79
16. SAT lexicon – Explanations of technical terms
22 kHz pulse:
This pulse, generated by the receiver, is used to control switches or to switch
• •• ••
al LNBs to the digital
range.
Analogue programmes:
In comparison with digital signals, analogue signals require a considerably greater quantity of information.
With the constantly increasing range of programmes, the bandwidths available would no longer suffice in
the long term.
For this reason, analogue technology is gradually being replaced by digital transmissions. However,
analogue transmission will still have a “right to exist” for a number of years.
Antenna cable:
The antenna cable sends the signals arriving from the LNB to the receiving part of the satellite receiver. In
the reverse direction, the receiver sends switching signals and voltages via the antenna cable to the
receiving system (switch, LNB...). As signal losses are considerably greater in SAT systems and the
switching signals are very small, only high quality, low-attenuation antenna cables should be used. The
cable paths should be as short as possible. The F-plug, the shielding braid and the aluminium foil form the
negative pole and must not touch the internal conductor (positive pole).
AV operation:
AV means Audio/Video. The connection of several devices (TV, SAT receiver, video recorder...) is generally
performed with a scart cable. This connection provides the best picture and sound quality and does not
normally require any additional settings. Satellite receiver and video recorder “register” via a switching
voltage at the scart input of the TV device (or video recorder/digital receiver). If this switching does not
occur, the SCART input must be manually activated via the remote control of the (TV or video) unit
(e.g. AV or 0 button).
DiSEqC:
The DiSEqC technology was developed by Eutelsat to create an additional switching criterion (in addition
to the 22 kHz pulse) and to enable the reception of several satellite positions. From Version DiSEqc 1.2,
this technology also permits control of antenna rotors via the antenna cable.
Decoders:
Decoders are required to decode encoded programmes (“Pay TV”). Decoding incurs a monthly/annual
contribution, depending on the programme provider and range. There are different encoding systems and
video standards.
Digital reception:
To receive digital programmes you need a digital SAT receiver and a
• •• ••
al LNB. Digital programmes
are usually provided encoded. In order to decode them, a “chip card” is inserted into a card drive.
Attention: Not all digital receivers are equipped or can be retrofitted with a (suitable) card drive!
