r.v.s.tvro FAQ -- Contents
TVRO Hobbyists
Posting-Frequency: 15 Days
Disclaimer: Approval for *.answers is based on form, not content.
Author: J. Trees
Contributors: F. Tilley, D. Levingston, F. Miata
The control file for rec.video.satellite.tvro can be found at
http://www.landfield.com/usenet/control/rec/rec.video.satellite.tvro
For your newsgroups file:
rec.video.satellite.tvro "Large Dish" ("BUD") systems and technologies.
The charter, culled from the call for votes:
Rec.video.satellite.tvro will be for the discussion of TVRO (an acronym for TeleVision
Receive Only) ... or "Large Dish" satellite reception, generally by non-commercial
home-dish owners and hobbiests. This group will continue to cover C/Ku band
reception worldwide, including programming, technical, legal issues and other matters
relating to home-dish usage, in the same way that the existing group, rec.video.satellite
has done since its inception. The existing HOMESAT mailinglist will be gatewayed
to this group, if this proposal is successful.
This FAQ will be posted in 10 parts (Not including this Intro)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. What is TVRO?
1.1 How did satellite TV begin?
1.2 How exactly are satellite signals transmitted?
1.3 What frequencies and/or bands are used for TVRO satellite transmissions?
1.4 Who is likely to be a prospective big dish system owner?
1.5 Okay, now I know a bit about BUD systems. But those minidish satellite
systems are fairly cheap and simple. What about DBS?
2. How do I get started assembling a home TVRO satellite system?
2.1 About how much might it cost to put a system together?
2.2 Exactly what equipment do I need?
2.3 Okay, I have my equipment. How do I get my TVRO satellite system installed?
2.4 Okay, I now have my satellite system working. How do I connect more than one
TV and receiver to it?
2.5 All the hype these days is about HDTV. Can I view HDTV signals with my BUD
system?
3. Programming
3.1 What Programming is Available on BUDs?
3.2 What about the broadcast networks? Can I get them with my big dish system?
3.3 What are the requirements for subscribing to the networks?
3.4 What are these "raw feeds" and backhauls that I always hear about?
3.5 How do I access all this programming?
3.6 Are ALL channels freely available for watching? What is encryption?
3.7 How do I tune audio?
3.8 There is so much programming! How do I keep track of it all? Are there program
guides available?
3.9 Who provides subscription programming and about how much might it cost me?
4. Compression, Encryption and Encoding Methods
4.1 What Television Broadcast Standards are compatible with BUDs?
4.2 What Compression Schemes are used with BUDs?
4.3 What Encryption Methods are used with BUDs?
4.4 A WORD ABOUT 4:2:2 SCREEN PIXEL RATIO
5. Are there any hobbies related to owning a big dish system?
5.1 DVB/MPEG-2
5.2 Non-standard Audio (analog SCPC and FM Squared)
5.3 International Satellite Tracking
5.4 Inclined Orbit Satellite Tracking
6. How does the environment affect my big dish system?
6.1 Stormy Weather
6.2 Winter Weather
6.3 The Sun
6.4 Wildlife
7. Can Zoning Ordinances or Homeowner Associations prevent me from Installing a
TVRO System?
7.1 Zoning Ordinances
7.2 Homeowner Associations
8. What is the Future for TVRO?
9. Where Can I get More Information or Help with my TVRO System?
10. Glossary and Sources Cited
TVRO Hobbyists
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PART FOUR - Compression, Encryption and Encoding Methods
* What Television Broadcast Standards are compatible with BUDs?
All television distribution uses some set of technological standards
incorporated to allow specific types of reception. This is mainly important in
terms of the type of TV set you use and what part of the world you are in.
Satellite television, generally speaking, is compatible with all standards of
television broadcasting; the only necessary information needed is whether or not
a particular model/type of receiver will work with your television set and what
country a satellite transmission is intended to be viewed in.
(This FAQ is not meant to be a comprehensive technical guide to how television
itself works. It is only meant to distinguish between different technological
standards so that they can be recognized and differentiated as simply as
possible.)
