011, all TVs manufactured in the country were required to have digital tuners. Some analog TVs are still sold by retailers and many consumers are unaware that these might no longer work next year. To remedy this, the Commission released information on the different equipments that households can use for their analog TVs to receive digital signal.
75
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR OWN SATELLITE TV RECEIVERS?
Inside view
Satellite TV provides viewers with thousands of channels, a clear picture and low prices for each package of programming. Depending on your specific viewing needs, you will be able to pick the perfect package for you with a dish television service. One of the important questions that individuals interested in purchasing satellite TV packages want to know is if a receiver that allows them to view their programs is rented or can you purchase one on your own, or if you should even consider purchasing your own devices versus buying one from the provider that offers the service. A factor that you can consider when determining if your satellite TV receiver should be purchased through the dish service or on your own, is if your particular
MAY
dish provider has a list of electronic devices that are compatible with their particular service. Some devices may need to be activated or setup by calling your provider, and your device is not on their particular list, you could have a problem. It is important to purchase a receiver compatible to the dish and service you are signing up for. There is a possibility that your particular dish service may only advocate the purchase of their particular device, so be sure to ask that question when you call to order your service - BEFORE you purchase your own device. Some services may charge you a rental fee for your satellite TV receiver, so be sure to inquire as to whether you are purchasing your device or if you are renting from your provider. If you plan to change your providers at any point, it could be important for you to know whether you can bring your receiver with you or not. Most services allow you to purchase your satellite TV receiver, and you may even have the option to purchase more sophisticated devices from local electronic stores, but you should check for compatibility issues if you decide to buy one on your own. Be sure to ask for certain if your device is rented or if you are purchasing it on a plan, find out how much the total cost will be and over how many payments you are extending your purchase.
76
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view
SWITCHED ON TO SATELLITE TV France is rightly proud of its artistic culture but unfortunately this does not often extend to its television programmes. Evening schedules are often dominated by two-hour long talk shows, dubbed American series and excruciatingly drawn out musical 'spectaculars'. Therefore it is no wonder that many people are keen to install satellite TV so that their choice is widened. But with so many different standards from PAL-I to SECAM, SECAM-L and SECAM B/G just what can you watch on your TV set? John Sidwell, and his wife Sue, have been running their satellite installation service bigdishsat.com from the Limousin region since 1996. And they have experienced many of the problems and pitfalls of television installation. “Most televisions bought in the UK will not receive the terrestrial TV transmissions from French transmitters,” explained John. “This is because the broadcast standards are different in the UK from the rest of Europe. “France uses a transmission system known as SECAM L, the UK uses PAL-I, the rest of Europe uses PAL B/G.” French terrestrial TV has six stations broadcasting throughout the country: TF1, France 2, France 3, Canal MAY
Plus, M6 and Arte, but reception can be poor in some areas. A television set in France is comparable in price to those in the UK and you may find some being offered in a sale. For example, a small portable TV with remote control, from the local supermarket costs about €80 - €100 just make sure you have an internal aerial if required, as one does not come as standard. Satellite TV is very popular in France and the choice of stations can be mind blowing with a wide variety of content in an array of languages available. “To connect a satellite receiver to a television you will most often use a SCART lead,” said John. “The Digibox satellite receiver for UK programmes has two SCART sockets, a UHF socket and on some models an S-VHS socket, which gives superior sound and picture quality. “All these connections can be used with a British TV in France; which one depends on the TV itself. “A television bought in France will usually work with the Digibox if it is connected using a SCART or SVHS lead whilst the UHF outlet connects the TV aerial for terrestrial French broadcasts.”
