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EUROPE 5.90€ UAE 25.00D BAHRAIN 2.50D KUWAIT 2.00D JORDAN 3.00D KENYA 200Sh PAKISTAN 175/-Rs VIETNAM 45000D DENMARK 44Kr KSA 25.00R QATAR 25.00R OMAN 2.50R LEBANON 5000LL NIGERIA 350N INDONESIA 30.000,-Rp NEPAL 200NR 2006 26 02-03 th Year Nº 191 TELE SATELLITE £3.95 DISPLAY UNTIL SoR 25 MARCH 2006 INTERNATIONAL Amazing New Satellite Receiver with Built-in PVR and Direct USB Link to PC Super Machine C-band With a Small Dish? Is That Possible? How To The New Connect Spherical 12 Receiver to Antenna a Single Dish Step by Step: Build Your Own 1.6m Dish

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SatcoDX’s “World of Satellites” Software contains the technical data from every satellite transmission worldwide, and includes the license needed for unlimited data updates; valid for the next two months

SatcoDX SatcoDX CD-ROM Activation Code Version 3.10: Activation 5F233AG3666375365C83F1849277DF77 Code Valid until the publication of the next issue of TELE-satellite magazine Step by Step Guide to Get SatcoDX Software the Internet Running on Your Computer: and is allowed to access FTP. 1. Download SatcoDX Software Version 3.10 Note: Sat- from here: coDX Soft- www.TELE-satellite.com/cd/0604/eng ware also Note: if you have already installed Version runs without 3.10, you do not need to do it again. Activation Check your currently installed version Code, or with by clicking the HELP button, then an outdated Activiation Code. However, the satellite data on display will be either from last time you performed an update, or from the time when original software has been compiled. By default, each SatcoDX software contains the set of satellite data as current as when it was compiled and put together. ABOUT. The third line tells you the version installed on your The SatcoDX software contains all the techni- computer cal data from every satellite channel around the world, plus the ability to update the technical 2. Enter the Activation Code by data via the Internet at any time (the update clicking LICENSE and then REG- license is valid until the publication of the next ISTRATION. After entering Acti- issue of TELE-satellite). vation Code click VALIDATE KEY The software contains many additional features and EXIT. Now you are ready to to help you sort, ﬁnd, print and export the data download the newest satellite tran- in form compatible with automatic receiver pro- sponder data anytime you want, programming vided your computer is connected to

Save Chart Data in many useful ﬁle formats

Complete Channel Lists from Every Satellite With all Technical Data

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Data Updates via Internet Anytime via Main and Backup Servers

Print Channel Lists in HTML Format

CONTENT EYCOS S50.12 PVR Digital Satellite Receiver with PVR Function ...... 14 Dear Vantage VT-X111SCX Digital Satellite Receiver with embedded Conax ...... 18 Readers

Kathrein UFS 821 And just when you think that Digital Satellite Receiver everything that could be discovered with PVR Function ...... 22 has been discovered, here comes even more new stuff. In this issue of TELE- satellite we will be reporting on more found – trying to use something known than one new idea. For example, a in a different way. We have another Star Sat SR-X2500CUCI 4-way LNB with which four different example in this edition: a homemade Digital Satellite Receiver with satellites can be received. When you parabolic dish. Financially it probably 2 CI slots and universal CA ...... 24 see this LNB, you might ask yourself, wouldn’t make any sense to do this what took so long? This is a typical since production dishes are typically case of “I could have thought of this less expensive to get. But this has too”, except that no one came up with nothing to do with money at all. It is such an idea. all about experimenting and possibly discovering something new. DGStation RELOOK 400S Digital FTA + CI 2 PCMCIA It’s somewhat different with the twin tuner satellite receiver spherical antenna with external LNB’s And I can tell you now that the and PVR ...... 44 – the reaction here is more like “I next issue of TELE-satellite will also never would have thought of that”. introduce some new ideas that neither The maker here went in an unfamiliar you nor we had yet thought about. direction and stumbled on a solution The satellite industry is always good that was unexpected. for surprises! BEL 5518 Digital Settop Box satellite receiver ...... 48 And then there’s the experimentation Sincerely, of satellite DXer’s out of Canada who Alexander Wiese simply swapped out an LNB in the existing small antenna. The reaction here is “I would have also come up P.S.: My favorite radio station of the TechniSat Multytenne with this idea if only I had taken some month: WRn'B (12.692 H, 27500/3/4/ Satellite antenna for time to think about it”. But it didn’t 103 on HOTBIRD 13E), HipHop, Funk, multi-feed receptionr ...... 50 happen. Soul, interrupted only occasionally by It would seem that there are still station announcements and without more possibilities just waiting to be all the commercials.

Satellite Technology: The Spherical Antenna ...... 10 Max Communication Chess Beginner Section: Basic setup of satellite antennas ...... 11 Multiswitches 17/6 NT & 17/6 K ...... 54 Feature: More TV Channels or Better Quality? ...... 12 New Satellite TV Channels ...... 29 TELE-satellite Receiver Guide ...... 38, 40 TSI Team: Your questions, our answers ...... 43, 52, 62, 63 Reception Technology: Self-made satellite antenna ...... 56 Satellite Reception: C-band With a Ku-band Dish? Could It Be? ...... 58

ADVERTISERS

ANGA CABLE 2006 ...... 49 FORTECSTAR ...... 32 PANSAT I ...... 28 ARION ...... 7 GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES ...... 25 PANSAT II ...... 41 AUSTRALASIAN SAT-2006 ...... 43 GOLDEN INTERSTAR ...... 17 PROMAX ...... 39 CABSAT ...... 64 HORIZON ...... 42 SADOUN ...... 61 COMMUNIC ASIA 2006 ...... 67 IAB ...... 63 SATELLITE EXPO 2006 ...... 33 DAGS ...... 15 ITB ...... 36 SMARTWI ...... 37 DGSTATION ...... 21 JAEGER/WEISS ...... 65 STARSAT ...... 31 DOEBIS 1 ...... 8 KATHREIN ...... 45 TECHNISAT ...... 19 DOEBIS 2 ...... 9 MAX COMMUNICATION ...... 47 TECHNOMATE ...... 35 DVB SHOP ...... 53 MOTECK ...... 29 TELE-satellite CITY ...... 60 EDON ...... 11 MTI ...... 5 TOPFIELD ...... 2 EYCOS ...... 27 OPENTECH ...... 68 VANTAGE ...... 4

SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY Mini Satellite Dish

The Spherical Antenna Alexander Wiese

We have become quite used to the offset antenna. The parabolic antenna too. While the LNB is centrally mounted in the middle giving the entire system a look of symmetry, the LNB on an offset dish it located outside of the middle. In reality though, the LNB is actually in the center since an offset dish is nothing more than a section of a parabolic dish. But where would you ﬁnd the LNB in a spherical antenna?

Is there even such a thing? and use the opposing half of the Yes, they do exist if even just in sphere as the reflector allowing small quantities. They were cre- multiple LNB’s to be installed. ated by Dr. Abdelhamid Farrag out of Cairo, Egypt. A dentist by Of course, this only works with profession, Dr. Farrag decided to DTH satellites. DXer’s would develop a slightly different kind of really not have any success here. satellite antenna. Dr. Farrag, who This truly wasn’t the goal. It is an originally wanted to be an engi- entirely new concept that makes neer but decided on oral medicine satellite reception possible with instead, seems to have this in his small dimensions and equally blood. His older brother was one small space requirements. Dr. of the first Egyptian radio manu- Farrag calculated that reception Dr. Farrag presents his spherical antenna facturers. His actual goal was to is possible starting at 47 dBW. In on the roof of his apartment building in Cairo, Egypt develop a satellite antenna for addition to the spherical antenna, mobile use. His spherical antenna Dr. Farrag also experimented with It is his dream to find a manu- antenna that he has christened measures only 30cm in diam- a small parabolic antenna with a facturer that would take his crea- with the name FarragSat. eter and yet still manages to be diameter of only 20cm. However, tion and manufacture and market a multifeed antenna. The LNB’s this antenna required signals that it professionally. He believes Contact: are found outside of the sphere were at least 51 dBW. there is a market for his spherical [email protected]

Dr. Farrag's newest creation: From Dr. Farrag's workshop: a 25cm half spherical mini antenna with a 30cm spherical antenna with external LNB presented by his son Kariem in their living room. externally mounted LNB's Reception is possible starting with 50 dBW

10 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com Antenna Setup BEGINNER SECTION

lite your search will be in vain. As decreases by a maximum of one long as there are still some analog degree. Basic setup of signals left, an old analog receiver for the antenna alignment will Next, the hunt for a signal can do a perfect job. But what to do begin by moving the antenna satellite antennas after the switch-off of all analog towards the desired satellite’s signals? In this case a systematic position. In order to check the approach is required. success of the search on the TV screen the digital set-top box has The digitalisation of satellite channels is progressing rapidly If only a single satellite is to be to be tuned into a channel on that and soon there will be no more analog satellite channels in Europe. received the antenna alignment satellite. Of course new receivers Once the conversion is completed old analog receivers are ren- can be fixed at the particular posi- have a pre-programmed channel dered useless and have to be replaced by digital set-top boxes. tion. In order to align the dish list, so selecting a valid channel correctly the elevation has to be should not be a problem. How- In most cases it is sufficient to and alignment will invariably take adjusted properly using the scale ever, since transponder data do simply unplug the analog receiver longer than before. In the analog on the antenna pole. However, the change in the course of time it is and connect the antenna cable to days it was quite easy to simply correct elevation depends on the advisable to check the pre-stored the new digital box. As a general move the antenna until a blurry local degree latitude. Below are data against the current SatcoDX rule the antenna alignment should image appeared on the TV screen. the values for a satellite that is frequency chart. remain unchanged, unless the A little fine-tuning was all that was in a precise southern position (in Unfortunately there is no dish has not been aligned properly needed until the TV screen showed a precise northern position when scale on the pole for turning the in the first place and needs fine a clear picture. This is not possi- seen from the southern hemi- antenna to the East or the West. tuning. All this should not pose a ble any longer with digital satellite sphere): This makes finding the correct big problem. reception. Weak digital signals do not translate at all into a picture Latitude 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 If a new antenna has to be set on the screen which remains black up for the first time, however, the until the signal strength has passed Elevation 72 67 61 55 49 44 38 33 27 22 17 absence of any analog signal will a certain threshold (approximately create some difficulties. Since dig- 30%) and a crystal clear picture For a satellite that is some alignment as difficult as with a ital signals are much harder to find appears on your TV set. degrees to the East or the West motorised antenna which allows than analog signals, the search If you don’t know where exactly the elevation decreases. For a receiving a great deal more chan- for the correct antenna angle to search for your desired satel- 10-degree deviation the elevation nels without additional costs. FEATURE MPEG-4 & DVB-S2 More TV Channels or Better Quality? The benefits of MPEG-4 and DVB-S2 Peter Miller

We are living a in constantly changing environment. What was HDTV is a step in the opposite direction. It modern yesterday is a commonality today and will become outdated offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (or alter- tomorrow. Digital TV is of course no exception from this rule. natively 1280 x 720 with the doubled number of full picture frames per second).

One of the new techniques becoming be doubled. So, network providers can signif- HDTV has nothing to do with the com- more and more popular in satellite TV is the icantly reduce their cost of owing or renting pression methods (MPEG-2 and MPEG-4). MPEG-4 coding. A professional would rather a transponder once they switch to MPEG-4 It requires roughly 4 times more bits per say MPEG-4 AVC, H.264 or MPEG-4.10. The compression. second than a good quality SDTV. The net- terms are derived from the names (or num- work provider can introduce one HDTV chan- bers) of the published standards. However, to do this, not only the trans- nel only if he switches off 4 SDTV channels. It mitted signal has to be changed but also would be a painful decision. No wonder that The well known MPEG-2 is over 10 years the decoders installed inside set-top-boxes the introduction of MPEG-4 may significantly old and there is little doubt that MPEG-4 will must be of different type. Popular Euro- help making HDTV popular in Europe. With a be its successor. Its main advantage is, of pean receivers can decode MPEG-2 signals simultaneous migration from MPEG-2 / SDTV course, the greater efficiency. While with but not MPEG-4. The vast majority of them to MPEG-4 / HDTV, one must trade only 2 MPEG-2 one can achieve a compression ratio can handle only MPEG-2 with 4:2:0 chroma SDTV channels per one HDTV channel. of 50:1, the new technique offers something format. Few of them can additionally decode like 100:1. Such improvement means that MPEG-2 with 4:2:2 chroma. This format And that’s not all. Additional improvement using the same transponder, the number of ensures higher video quality and is used for in the maximum bit rate that a transponder the transmitted TV and radio channels can some of the feed signals. relays can be achieved if the new kind of modulation is used. The modulation is named Unfortunately, the DVB-S2. This is an improved version of the difference in video commonly used DVB-S (QPSK modulation quality is not very plus the error correction methods). DVB-S2 noticeable. To get a offers some 30% improvement in bit rate. significant improve- In other words, if now we have 7 or 8 SDTV ment in video quality, channels per transponder, DVB-S2 will allow we must switch from us to have 10 such channels. Of course, the the Standard Defini- receiver’s front end must be redesigned to tion TV (SDTV) to the deal with DVB-S2. The current receivers are High Definition TV useless here. (HDTV). The main difference between the Now, imagine a simultaneous change from standards is the video DVB-S + MPEG-2 to DVB-S2 + MPEG-4. This resolution. Most of will give us 20 SDTV channels or 5 HDTV the popular satellite channels per transponder! Nothing prevents channels transmit- combining a number of HDTV and SDTV ted as SDTV have the channels sent by a single transponder – for resolution of 720 x example 2 HDTV plus 12 SDTV channels (see 576 pixels for PAL or figure). Exciting, isn’t it? 720 x 480 for NTSC. Some of the promo- The trials of MPEG-4 and DVB-S2 have tional channels may been going on for some time now. Also sev- use worse resolution eral HDTV channels are now available in like 352 x 576 or even Europe (though not necessarily free-to-air). 352 x 288 pixels. New MPEG-4 receivers are popping up. Prob- ably, there will be an intermediate period Such low resolution during which MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DVB-S, DVB- signals require small S2, SDTV and HDTV signals will coexist in bit rate but their pic- different combinations. We must be ready ture quality leaves for significant changes in the satellite TV in MPEG-4/DVB-S2 versus classic MPEG-2/DVB-S transmission. much to be desired. the next few years.