1. NTSC - NTSC, which stands for National Television System Committee, was
established in 1941 as the original standard for television broadcasting. It
primarily exists in North America and Japan. In the simplest terms, NTSC has a
525-line screen image delivered at 60 half-frames per second. Your television
(if you live in North America or Japan) is probably an NTSC compliant
television.
2. PAL and SECAM - These are standards that are not used in North America. PAL,
or Phase Alternating Line, is the standard for television in most of Europe and,
for that matter, is the most used television standard in the world. Unlike NTSC,
PAL has 625-line screen image delivery delivered at 50 half-frames per second.
The primary difference between NTSC and PAL is that the phase of the color
components is reversed from line to line and the color difference signals are of
a different type. SECAM is a third standard used in France, Russia, and a few
other places in the world. Both PAL and SECAM are considered to have superior
horizontal resolution than NTSC.
NTSC, PAL, and SECAM refer to general low-definition television viewing
standards and do not address the issue of compression of broadcast bandwidth.
* What Compression Schemes are used with BUDs?
Digital compression allows for more than one video and/or audio channel per
satellite transponder.
1. DigiCipher II - DigiCipher II (DC2) is a digital encoding and encryption
format developed by General Instruments (now part of Motorola) that is used for
many American digital TVRO transmissions. In order to view DC2 channels, a
special receiver called 4DTV is required. DC2 is a proprietary standard based
upon MPEG-2. DC2 technology can be licensed to other companies, but no other
companies have requested a license. Only Motorola manufactures 4DTV receivers.
Those made for consumer BUD use cost around $400-$800 suggested retail, but are
typically available at discounts that at times can be quite deep.
2. DVB/MPEG-2 - MPEG-2 is a general encoding scheme used for many differing
digital technologies; DVB, which stands for Digital Video Broadcasting, is the
satellite television-specific variety of the MPEG-2 standard. This is not so
much a competing digital standard as it is an OPEN standard. This standard is
used in most of the world outside of the U.S. for digital TVRO broadcasts. Many
international and non-traditional programming is found using DVB/MPEG-2. Many
U.S. DVB feeds are free to air and are receivable with a DVB/MPEG-2 FTA digital
satellite receiver. Channels using this standard may or may not choose to stay
free-to-air indefinitely; once a network disappears, it may or may not be gone
forever to consumer TVRO viewers.
For more complete information about DVB/MPEG-2, see the MPEG-2/DVB (Satellite)
FAQ written by the Delphi DVB Hobbyists. It is located at:
And Rod Hewitt's "North American MPEG-2 Information" at:
http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/index.html
* What Encryption Methods are used with BUDs?
The type of encryption depends on whether the transmission is analog or digital.
In North America, there are still encrypted analog channels, although more and
more channels are switching to digital compression and the encryption methods
used with digital channels.
The only important remaining analog encryption method is VideoCipher II+
Renewable Security, or VC-II RS for short. VC-II RS was developed by General
Instruments. The original VideoCipher I was developed in the mid-1980's by
M/A-Com (who was later bought out by GI) when satellite encryption was just
beginning. VideoCipher I was short-lived and was replaced by VideoCipher II, and
later VideoCipher II+. VC-II RS is the last version of this encryption scheme
that will probably ever be developed as more and more channels use digital
encryption methods. All modern IRDs have VC-II RS decoding capability.
Besides VC-II RS, the other common form of analog encryption still used is
Leitch. This is used primarily by networks such as ABC and ESPN. The other
notable types of analog encryption are Oak Orion and BMAC. Oak Orion was a
standard used by Canadian satellite transmissions until most Canadian
subscription channels moved to Bell ExpressVu (DBS) and StarChoice (DigiCipher
II). Oak Orion is no longer used. BMAC was a third analog encryption scheme but
is no longer used much anymore.