77
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
PARAS HD ELECTRONICS
Hakeem Arcade Hussain Agahi Road, Multan. Ph: 061-4577999 Mobile: 0345-7230430, 0300-9637231
Phone: 061-6772740 Mobile: 0300-9637414 PARAS DEALER:
MUHAMMAD IMTIAZ
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Inside view Terrestrial television is a term which refers to modes of television broadcasting which do not involve satellite transmission or via underground cables. The term is uncommon in the United States while more common in Europe. Terrestrial television broadcasting dates back to the very beginnings of television as a medium itself with the first long-distance public television broadcast from Washington, D.C., on April 7, 1927. Aside from transmission by high-flying planes moving in a loop using a system developed by Westinghouse called Stratovision, there was virtually no other method of television delivery until the 1950s with the beginnings of cable television, or community antenna television (CATV). The first non-terrestrial method of
delivering television signals that in no way depended on a signal originating from a traditional terrestrial source began with the use of communications satellites during the 1960s and 1970s. In Europe, a planning conference ("ST61") held under the auspices of the International Telecommunications Union in Stockholm in 1961 allocated frequencies the Bands IV and V for the first time for broadcast television use. It also superseded the 1951 Plan (also made in Stockholm) which had first allocated Band II frequencies for FM radio and Band III frequencies for television. Following the ST61 conference, UHF frequencies were first used in the UK in 1964 with the introduction of BBC2. In UK, VHF channels were kept on the old 405-line system, while UHF was used solely for 625-line broadcasts (which later used PAL colour). Television broadcasting in the 405-line system continued after the MAY
TERRESTRIAL
TELEVISION
introduction of four analogue programmes in the UHF bands until the last 405-line transmitters were switched off on January 6, 1985. VHF Band III is still used in other countries around Europe for PAL broadcasts, though many have plans to phase it out. The success of terrestrial analogue television across Europe varies from country to country. Although each country has rights to a certain number of frequencies by virtue of the ST61 plan, not all of them have been brought into service. In the United States and most of the rest of North America as well, terrestrial television underwent a revolutionary transformation with the eventual acceptance of the NTSC standard for color television broadcasts in 1953. Later, Europe and the rest of the world either chose between the later PAL and SECAM color television standards, or adopted NTSC. Japan also uses a version of NTSC.
81
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
t e cy rity at EC nd nc en ola S/R F Ba /E u l r C eq P Fr
Channels
Be
am
Dish Size 08-10 ft Dish Size 06-10 ft
DIGITAL CHART
Apstar 6 (134°E) 6
Express AM 3 (140°E) AM 3 Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 08-10 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
JC Sat 3 (128.8° E) 3
Dish Size 08 ft
Asiasat 4 (122° E) 4
Chinasat 6B(115.5°E) 6B
Telestar 18 (138°E)18
May
83
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 06-12ft
Koreasat 5 & Palapa D (113째 E)
Dish Size 08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
DIGITAL CHART
Asiasat 3S (105.5째E) 3S
Telkom1&Nss11 (108.2째E)
Dish Size 04-06 ft
May
84
Asiasat 5 (100.5째E) 5
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 06-10 ft
May
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 10 ft
Measat 3 (91.5째E) 1
Dish Size 08 ft
Yamal 201 (90째E) 201
Insat 3A (93.5째E) 3A
NSS 6 (95째E) 6
85
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 06-08 ft