12 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver Eycos S50.12 PVR The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg?

We’ve been waiting a long time for the first PVR ing the delivery truck trudged through a thick layer fed with the same satellite signal. receiver from the very young company Eycos out of of snow all the way to our doors. Finally, the long We find this to be a very practi- South Korea. On a dark and gray cold winter morn- awaited test unit is sitting here in front of us. cal feature and once everything is correctly set up, the user will no longer need to think about We were very excited while clearly labeled and sits nicely in reveals a number of additional which tuner to use. The receiver opening the package and the ini- your hand. Eycos also provided setting possibilities. The Eycos handles this all by itself. tial impression from looking at a second remote control that is is quite international: aside from It has become almost stand- the outside of the receiver did smaller and equipped with lim- German, English, French, Ital- ard for most receivers to offer not disappoint us. Sleek but ele- ited functions. This could be ian, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian an automatic, a manual and an and Dutch, you can also choose expanded PID scan. The Eycos from Romanian, Russian, Swed- is no exception here. Of course ish, Turkish and Farsi as an OSD a network scan is also available. language. At a little over three minutes, the automatic scan of 80 transpond- The Main Menu is divided into ers is quite good although the six sections. In the first sec- receiver needs quite a bit of time tion, “Channel Search”, all of the to actually store all of the chan- settings for antenna configura- nels it found. For the manual tion as well as satellite data are channel scan, Eycos came up gant is the best way to describe quite practical when you con- handled. The receiver supports with a rather interesting idea: the S50.12 PVR. The front panel sider that your nosy little one the DiSEqC protocols 1.0, 1.1, if a single transponder needs sports a four-digit display as well could have otherwise easily 1.2 and 1.3 (USALS). Every to be scanned that is not yet in as eight buttons for complete messed up the entire program- user, regardless of whether they the receiver’s transponder list, operation of the receiver should ming of the receiver. have a WaveFrontier antenna or there is one transponder in the the remote control go missing. a DiSEqC motor, should have no list with a frequency of 00000. Behind a centrally located flap We also need to highlight the trouble adapting the receiver Simply enter the desired new are hidden a pair of CI slots that user manual written in English to their system. Contrary to frequency and once the chan- can be used with a variety of and German. It is clearly and receivers from other manufac- nel scan has been completed, modules (Irdeto, Seca, Viaccess, concisely written, covers every turers, the Eycos was designed this new frequency will be trans- Conax, Nagravision, etc.) aspect of the receiver and is prop- in such a way that the user need ferred to the transponder list. The nicely equipped rear erly illustrated where it needs to not worry about which tuner to This can be done as many times panel also put a smile on our be. All in all, it should be able to select except for determining as needed to complement the faces. In addition to the IF input answer almost any question you whether both tuners would be existing transponder list. and looped-through output for might have regarding the opera- the two tuners, there are also a tion of the S50.12PVR. set of Scart connectors as well Features as an S-Video connection, three RCA jacks for video and stereo Everyday Use Channel Memory

audio, a programmable 0/12- To our astonishment, this test RESULT TEST volt output, an RS-232 serial receiver came to us prepro- Channel Scan Speed interface, a USB 2.0 port for grammed with a very up-to-date connection to a PC, an RF modu- channel list for Astra, Hotbird Channel

lator and also an optical digital and Turksat. If you happen Switching Speed audio output for perfect sound. to have a somewhat standard Video Quality

Rounding out all of this is a main antenna conﬁguration, then it INTERNATIONAL power switch. should take no time at all to get the ﬁrst pictures on your TV set. Audio Quality

SATELLITE The included remote con- Accessing the nicely designed TELE trol is ergonomically designed, and animated main menu Tuner Sensitivity

14 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

If up until now you have been frustrated with the poor picture quality of CVBS signals, you can seek help in the “User Settings” menu. The receiver can provide the video signal in CVBS, RGB and S-Video. YUV for connec- ings, it won’t be too difficult to recording from the receiver to a er’s basic settings are function- tion to flat screen TV’s or pro- lose sight of what is going on. PC and this without any supple- ing correctly. This is a powerful jection systems is unfortunately Contrary to most other receiv- mental software since Windows tool for the service tech. The not available. The reception of ers, the list of recordings in the recognized the hard drive in the question now becomes, is this US feeds in NTSC format did Eycos is in descending order receiver. Eycos also offers a receiver really the goose that not present any problems; the – that is, the last recording is settings editor at no charge that laid the golden egg? We believe automatic switching between shown first. At first it may take can be used to edit the channel that it is definitely headed in that PAL and NTSC signals functioned some getting used to, but after and favorites lists comfortably direction. The manufacturer is perfectly. a while you won’t want it any on the PC. willing to please and has prom- other way. ised to react to our small list of The remaining three menus For dealers there’s even a self- bugs that we stumbled on during deal with CI modules, the hard After every channel change diagnostic menu. After entering our tests. Without a doubt, drive and subsequent decryp- – if desired this can be set to a code known only to dealers, Eycos has developed a very solid tion: the receiver is capable of a gradual fade out/fade it – an they can determine if the receiv- receiver with the S50.12PVR. recording multiple encrypted Info bar is displayed that shows programs on the hard drive for information on the current and later decryption. As long as the upcoming program. Manufacturer Eycos Multimedia Systems TECHNIC No.756, 189-1, Kumi-dong CI module supports this func- DATA Bundang-ku, Seongnam tion, the receiver can also record The EPG is very logically 463-810, Korea two decrypted programs at the designed, is very quickly loaded Distributor Satforce same time. In our test using with data and displays all of the Kommunikationstechnik GmbH an Alphacrypt module, this also information correctly and leg- Tel +49-86-54 773 851 worked without any difficulties. ibly. Fax +49-86-54 773 852

The Eycos manufactured E-Mail [email protected] Features tuner is very sensitive to incom- Model S50.12PVR After this excursion through all ing signals and was easily able Function Digital Satellite Receiver with of the S50.12PVR’s setting pos- to handle the weak signals on PVR Function sibilities, we wanted to immerse Arabsat 2D at 26° east. The Channel Memory 8000 ourselves in the features used receiver also mastered the SCPC Satellites 45 on a daily basis. The capability test signal on Pas12; the signal Symbol Rate 1-45 Ms/sec. to record four programs at the with a symbolrate of only 1.325 SCPC Compatible Yes same time jumped right out at Ms/sec. was no problem for the USALS Yes us. Since this receiver uses only receiver. two tuners, the four programs DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 to be recorded would have to be Even though the movie indus- Scart Connectors 2 on two transponders. Unfortu- try and some PayTV providers Audio/Video Outputs 3 x RCA nately, the receiver only shows might not be happy with this fea- UHF Output Yes the number of current record- ture, nearly every manufacturer 0/12 Volt Output Yes ings. If you want to know what must equip their PVR receivers Digital Audio Output Yes and for how long/time remain- with a USB 2.0 interface in order EPG Yes ing, the proud owner will only to survive in the market. Eycos ﬁnd out after pushing the large is no different. In fact they C/Ku-Band Compatible Yes PVR button on the remote con- seem to have put a little extra EPG Yes trol and checking out the list of effort in this in that they man- previously recorded programs. aged to ﬁnd a chipset that can A little improvement here might take full advantage of the capac- not be a bad idea since with up ity of USB 2.0. It took just about to four simultaneous record- three minutes to transfer a 2GB

Expert conclusion + The Eycos S50.12PVR is a solid and easy-to-use Main menu Satellite scan receiver that did not show any problems during our tests. Especially noteworthy is the extremely fast USB 2.0 interface as is the capability to record four

programs simultaneously. Thomas Haring TELE-satellite Test Center - Austria Here and there we found some small bugs in the software of this receiver. The bug list as well as a wish list was for- warded to the manufacturer. Satellite list Info bar

16 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver Vantage VT-X111SCX Elegant Design, Conax Embedded and Much More…

The digital satellite receiver market is currently sleek and elegant box that should have no trouble menus, although the receiver has booming and so it should come as no surprise that fitting in with any living room environment. The no trouble handling PAL and NTSC one new receiver after the other is finding its way front panel is very nicely equipped: in addition to signals. Before you can actually into our test labs. The VT-X111SCX is the newest the obligatory buttons for operation of this box with start to enjoy watching TV, you entry into this market from the German manufac- a missing remote control, there is also a four-digit still need to configure the desired turer Vantage. Just taking the receiver out of the display as well as a card reader and a set of CI slots satellites in the Installation menu package gives you the immediate impression of a hidden behind a flap. and then perform a channel scan. 113 European and Asian C-band This receiver is available in three cally arranged and easy to read. Additional basic settings are han- and Ku-band satellites are prepro- different versions: as a simple FTA Overall, the workmanship of the dled in the System Configuration grammed in this box; eight addi- receiver, as a CI box and also as receiver and remote control left us menu. The receiver can be set tional satellites can be manually one with embedded Conax. The with a very good impression. to acquire the current time auto- set up. This number of satellites

rear panel is also very pleasing to matically from the provider and makes the VT-X111SCX one of the the eye. You have the IF input with Everyday Use can therefore offer the possibility top receivers in terms of prepro- looped-through output, the two After turning on the receiver to automatically switch between grammed satellites. If only the Scart connectors, three RCA jacks for the first time, the VT-X111SCX standard time and daylight sav- satellite and transponder list were for video and stereo audio outputs, displays the main menu so that ings time. The video signal can more up-to-date, it could have a coaxial digital audio output, an the proud owner can immediately be supplied in CVBS and RGB and been ranked #1. RS-232 serial interface to link this take care of the initial settings also in 4:3 and 16:9 formats. YUV box to a PC, a UHF modulator and such as language selection and or S-Video outputs for connection In order to use as many sat- a main power switch. What more satellite configuration. The user to projection TV’s or flat-screen ellites as possible, the Vantage do you want? The included remote can select from German, English, monitors were unfortunately not supports the DiSEqC 1.0, 1.2 and control sits nicely in your hand French, Italian, Spanish, Hungar- available. 1.3 protocols. So, if it’s a DiSEqC with buttons that are very logi- ian, Arabic, Persian and Greek. motor you want to control, you can The desired color system do this very easily with the USALS cannot be manually selected in the protocol. Unfortunately, owners of

Features

Channel Memory RESULT TEST Channel Scan Speed Channel Switching Speed

Video Quality INTERNATIONAL

Audio Quality

SATELLITE TELE Tuner Sensitivity

18 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com multifeed antennas with multiple LNB’s might not have much luck since this box does not support DiSEqC 1.1 nor does it come with a programmable 0/12-volt output.