More importantly these days are digital encryption methods. Here is a
description of these methods:
1. DigiCipher II - DigiCipher II (DC2) is the defacto American standard for
digital TVRO encryption. The only hybrid digital/analog IRD is Motorola/GI's
4DTV receiver. With the introduction of the Motorola/GI 4DTV sidecar receiver in
2001, you no longer need to replace your older analog IRD to enable DC2
reception. There are no third-party DC2 receivers, unlike analog TVRO IRD's. No
third-party companies have requested a license, so Motorola/GI never has
licensed the technology. Canadian StarChoice is transmitted in DC2, and
StarChoice receivers are manufactured by Motorola/GI.
(The following are DVB/MPEG-2 encryption methods.)
2. PowerVu - used by AFRTS, NBA TV, RDS - Roseau des Sports, Musique Plus,
MusiMax, Le Canal Nouvelles TVA; others
This is a standard developed by Scientific Atlanta. You need either the
Scientific Atlanta PowerVu 9223 receiver, which runs about $1600, or
the Scientific Atlanta PowerVu 9234 receiver, which runs about $750.
The 9223 is designed for cable companies to allow them to receive
MPEG-2 signals that are uplinked for their benefit. Consequently, its
user interface is very complex and is not designed for channel surfing.
The 9234 "Business Satellite Receiver" is a little more user friendly.
3. Irdeto - used by ABS-CBN International, Lakbay TV, Channel D; others
This is a standard developed by Irdeto Access.
4. Nagravision - used by Caliber Learning Network, other private networks
This is a standard developed by Kudelski.
5. Viaccess - used by some programming on Telstar 5 satellite
This is a standard developed by France Telecom.
6. Wegener - used by Empire Sports Network, Televisa, XEW - Canal 2, XHGC -
Canal 5; XEQ - Canal 9; others
This is a standard developed by Wegener Communications.
Note: There is no consumer receiver that can receive both DigiCipher II/VC-II RS
*and* DVB/MPEG-2 programming and there probably won't be one available anytime
soon. General Instruments produces a commercial grade receiver (DSR-4800) that
will receive both Digicipher II and DVB/MPEG-2.
A WORD ABOUT 4:2:2 SCREEN PIXEL RATIO
Most DVB/MPEG-2 receivers receive what is called 4:2:0 screen ratio for picture
resolution. But certain DVB/MPEG-2 channels, usually network and/or studio
feeds, use what is called 4:2:2 screen ratio. This involves the ratio of video
data to vertical pixel and horizontal pixel color. 4:2:2 is NOT part of the
standard DVB specifications but is used mainly by studios that need better
picture quality than standard DVB offers. This is the standard currently used
for in-the-clear reception of NBC, as well as Warner Brothers and Fox network
feeds. Most consumer FTA receivers cannot receive signals with the 4:2:2 ratio;
a more expensive receiver is required. Note that 4:2:2 is NOT a type of
encryption; however, like certain types of encryption, it does force the TVRO
viewer to make certain considerations when purchasing receiving equipment.
TVRO Hobbyists
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PART 10 - Glossary and Sources Cited
GLOSSARY -
Addressability: Remote-control function of equipment that allows a program
distributor to activate, disconnect or unscramble the signal received by a
subscriber.
Analog: A format in which information is transmitted by modulating a continuous
signal, such as a radio wave.
Antenna: (communications usage) The basic element of a satellite receive site; a
parabolic dish-shaped device that is either fixed (locked onto a particular
satellite), steerable (able to "look at" more than one satellite of the same
sort), or even dual (able to receive both C- and Ku-Band signals, one at a time
or both simultaneously).
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of a television screen's width to its height, the
standard being a 4:3 ratio. Projection equipment may produce a variance from
this standard.
Attenuation: (communications usage) Signal strength loss between the
transmission and reception points. For example: Heavy rainstorms can cause
microwave signals to seem to fade, i.e., to attenuate, as the rainstorm passes
through an area.
Audio Subcarrier: The audio signal that is part of a video transmission is
carried on a specific frequency (above the visual signal), known as a
sub-carrier, which can be either on one or more channels.
Azimuth: The angle between an antenna's beam and the meridian plane, measured
along the horizon. Along with "elevation," azimuth is a coordinate used to
precisely point an antenna at a particular satellite.
