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Digital Satellite Communications
By Editor | December 18, 2007
The foundation of digital satellite communications is the satellite. A satellite follows an orbit around another object either synchronously or asynchronously with the orbited object. Digital satellite communications orbits typically follow a geosynchronous orbit, low Earth orbit or a Molniya orbit.
Digital satellite communications vehicles are artificial communication satellites. Digital satellite communications is used for many purposes. Digital satellite communications is primarily used by the general populace for communication and entertainment.
There are a few different types of satellite reception modes. The two most commonly used by the normal populace for entertainment purposes is direct broadcast and television receive-only modes.
Digital satellite communications using direct broadcast mode is used primarily with “mini dish” systems. These types of digital satellite communications systems are easily recognized by the small two to three foot dishes located around houses and buildings and are mounted on the structure itself or a pole or post located near the structure. The direct broadcast digital satellite communications systems are a closed system that uses proprietary equipment to encrypt and decrypt transmission and receive signals. Direct broadcast systems operate in the KU and C-bands of the frequency spectrum. Users of this mode of digital satellite communications will be provided a smart card that looks very similar to a credit card in shape and size. This smart card when inserted into the receiving equipment allows the encoded transmission to be decrypted at the receiver and ensures that only authorized subscribers have access to the transmission.
Digital satellite communications using Television receive-only mode, also known as “big dish” uses open standard equipment. Digital satellite communications systems using the television receive only mode is designed for television and radio reception in both digital and analog form. Much like the direct broadcast mode, the television receive-only mode operates in the KU and C-band spectrum. Digital satellite communications using television receive-only mode is easily identifiable by a large stand alone dish and different types of boxes are required for receiving different types of digital satellite signal reception.
The digital satellite communications revolution is altering the way that we receive information. The newer types of digital satellite communications systems are very similar to the direct broadcast systems. They use receivers that are similar in nature to a cable modem. These receivers are placed on or near the television set or computer depending on the type of service being provided. This “set top box” as they were once referred to, receives, decodes and even encodes the signals received. Newer systems for television even allows for the transmission of signals through a phone line connected to a modem interfaced in the receiver.
Overall, there is a large improvement in the evolution of digital satellite communications systems. From television, Internet and phone connectivity the digital satellite communications revolution will continue to ensure the expansion of a worldwide communications network and will be the frontline in new innovations in telecommunications and information technology transmission medium.
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