DIGITAL CHART
Insat 2E/4A (83째E)
2E/4A
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 04-06 ft
ST 2 (88째E) 1
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Intelsat 15 (85.2째E) 709
May
86
Thaicom 5 (78.5째E)
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2/5
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 10 ft
Dish Size 06-08 ft
May
EUTELSAT 70A (70.5°E)
ABS 1 (75°E) Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Insat 3C/4CR (74.0°E) 3C/4CR
Intelsat 7/10(68.5°E) 7/10
Apstar 2R (76.5°E)
87
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 08-10 ft
Dish Size 08-10 ft
Dish Size 06-08 ft
May
Intelsat 17 (66.0째E)
88
Intelsat 906 (64째 E) 906
Intelsat 902 (62째 E) 902
17
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels Dish Size 10 ft
DIGITAL CHART Bonum 1 (56°E) 1
Dish Size 08-10 ft Dish Size 08-10 ft
Intelsat 904 (60°E) 904 Dish Size 08-10 ft
Express AM 22(53°E) AM
Dish Size 08-10 ft
Dish Size 08-10 ft Dish Size 08-10 ft
Intelsat 12 (45.0°E)12
Turksat 2A & Turksat 3A (42°E) 3A
& 2A
Yamal 202 (49°E) 202
NSS 12 (57°E)
May
89
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels Dish Size 08 ft
DIGITAL CHART Hellas Sat-2 (39째E) 2
Dish Size 08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
EUTELSAT 36A /36B (36.0째 E)
Paksat 1/1R (38.0째 East)1
Express AM1 (40째E)
May
90
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 08-10 ft
DIGITAL CHART
EUTELSAT 33A (33°E) Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
EUTELSAT 28A (28.5°E)
Astra 1G (31.0° E)
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
Astra 2B (28.2° E) 2B
Astra 2D (28.2°E) 2D
Arabsat 5A(30.5°E) 5A
Dish Size 06-8 ft
May
Astra 2A (28.2° E) 2A
91
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
DIGITAL CHART
Badr 4/5/6 (26°E)
Dish Size 06-08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
Dish Size 08 ft
Dish Size 08-10 ft
May
Arabsat 2B (20.0°E)
EUTELSAT 25A (25.5°E)
Dish Size 10-12 ft
Dish Size 10-12 ft
EUTELSAT 21A (21.6° E)
Astra 1H/1KR/1L/1M/2C (19.2°E) 1H/1KR/1L/1M/2C
Astra 3A/3B & Thor 2 (23.5°E)
92
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 10-12 ft
Dish Size 10-12 ft
May
EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13A /13B/13C (13째E)
EUTELSAT 16A / 16B (16째E)
93
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
May
DIGITAL CHART
94
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 12 ft
DIGITAL CHART
EUTELSAT 9A
(9.0째E)
Dish Size 10 ft
Dish Size 10 ft
EUTELSAT 10A (10째E)
Dish Size 10 ft
May
Astra 4A (4.8째E) 4A
EUTELSAT 7A (7째E)
95
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 8 ft
Dish Size 12 ft
Thor 5/6 & Intelsat 10-02 (0.8째W)
Dish Size 10 ft
May
EUTELSAT 5 West A (5째W)
Amos 2/3(4.0째W)
96
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital Channels
Dish Size 10 ft
DIGITAL CHART
Dish Size 8 ft
EUTELSAT 8 West A (8째W)
Dish Size 8 ft
EUTELSAT 12 West A (12.5째W)
EUTELSAT 7 West A (7째W)
Dish Size 8 ft
May
97
Telstar 12 (15째W)
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012
19 YEARS OF GENEROUS PUBLICATIONS
Complete Guide of Digital & HD Channels Dish Size 8 ft
Intelsat 901 (18.0°W)
DIGITAL & HDTV CHART
HDTV CHANNELS ARE AS BELOW:
Badr 4/5/6 (26.0°E) 4/6
Optus D1 (160.0°E) Dish Size 8 ft
Hispasat 1C/1D/1E (30.0°W)
Astra 3A/3B & Thor 2 (23.5°E)
Koreasat 6 (116.0°E)
6
ChinaSat 6B (115.0°E) 6B
Asiasat 5 (100.5°E)
Astra 1H-1M (19.2°E) 1H-1M
3S
EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13A /13B/13C (13°E)
Measat 3/3a (91.5°E)
EUTELSAT 9A
(9.0°E)
Türksat 2A/3A (42.0°E)
Dish Size 8 ft
Intelsat 903 (34.5°W)
Hellas Sat 2 (39.0°E) 2
EUTELSAT 36A /36B (36.0° E)
Eutelsat W3 (EUTELSAT 7A) (7°E)
24thApril 2012
Eurobird 1 & Astra 2A/2B/2D (28.2°E) 1
2A/2B/2D
Last Updated On 24th April 2012 for more detail log-on to www.tracksat.com May
98
The Highly Circulated Satellite Magazine
2012