important terminology in satellite applications

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Satellite TV Glossary

Access card
A removable credit-card-sized plastic card included with each satellite receiver. The card identifies each individual receiver and provides billing information each month to your program provider.

Azimuth
The angular distance (side to side) from true north, along the horizon, to the DBS satellite, measured in degrees. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise azimuth and elevation angles for your ********. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.

Blackout area
A pre-defined area of the country where particular programming (often sports or special events) will not be available, usually because of contractual agreements.

DBS
Digital Broadcast Satellite. Often used to refer to satellite TV systems and their components (ex: "DBS system," "DBS receiver," etc.).

Diplexer
A device that com***es two input signals into a single output. Or, when used the other way, splits a single input into two outputs. Often used in satellite systems to com***e the signals from multiple LNBs into a single line, so you only need to run one cable into your home. A diplexer can also be used to com***e a satellite signal with an antenna or cable signal, for reception of local channels. A second diplexer is needed to split the signals at the receiver ********.

Downlink
The transmission of a signal from a satellite back to Earth.

Dual LNB
An 18" dish with a single LNB and two outputs. This dish looks at a satellite in one orbital position.

Electronic program guide
Provides an on-screen listing of available channels and program data over a certain time period. All satellite systems feature an intuitive on-screen program guide that can display two or three day's worth of programming. Some DVR program guides provide two weeks of listings, as well as keyword searching to help you find what you want to watch and record.

Elevation
The angular distance (up and down) of a satellite above the horizon. During installation of your DBS system, you (or the installer) can punch your zip code or latitude and longitude into the DBS receiver's setup screen and get precise elevation and azimuth angles for your ********. You need this information to make sure that your dish is accurately aimed at the satellite.

Five LNB
A dish with five LNBs and four outputs. This dish looks at satellites in five different orbital positions. It is required for HD local channels in some markets because these channels are not all available from a single satellite.

Footprint
The antenna coverage pattern which a satellite directs toward the earth. This defines the geographic area in which signals can be received.

HDTV (High-Definition Television)
Broadcast at either 720p or 1080i resolution, HDTV programs deliver impressively clean, sharp pictures when viewed on an HDTV-compatible receiver and TV. The audio standard for HDTV is Dolby® Digital. For more information, see our article about HDTV.

IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder)
A satellite receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling sub******ion channels. Usually simply referred to as a receiver.

LNB (Low Noise Blocker)
The LNB is the component located at the end of the arm projecting from the satellite dish. It receives the signals sent by the satellite ("Ku-band") and converts them to a lower frequency (3.7-4.2GHz) that can be accepted by a compatible satellite receiver. LNBs send this converted signal to the satellite receiver via RG-6 coaxial cable. Satellite TV providers have multiple satellites in various orbital positions, and a separate LNB is needed to access each satellite position.

MPEG
The digital signal compression standard used by digital satellite systems. Compressing the audio and video signals allows more channels to be broadcast over the same band*****. Satellite systems use two different versions of this standard:

* MPEG2. This format is used for the vast majority of satellite programming, and delivers high-quality picture and sound.
* MPEG4. This newer version of MPEG compression is used for delivering high-definition local programming in some markets. Receiving this programming requires the use of an MPEG4-compatible receiver. Newer high-definition receivers are compatible with this format. MPEG4 is more efficient than MPEG2, so it allows more data to be packed into the same amount of space.

MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group.

Multi-satellite reception
Satellite program providers maintain broadcast satellites in multiple orbit ********s to provide wider signal coverage and greater programming variety. In order to receive programming that extends beyond the satellite provider's "core" programming — examples include HDTV programs, and local channels in some areas — it's often necessary for consumers to use a multi-satellite-capable dish, along with a compatible receiver.

Multiswitch
If you want to hook up more receivers than your dish can accommodate, you can use a multiswitch to split up the satellite feed without compromising signal quality. Some multiswitches also allow you to add over-the-air broadcasts or cable feeds, and send both signals to each viewing area via a single coax cable. (You'll need a diplexer for each viewing area to split up the signals again.)

RG-6
The type of coaxial cable recommended for digital satellite TV installations. RG-6 is a larger-size cable than the lower-grade RG-59 cable found in most homes. RG-59 has a small center conductor, a small insulating dielectric, and typically, a single outer shield. By comparison, RG-6 has a larger center conductor, a dual or quad shield, and a much larger insulating dielectric, ensuring greater band*****, and lower frequency loss per foot.

Triple LNB
An 18" x 20" dish with three LNBs and four outputs. This dish looks at satellites in three different orbital positions. It is required for HD customers, Spanish ******** services, and locals in some markets because these services are not all available from a single satellite.

Uplink
The transmission of a signal from a ground station on Earth to a satellite.


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