Backhaul: 1. A point-to-point transmission in real-time from a remote site to
the mix point or to the network distribution center. 2. To send a program from a
remote site to the network operations center for real-time distribution.
Bandwidth: A measure of the information capacity in the frequency domain. The
greater the bandwidth, the more information it can carry. For example,
television signals require a bandwidth of 3 million hertz, while telephone
conversation needs only 3,000 hertz.
C-Band: Frequency range from approximately 4 to 6 gigahertz (billion cycles per
second) used by communications satellites.
Component Video: A method of generating television images, either analog or
digital, where the information is carried in separate signals representing the
red, blue, green and brightness of the televised scene, and combined into a
master signal before transmission to the viewer.
Composite Video: A method of generating television images in which color and
brightness are combined into a signal. Any single signal is comprised of several
components.
Component vs. Composite: (video usage) In composite video, all the elements in a
television signal-sync, color, audio, etc.-travel together and interfere with
each other in slight, almost imperceptible ways. Conversely, in component video,
the signal is broken down into parts traveling separately. Because there is no
chance for interference between the components, a higher quality video results.
Compressed Video: Technology which makes it possible to transmit multiple high
quality television signals simultaneously in the amount of bandwidth previously
needed to carry only a single television signal.
DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite): A class of satellite service defined by the
FCC and reserved for direct-to-the-home transmission with no intermediate
re-broadcast or cable carriage needed. DBS satellites utilize higher powered
transmissions than regular satellites so that consumers may receive signals with
small inexpensive antennas.
Digital: A communications format used with both electronic and light-based
systems that transmits audio, video, and data as bits ("0's and 1's") of
information. Codecs are used to convert traditional analog signals to digital
format and back again. Digital technology also allows communication signals to
be compressed for more efficient transmission.
Dish: (communications usage) A satellite antenna.
Dolby (TM): Patented noise/hiss reduction systems developed by Ray Dolby to
improve audio recording quality. Dolby A is commonly used in television; Dolby B
was developed for use in consumer electronics.
Downlink: 1. The process of receiving a satellite transmission. 2. The antenna
used to receive a satellite transmission. Other terms for the equipment include
"dish" or "earth station"
EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power): A satellite signal strength as
received at a particular location, measured in decibel-watts per square meter.
Earth Station: The terrestrial portion of a satellite link consisting of an
antenna, amplifiers, and equipment for receiving and/or transmitting a satellite
signal.
Encoded: A form of scrambling a television signal usually using a "fixed key"
method where all descramblers of a certain type are pre-set to unscramble the
encoded signal.
Encrypted: A form of scrambling a television signal, where the receiver must not
only have a descrambling device, but also have its "address" registered with the
signal distributor
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): An agency created in 1934 by Congress
to regulate broadcasting in the United States and its territories.
Footprint: (communications usage) The geographical coverage area of a satellite
transmission within which the signal can be downlinked or received.
Frequency: The number of complete oscillations (cycles) that an electromagnetic
wave makes in a second, usually expressed in hertz; or the number of sound waves
per second produced by a sounding body.
Geostationary (Geosynchronous): Refers to a satellite's orbit which is
synchronized to the rotation of the earth, thereby causing the satellite to
appear to remain stationary. Communications satellites are parked in
geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator.
HDTV (High Definition Television): A developing technology for producing and
distributing television of greater clarity and scope by increasing the number of
lines used to comprise the television picture.
Headend: Generally, a cable television system's master control operation where
signals are received (sometimes from a variety of sources: satellite,
land-lines, microwave, even taped or live origination) and delivered on various
cable system channels.
IRD (Integrated Receiver and Decoder): A small box housing the electronics
enabling the user to downlink and decode satellite signals.
Ku-Band: Frequency range from approximately 11 to 14 GHz (billion cycles per
second) used by communications satellites.
LNB (Low noise block downconverter): A special amplifier that boosts the
satellite signal while contributing a negligible amount of noise. It also
converts a signal to a more suitable block of frequencies for use by an earth
station receiver.
