Satellite & Cable TV

DTH – HOW IT WORKS

Early satellite TV viewers were explorers of sorts. They used their expensive S-Band, then C-Band
dishes to discover unique programming that wasn’t necessarily intended for mass audiences. The
dish and receiving equipment gave viewers the tools to pick up foreign stations, live feeds between
different broadcast stations and a lot of other stuff transmitted using satellites.

Some satellite owners still seek out this sort of

programming on their own, but today, most satellite
TV customers in developed television markets get their
programming through a direct broadcast satellite
(DBS) provider, such as DISH TV or the recently
launched Doordarshan DTH platform. The provider
selects programs and broadcasts them to subscribers
as a set package. Basically, the provider’s goal is to
bring dozens or even hundreds of channels to the
customers television in a form that approximates the
competition from Cable TV. Unlike earlier
programming, the provider’s broadcast is completely
digital, which means it has high picture and stereo
sound quality.

Early satellite television was broadcast in C-band - radio in the 3.4-gigahertz (GHz) to 7-GHz
frequency range. Digital broadcast satellite transmits programming in the Ku frequency range (10
GHz to 14 GHz ).

There are five major components involved in a direct to home (DTH) satellite system: the
programming source, the broadcast center, the satellite, the satellite dish and the receiver.

THE COMPONENTS
Programming sources are simply the channels that provide programming for broadcast. The provider
(the DTH platform) doesn’t create original programming itself; it pays other companies (HBO, for
example, or ESPN or STAR TV or Sahara etc.) for the right to broadcast their content via satellite. In
this way, the provider is kind of like a broker between the viewer and the actual programming
sources. (Cable television networks also work on the same principle.)

The broadcast center is the central hub of the system. At the broadcast center or the Playout &
Uplink location, the television provider receives signals from various programming sources,
compreses I using digital compression, if necessary scrambles it and beams a broadcast signal to the
satellite being used by it.

The satellites receive the signals from the broadcast station and rebroadcast them to the ground.

The viewer’s dish picks up the signal from the satellite (or multiple satellites in the same part of the
sky) and passes it on to the receiver in the viewer’s house. The receiver processes the signal and
Satellite & Cable TV

passes it on to a standard television.

Lets look at each step in the process in greater detail.

THE PROGRAMMING
Satellite TV providers get programming from two major sources: International turnaround channels
(such as HBO, ESPN and CNN, STAR TV, SET, B4U etc) and various local channels (SaBe TV, Sahara
TV, Doordarshan, etc). Most of the turnaround channels also provide programming for cable
television, so sometimes some of the DTH platforms will ad in some special channels exclusive to
itself to attract more subscriptions.

Turnaround channels usually have a distribution center that beams their programming to a
geostationary satellite. The broadcast center uses large satellite dishes to pick up these analog and
digital signals from several sources.

THE BROADCAST CENTER

The broadcast center converts all of this programming into a high-quality, uncompressed digital
stream. At this point, the stream contains a vast quantity of data — about 270 megabits per second
(Mbps) for each channel. In order to transmit the signal from there, the broadcast center has to
compress it. Otherwise, it would be too big for the satellite to handle.

The providers use the MPEG-2 compressed video format — the same format used to store movies on
DVDs. With MPEG-2 compression, the provider can reduce the 270-Mbps stream to about 3 or 10
Mbps (depending on the type of programming). This is the crucial step that has made DTH service a
success. With digital compression, a typical satellite can transmit about 200 channels. Without digital
compression, it can transmit about 30 channels.

At the broadcast center, the high-quality digital stream of video goes through an MPEG-2 encoder,
which converts the programming to MPEG-2 video of the correct size and format for the satellite
receiver in your house.

ENCRYPTION & TRANSMISION

After the video is compressed, the provider needs to encrypt it in order to keep people from
accessing it for free. Encryption scrambles the digital data in such a way that it can only be
decrypted (converted back into usable data) if the receiver has the correct decoding satellite receiver
with decryption algorithm and security keys.

Once the signal is compressed and encrypted, the broadcast center beams it directly to one of its
satellites. The satellite picks up the signal, amplifies it and beams it back to Earth, where viewers can
pick it up.

THE DISH
A satellite dish is just a special kind of antenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. The
standard dish consists of a parabolic (bowl-shaped) surface and a central feed horn. To transmit a
signal, a controller sends it through the horn, and the dish focuses the signal into a relatively narrow
beam.
Satellite & Cable TV

The dish on the receiving end can’t transmit

information; it can only receive it. The receiving dish
works in the exact opposite way of the transmitter.
When a beam hits the curved dish, the parabola shape
reflects the radio signal inward onto a particular point,
just like a concave mirror focuses light onto a
particular point.