A sufficient array of preprogrammed local oscillator frequencies (LOF) are available for the C-band and Ku-band and should you need an unusual value such as for the S-band, these can be entered manually. The channel available, expanded programming test on NSS7 at 22° west with a used to upload new software and scan of an 80-transponder satellite information is also displayed. 1028 Ks/s signal did not work out channel lists and will have the was competed very quickly; just too well. Only signals starting at future ability to upload up-to- about four minutes was needed As with most other receivers, 2.0 Ms/s could be properly han- date SatcoDX data as well. The for the VT-X111SCX to process the channel list can be called up dled and this is what the manu- included user manual is written in every transponder. The manu- by pushing the OK button. This facturer specifies anyway in their Russian and German – the manufacturer also plans to include the also provides access to a vari- datasheets. facturer should consider making SatcoDX protocol at some point ety of sorting possibilities as well the user manual somewhat more in the future so that up-to-date as the ability to restrict access The RS-232 interface can be international. transponder and channel data can to only specific satellites. The be comfortably downloaded from a Favorites button in the lower right TECHNIC Manufacturer Vantage Digital, Amalienbadstr. PC. It can’t get much easier and corner of the remote control gives DATA 36, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany faster than this. you single-button access to all of Tel +49-721-961417-0 In addition to the automatic your favorite programs. The time Fax +49-721-961417-9 channel scan, it is also possible to switch between channels is E-Mail [email protected] to perform a manual transponder fair; an average of one second is Model VT-X111SCX scan. Transponders can also be needed for picture and audio to be added, deleted or edited. The correctly presented. Function Digital Satellite Receiver with embedded Conax experts will be especially happy with the manual PID entry fea- If the TV in use doesn’t have its Channel Memory 4000 ture. own teletext decoder, the decoder Satellites 121 in the VT-X111SCX can help save Symbol Rate 2-45 Ms/sec. Once all of the initial settings the day. And so that you won’t SCPC Compatible Yes ( over 2Ms/s) have been taken care of and a miss any of your favorite TV series USALS Yes channel scan has been com- on those days when you might DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.3 pleted, the main menu can finally not be at home, the receiver also Scart Connectors 2 be closed and the Vantage VT- comes with an eight-event timer. X111SCX will switch over to the Audio/Video Outputs 3 x RCA first channel that it found. An The model that we tested UHF Output Yes Info bar appears showing data on came with an integrated card 0/12 Volt Output no the current channel (if teletext is reader for the Conax encryp- Digital Audio Output Yes available, language selection, etc.) tion system. While this system EPG Yes and also displays the EPG informa- was previously used primarily in C/Ku-Band Compatible Yes tion for the current and upcoming the Scandinavian countries, you EPG Yes program. can find it being used more and more now in central and western Power Supply 90-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz The Info button can be used to Europe. A test with a Conax card SatcoDX Compatible Yes access expanded programming functioned perfectly – as soon as information. With the EPG button the card was inserted the channel all available EPG data of the chan- became visible. The tuner from nel can be viewed. The presenta- the manufacturer is very sensi- tion of all the data is very clearly tive: even weak signals with high organized and optically pleasing FEC’s did not present any prob- to the eye. As long as it’s made lems for this receiver. Our SCPC Expert conclusion + EPG Info bar The VT-X111SCX is an easy-to-use family-friendly digital receiver. The menus are very nicely organized and legible. Through its CI slot and integrated card reader this receiver also has no problems handling

PayTV signals. Thomas Haring TELE-satellite Test Center - Austria The receiver is missing the DiSEqC 1.1 protocol for multifeed antennas and the user manual could stand for some improvement. Main menu Channel edit

20 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver Kathrein UFS 821 Solid German Workmanship

Kathrein, a traditional manufacturer out of silver. On the front panel is a large multifunction Germany, wants to offer the UFS 821 – a Sound control for volume, channel selection, etc. An easy- SatcoDX & Vision Center – to its customers. It would be a to-read VFD display was positioned in the middle by center for audio and video. Is that a good idea? the manufacturer and shows the channel name as Compatibility We think so. The entire system is packaged in an well as other information. Especially exciting is this elegant cabinet that is available in either black or receiver’s SatcoDX compatibility. The Editor program made available from the manufacturer at Behind a flap can be found two makes the buttons a little harder From here you end up in the sat- no charge can import the up-to- CI slots, four buttons for opera- to reach. ellite list from which the desired date SatcoDX data in SDX format. tion of the receiver without a satellites can be selected. The This is great news for owners of remote control and also a USB receiver comes preprogrammed motorized systems. It is unfor- interface. As expected from Everyday Use with 21 European satellites. The tunate though that Kathrien only Kathrein, the rear panel is nicely The UFS 821 is for the most box even offers the partitioning provided the UFS 821 with enough equipped: in addition to the IF part a plug & play receiver. of the satellite list into four con- room for 4000 channels. It won’t input and looped-through output Simply connect the two tuners to tinents. take long to fill this list up. and the two Scart connectors, the LNB’s or multiswitches, turn you will also find three RCA jacks the box on and, thanks to the The last and most important The built-in tuner is relatively for video and stereo audio, an preprogrammed channel list for step of the installation assistant is sensitive and managed to handle S-video output, an RS-232 inter- Astra and Hotbird, in most cases the automatic channel scan. Six narrowband SCPC signals starting face, a USB interface for connec- installation in central Europe will minutes was needed to scan 80 at 2.0 Ms/sec. in our tests without

tion to a PC and an optical digital immediately produce a picture on transponders without the network any problems. Additional basic audio output. the TV. If you are able to receive search activated. Of course a settings can be handled in the The included user manual is of more than one satellite with your manual scan (with or without PID nicely organized main menu. The exceptional quality and describes system (DiSEqC 1.0, 1.2 and 1.3 entry) is also available as is the receiver can provide the video even for the beginner all func- are supported), you simply access ability to edit individual transpond- signal in CVBS, RGB, S-Video or tions and settings of the UFS 821 the installation assistant to help ers, create new entries or delete YUV formats for ﬂat screen TV’s in great detail. We were not as set of the receiver step-by-step. existing ones. As with other Kath- or projection systems. PAL and elated with the remote control. rein receivers, new programming NTSC are also supported. It sits nicely in your hand but the Once the desired OSD lan- data can be directly loaded into OK button as well as other opera- guage has been selected (English, the receiver via satellite. The receiver comes from the tional buttons were located near German, French, Italian, Span- the bottom of the remote. On ish, Dutch, Polish and Turkish are the one hand we are not used to available), the next step would Features seeing this and on the other it take you to the tuner settings.

Channel Memory RESULT TEST Channel Scan Speed

Channel Switching Speed

Video Quality INTERNATIONAL

Audio Quality

SATELLITE TELE Tuner Sensitivity

22 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com cooperation with the company Linux-based Kathrein receiver Conclusion tvtv.Services. This company with can still do more. It is possible Thanks to the large multifunc- its Internet programming guide at to transfer jpeg pictures and mp3 tion control and the VFD display, www.tvtv.de or www.tvtv.co.uk is music files to the box for play- this box can easily be used as a a household name in many Euro- back. The USB 2.0 interface on simple radio receiver even without pean countries. The up-to-date the front panel can be used to it connected to a TV. At least now DVR Manager tvtv data can be set to download connect a portable hard drive or we know what Kathrein means by factory with a 160 GB hard drive. into the receiver via satellite at even a digital camera through the term Sound & Vision Center. It This is enough for up to 100 hours a preset time thus making this which, video, mp3 and image data would be a great pity if it were only of TV and radio recordings. Oper- up-to-date data available at any can be transferred. In our tests used for this purpose, but satellite ation of the hard drive is actu- time. this functioned perfectly using a radio fans could use the UFS 821 ally quite clever in the UFS 821. standard digital camera. as an ideal radio receiver. Should the available space on the Additional features such as “Now hard drive not be enough for addi- Playing” with the current program Manufacturer KATHREIN-Werke KG, tional recordings, the receiver of all 60 TV channels listed by tvtv TECHNIC Rosenheim, Germany can be set to automatically delete can be sorted by Genre, by daily DATA Tel. +49 (0) 8031 184-0 older data. The timeshift buffer tips plus the detailed information for time-delayed TV recordings is of all programs can be displayed. Fax +49 (0) 8031 184-306 manually adjustable and can be The Search function can be used E-Mail [email protected] set for several hours. to help keep an eye out for spe- Model UFS821 cific programming. Thankfully, Function Digital Satellite Receiver Should one or more encrypted with tvtv EPG you are no longer with PVR Function recordings end up on the hard limited to a certain number of Channel Memory 4000 drive, the UFS 821 provides the channels; instead, all content is Satellites 45 ability to decrypt the signal after available since the receiver stores Symbol Rate 2-45 Ms/sec. the fact. The recording would the entire database on the hard SCPC Compatible Yes be marked in the replay list and drive. as soon as the receiver is placed USALS Yes in standby mode, it begins to Eventually, the available free DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.3 decrypt the recording. space on the included 160GB hard Scart Connectors 2 drive will come to an end. At this Audio/Video Outputs 3 x RCA point it would be a good time to UHF Output Yes Surprise! transfer your favorite recordings 0/12 Volt Output No to your PC and from there perhaps Digital Audio Output Yes EPG from tvtv burn them to a DVD. Thanks to We were pleasantly surprised the integrated USB 2.0 interface, EPG Yes when we pressed the EPG button. this is absolutely no problem. The C/Ku-Band Compatible Yes So that the general overview of necessary software for this (DVR EPG Yes all the available programs would Manager) is also provided free of Power Supply 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz not be lost and so that the user charge by Kathrein on their web SatcoDX Compatible Yes was provided with very up-to- site. In just 16 minutes a 2GB file date EPG data for up to a week was transferred. in advance, Kathrein has not only relied on a channel’s own EPG When the DVR Manager is data but has also entered into a started, you get the idea that the

Expert conclusion + The Kathrein UFS 821 is a very elegant and easy- Channel Manager (SatcoDX) Info Bar to-use receiver that, thanks to the tvtv EPG, will make the user very happy. The USB transfer to the PC functioned without any problems. It would be an ideal

receiver for the radio freak. Thomas Haring TELE-satellite Test Center - Austria The preprogrammed satellite list could be bigger. If the receiver were to support the DiSEqC 1.1 protocol, it would also make an interesting box for the DXer. The data transfer rate of the USB connections could be faster. tvtv EPG Tuner Setup

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 23 TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver Star Sat SR-X2500CUCI A Newborn Star With Numerous Pay-TV options and USALS

Like they often say, even a good chef can ruin tant. But if the hardware is perfect, and something tion. To get to this submenu or his ﬁrst pancake. The same might be also true went wrong in the software kitchen, the overall other “branches” of the Instal- with receiver manufacturers. It takes an enormous impression for the product could be worse than lation “tree”, the usual “0000” work to create a perfect receiver that everyone it deserves. Luckily, when receivers like StarSat PIN code should be entered each would be truly satisﬁed with. And we’re not only SR-X2500CUCI hit the market, both hardware and time, until you decide to change talking about hardware engineers nowadays, in software are normally brought as close to sophis- it to something your kids won't the digital world the software can be more impor- tication as possible. guess so quickly.

SR-X2500CUCI, you are seconds are quite simple. Like what lan- Channel Search The Receiver away from watching the channels guage would you like the menu to Pre-programmed satellites Looks like the days of huge and you’ve paid for. appear in (you can choose from cover mainly Europe and Asia, ugly black boxes are now gone. English, German, French, Turkish from 55 West to 148 East . These With it's compact and stylish But before we can go that far, and Arabic), what would be your satellites, as well as four blank silver case, the modern receiver let’s first connect the LNBs, TV preferred audio and subtitle lan- positions, called “Addsat 1-4”, like SR-X2500CUCI, can really set, VCR and a HiFi system. The guage, and if you would like the can be renamed or otherwise become a “star” of your TV cabi- back panel of SR-X2500CUCI has satellites listed in other menus to reconfigured. There are mainly net. The buttons, available on the one LNB input (with loop-through be sorted by name or position. two channel search modes – the front panel (Standby on/off, “OK”, output), two scarts, three RCA expected automatic and manual “Menu”, “Cancel”, and last but not outputs for video and audio, while If you don’t like to spend your search, with various sub-options. least the round button for moving the fourth is used for a 0/12V time endlessly reading the user Unfortunately, the blind scan is the cursor left, right, down or up) switch. Let’s also not forget about manual (which is not that bad not available yet. allow the user to get access to the the serial port for connecting after all, but is available only in majority of receiver’s functions. your receiver to PC, as well as English), simply browse through As far as our tests showed, it If in your area the FTA is not so the terrestrial antenna input and the available menu items. One of makes more sense to choose the popular, or you just would prefer a modulator output. Not bad, but them, called “Easy Installation”, Network search. It takes almost to see one of the latest movies on nowadays it wouldn’t hurt also to would surely attract your atten- the same time as the regular your local Pay-TV channel, open have the outputs for S-Video and the flap on the right side of the digital audio. front panel. If the package you’re Features interested in uses Viaccess, The remote control can really be Irdeto, Cryptoworks, Nagravi- called ergonomic – it’s lightweight Channel Memory

sion, Conax or Mediaguard (Seca) and all buttons are located where RESULT TEST to encrypt its transmissions, go you would intuitively expect them Channel Scan Speed ahead and insert the smart card to be. you have in the upper slot behind Channel Switching Speed the ﬂap. It’s an universal smart card slot, and should properly Installation Video Quality

handle the above-mentioned con- When you power on your new INTERNATIONAL ditional access systems. Should SR-X2500CUCI for the very ﬁrst

the card you have belong to any time, prepare to answer a lot of Audio Quality

SATELLITE other system, just get the needed questions on the “User Setting” TELE CI module. With 2 CI slots of screen. But don’t worry, they Tuner Sensitivity