Polarization: A satellite transmission signal has either a vertical, horizontal,
or circular orientation; a satellite can be all vertical or all horizontal; if a
satellite is cross-polarized, it can transmit both ways and therefore has twice
the usable delivery capacity.
Rain Fade: (communications usage) Signal weakening due to the presence of severe
precipitation somewhere along the signal path.
SCPC (Single-Channel-Per-Carrier): A type of FDM transmission where each carrier
contains only one communications channel. Many VSAT networks utilize SCPC
transmission.
Scrambling: (TV usage) Altering a TV signal transmission so it cannot be
received without an operating decoder.
Split-Transponder: A method of transmitting two conventional digital or analog
television signals through a satellite transponder simultaneously. Each of the
two signals is transmitted at half the power normally available to a full
transponder.
Subcarrier: A smaller bandwidth channel modulated on to the main channel to add
information (like audio), perform a function (burst) or act as a reference.
Sun Transit: A time when the sun appears to transit or pass directly behind the
satellite thereby briefly "blinding" the earth station's ability to see the
satellite. This alignment occurs twice a year at predictable times prior to the
vernal equinox and after the autumnal equinox.
Transponder: Electronic package aboard a telecommunications satellite that 1)
receives transmissions from earth (uplink); 2) changes signal frequency; 3)
amplifies the signal; and, 4) transmits the signal to earth (downlink). Modern
communications satellites use 24 or more transponders and can be C-Band,
Ku-Band, or both.
TVRO (Television Receive Only): An earth station or downlink capable of
receiving but not transmitting satellite TV signals.
Uplink: 1. To transmit a signal from an earth station to a particular
communications satellite transponder. The earth station capable of transmitting
a signal to a satellite.
Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI): The first 21 lines of the 525 horizontal line
standard television picture. These 21 lines do not contain picture information
and can be used to convey ancillary information, such as test signals and/or
data.
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal): A small Ku-Band earth station used by
private networks for receipt of broadcast transmission of data or video as well
as interactive communication with a host computer or database for a multitude of
applications.
SOURCES CITED -
1. History of Satellite TV- http://www.orbitsat.com/AboutSat/history1.htm
2. SkyREPORT History of DTH- http://www.skyreport.com/dth_his.htm
3. C/Ku Band frequencies- http://members.tripod.com/The_Uplinker/freqchrt.html
4. Paraclipse antenna info- http://www.paraclipse.com/satant.htm
5. Recurring feed definition- http://www.worldtrans.org/CE/CE-47.HTML
6. Backhaul definition-
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci211630,00.html
7. Analog (OTA & cable) frequencies- http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/catv-ch.html
8. Transponder definition-
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci213219,00.html
9. DVB/MPEG-2 encryption- http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/
10. National Television System Committee- http://ntsc-tv.com/ntsc-index-01.htm
11. Webopedia.com- http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/PAL.html
12. Inclined-Orbit Satellite- http://yooz.net/howcomm/InclinedOrbit.htm
13. Skyvision Catalog (Winter 2001), p. 9, 13, 50-51
14. Orbit Communication Corporation [Technical Support- Seasonal Satellite Tips]
http://www.orbitsat.com/Support/seasonal.htm ;
http://www.orbitsat.com/Support/seasonal2.htm
15. Report And Order Further Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking [FCC IB Docket No.
96-78]
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1996/fcc96078.txt
16. Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Title II, Section 207)
http://www.fcc.gov/Reports/tcom1996.txt
17. Report and Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (August 5, 1996)
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1996_TXT/fcc96328.txt
18. Satellite Support - Technical Glossary
http://www.pbs.org/als/satsupport/glossary.htm
19. Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 (the "SHVIA")
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/shva/
20. The SHVIA Fact Sheet:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/shviafac.html
TVRO Hobbyists
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PART SEVEN - Can Zoning Ordinances or Homeowner Associations prevent me
from Installing a TVRO System?