The curved dish focuses incoming radio waves

onto the feed horn.

In this case, the point is the dish’s feed horn, which

passes the signal onto the receiving equipment. In an
ideal setup, there aren’t any major obstacles between
the satellite and the dish, so the dish receives a clear signal.

In some systems, the dish needs to pick up signals from two or more satellites at the same time. The
satellites may be close enough together that a regular dish with a single horn can pick up signals
from both. This compromises quality somewhat, because the dish isn’t aimed directly at one or more
of the satellites. A new dish design uses two or more horns to pick up different satellite signals. As
the beams from different satellites hit the curved dish, they reflect at different angles so that one
beam hits one of the horns and another beam hits a different horn.

The central element in the feed horn is the low noise blockdown converter, or LNB. The LNB amplifies
the signal bouncing off the dish and filters out the noise (signals not carrying programming). The LNB
passes the amplified, filtered signal to the satellite receiver inside the viewer’s house.

THE RECEIVER
The end component in the entire satellite TV system is the receiver. The receiver has four essential
jobs:

It de-scrambles the encrypted signal. In order to unlock the signal, the receiver needs the proper
decoder chip for that programming package. The provider can communicate with the chip, via the
satellite signal, to make necessary adjustments to its decoding programs. The provider may
occasionally send signals that disrupt illegal de-scramblers, as an electronic counter measure (ECM)
against illegal users.

It takes the digital MPEG-2 signal and converts it into an analog format that a standard television can
recognize. Since the receiver spits out only one channel at a time, you can’t tape one program and
watch another. You also can’t watch two different programs on two TVs hooked up to the same
receiver. In order to do these things, which are standard on conventional cable, you need to buy an
additional receiver.

Some receivers have a number of other features as well. They pick up a programming schedule
signal from the provider and present this information in an onscreen programming guide. Many
receivers have parental lock-out options, and some have built-in Digital Video Recorders(DVRs),
which let you pause live television or record it on a hard drive.

While digital broadcast satellite service is still lacking some of the basic features of conventional cable
(the ability to easily split signals between different TVs and VCRs, for example), its high-quality
picture, varied programming selection and extended service areas make it a good alternative for
some. With the rise of digital cable, which also has improved picture quality and extended channel
selection, the TV war is really heating up. Just about anything could happen in the next 10 years as
all of these television providers battle it out.

WHAT IS AN LNB?
Satellite & Cable TV

Low Noise Block-downconvertor (so called because it

converts a whole band or “block” of frequencies to a lower
band).

An LNB sits on the end of an arm and faces the parabolic

reflector (“dish”) which focusses the signals from a
satellite into the “feed horn” of the LNB (see pictures
below). The LNB converts the signals to a lower frequency
and sends them out to the cable connector, which you
connect to your satellite receiver via coaxial cable.

HOW TO TEST AN LNB?

I think my LNB is faulty. How can I test it?

The only way to fully test an LNB is to fit it to a suitable dish, align the dish and LNB and connect a
satellite receiver. Then check to make sure every channel is there. If no channels are missing and if
it continues to work through a hot day and a cold night, the LNB is fine.

However, the reverse is not true. If some channels appear to be missing, this could be the fault of
the cable, the receiver or the dish (distorted or misaligned). It does not prove that the LNB is faulty.
So then you need to use a process of elimination by swapping the dish, the cable and the receiver
(for a different make/model as some receivers won’t work correctly with some LNBs).

CAN'T I TEST IT WITH A METER ?

A cheap satfinder meter simply looks at the average strength of all frequencies. It will not tell you if
some frequencies are missing. An expensive meter looks at a specific frequency (sometimes more
than one) but it will not tell you if some frequencies are missing.

Also, most meters rely on battery power. If the battery can not supply enough current to the LNB, it
may give a false reading.

List of Universal LNB types:

“Universal” LNB 9.75 and 10.60 GHz L.O.

Works in 2 bands* 10.7-11.8 and 11.6 - 12.7 GHz. (22 kHz signal
switched). Noise Figure usually 1.0 dB or better. It has an Integral feed
horn with 40mm neck available in some models.

A Universal LNB requires a 22kHz signal at 0.5v p-p to switch its Local
Oscillator to 10.6GHz (“high band”). Otherwise it uses its 9.75GHz
oscillator (“low band”).

Polarisation switching is controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver.

12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and 15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation.
A higher voltage than that may damage the LNB but most are OK up to 20v. A voltage that is too low
(less than 12.5v) will prevent the LNB from working correctly. Most voltage settings are automaticall
conrolled by the digital receiver, when it selects Vertical of Horizontal modes.