24 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com one, but results in much more channels saved in your receiver’s list. For example, on Astra 1 at 19.2 East the regular automatic search takes 4 minutes 18 seconds, saving 573 TV and 315 Radio channels, while Network search, taking just one minute longer, adds another 53 TV and 28 Radio channels. On less popu- transponder, and it takes up to EPG presentation is – it’s not pos- correctly displayed both in the lar satellites, like Eutelsat W4 at 1.5-2 seconds for the next PayTV sible to see at the same time what Channel List and in EPG. However, 36 East, there is no visible dif- channel. is being broadcasted by other with channel names transmitted ference between the two search channels as well – the classic grid in a font different from Latin, it modes. Both bring 74 TV and 3 Once the channel is selected, presentation would still be more would not be possible to use the Radio channels in 2 minutes 12 an information bar would appear preferable. “FN” function to quickly locate seconds. It is quite fast, but if in the bottom of the screen. channels in a long list. Renaming you’re looking for some particular Selecting encrypted channels, Even though the menu of the them in the “Edit” mode is also channel, it might not be in the final conditional access system of receiver can be only displayed in unfortunately impossible, while in list. Even though we upgraded the which is understood by the uni- 5 languages at the moment, spe- the Channel List mode only Latin firmware shortly before perform- versal smart card slot of SR- cial characters (like Russian) are letters can be used. ing the above described tests, X2500CUCI would also display some important transponders the used encryption systems’ Manufacturer STAR SAT,PO Box 42291, were missing on both satellites. names. However, if something TECHNIC DATA Dubai,United Arab Emirates And, traditionally, the only way more exotic, like Z-crypt is used, Website http://www.star-sat.com out is to use the good old Manual the receiver will just say “Scram- E-mail starsat @emirates.net.ae Search, which can be easily done bled Channel”, unless you have Fax +971-4-2287765 thanks to always-up-to-date Sat- the needed CI-module and a coDX chart. smartcard for it. Model SR-X2500CUCI Function Digital Satellite Receiver with SR-X2500CUCI locks to both Actual versions of SR- 2 CI slots and an universal integrated module SCPC and MCPC carriers flaw- X2500CUCI firmware have a lot of lessly, and its tuner sensitivity nice features, which both DXers Channel Memory 4000 also needs to be complimented and regular users would appre- Symbol rate 2 – 42 Ms/s – such linearly polarized channels, ciate. For example, the fastest DiSEqC 1.0/1.2/1.3/USALS as Lider TV and 2M from Eutelsat way to find the channel you’re 0/12V Output Yes

Sesat were perfectly received, interested in is no longer brows- Scart Connectors 2 while for 36 East position we used ing through your endless channel Video/Audio Output Yes, RCA an LNB set up to receive circular list. Simply click the “FN” button Digital Audio Output No polarizations. Two other receivers on the remote control and enter in our lab were unable to receive the ﬁrst letters of that channel’s Color System PAL/NTSC them because of insufﬁcient name. Two more clicks and voila S-VHS Output No signal, while SR-X2500CUCI per- – you are already watching it. Modulator Yes fectly locked to both carriers. C/Ku-band Compatible Yes

Electronic Program Guide (EPG) SCPC Compatible Yes is fast, however, you have to get EPG Yes Everyday Use used to the way it’s presented Teletext Yes Zapping speed differs notably, in SR-X2500CUCI. Once the EPG from 0.3-0.5 seconds, if you are button on the remote control is USB 2.0 Connection No switching between the channels pressed, the same channel list Power Supply 90-250 V, 50/60 Hz of the same transponder, 0.7-1 would appear, as after pressing Power Consumption Max. 30 W second, if you are selecting the “OK”, but with different options. next FTA channel from a different The main disadvantage of such Expert conclusion + SR-X2500CUCI is a good choice both for regular users and DXers. Presence of 2 CI slots plus an universal smart card slot means great flexibility for the fans of PayTV reception. DiSEqC, USALS support and 0/12V output make multi-satellite reception Channel list Automatic channel search Nickolas easy. Nice features, like the “FN” function, make the Ovsyadovsky operation of this receiver even more pleasant. TELE-satellite Test Center - Hungary It would be nice to have digital audio and S-Video outputs. Majority of users would still prefer to have the EPG presented as a grid. Although letters other than Latin are supported, in some menus they are still not displayed correctly. And unfortunately, the recording timer is also missing in current firmware. Hopefully, such slight software minuses will be shortly fixed in frequently appearing firmware updates. Channel searching Teletext

26 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

NEW Satellite TV Channels 02/2006

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Satellite 0/12 Output Positioner MechanicalPolarizer Hard Disk ChannelMemory Symbolrate SCPC Compatible DiSEqC USALS Compatible NTSC/PAL ModulatorOutput Looped-Through IF SatcoDXCompatible Power Supply Digital AudioOutput Audio/VideoOutput (Built-in Serial Interface CI Slots EmbeddedCA TSI Magazine Output S-VHS Output Scart Volt DVB TV Ms/sec Volt RCA S-VHS V 0/12 GB Issue Receivers Radio Hertz ARION AF-9300PVR

8000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ yes, yes no 100-240V yes yes yes, 2 yes yes no no yes yes, yes no #188 1.2 PAL UHF 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005

BOTECH CA 9000 FTA/CI

4900 2-45 yes 1.2 yes yes yes, yes no 90-260 yes yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, yes, 2 no #189 UHF VAC RS-232 2005 50/60Hz CAMOS SVR-200 Mobile FTA Receiver

4000 n/a yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes n/a no 10-35 n/a yes n/a yes no no no no yes, no no #184 PAL VDC RS-232 2005

CHESS Digital 4000 FTA

3000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ no yes no 230V yes yes yes, 2 yes yes no no no yes, no no #186 PAL 50Hz RS-232 2005

DIGITAL EVERYWHERE Fire DTV External PC Set Top Box

unlimited 2-40 yes 1.0, 1.1, no NTSC/ no yes no 12 VDC no no no no no no no yes, no yes, 1 no #187 1.2 PAL in PC 2005

DIGITALL WORLD SCI-4100E with CI Slot

4000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ no yes no 100-230V yes no yes, 2 no no no no no yes, yes, 1 no #185 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

DRAGON D-2100 FTA

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V yes, 2 yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, no no #186 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

DSN-DIGITAL DEVICES GR 8300CI CU

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes yes 90-260V yes yes yes, 2 no yes no no no yes, yes no #186 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

DSN-GR 7400 CI EXPLORER

5000 TV 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 95-250V yes yes yes, 2 no yes no no no yes, yes, 2 no #188 1600Radio 1.3 PAL/ 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005 SECAM EDISON 2100 FTA

4000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 no yes no no no yes, no no #187 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

EUROSAT MANHATTAN PLAZA ST550 with Blind Scan

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.3 yes NTSC/ yes yes no 100-240V yes yes yes, 2 yes yes no no option yes, yes, 2 yes, #185 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 Irdeto 2005

EYCOS S10.02F

4000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ no yes no 90-250 yes yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, no no #189 1.2 PAL VAC (optical) RS-232 2005

FORTEC STAR FSIR-5400 NA

4800 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-240V yes yes no yes no no no no yes, no yes, #190 PAL 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 Irdeto 2005

FORTEC STAR Lifetime Diamond DVB-S & DVB-T

3000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V no yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, no no #187 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

GLOBAL TEQ 6000PVR

10000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no yes yes, yes no #190 PAL 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005

GLOBO PVR I with Hard Drive

4000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes yes no 230V yes yes yes, 2 no yes no no yes yes, no no #185 PAL 50Hz RS-232 2005

GENERAL SATELLITE FTA-7001S

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no PAL/ yes yes no 190-250V yes no yes, 1 yes no no no no yes, no no #189 SECAM 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

GOLDEN INTERSTAR 9000 CI PVR Premium

9000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 100-250 yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no yes yes, yes, 2 yes, 2 #190 1.2 PAL VAC (optical) RS-232 2005

GOLDEN INTERSTAR DVB-T/S 8300 CI Premium

6000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 100-250 yes yes yes, 2 no yes no no no yes, yes, 2 yes, 2 #189 1.2 PAL VAC (optical) RS-232 2005

HOMECAST S 8000 CIPVR Twin Tuners with USB 2.0

4000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes, 2 no 90-260V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #185 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

)

Satellite 0/12 Output Positioner MechanicalPolarizer Hard Disk ChannelMemory Symbolrate SCPC Compatible DiSEqC USALS Compatible NTSC/PAL ModulatorOutput Looped-Through IF SatcoDXCompatible Power Supply Digital AudioOutput Audio/VideoOutput (Built-in -TSI Magazine Output S-VHS Output Serial Interface CI Slots EmbeddedCA DVB Scart Volt TV Ms/sec Volt RCA S-VHS V 0/12 GB Issue Receivers Radio Hertz INVERTO IDL 5000HD

6000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, no PAL no yes no 100-250V yes, 2 yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, no yes, #186 1.2 50/60Hz RS-232 Irdeto 2005

KAON HSC-N550H2R Twin Tuner plus Hard Drive

8000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes, 2 no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #184 1.3 PAL/ 50/60Hz RS-232 2005 SECAM KATHREIN UFD 580 Digital Twin Tuner with CI Slots

4000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ no yes, 2 no 230V yes, 2 yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, yes, 2 no #184 PAL 50Hz RS-232 2005

KATHREIN Euroline UFE 305 FTA

4000 2-45 yes 1.0 no NTSC/ no yes no 90-260V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, no no #185 PAL/ 50/60Hz RS-232 2005 SECAM LEMON 030-CI

6000 starting yes 1.0, 1.1, no NTSC/ yes yes no 90-260V yes, yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, yes, 2 no #187 at 1.8 1.2 PAL 50/60Hz optical RS-232 2005 10.5-14DC &coax NEOTION 601 DVR

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ no yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 no no no no yes, yes, no yes #188 PAL 50/60Hz external RS-232 2005

NEOTION Box 501 NC-SC FTA expandable

4000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no PAL yes yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, no no #186 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

NETA TROYA FTA

4000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no PAL yes yes no 230VAC yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, no no #186 RS-232 2005

PANSAT 3500S

5000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 yes NTSC/ yes, yes no 90-250V yes yes no yes yes no yes no yes, no yes, #190 PAL UHF 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 Conax 2005

PANSAT 500HC PVR&CI

10000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2, yes NTSC/ yes yes, 2 no 90-250V yes yes no yes no no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #187 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

PIXX Event

10000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 yes NTSC/ yes, yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes yes no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #190 PAL UHF 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005

QUALI-TV QS 1080IR for HDTV and MPEG 4:2:2

unknown 2-45 yes 1.0 no NTSC/ no yes no 100-240V yes yes, yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, no yes, #184 PAL 50/60Hz audio RS-232 Irdeto 2005 only QUALI-TV QS 1080IRCI for HDTV and MPEG 4:2:2

unknown 2-40 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ no yes no 100-240V yes yes yes, 2 no no no no no yes, yes, 2 yes, #187 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 Irdeto 2005

RELOOK 300S Twin Tuners with 80GB HDD and Linux

unlimited 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes yes, 2 no 85-265V yes yes yes, 2 no no no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #185 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

STAR SAT SR-X3500CUCI Ultra

6000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes yes yes 90-250 no yes yes, 2 yes yes no no no yes, yes, 2 yes, #189 PAL VAC RS-232 uni- 2005 50/60Hz versal STAR SAT SR-X1800D FTA

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no PAL yes yes yes 100-240V no yes yes no yes no no no yes, no no #186 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

TECHNOMATE TM-7755 2VA 2CI

5000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 yes PAL/ yes yes no 90-240 yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, yes, 2 yes, #189 NTSC/ VAC (optical) (via RS-232 Viac- 2005 SECAM 50/60Hz scart) cess TECHNOMATE TM 4100D FTA with Blind Scan

5000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.3 yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no no yes, no no #186 PAL 50/60Hz RS-232 2005

TOPFIELD TF5000CIP

5000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ yes yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes no yes no no yes, yes, 2 no #190 1.2, 1.3 PAL 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005

TOPFIELD TF5000PVR Masterpiece

5000 1-45 yes 1.0, 1.1, yes NTSC/ yes, yes no 90-250V yes yes yes, 2 yes no no no yes yes, yes, 2 no #188 1.2, 1.3 PAL UHF 50/60Hz (optical) RS-232 2005

ZINWELL Fanchiou ZDX-7700

4000 2-45 yes 1.0, 1.2 no NTSC/ yes, yes no 110-240V no yes no yes no no no no yes, no no #186 PAL VHF 50/60Hz RS-232 2005 12 VDC

Your questions, our answers www.tele-satellite.info TSI Team

I know I can add it but I can't find some and should stay there even if there is dering if there’s a dish that would show Ron Roessel of the information that I have to enter like a power outage. That's how all of the me any Arabic channels. Your help is [USA] PCR PID and TELETEXT PID. Also, I receiver's I've ever seen have worked. appreciated. am not sure how to make certain the info If the Dansat is a new receiver, I doubt is locked in so that if I turn it off or there that it would behave any different. The Unfortunately, the best thing for you answers is a power outage I won’t have to do it only data you need is the downlink fre- would be a south-facing balcony. Then your questions all over again. Plus I can’t seem to find quency and symbolrate of the trans- you would be able to get quite a few much information about Dansat online. ponder you want to scan. This can Arabic channels from Intelsat Americas All I have is just the manual. Please help be found by looking at www.satcodx. 5. Instead, you have one option and that New to FTA me. Thank you. com and then going to the satellite you would be to point a 1-meter dish at His- I am new to the FTA world and I would want. pasat at 30 deg west. This satellite has like to buy a new satellite receiver and Usually when you scan a satellite for a number of Arabic channels that are a dish with a motor. Since I would like channels, all of the necessary informa- free-to-air. Any free-to-air MPEG-2 sat- something very up-to-date and able to tion, including PCR PID, etc., is identi- East-Facing Balcony ellite receiver system should do the job. get the feed of various satellites what do fied automatically. This information is Hi, I live in Fort Lauderdale FL and I Telstar 12 at 15 deg west also has two or you suggest? then stored in the receiver's memory have an east-facing balcony. I am won- three Arabic language channels.

