We would like you, our customer to have a brief understanding the functions of satellite receiving systems and what to look for when choosing a Satellite System.
Virtually all of the communication satellites we are dealing with are positioned 36,000 km above the equator travelling the same speed as the earth. They appear stationery in the sky when "seen" from the ground and are often called geo-stationary satellites.
Because they seem fixed when viewed from earth, satellites make excellent broadcast and telecommunication relay stations. Thus a transmitter on earth beams a signal to the satellite which is received, enhanced and retransmitted back to earth. This trip up and back, a distance of over 70,000 km, lasts for about 3/10ths of a second.
The satellite is powered by the sun through solar panels. Because the available power is minimal, the retransmitted signal is quite low. Transponders on the current series Optus Satellites are nominally 50 Watts (Compare this to an ordinary 60 watt light bulb!).
Satellites are owned and operated by carriers eg (Optus-now part of Singapore Telecom who operates four main satellites (C1, D1, D2 and recently D2) and others such as Intelsat 8)
We are interested in satellites providing services to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand providing a range of broadcast and distribution services (video, audio and data).
Virtually all services are digital with many services being carried by one satellite.
These days satellite operators shape their signal pattern to meet market requirements. Translated this usually means satellite power is not wasted in sending services where they are not needed.
Most services are now encrypted to service controlled markets and this includes assess to many free serivces.- Yes ABC/SBS and Commercial regional Satellite TV is encrypted. It is very important to understand this so that you purchase correct equipment, properly configured for the services you wish to view. There is no free lunch in this game.
Likewise Subscription services are managed to ensue that only viewers who are entitled to view services are able to do.
In this brief we will deal with basic differences between products. Detail within groups are dealt within the relevant product groups.
For customers who are on the move or who are in itinerant situations please click on the link to our sister site www.campersat.com.au where we have specific products designed for the wandering traveller.
One final note. - Satellite signals are in the very high frequency band way above TV and mobile phone services. Cables, connectors and related items are super critical in operation. Our 25 years of experience here makes sure we don’t fall into these traps.
Complete Systems
This group of products is designed to provide complete system packages for easy self-installation.
In general each package is complete including simple test gear to install on a standard 45-60 mm dia pipe. (Nominal 1 1/2 inch to 2inch)
Roof and wall mounts, cables and other items are available from our accessories list to make your whole functional to your needs.
DIY packages and Components
Products in this group are designed for the enthusiast user who understands the workings of satellite. Pricing is certainly the main issue and is fine for customers who do not need the support of education to mix and match the relevant items.
Components are generally supplied out of the box from each relevant component manufacturer together with documentation from that manufacturer.
Thanks for choosing Videosat.
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