CONECTING MORE THAN ONE SATELLITE RECEIVER TO A SINGLE DISH

“Twin-output” LNB
Currently available in most shops dealing in satellite receiving equipment, the twin output LNB
provides two outputs to feed two separate receivers for independent working. Each output can be
switched independently by 13/17 volt input by the individual receiver to change polarisation and by
22kHz to change the band.
Satellite & Cable TV

“Dual LNB” or “Monobloc LNB”

This type of LNB has a single output and the actual satellite signal is
selected by the receiver which sends a DisEqC (22kHz) pulsed tone
up the LNB cable. So only one satellite transmission can be viewed at
a time. This is in contrast with dish systems that have two or more
separate LNBs where, with two receivers, both satellite transmissions
can be viewed or recorded simultaneously.

“Quad-output” or “Quad universal” LNB

This can feed four separate receivers. Basicaly an LNB with four IF
outputs. Each receiver has independent control of polarisation and
band via 13/17v switching and 22kHz o/off respectively.

“OCTO” LNB
As above but with eight independent outputs. You can then connect upto
eight satellite receivers to a single dish.

“Quattro universal LNB”

This has four fixed outputs and is used only in “head end” I.F.
distribution systems for apartment blocks. One LNB supplies a head end
unit that can provide (typically) up to 16 outputs for separate Digiboxes.
The four outputs of the LNB are as follows:-

1. Horizontal polarisation low band

2. Horizontal polarisation high band
3. Vertical polarisation low band
4. Vertical polarisation high band

You should not connect any of the outputs, 1 - 4, directly to a receiver unless you want to restrict
viewing to just one of the four options. Even if you do, the receiver may not work. It’s not a good
idea. Use the Quad instead.

If you “mix ‘n’ match” by picking a 90cm dish and a Universal LNB at
random, the chances are that the performance could be no better than that
of a regular minidish.

As a general rule, any standard LNB will work with a circular (prime focus)
dish or an offset focus dish which is taller than it is wide (which “looks”
circular when viewed by the LNB).

However, a dish which is wider than it is tall will need a special LNB.

Just to prove the point, here is a typical “Universal” LNB used with a
“minidish”. The minidish is oval in shape, being much wider than it is high.

Inside that plastic rain cover is the actual LNB. Note the difference in scalar
ring height (red arrows). The side projections allow the LNB to focus on a
wide area in the horizontal plane, while the top and bottom projections are longer and focus the LNB
on a narrower area in the vertical plane. This LNB is designed specifically for an oval dish and will
give very poor results with a dish that is roughly circular or a dish that is taller than it is wide.

Here’s another comparison. The LNBF on the left has circular scalar rings inside the feedhorn. It is
designed to be used with a nearly circular dish.

The one on the right is designed specifically for a dish which is wider than its height.
Satellite & Cable TV

“Minidish” upgrades
Here is a Quad output LNB as supplied with a system with adaptors for the
minidish. The arrow points to the special oval shaped “scalar” steps in the
feedhorn. These cause the LNB to focus exactly on the oval shape of the dish,
using the full dish area but without picking up reflections from the wall behind.

Some dealers, who are either unscrupulous or simple know no better, are offering
a standard Twin-output or Quad output LNB with an adaptor to fit the minidish.
The adaptor fits very precisely, however unfortunately, the LNB will not give
optimum performance - resulting in “rain drop-out” during bad weather.

Although the Quad output LNB kit may be available, it is rather expensive. If you
must use the minidish (and there are good aesthetic and environmental reasons to
do so) then you’ll have to pay the price.

However, you may prefer to buy a standard dish of, say, 90cm diameter and use a standard 40mm
neck twin-output or quad-output LNB with this. The match and fitting will be perfect and the “rain
drop-out” will be very rare. The price of a 90cm dish with twin-output LNB will be less than that of a
Quad output LNB kit .

CAN I CONNECT MORE THAN ONE TV TO A SINGLE SATELLITE RECEIVER?

The standard digital satelte receiver can tune in only one programme at a time and this programme
can be routed around the house for viewing in other rooms. To assist in this, most satellite receivers
have a RF Output ( RF Outlet ) socket. For an additional sum you can buy a remote extender. This
plugs into the RF cable at the remote TV and can send handset signals back to the box. A wireless
remote extenders and extra remotes are also available from shops. However yo should note that you
can only tune into and watch any one programme at a time on all TV sets connected to a single
receiver.