The system you buy would depend greatly on what exactly you want to do with it. A simple free-to-air system would be a basic system. There are also receivers with built-in hard drives for channel recording if you want to spend more money. Another consideration is whether you want to receive Ku-band satellites only (small dish sizes around 90-100cm) or if you want to add C-band reception as well. A C-band dish can get fairly large (8-10 feet in diameter or even larger) but it can be used for both C-band and Ku- band reception. A small dish cannot be used for C-band reception. Then you would have to decide if you want to receive more than one satellite with your system. This would require adding a motor to your dish so that the antenna can move from one satellite to another. To get an idea of what is out there, you should ﬂip through the pages of this magazine. There are test reports on all kinds of satellite equipment in every issue. It will give you a good idea of what is out there.

HD and Free to Air I have noticed that Dish 1000 super dishes are appearing on the market that have three LNB’s designed to handle HD. As HD will be the standard soon it would seem to be prudent to install this dish for my new FTA system. I have been told conﬂicting statements as to whether this dish would be compatible with high-end units. Are the receivers compatible with that dish for FTA, and will they be able to deliver HD? Or would I be better off to stay old school and junk the old system in a couple of years when FTA catches up with the pay services?

The antenna itself should not be too much of a problem other than its size; it is the LNB that might be though. These LNB's have built-in switches that are designed to be controlled by a DishNet- work receiver. To be honest, I am not certain if other FTA receivers are able to control these switches. If you are thinking of using this dish for true FTA reception on satellites other than Dish satellites, then you might want to consider a larger dish (90-100cm in diameter). Also the LNB's that come with DishNetwork antennas are not compatible with other satellites. This has to do with left/right circular polarization (Dish- Network LNB's) versus horizontal/vertical polarization for standard FTA LNB's. Also keep in mind that most (99%) of the FTA receivers available today are not HD compatible.

Dansat Receiver Hi, I received a Dansat receiver as a gift and I want to watch the channels on Intelsat Americas 5, but the satellite is not listed in the receiver’s satellite menu. TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver DGStation RELOOK 400S Linux OS, Twin Tuner PVR The Sky is the Limit!

This latest model from the well known Korean for an in-depth examination. Unlike the majority of present inside the receiver. After manufacturer DGStation, the Relook 400S has today’s digital PVR receivers, the Relook 400S oper- this, we could finally connect the been introduced to the market very recently and ates under Linux, and what makes it unique for time unit and power it up. has also arrived at the test labs of Tele-Satellite being, is the double tuner! The Relook 400S first displays a message to announce that it is preparing the hard disk, this takes a certain time depending on the disk size. After this the user is invited to select the various main options like the menu language, the time zone etc. The TV output signal can be configured RGB, CVBS or YUV. Since this receiver has two tuners, we decided to connect the first tuner to an After unpacking, we discov- cal digital audio output, a USB and you watch the other one. No CAM antenna on a Stab USALS motor ered a full sized unit (approx. 37 an Ethernet interface and even a is needed for the playback of a and looped the signal trough to x 27 x 7 cm) of an elegant sober power switch. The remote control scrambled pre-recorded program. the second tuner. design in metallic grey colour. On is rather small for the consider- The channel memory allows up The next step is somehow unu- the front, you see just one big able amount of functions it has to to 10’000 channels to be stored, sual since each satellite the user round on/off button which lights- command on a PVR receiver and which is very convenient since would like to access, has to be up in blue upon its circumfer- people who use glasses for read- the Relook 400S implements the installed in the tuner menu as a ence as soon as the receiver is ing will certainly need them for DiSEqC 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 or different LNB (i. e. one for Hot- plugged into the mains, goes off this remote. A plus point is that USALS protocols. bird, another for Astra etc.), and during operation but blinks as a it can be configured to command The unit that was sent to us here again each of these LNBs feedback, when commands are your TV set. The overall work- did not include a hard disk. Nor- has to be assigned the appropri- received from the remote con- manship of this receiver makes a trol. Next to it is a wide window very solid and visually appealing for the VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent impression. Features Display). This whole front panel is in fact a flap and once opened, Channel Memory

it reveals 8 pushbuttons to oper- Features RESULT TEST ate the PVR, two card readers and After the external appreciation, Channel

two CAM slots. let’s now take a closer look on Scan Speed the features of the Relook 400S. Channel The rear panel is even more sur- According to the manufacturers’ Switching Speed prising: Besides the classical two speciﬁcations and besides all the Scarts, the RCA analogue outputs classical features found on most of Video Quality INTERNATIONAL for stereo and video and a serial today’s set top boxes, this receiver interface, you will discover two is capable of recording two chan- Audio Quality

SATELLITE sets of LNB in/outputs for the 2 nels, while it plays back another TELE tuners, a UHF modulator, an opti- recording. In case a Viaccess CAM Tuner Sensitivity

ate DiSEqC protocol, in our case USALS. While each satellite/LNB is assigned, the signal strength and it’s quality are displayed on the menu page. The next step is to scan these satellites. The scan is rather slow but complete. After all, does this slowness really matter since such a scan is cer- mally it is sold with a hard disk tainly not performed every day? already installed. The receiver The satellite fans who decide to supports unlimited HDD size. Our look for new channels will cer- is ﬁtted, it can as well descramble ﬁrst job was to install a 3,5 inch tainly know in advance the fre- simultaneously two channels so 200 GB HDD which was very easy quencies and could enter them that one could be recorded while as the cables and the cradle were manually to memorize this very

44 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

particular station they are looking for. Even better, the transponder list can be edited thanks to the “Relook PC Editor” software and the USB port which allows updates from SatcoDX. After the scan, you always end up with an almost endless list of EPG. In our antenna configura- here at TELE-satellite approx. Despite all this, the Relook TV and radio stations. Many of tion, this could only be achieved two years ago. The second reason 400S remains a well thought-out them will either be scrambled or on a channel from the same all this has been made possible, receiver for the whole family with not interesting for the one or the transponder but in case of a dif- is the presence of an Ethernet a very stable operation. On our other particular user. To organize ferent LNB for the second tuner, port. This way, the Relook 400S test receiver we used the latest such a crowded channel list, the said recording could be from becomes an extension of your PC, official firmware from DGStation, user has two options: Either man- another transponder or satellite. can exchange data with it, conversion 1.18 and never experi- ually, or the second and more ele- The time shift function is avail- nect to the Internet etc. As they enced any lock-ups, even after an gant way is to use this very same able too. All these recordings on say, The Sky is the Limit! intensive use. “Relook PC Editor”. This program the hard disk can be downloaded is free to download at the site of to a PC where in a first pass they Manufacturer DG Station, Rm.401, Bldg.A, the manufacturer www.dgstation. will have to be transformed into TECHNIC DATA Bundang Techno Park 150, co.kr . MPEG format and then edited with Yatap-Dong, Bundang-Gu, your preferred edition software. Sungnam-Si Gyunggi-Do, This transformation is taken care Korea (Zip. 463-070) Daily Use by the “Make PS” software avail- Fax +82-31-781-9016 Now that all these preliminar- able at DGStation’s website. Email [email protected] ies have been dealt with, the next Internet www.dgstation.co.kr step would be to sit back and start Model Relook 400S watching your favourite channels. Linux, Ethernet, The switching from one channel Function Digital FTA + CI 2 PCMCIA twin tuner satellite receiver and PVR to another is immediate, even on USB and Co. scrambled channels, the picture So far, we have described Channel memory 10000 quality is flawless. Owning a PVR features that could be found on Network Ethernet RJ-45 10Base T / 100 with a double tuner is factually a numerous other receivers. The Base-TX– 8MB Flash + Expandable 96 MB SDRAM challenge for the user not to miss Relook 400S has mastered them any of his favourite transmissions. during our tests without any prob- CPU IBM Power PC405, 350 MIPS The Relook doesn’t deceive here, lems. But what makes this box so DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 neither. Just press the Record special is it’s firmware compiled USALS Yes button while you watch a movie in Linux. Since Linux is an operat- Programmable0/12 V No

and it will be stored on the hard ing system with an “open source” Digital Audio Output S/PDIF (optical) disk. The default duration of the philosophy, DGStation have made Scart connectors 2 recording is 2 hours but this set- public the source code of their Video/Audio Output 3 x RCA ting can be modified in the menu. firmware to allow any interested This way you don’t have to worry user to develop his own modifica- Colour system PAL D/K, B/G, I about the ending time of your tions, improvements or add-ons. S-VHS Output No recording. Alternative firmware is already Modulator Yes available trough the numerous SCPC compatible Yes

Another way to achieve a forums on the Web which trans- EPG Yes recording is via the EPG, in this form the Relook 400S to an even Teletext Yes (OSD und VBI) case the receiver inserts a “reser- more powerful tool for the satel- Power Supply 90 –240 VAC 50/60 Hz vation” time before and after the lite enthusiast, and this seems programmed recording to allow just to be the beginning! Talented Power Consumption 50 W max. 7 W standby for any changes in the schedule. programmers are constantly Last but not least, thanks to the trying out new features very double tuner, a second simulta- similar to those developed for neous recording can be started another receiver from a German manually or programmed in the manufacturer that was tested Expert conclusion + The Relook 400S deserves the attribute “very attractive” for its’ design as well as for the charac- Main menu Automatic channel search teristics. The menus are logical and easy to navi- gate. A special mark should be given to the “VFD” display. Yanis Patalidis TELE-satellite Test Center - France The remote control for a receiver of this class would have deserved to be designed more ergonomically. The noise of the small fan for the cooling of the hard disk and the CPU inside the receiver can sometimes be disturbing but this could be solved with new instructions in another ﬁrmware release. Channel list USALS setting

46 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

TEST REPORT Satellite Receiver

Everyday use By default the BEL 5518 is set BEL 5518 up to receive the Ku band signals of the NNS6 satellite position. If the antenna is aligned A settop box for tropical India for the reception of DD DTH – as was the case with our test setup The Indian electronics corporation BEL has patible with C and Ku band signals and even offers – the ﬁrst picture will appear on just introduced what must be one of the world’s some remarkable features such as picture-in-pic- the screen shortly after switch- smallest satellite receivers. The tiny box is com- ture for six segments. ing on the box. A quick guide is

The receiver is produced in basically means they have to be India by the state-run armament able to bear a very high level of company Bharat Electronics Lim- humidity and heat. In addition to ited, which is commonly known that, the receivers must toler- by its abbreviation BEL. The ate the less than perfect power company was founded in 1954 supply system India. and originally focused on military technology, which continues to The small BEL 5518 has a size be a major ﬁeld of business for of only 20 x 3 x 18 cm, which the company. The headquarters makes it even smaller than an of BEL are located in Banga- average car radio. Its memory lore, and it is from there that we can hold up to 2000 C or Ku received our test unit. band channels and the receiver comes with a one-year warranty Direct-to-home (DTH) satel- in India. On the front panel there lite reception has been offered in are the main switch and the India only for the past two years, channel up and down buttons and the demand for correspond- for controlling the box when the ing receivers has been on the rise remote control is misplaced or ever since. Due to the extreme out of batteries. In line with the climate on the subcontinent the rest of the receiver, the display boxes have to be ﬁt for use in is rather small as well and shows A glimpse through the window of the Test Center in India: The monsoon blacks out all Ku band signals. a tropical environment, which the channel number. On the rear panel there is just about enough available for adjusting the set- space for the antenna input and a tings to receive signals from looped through signal output and a different satellite. The user Features a set of RCA sockets for audio interface quickly guides users and video output. There is no through the system settings in Channel Memory

RESULT euroscart connection, because order to choose the correct LOF, TEST Channel it is not commonly used in India DiSEqC settings, LNB power Scan Speed and would not ﬁt on the back supply, time and language. Our Channel panel anyway. An S-Video output test receiver offered only Eng- Switching Speed is missing as well. lish and Italian.