Whoa, Nellie! We'll tackle each part of this question separately as they require
different answers. A zoning ordinance involves decisions made by local governments
that includes, among other things, what types of structures can be placed on property
of a particular zoning (commercial, residential, industrial; etc.). In the United States, the
issue of the legality of a local government preventing the use of TVRO equipment,
particularly large satellite dishes, was first addressed with the Federal Communications
Commission's 1986 Preemption Order (51 Fed. Reg. 5519) issued on Feb. 14, 1986.
In *extremely* simplified terms, the order states that local governments' zoning
ordinances CANNOT unreasonably discriminate against the installation of satellite
dishes. This FCC regulation has been further revisited with FCC IB Docket No.
95-180 and more recently with the Report And Order Further Notice Of
Proposed Rulemaking (FCC IB Docket No. 96-78), adopted Feb. 29, 1996. Here is
some sample text from the original 1986 Preemption Order (via FCC IB Docket No.
96-78):
The broad mandate of Section 1 of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. § 151, to
make communications services available to all people of the United States and the
numerous powers granted by Title III of the Act with respect to the establishment of a
unified communications system establish the existence of a congressional objective in
this area. More specifically, the recent amendment to the Communications Act, 47
U.S.C. § 705, creates certain rights to receive unscrambled and unmarketed satellite
signals. These statutory provisions establish a federal interest in assuring that the right
to construct and use antennas to receive satellite delivered signals is not unreasonably
restricted by local regulation.4
Here's some more of the text:
State and local zoning or other regulations that differentiate between satellite
receive-only antennas and other types of antenna facilities are preempted unless such
regulations
a) have a reasonable and clearly defined health, safety or aesthetic objective; and
b) do not operate to impose unreasonable limitations on, or prevent, reception of
satellite delivered signals by receive-only antennas or to impose costs on
users of such antennas that are excessive in light of the purchase and
installation cost of the equipment.
Regulation of satellite transmitting antennas is preempted in the same manner except
that state and local health and safety regulation is not preempted.7
Subsequent text:
Satellite antenna users who are dissatisfied with the results of any local zoning decision
can use the standard adopted here in pursuing any legal remedies they might have. In
addition, we would entertain requests for further action if it appears that local authorities
are generally failing to abide by our standards. Any party requesting Commission
review of a controversy will be expected to show that other remedies have been
exhausted.
Essentially, if a local government wants to impose strict guidelines in terms of TVRO
systems and zoning ordinances, the TVRO system owner has every right to challenge
the ordinance based on these FCC guidelines; more than likely, the local government
would not win any legal case regarding a U.S. citizen's right to own a TVRO system.
Now on to the second part of the question. Dealing with homeowner associations and
strict covenants is a different matter entirely. Until very recently, the big dish satellite
system owner had little or no legal recourse in terms of dealing with strict homeowner
association contracts; it was felt that, by being part of a homeowners association, you
were dealing with a private contract and agreement and that by agreeing to sign the
contract, you acknowledged the terms of the agreement, and if the agreement was very
strict about satellite dish ownership, well, that was too bad. You could take it or leave
it.
This is no longer entirely true. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 made sweeping
revisions to the original Communications Act of 1934, in effect modernizing it. Section
207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 eases some of the absolute power of
restrictive covenants and homeowner associations over television reception equipment
ownership and placement. Here is the entire text:
SEC. 207. RESTRICTIONS ON OVER-THE-AIR RECEPTION DEVICES.
Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall, pursuant to section 303 of the Communications Act
of 1934, promulgate regulations to prohibit restrictions that
impair a viewer's ability to receive video programming services
through devices designed for over-the-air reception of television
broadcast signals, multichannel multipoint distribution service, or
direct broadcast satellite services.
Unfortunately, this does little for TVRO system owners. Not having strong political
lobbying backing it such as the broadcast industry and the cable TV industry, there is
no TVRO-specific language in Section 207. Furthermore, in more recent clarification
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the FCC's Report and Order, Memorandum
Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (August 5, 1996)
clearly states that Section 207 does NOT include larger C-Band satellite dishes. So for
TVRO dish owners, only Ku-Band dishes "...that [are] designed to receive direct
broadcast satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite services, that is one meter
or less in diameter or is located in Alaska..." are protected under federal regulations.