CAN I CONNECT MORE THAN ONE DISH/LNB TO A SINGLE

RECEIVER

2 X 1 DiSEqC SWITCHES
This type os switch easly available in te market, will enable you to connect
two satellite dishes or two LNBs to a single satellite receiver. The DiSEqC
switch will enable the user to select one LNB signal between any 2
different LNBs of any type. The 2 input ports marked SAT1 and SAT2 are
connected to the 2 LNBs, which may be on 2 different dishes, and the output marked OUT is
connected to the receiver. The selection of the LNBs is done by choosing the appropriate Tone Burst
A or B in the LNB setup menu of the receiver. Check the user manual of
the digital rceiver for details

4 X 1 DiSEqC SWITCHES
The DiSEqC switch will enable the user to select one LNB signal between 4
different LNBs of any type. The 4 input ports marked SAT1, SAT2, SAT3 or
SAT4 are connected to the 4 LNBs, which may be on 4 different dishes,
and the output marked OUT is connected to the receiver. Again as n the 2
X 1, the selection of the LNBs is done by choosing the appropriate Tone Burst A, B, C, or D in the
setup menu of the receiver. ■

DISH TV DTH Channel List (Scrambled & Pay Service)

Frequency Polarity Channels SR FEC

10977 Horizontal ARY Digital India 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Gujarati 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Oriya 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Bihar 40700 2/3

Satellite & Cable TV

10977 Horizontal ETV UP 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV MP 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Rajasthan 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal Zee Music 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal SS Music 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal The Musik 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ARY One World 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal QTV 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Bangla 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal Euronews 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Marathi 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Marathi 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV kannada 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV Urdu 40700 2/3

10977 Horizontal ETV 2 40700 2/3

11172 Horizontal Smile TV 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Star Sports India 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal MX 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Action Cinema 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Classic Cinema 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Premeire Cinema 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Pogo 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal NE TV 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal Aaj Tak 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal TCT Network 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal SaB TV 27500 3/4

11172 Horizontal BBC World Service Radio 27500 3/4

12535 Vertical Eurosport News 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Fashion TV India 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical TCT Network 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical India TV 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Jaya TV 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Asianet 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Sahara One 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Sahara Samay National 40700 2/3

Satellite & Cable TV

12535 Vertical Jeevan TV 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Jagran 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical ESPN India 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Kairali Channel 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical CNN Headline News 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical CCTV 9 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical NDTV 24 X 7 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Headlines Today 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical TV 5 Asia 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical MAA TV 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Geo TV 40700 2/3

12535 Vertical Dish TV Promotional Channel 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical B4U Music 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical STC Music 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Nepal 1 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical CNBC TV 18 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical CNN International Asia 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Turner Classic Movies 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Balle Balle 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical ETV Telugu 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical BBC World India 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical ETC Channel Punjabi 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Zee Cinema Asia 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical ABC Asia Pacific 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Trace TV 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Aastha TV 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Sky Bangla 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical NDTV India 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Reality TV India 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Cartoon Network Asia 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical Alpha Telugu 40700 2/3

12595 Vertical NTV Bangla 40700 2/3

12688 Vertical Zee TV Asia 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Zee News 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Alpha Marathi 27500 3/4

Satellite & Cable TV

12688 Vertical Alpha Punjabi 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Alpha Gujarati 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Alpha Bangla 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Trendz 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Zee Movie Zone 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Zee English 27500 3/4

12688 Vertical Zee Business 27500 3/4

DOORDARSHAN DD DIRECT DTH package (Free Channels)

12534 Horizontal Kairali Channel 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal BBC World India 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal ETC Channel Punjabi 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Smile TV 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Aaj Tak 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Zee Music 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Headlines Today 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Sun TV 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal TV 9 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal Star Utsav 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal STV Marathi 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal FM Gold Radio 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal AIR Kannada 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal AIR Bangla 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal AIR Hindi 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal AIR North East 27500 3/4

12534 Horizontal AIR Punjabi 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD National 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD News 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Sports 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical SS India 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Bharati 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD bangla 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Chandana 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Gujarati 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Kashmir 27500 3/4

 Satellite & Cable TV

12647 Vertical DD Malayalam 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical DD Lok Sabha 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical AIR Vividh Bharati 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical FM Rainbow Radio 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical AIR Telugu 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical AIR Marathi 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical AIR Tamil 27500 3/4

12647 Vertical AIR Gujarati 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD North East 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Oriya 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Podhigai 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Punjab 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Sahyadri 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Saptagiri 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical Mh1 Music 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical Jain TV 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical Aakaash Bangla 27500 3/4

12729 Vertical DD Rajya Sabha 27500 3/4

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