Video Quality

INTERNATIONAL The remote control has a good The installation menu offers feel and its ergonomics leave all expected adjustments such Audio Quality nothing to be desired. However, as a network scan of pre-stored

SATELLITE TELE we would have preferred it in a transponders or a manual search Tuner Sensitivity slightly larger size. to add new channels. Our tests

48 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com Distributor ESS EM KAY ENTERPRISES & showed that the BEL 5518 is a very welcome option given the TECHNIC DATA Ramakrishna Electro Components rather swift as it ﬁnished scan- recent popularity of large-screen Pvt. Ltd. ning the NNS6 satellite in less TV sets in India. The on-screen Fax +80 22124570/011 51010816 than a minute. menu is very user-friendly and Internet www.bel-india.com the overall design is functional. Model 5518DTH Premium and gold. Thanks to its small size the Channel memory 2000 Many features receiver will never be obtrusive Considering its size the BEL in any environment. A number of Satellite 43 preprogrammed is ﬁlled to the brim with nice integrated games will be handy Symbol Rate 2 to 40000 features. These include a pic- during times of the Ku band DiSEqC 1.0/1.1/1.2 ture-in-picture mode showing blackout (11 GHz range) when USALS No six individual screens, which is monsoon rains hit India. Programmable 0/12/No Digital Audio output No Scart Connector No Expert conclusion Video/ Audio output 3*RCA + Colour PAL The BEL 5518 is a functional receiver with a mini- S.VHS Output No mum size. It survives the tropical climate and has a Modulator Yes solid build. It tolerates extreme weather and electricity SCPC Compatiable Yes surges and drops while consuming only little power. EPG No

P. Srivatsa Tele-text yes OSD TELE-satellite - Test Center Powersupply 90 to 270V No additional connections possible. India PowerConsumption <20W

Picture-in-picture Remote display inside menu Channel info Channel list

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 49 TEST REPORT Satellite Antenna for Multifeed Reception TechniSat Multytenne The ‘happy go lucky’ package

When the courier delivered a quite compact surprised, to say the least. This miracle dish package (considering we were expecting a has a width of just 45 cm and should be able satellite dish) from TechniSat to the sacred to receive four satellites simultaneously: halls of our editorial ofﬁces just before the Astra 19.2° East, Hotbird 13° East, Astra 2 deadline for the current issue we were a little 28.2° East and Astra 3A 23.5° East.

We quickly opened the pack- rather futuristic. It would easily Another point worth mention- age and started to assemble fit in any science fiction movie. ing is the fact that TechniSat the individual items. TechniSat has optimised this dish specifi- really did a great job here with It is fairly easy to correctly cally for the German speaking its very comprehensive, logical align the antenna because only countries. Once the Multytenne and easy to understand manual. Astra 19.2° East has to be found is introduced in these countries Even absolute beginners should and all other positions are then TechniSat might present special be able to assemble and align automatically be received thanks versions for other markets and the antenna in next to no time. to the special multi-feed LNB. We satellite positions as well.

Everyday use from these two positions. The Unfortunately the Multytenne reception of Hotbird signals was arrived just before the editorial generally OK, even though we deadline for the current issue, so noticed that of all four satellite we did not have all the time we positions the signals from Hot- would have liked to thoroughly bird were the weakest. Nonethe- test the reception quality for all less, MCPC transponders with four positions. We can, however, high symbol rates came in with- give you a short overview of the out difficulties. antenna’s capabilities: On the whole it can be stated As expected there were no that the Multytenne is an almost problems whatsoever with the perfect compromise between a reception of the strong satel- maximum of positions for multi- lite positions Astra 1 19.2° East feed reception and the small- and Astra 3A 23.5° East and all est possible antenna size. The transponders that we scanned spreadibg of interesting and and measured for testing pur- popular channels over differ- poses were processed flawlessly ent satellite positions – such and with a surprising good C/N as the moving of HDTV chan- value, considering we’re talking nels to Astra 3A – or the quite about a 45 cm dish here. large range of English language channels on Astra 2 as well as A slightly different picture the increasing number of erotic The package comes complete should emphasise at this point emerges for Astra 2 and Hotbird. channels on Hotbird make the with a wall-mounting device, that it absolutely pays to spend While all transponders of Astra Multytenne an interesting option which is necessary because the some extra time on precisely 2A and 2B could be received for many households. Thanks to Multytenne is not compatible aligning the dish towards Astra without problems, some signals its small size it will fit and work with standard installation equip- 19.2° East, because an exact of Astra 2D and Eurobird did on any south-facing balcony. ment and must be mounted on alignment makes sure that the not make it to the TV screen. this particular device. The LNB three other satellite positions However, this is not to blame is specifically developed and will be received with reasonable on the Multytenne but rather on Digit MF4-S designed for this dish and looks quality as well. the weak signals being beamed You can use the Multytenne

50 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com in combination with any receiver and offers English, German, The EPG of TechniSat receiv- which is absolutely reasonable. featuring the DiSEqC 1.0 proto- French, Italian, Spanish, Turk- ers is another very handy fea- The perfect overall impression col, but TechniSat sells the Mul- ish, Swedish, Portuguese, Rus- ture deserving special praise. of MF4-S is complemented by tytenne package complete with sian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian TechniSat has its own editorial the built-in teletext decoder and its own Digit MF4-S digital satel- and Dutch. staff for EPG information for all the possibility to use the multi- lite receiver. It, too, looks very German language satellite chan- channel feeds offered by German futuristic at first sight, thanks to The next step is a special fea- nels, which is downloaded at pay TV provider Premiere. its simple but elegant design. ture of this TechniSat receiver: given times by TechniSat receiv- Multytenne LNB from a list of 19 different coun- ers. The feature is called SFI and On the front panel we find tries the user can select his allows for a very clear and com- an LED segment display plus country and the receiver will prehensive EPG overview with three buttons for controlling then automatically adjust all the option of marking events the receiver without using the country-specific parameters for recording using a connected remote control, as well as a card such as the local time zone. What recording device. slot. On one side the box fea- follows is the antenna configura- tures a Common Interface slot tion, which has no default set- Channel switching takes and an RS-232 serial interface ting for the Multytenne yet and approximately one second, for connecting the receiver to a has only Astra 19.2° East and PC. Multytenne packages sold Hotbird 13° East activated right in the German speaking coun- from the beginning. By clicking TECHNIC tries also include a smartcard for on ‘Manual’, however, the set- DATA reception of the TechniSat satel- tings can be changed to include Manufacturer TechniSat Digital GmbH lite radio package. the other two satellites as well. TechniPark, D-54550 Daun Germany The back panel of this very The box then automatically Fax +352-710707-959 slim digital receiver (28.5 x 13 x checks whether new software is E-mail [email protected] 4 cm) features two scart euro- available over-the-air and if so Model Multytenne connectors, two RCA sockets for downloads and installs it. The Function Satellite antenna for multi-feed reception stereo audio out, the IF input for final step is the channel search of Astra 19.2° East, Hotbird 13° East, the satellite signals as well as an and the MF4-S took a little less Astra 3A 23.5° East and Astra 2 28.2° East optical and an electrical output than six minutes to scan an Antenna diameter 45 cm for digital audio. The remote 80-transponder satellite. While USALS Yes control has a nice touch and feel not being that fastest on the DiSEqC 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.3 and is characterised – just like market, it certainly is one of the the receiver and the Multytenne most thorough boxes and found Scart connections 2 – by immaculate build quality. all channels. After all, you don’t Audio output 2 x RCA do a complete search every day. UHF modulator No 0/12 Volt output No

Reception The logical main menu can be Digital audio output Yes After switching on the receiver used to adjust all major settings EPG Yes for the first time the typical such as the video output (CVBS, Power supply 180-250 VAC, 50 Hz TechniSat installation wizard RGB or S-Video) or the favourite appears on the screen and allows lists for radio and TV. Just like all the user to customise the box other TechniSat digital receivers step by step. The first and most the MF4-S is capable of down- important step is the selection of loading pre-sorted channel lists the preferred OSD language. The saving users the fuss of manu- Digit F4-S is very international ally arranging their lists. Expert conclusion + Installation wizard Channel list With its Multytenne TechniSat offers a true ‘happy go lucky’ package. Assembly is child’s play, the reception quality of the dish is very good considering it’s a 45 cm antenna. The receiver that is included in the package is easy to use and fit to please the Thomas Haring TELE-satellit whole family. You could hardly wish for more! Test Center Austria - None Main menu Info bar

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 51 Your questions, our answers www.tele-satellite.info TSI Team

Thomas Haring „channel“. Please check this website Alberto Boselli Intelsat 907 at 27.5° West - 11516 V, SR [Austria] www.broadcast.bt.com/home/pdf/ [Italy] 5632 FEC 3/4 22336_DVB_ASI.pdf for further infor- Telstar 11 at 37.0° West - 11664 H and

mation and exact technical data. 11672 H, both of them with SR 5632 answers answers your questions your questions Austrian channels in Pakistan American Channels in Italy Romanian TV via satellite We are a team of Austrian soldiers, help- Digital Satellite Receiver I'm a beginner in the satellite world ing people in the earthquake regions of and I'd like to install a motor system to I would like to receive Romanian TV Muzaffarabad in Pakistan to restore their I own a 120 cm dish with a motor. I'd receive free-to-air channels both in Ku- via satellite, but all the programs are water supply. From our command we like to buy a digital satellite receiver band (to receive Colombia TV) and in encrypted in PowerVU. Is there a way to received a satellite dish and an Austrian having the following features: C-band (just in case there will be chan- decrypt them? dvb-s receiver, but we were not able to nel from Colombia in this band too). get any Austrian or German TV pro- 1) 8000 channels How large should the dish be? How grams. Can you help us to get programs 2) Twin tuner with loop-through out- much will I pay for such a set-up? (At from home or at least English TV? puts present, I only own the TV set). 3) 2 Common Interface slots Everything depends on the size of your 4) 2 Universal embedded slots This in only one of the many questions dish, which you did regrettably not men- 5) PVR with at least 80/100 GB, better we got about reception of American tion. If the antennas’ diameter is large if removable channels in Europe. Other readers enough (about 2,4-3m) you should be 6) Built-in positioner with four wires was asking for channels from Argen- able to receive some German TV via the motor control tina, Brazil, New York City, Honduras Hotbird satellites on 13° East, but there 7) USB 2.0 or even for all the existing channels is no way to get Austrian TV in Paki- 8) Optical digital audio output from South America. Unfortunately, Romanian TV via Amos 4° West stan, because they are just transmitting 9) HDMI Digital video output the answer is always the same: in By getting a PowerVU card, but seri- on Astra 19,2° East. If your dish is not 10) 2 scart connectors general, American satellite channels ously, there is no way to decode Pow- large enough, you could try to get some 11) PAL/NTSC are not receivable in Europe because erVU encrypted channels without a English channels via Arabsat 26° East, and, but this is not mandatory, it should most of the satellites from where they proper smartcard and if there were some for example Channel2, MBC4 and One be able to receive HDTV signals. are broadcasted are not “visible” from ways to do it, we could not forward that Does such a receiver exist? Where can European longitudes since they are information to you. So I can just offer you I buy it? located behind the horizon. two solutions: First of all you could try to Thank you in advance. Even when the satellite can be received get a PowerVU smartcard in Romania, from Europe (for example several or you stick to the FTA channels availa- And what about MPEG-4? And where is Atlantic channels such as Hispasat at ble via different satellites. I made a quick DVB-S2? Unfortunately, you describe 30° West or Panamsat 3R at 43° West), check and found 16 programs, transmit- a fantastic receiver that doesn't exist, each transponder covers either Amer- ting via Amos 4° West, EutelsatW2 16° but, even if the question came only a ica or Europe, but not both of them at East, Intelsat 10-02 1° West, Sirius 5° few days ago, it could be a somehow the same time. Chances to get Ameri- East and Hotbird 13° East. For further outdated receiver. In this issue of can channels are limited to feed signals