(Note that one meter is about 39 inches.) Here is the entire excerpt of the specfic
Report and Order in regards to C-Band satellite dishes:
29. Several commenters and petitioners suggest that the statute also applies to
classes of services related to TVBS, MMDS and DBS, and that our rule should
include these related services. These commenters and petitioners contend that the
terms "MMDS" and "DBS" should be interpreted broadly because Congress intended
Section 207 to promote competition among video programming services by
prohibiting restrictions that impair reception of all forms of video programming. For
example, some commenters note that MMDS is really a form of multipoint distribution
service (MDS), which is a general category of services using the same type of
receiving antennas at different frequencies, and recommend that our rule preempt
restrictions on the reception of any form of MDS, including MMDS, instructional
television fixed service (ITFS), and local multipoint distribution service (LMDS).
Other commenters and petitioners suggest that "DBS" also refers to a broad category
of technologies. They recommend that we expand our definition of DBS to include
other forms of satellite services including very small aperture terminals (VSAT) that
transmit information, and medium-power Ku-band DTH satellite services. According
to one commenter, the legislative history indicates that Congress intended Section 207
to apply to most reception of wireless video programming except systems using large
antennas.
30. We believe that by directing the Commission to prohibit restrictions that impair
viewers' ability to receive over-the-air signals from TVBS, MMDS and DBS services,
Congress did not mean to exclude closely-related services such as MDS, ITFS, and
LMDS. All of these services -- MDS, ITFS, and LMDS -- are similar from a
technological and functional standpoint in that point-to-multipoint subscription video
distribution service can be provided over each of them. We note that MMDS is the
product of MDS technology, the first multipoint distribution service established by the
Commission, and that ITFS is a service whose frequencies are available for
transmission of MMDS. LMDS is a service that has been authorized to provide
services comparable to MMDS as well as other types of services. The origins of all
of these services can be traced to MDS. Thus, all of these related services should be
treated the same for purposes of Section 207, and are properly included in the scope
of Section 207's provision. We also determine, however, that VSAT, a commercial
satellite service that may use satellite antennas less than one meter in diameter, is not
within the purview of the statute because it is not used to provide over-the-air video
programming.
31. We also believe that the statute can be construed to include medium-power
satellite services using antennas of one meter or less that are used to receive
over-the-air video programming, even though such services may not be technically
defined as DBS elsewhere in the Commission's rules. Therefore, for purposes of
implementing Section 207, we affirm our conclusion that DBS includes both
high-power and medium-power satellite services using reception devices of one
meter or less in diameter.
32. Because of the unique and peculiar characteristics applicable to reception of such
services outside the continental United States, it is necessary to provide an exception
for Alaska to the general size guidelines in our rule. In contrast with those portions of
the continental United States (as well as Hawaii) that are at lower latitudes, DBS
reception in Alaska requires larger antennas than those used in the lower part of the
United States. The installation, maintenance, and use of these larger antennas in
Alaska will be covered by the rules we adopt in this Report and Order, and
governmental and nongovernmental restrictions impairing the installation, maintenance
and use of these devices will be prohibited, even when the devices exceed one meter
in diameter or diagonal measurement. This exception is limited, however, to antennas
used to receive DBS service as defined by our rule, and will not apply to antennas that
receive signals in the C-band. These larger antennas are subject to the more general
satellite antenna preemption in Section 25.104 of our rules. Our decision to protect
larger DBS antennas in Alaska than in the rest of the country is consistent with
Commission policy to ensure that DBS is available to residents across the United States.
As DBS service providers design their systems to comply with the Commission's
requirement to serve Alaska, it may be possible to use smaller antennas that are closer
to the size used in other parts of the country, and the need for this exemption may be
obviated.
Here is the source website of this text excerpt:
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1996_TXT/fcc96328.txt
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PART SIX - How does the environment affect my big dish system?
Environmental factors are certainly an issue concerning your big dish satellite system.
Much of your system is, after all, located outdoors, allowing exposure to the elements.