information, please take a look at the MBC4 via Arabsat 26° East TELE-satellite International you can (see previous question) or sometimes satellite charts at www.satcodx.com read a report about the newest tech- free-to-air channels transmitted to TV. These channels offer American talk nologies of Digital satellite TV which Europe where they are rebroadcasted shows, series, reality shows and movies will be available in upcoming set-top- as part of pay-tv packages. For exam- African TV in Germany in the original language with Arabic sub- boxes. In practice, it's almost impos- ple, in this moment from PAS 3R at 43° I‘m an African living in Germany and titles. sible to find the “perfect” receiver, but West (frequency 12708 V, SR 5390, I would like to receive programs from if you read carefully our test reports, FEC 2/3) you can receive Tele Amazo- South Africa via satellite. Can you tell you'll certainly find something very nas and Ecuavisa International using a me how to do that? Topfield TF5000CIP close to it. “normal” size dish. You just need to get a 90cm offset dish In the last issue of TELE-satellite and align it to PAS10 68,5° East. There International you described the new TF5000CIP. I tried to buy this receiver NBA Basketball Feed Advice for Antenna Setup in Germany but failed. My local reseller The NBA Basketball championship Currently, I own a dual-feed antenna offered me the TF5000CI instead. What started a few weeks ago. Do you know for Astra 1 and Hot-Bird. I subscribed do you think about that? something about feed signals from to an Internet via satellite service avail- USA? I'd like to know Ku-Band and able through three different satellites: If you use a 36V actuator to move your C-band satellites, dish sizes, frequen- Eurobird A, Eurobird B and Telecom dish, you need a receiver which is able cies, polarizations, symbolrate, etc. I'd 2D. If I decide to loose Astra reception to control the motor. The TF5000CIP is very happy if you could help me. while keeping only HotBird, can I use able to do that, the TF5000CI is not. Both the same dish or should I install a dif- receivers are basically the same model, Fortunately, many European Pay-TV ferent antenna? except for the motor control. If you can‘t packages offer NBA matches in their African TV via PAS10 68,5° East find the receiver in your area, please sport channels, so USA broadcasters Unfortunately, both Eurobird 3 satellite you will find some FTA African programs contact the German Topfield distributors have to transmit them towards Europe at 33° East (what you call Eurobird A and additionally the Vivid package con- Satforce www.satforce.at or Sky Vision using some of the Atlantic satellites. On and B are actually two of the coverage taining the channels SABC1,2,3 and www.sky-vision.de the other hand, due to the wide interest spots used by Eurobird 3) and Telecom ETV. For further information, please for US basketball, it often happens that 2D at 8° West are too “far away” from check the Vivids website http://www. these signals are encrypted. Anyway, Hotbird to be received with a single sentech.co.za/ why not to try? Here are some of the antenna. In a dual-feed setup the 2 frequencies where you can find what LNB's are aimed to satellites placed you're looking for: at orbital positions separated by about DVB-ASI 6°. In your case, the distance from Again and again I‘m reading the term Intelsat 901 at 18.0° West - 11673 H, Hot-Bird would be at least 20° choos- „DVB-ASI“ in connection with profes- SR 28565 FEC 7/8 (NBA TV, usually ing either Eurobird 3 or Telecom 2D. sional equipment. Can you give me any encrypted in Videoguard, but some- The best solution would be to install a further information on how this „Asyn- times with FTA feeds) new antenna for the Internet via Satel- chronous Serial Interface“ works? Intelsat 901 at 18.0° West - 11661 H - lite service. This way, someone else 11670 H - 11679 H all of them with SR in your family will also be able to keep DVB-ASI is a broadcasting protocol, 5632 and FEC 3/4 on watching satellite TV (from the old which allows content providers to trans- NSS 7 at 22.0° West - 11670 H SR antenna) while you're surfing the Inter- port up to 16 different streams via one 10000 net (from the new one).

52 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com

TEST REPORT Multiswitches Max Communication Chess Multiswitches 17/6 NT & 17/6 K Distribution solution for a family house or a block of apartments

Multiswitches are very useful devices when you distribute the signal from either a single dish or need to distribute satellite signal to several rooms a few dishes to several receivers. Max Communi- while keeping a number of dishes to a reasonable cations has provided us with two types of multi- minimum. Depending on model, they allow you to switches that can cooperate with each other.

Otherwise, they will not be able to switch among satellites – only satellite “A” will be available to them. Of course, we are speaking here about reception in Ku-band, as the Quatro LNB implies.

Except for the 17 inputs and 6 outputs, the multiswitch additionally has 17 cascade (pass- through) outputs. They are used to connect Chess 17/6 K unit. Chess 17/6 K is an extension device that when connected to the base model increases the number of outputs from 6 to 12. According to the manufacturer, by cascading more 17/6 K’s, you may get 18, 24 or even 30 outputs. Such system can distribute satellite signal in a block of apartments. switch and a receiver. As you can satellites independently of what Chess 17/6 NT probably ﬁgure out, this model is being received on the set-top- In most cases, a multiswitch The Chess 17/6 NT is designed has 6 outputs. So, you can con- boxes in other rooms. There’s will be put close to the roof of to deal with 4 dishes equipped nect up to 6 satellite receivers. A only one condition: your receivers the building where the tempera- with Quatro LNB’s. That gives us living room, a study plus 4 bed- must be compatible with DiSEqC. ture can vary signiﬁcantly. The 16 inputs. An important advan- rooms - very good solution for a tage of the system with a mul- family house. tiswitch is that only one coaxial You will be able to receive any cable is required between the channel from anyone of the four

Fig. 1. Signal level at the receiver output with respect Fig. 2. Signal level at the 17/6 K input, pass-through output to the input signal level and receiver output

54 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com units described in this report can operate in the temperature range from –20 through + 60° C - so this should not pose a problem for them. Keep in mind, though, that they are not to be operated Multiswitches 17/6 NT & 17/6 K outdoors. In the Practice Time to take a few measurements of Chess 17/6 NT. Every satellite input coming from Quatro LNB is somewhat attenu- present on one input can induce ated by the multiswitch. Accord- some interference on the other ing to specification, before it inputs and did not find anything reaches the receiver it is down wrong here. The same applies to by 5 dB ±2 dB. We obtained in the receiver outputs. The signal of the receiver’s outputs of 17/6 every next multiswitch a few dB our measurements results from selected on a given output has no K. weaker signal. –2 through –8.5 dB depending on effect on the signals on any other As you can see, the signal So our next job was to meas- the receiver output used and the output. There was nothing we passed through by the 17/6 NT ure if we really have 10 dB of input frequency (see figure 1). could observe or measure. So the to 17/6 K is attenuated. If you attenuation adjustment available isolation among the inputs/out- want to cascade multiswitches, as specified. Our measurements But how does the multiswitch puts is quite satisfactory. you should insert amplifiers revealed the adjustment range is influence the quality of signal? We between the LNB’s and the base even slightly higher – about 11.5 measured the C/N ratio before multiswitch inputs. Usually, 20 dB dB. and after the multiswitch for 2 Cascading amplifiers are added here. different signals. For the receiver In a cascaded network, you output, we observed that it went Multiswitches will need to use the attenuators Conclusion down 0.8 dB from 10.3 to 9.5 dB. After measuring the single built-in in every IF input to equal- The bold manufacturer’s state- For the pass through output C/N switch, the next necessary step ize the outputs from the different ment about getting 24 or even degraded from 11.5 to 11.0 dB. was to connect another switch multiswitches. Without the atten- 30 receiver outputs with Chess Chess 17/6 K to the system to uators, the multiswitch closest to 17/6 NT and a number of 17/6 K’s It is negligible for strong sig- increase the number of receiver the LNB will always provide the seems to be quite feasible if you nals (e.g. those from Astra or outputs to 12. output of the highest level, and install additional 20dB amplifiers Hotbird in Europe) but may pose However, before that, we between LNB’s and the first mul- problem for weak satellites. How- checked the IF pass through loss. tiswitch. ever, one can not expect here a We have got values from 5.5 dB TECHNIC DATA miracle. Distributing weak signals for 969 MHz and 6.0 dB for 1912 Manufacturer Max Communication GmbH, Siemensstr. 53, (or signals with low C/N ratio) MHz. For the 17/6 K, we got 4.0 25462 Rellingen, Germany will always be a problem for any dB and 3.8 dB for 969 and 1912 http://www.maxcommunication.de/ switch, splitter or cabling. Chess MHz respectively. If you compare E-mail [email protected] multiswitches are not at all bad in them with the specified values, Phone +49 4101 / 6060-0 this respect. you will see that the manufacturer was too optimistic here. Fax +49 4101 / 6060-9 99 The multiswitch is marked as Total signal attenuation at the Models Chess 17/6 NT and 17/6 K DiSEqC 2.0 compatible. It means 17/6 K connected in a cascade Description Chess 17/6 NT - multiswitch with that it should work with a receiver with a 17/6 NT is presented in the embedded power supply. using DiSEqC 1.0 to choose a sat- figure 2. Chess 17/6 K – extension to NT with ellite. We tried it and the system Pass-through 1 is the output additional 6 receiver outputs was working flawlessly. “Tone- of 17/6 NT being at the same the Inputs 16 satellite + 1 terrestrial burst” switching also worked but input for 17/6 K. Receiver outputs 6

one could select only satellite A or Pass-through 2 is the output Cascade outputs 17 B with this simple method. of 17/6K for the following multi- Input frequency 950-2150 MHz (Sat.) and 47-862 MHz (Terr.) switch. IF tap loss 5 dB ±2 dB We checked if the signal Rx out is the signal level at one IF input attenuation adjustment range 0 … 10dB IF pass-through loss 1.5 dB for 950 MHz, 3.5 dB for 2300 MHz Expert conclusion Terrestrial tap loss 16 dB ±2 dB Terrestrial pass-through loss 5 dB + Isolation between satellite inputs > 30 dB Excellent isolation between different inputs and Isolation between satellite and > 35 dB outputs keeps interference below the reception terrestrial inputs threshold. Low noise. Low current drown from a 60 mA max. receiver – below 20 mA. Current drawn from receiver Embedded power supply 12V/1600 mA Peter Miller (NT model only) - TELE-satellite Test Center Polarization switching voltage 14.5-15.5 V Signal losses are slightly higher than speciﬁed. No Poland built-in ampliﬁers – you must buy them separately. Band switching frequency 22 kHz ±4 kHz Operating temperature range -20… + 60° C/dry indoor use

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 55 RECEPTION TECHNOLOGY Dish Calculation

Self-made satellite antenna Frank Altenwerth

Inspired by the report about a self-made satellite dish made corresponding thread soon pops up and even shows interesting

of wood in TELE-satellite 04-05/2005, I decided to have a go pictures of the individual construction stages. The “MICROWAVE

myself at such a project. If you look up the Internet address[1] ANTENNA BOOK“[2] by Paul Wade turned out to be another valuable given in the report and if you google for ‘wooden’ and ‘dish’ the source of information.

Apart from general considerations regard- General prerequisites Mathematical ing such a project I also intended to make Stage 1 is all about determining the right some improvements to the base construction. prerequisites diameter of the reflector. Based on my situa- Since it is not possible for me to erect such a Illustration 1 shows a parabola in a general tion and my requirements a diameter of 1600 huge dish outside and since a rooftop installa- shape, whereby only the hatched area is of mm turned out to be reasonable, even though tion is also out of the question due to the sheer interest for our calculations and therefore I this is a rule of thumb rather than set in stone. size of the antenna, the only option left was will only refer to the hatched area in all sub- I will, however, always refer to this diameter the attic. Luckily enough, a window sized 1.2 sequent explanations. The abscissa (x axis) in this report. by 1.2 meters was available in the direction of constitutes the diameter D of the reflector, the the desired satellite. ordinate (y axis) constitutes its depth T. The The second important measurement is the satellite signals travel towards the parabola’s relation between the focal distance and the Next problem: installation and transfer of surface in parallel to the ordinate and are then diameter (f/D relation, also referred to as f/ the construction up to the attic. Considering reflected from the parabola’s surface to the D). This quotient has to be defined beforehand a final diameter of 1600 mm the small trap- focal point f. in order to be able to perform the calcula- door leading up to the attic is definitely too tions. I chose an f/D of 0.7. In chapter 4 of his narrow, which would make assembly on site in book Paul Wade defines the range of useful the attic a necessity. Then again, I would not f/D values from 0.25 to 0.65, and an Inter- be too happy to have to disassemble the whole net search revealed that IRTE uses 0,35 while thing in case I need to move it to another loca- offset antennas feature values between 0.65 tion one day. So the possibility to reasonably and 0.7. The antenna presented in the Vetrun dismantle the construction into individual forum had an f/D of 0.7. modules was item number one on my list of improvements. The determination of the f/D relation is a major aspect. If the f/D value increases The satellite dish needs a diameter of 1600 beyond a certain level, the feed arms for hold- mm because this is the minimum size required Illustration 1 to cover the complete window with its 1.2 by ing the LNB must be longer in consequence. 1.2 meter dimension in order to make sure no Given an f/D of 1 and a dish diameter of 1600 Based on illustration 1 the basic equation signals are lost. I have tried before to receive mm the focal distance would be 1600 mm and for the parabola is: satellite signals through a window and the the feed arms would need to be quite long results were quite encouraging. Even multi- which requires a sophisticated and robust (1) feed reception of Astra and Hotbird signals construction. If the f/D is decreased the focal was possible. distance decreases accordingly: with an f/D of After conversion to y this formula is: Now that I had found the ‘perfect’ location – for example – 0.5 the focal point would be I needed to think about a support base for only 80 cm from the reflector. (2) assembling and adjusting the dish in the attic. A visit to the local DIY store quickly showed It should also be mentioned that the longi- The required value for the dish diameter D that roof laths and framing timber are the per- tudinal alignment of the LNB is best if the focal is calculated by assuming that the maximum fect materials – meaning they are very inex- point of the reflector coincides with the feed positive expansion of x of the parabola cor- pensive. opening. The feedhorn geometry of course responds to 50% of the dish diameter (refer- also influences the selection of the optimum f/ ring to the area of interest to us), so it can be Next I had to think about the best way to D relation and depending on the location of the stated that: create the frames. Coming up with a template focal point the feedhorn must be designed dif- to mark out the frames was the least of my ferently – please see below for more details. (3) problems, but the vision of sawing and cutting each and every single frame by hand was a Now that this fundamental question has So now we have managed to incorporate the major setback. I would be left with some 16 to been answered and the favourite diameter has dish diameter D into an equation and we arrive 20 frames, after all. I needed to sleep over that been decided upon, we can turn to the math- at the formula for calculating the dish depth T – for two nights! But then I found a solution. ematics. This means formulas galore. by inserting equation 3 into equation 2.