Stormy weather can cause problems with your satellite dish. High winds during
hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms can cause your dish to be blown out of
alignment. Worse, unusually high winds can, under the worst circumstances, even
knock your dish over. If you live in areas subject to extreme wind conditions,
consider the Paraclipse Classic Series satellite dishes mentioned earlier in the FAQ.
Satellite dishes are also subject to periodic lightning strikes. Equipment such as a
TVRO-specific surge protector (like the one made by Panamax) will help protect your
satellite system from unexpected power surges. As far as rain goes, TVRO satellite
dishes are not subject to rain fade the way DBS dishes are.
Perhaps the worst environmental enemy of your satellite dish involves winter weather.
Cold weather can damage or at least slow down the operation of the servo motor.
Significant build-up of snow or ice can pull your satellite dish out of alignment or even
warp the dish itself. The actuator arm can also freeze, which will prevent you from
being able to move the dish out of its current position. Although there isn't a lot you
can do about severe winter weather, keeping snow and ice from building up inside
your dish will help insure quality signal reception and reduce the likelihood of your dish
become misaligned. Use a broom to *carefully* sweep out your dish. Do not use an
ice scraper on ice and DO NOT use hot water (or water of any temperature) to melt
snow or ice, as this can warp your dish.
The sun can also cause problem with your satellite system. Twice yearly, during the
beginnings of spring and fall, satellite systems are subject to solar outages caused
when the sun, the earth, and satellites over the equator are directly aligned. This can
outages between 5 and 10 minutes per day and can occur for up to two weeks.
Fortunately, solar outages are not a severe problem and only affect daytime reception.
Wildlife can also cause problems. Nesting creatures such as birds, bees, and other
insects can build nests in different areas of your satellite dish. This is especially
problematic if the nest is located around the LNB and feedhorn, as this can cause
reception problems. Carefully remove any nests located on your dish, taking special
care in combating bee, wasp, and hornet nests. Underground animals such as gophers
and moles can chew through unprotected satellite cables, causing outages. It is
recommended that underground cables be protected with PVC pipe conduit.
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PART NINE - Where Can I get More Information or Help with my TVRO System?
Here are some additional resources for TVRO information:
Usenet Newsgroups-
1. rec.video.satellite.tvro
2. alt.video.satellite.4dtv
3. alt.video.satellite.mpeg-dvb
World Wide Web-
1. Darryl Levingston's Satellite Page - http://home.austin.rr.com/drlev/satellite.htm
2. Global Communications - http://global-cm.net
3. Lyngmark Satellite Chart = http://www.lyngsat.com
4. Mr. Video Productions Wildfeed Satellite Listing - http://mrvideo.vidiot.com/Wildfeed.html
5. Official Motorola 4DTV Website - http://www.4dtv.com
6. Orbit Communications - http://www.orbitcommunications.com
7. Robert Smathers's Satellite TV Page = http://www.nmia.com/~roberts/robert.html
8. Satellite 911 - http://www.satellite911.com
9. Satellite Help - http://www.satellitehelp.com/index.asp
10. SkyReport - http://www.skyreport.com
11. Skyvision - http://www.skyvision.com
12. Wildfeeds On the Web = http://www.hads.net/wildfeeds/
13. California Amplifier = http://www.calamp.com
14. Chapparal Communications - http://www.chapparal.com
15. Kaul-Tronics, Inc. - http://www.ktidish.com
16. Paraclipse Inc. - http://www.paraclipse.com
17. Superior Satellite Engineers - http://www.superiorsatelliteusa.com
18. Ricardo's Adjusting the Polar Mount - http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html
Books-
1. Digital Satellite TV - Frank Baylin
2. The "How-To" Book of Satellite Communications - Joseph Pectin
3. The Digital Satellite TV Handbook Mark Long
4. The Home Satellite TV Installation & Troubleshooting Manual - Frank Baylin, Brent Gale, and Ron Long
5. The World of Satellite TV - Mark Long
6. Tune to Satellite Radio On Your Satellite System - Thomas P. Harrington
7. World Satellite TV & Scrambling Methods = Frank Baylin, Richard Maddox, and John McCormac