56 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com result and/or this value is surpassed. Larger (4) steps naturally lead to a smaller set of values, but also to a less refined grading. In order to create a template a number of This equation now has only one unknown intermediate values are required. For this we value left, namely the focal point distance f. The individual sets of values for x and y use equation 8 . This value can be calculated via the relation can then be marked out on a sufficiently large between focal point and diameter (f/D rela- piece of cardboard. While this sounds like a With the known value of f = 1120 mm and a tion) rather tiresome procedure, the result will be y value which is always increased by 1 mm it surprisingly accurate after all dots on the follows, for example, that the dish depth T = 5 (5), cardboard have been connected. A bendable mm (T = y) is 150 mm away from the central curve template is the tool of choice for this point of the dish, the so-called zero point (see which – when converted to f – delivers the job. Simply cut the cardboard very carefully illustration 1). In other words, in x distance of last variable, namely the distance of the focal along the lines and you will end up with a posi- 150 mm the dish depth is 5 mm. If the depth point: tive shape which will be the template for cut- value is always increased by 1 mm we receive ting the frames. (see illustration 2). 143 value pairs until we arrive at the maxi- (6) mum radius of 800 mm, which means that the Please note that you can avoid this trouble- chart becomes exceedingly complex. On the The f/D relation must be determined some and time-consuming job – after all you other hand, this procedure creates a very fine beforehand, because otherwise the number of need a considerable number of frames – if you grading which in turn leads to a very precise unknown values would be too high in relation create a template which is reduced by factor geometry. Below is a chart extract with inter- to the number of equations. 2. This template – with the negative shape mediate values. playing the decisive role now – acts as the The last step now is to insert equation 6 into equa- basis for a mechanical fret saw which requires tion 4, which gives us a formula for calculating the you to cut only one negative frame by hand dish depth without any additional unknown values and produce all positive frames with a kind of Of course calculations can also be per- left, apart from D and , both of which have to be volume production. I should emphasise at this formed with given x values, in which case determined beforehand, however: point that all positive frames will be absolutely equation 2 would be applicable. However, identical, which means that any flaw will also this would make 1 mm steps unreasonable (7) be replicated. since we would end up with 800 value pairs (even more for dishes with a larger diame- It is of course insignificant whether the dish depth If the negative form is created with the ter) so that we would have to select a dif- T is calculated using equation 4 or equation 7. The greatest care and diligence there will be ferent step distance. Since the gradient of nice thing about equation 7 is that the dish diameter no need to fine-tune the individual positive the parabola is very flat near the zero point must not be squared and  can be freely selected, frames. and only increases quickly and sharply as we whereas the focal point distance f first has to be cal- increase the distance from the zero point, the culated. Example: step distance would in consequence have to be reduced bit by bit. The exact distances, As we now only have the final and/or maxi- If a dish diameter of 1600 mm is selected however, are not known beforehand and are mum values – while the fabrication of the tem- together with an f/D relation  of 0.7, the focal difficult to predict, thus making this proce- plate also requires intermediate values – we point distance f can be calculated using equa- dure not very reasonable. have to extract the root out of equation 1: tion 6:

For the above-mentioned template in 1:2 (8) scaling only every other pair of values is taken from the chart (otherwise the number The y values are now increased by steps The dish depth T is calculated using equa- of value pairs would be higher than neces- of, say, 1 mm, starting from y = 1, until half tion 7: sary) and the x and y values are divided by the dish diameter, i.e. the value of x , is the max 2. Please note: the values in the chart are rounded.

Once the values are marked out on the cardboard and the upper negative form is cut off the lower positive form the required template for the mechanical fret saw is ﬁnished. We will Illustration 2 discuss this in more detail in the next issue of TELE-satellite.

[1] www.vetrun.com [2] www.w1ghz.org/antbook/contents.htm

Illustration 3 [CONTINUED ON PAGE 62] ►

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 57 SATELLITE RECEPTION DX Report

C-band With a Ku-band Dish? Could It Be? Ron Roessel

I was sitting here looking at all the work I had to do for this issue trying to decide where to start when an e-mail popped up on my PC screen. It was from a DXer in Canada and he wanted to know if we’d be interested in hearing about his success with C-band reception using a small dish. I replied by saying that I too have a small prime focus C-band dish that is 1.6 meters in diameter and that I’ve had good results with that. “Well, what about a 1.2-meter or even a 1.0-meter offset dish?” he then asked. Naturally, upon hearing this, I had no choice but to stop what I was doing and ﬁnd out more.

The Cone-shaped Scalar Ring Vito and Tony Setting Up the 1.2-Meter Antenna

C-band reception with antennas this small that you can get away with smaller dishes. he could do with a 1.2-meter dish pointed is unheard of and to the best of our knowl- But, only 1.2 meters? And even smaller? at some of the more popular C-band satel- edge has been attempted in the past but This we had to see. lites. The “ingredients” for his experiment never with any positive results. Of course, included: the C-band satellites that are in orbit today Vito Carriero lives in Toronto, Ontario, are much more powerful than those from Canada. He has been an avid DXer for many Fortec Star 1.2-Meter Offset Dish just a few years ago so it stands to reason years. One day he decided to see what Stab HH 120 Motor

58 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com Eagle Aspen C Band LNBF (NR: 15°K, Gain: transponders with signals that were border- 62dB) line and made for unstable video and audio Cone Shaped Scalar Ring but overall the results were quite good. C-Band LNBF Holder for an Offset Dish Fortec Star 5400NA Receiver The next logical question would be: what about a dish that’s even smaller? Tony DiR- Some of you might be saying right now: ienzo, a DXer also out of Toronto in Canada, Scalar Ring? C-band LNBF? On an offset was thinking along the same lines. He dish? Clearly, these items are normally not decided to attempt C-band reception with a found on an offset dish so some modiﬁcation 1.0-meter dish. His recipe included the fol- of the LNB mount was necessary. The stand- lowing: ard Ku mount was removed in favor of a cus- tomized C-band mount with a clamp large Fortec Star 1.0-Meter Offset Dish Astrotel LNBF with Cone-shaped Scalar Ring on the 1.0-Meter Dish enough to accommodate the diameter of the Stab HH 100 Motor C-band LNBF. The 1.2-meter antenna was Astrotel Precision C Band LNBF (NR: 20°K, mounted on a Stab H-H motor, which in turn Gain: 65dB) was installed on a vertical pole cemented Cone Shaped Scalar Ring into the ground. This was all connected to a C-Band LNBF Holder for an Offset Dish Fortec Star 5400NA receiver. Fortec Star 5400NA Receiver

The antenna was first fitted with a Ku-band Just like Vito did with his 1.2-meter experi- LNBF so that its alignment could be opti- ment, Tony also first used a Ku-band LNBF to mized. The antenna was moved from one optimize the alignment of his antenna. Once end of the satellite arc to the other to verify this task was finished, he switched over to everything was properly adjusted. The Ku the C-band LNBF to see what he could do. LNBF was then replaced with the Eagle Aspen C-band LNBF so that the fun could begin. Believe it or not, he too was able to show that C-band reception with a small 1.0-meter Vito first pointed his dish to Intelsat 805 dish was possible! The dish was first pointed at 55.5° west primarily because of its strong to AMC 12 because it is known to have a The Complete 1.0-Meter Dish Assembly beams but also because of his interest in for- very strong transponder at 3.866 V. He eign language programming. Initial results was not disappointed. The receiver quickly were impressive: the receiver was able to locked onto this transponder and identified lock onto 15 C-band transponders of which three channels. It went on from there. He 14 of these signals produced stable video achieved the most success on Galaxy 11 by and audio! Vito first used a standard Scalar locking onto a total of 15 channels of which ring but discovered that using a cone-shaped 12 were religious channels and two were scalar ring improved signal quality by roughly encrypted. He was also successful in lock- 10%. ing onto transponders on Intelsat Americas 13, Anik F2, Anik F1, AMC1, AMC4, Galaxy So, with the success of Intelsat 805, it was 4, AMC6, Intelsat 805, Panamsat 1, NSS 806 time to move on to other satellites to see and NSS 7. what could be done. Similar results were obtained with numerous other C-band sat- All in all, it is safe to say that these experi- ellites. The receiver was able to lock on to ments were very successful. DXer’s and C-band transponders from Pas 1R, Pas 9, weekend satellite hobbyists alike always The 1.0-Meter Dish on a STAB HH 100 Motor AMC 6, AMC 3, Galaxy 11, Intelsat Americas want to be able to get as many channels as 6, Galaxy 3C, Intelsat Americas 5, Galaxy possible with the system they have. The 4R, AMC 4, AMC 1 and Anik F1. Most of the problem with C-band has always been that ally was. C-band antennas take up quite a transponders on these satellites that were it required a much larger diameter antenna bit of space and were usually never an option recognizable by the receiver produced stable than Ku-band. Even if the cost of a 10-foot for those who lived in apartment buildings or video and audio. There were of course a few dish was not an obstacle, its installation usu- in houses in and around populated areas.

But now that it has been shown that C-band signals can be received with a dish as small as 1.0 meter in diameter, it is quite possible that this entire train of thought is about to change. All of the C-band testing described above was performed in perfect weather conditions. The situation hardly changes even if the weather turns sour. Unlike the Ku-band where a rain shower could have a profound effect on signal reception, only marginal degradation of the C-band signal was observed in bad weather. Even so, this Screenshot of NASA TV on AMC 6 (4040 V) Screenshot of Peru TV on IS 805 (3794 H) with 1.2-Meter Dish with 1.2-Meter Dish is a giant step in the right direction!

www.TELE-satellite.com — TELE-satellite International 59 Monika Balázsné-Szabó Advertising Manager Tel.: +36 . 30 . 9336 277 Fax: +36 . 1 . 788 1043 [email protected] www.TELE-satellite.com

Your questions, our answers www.tele-satellite.info TSI Team

sat channels depending of your dish size. fixed dish. You can put the master LNB appropiate size of dish - 1.2m would Saleh Al-Wehaimod The other option is to move your dish for Eurasiasat at the middle of your dish, be enough. Since Telstar 12 is at 15 [Egypt] between the two satellites like 7.5 West and use holders for Arabsat and Intelsat degrees west, you have to make sure in order reveive them both. Because 902. Of course, the best solution is to that there is nothing blocking your dish answers Nilesat frequencies are almost full, Nile- use a motorized dish to get them all. from receiving the signals, such as walls your questions sat has used the capcity of Atlantic Bird or trees. Besides that, in some receiv- 2 at 8 degrees west to receive the two ers, signal quality from Telstar 12 comes satellites in one position. Philippine TV in Lebanon 2 or 3 seconds late. So, you have to put How to get Nilesat? I would like to ask if I can get Philipine that under consideration. channels on my dish located in Lebanon, I live in Dubai, UAE. I was not able to All in one which satellites and frequencies? receive any channels from Nilesat on Is it possible to receive Nilesat, Intelsat More satellites in Lebanon this frequency 11.595 V 25575 2/3; 902, and Eurasiasat with a 1.4 m fixed You can get PBO and Pinoy Prime by I have a 1.8 m fixed dish pointed at Hot- eventhough I have strong signals from dish in Dammam, Saudi Arabia? subscribing to Orbit Network at Arabsat bird and I use holders to receive Nilesat other Nilesat frequencies. How can I 3A. You can also subscribe to ABS-CBN and Arabsat at 26 degrees East. Is it receive the missing frequency. Intelsat 902 is at 62 degrees East and on Atlantic Bird 3. possible to receive other satellites by the Eurasiasat is at 42 degrees East. Nilesat same dish in Lebanon? Nilesat is located at 7 degrees West. is at 7 degrees west, which makes it far You must be talking about the Nilesat from the other two satellites. Therefore, Telstar in Kuwait Yes, it is possible to receive some sat- package that just started on Atlantic Bird it will be impossible to receive Nilesat I am trying to receive Telstar 12 at 15 ellites that have strong signals in your 2 at 8 west. In order to capture this fre- with them. Since Nilesat is mostly for degrees west in Kuwait, but I was not area. For example, Eutelsat W3 at 7 quency, you have two options. The first Arab viewers, Arabsat is also targeted able to receive it. How can I find it? degrees east, you can try picking it up one is to move your dish exactly at 8 for Arab vieweres and it fits perfectly by putting your LNB between Hotbird West, but you will probably lose the Nile- with Intelsat 902 and Eurasiasat in one You have to make sure that you use the and Nilesat.

RECEPTION TECHNOLOGY Dish Calculation

[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57] signal would not be reflected back if the cone of the feed had a more acute angle. Finally, Excursus regarding the influence of the with an f/D of 0.7 the radio waves can easily feedhorn geometry depending on the f/D relation travel through the feedhorn to the reception antenna in the rear part of the LNB. Depending on the extent of the f/D relation trate the path of signals in the LNB area based From this it becomes apparent that a lower the distances between the focal points and on f/D=0.25 to f/D=0.7 (illustration 5). f/D requires a cone with low diameter differ- the reflector base differ with a uniform dish We will not consider here that radio waves ences in order to make reception possible. In diameter. Illustration 4 shows this concept come in amplitudinal form, since this is insig- general, standard LNBs are designed for offset on a parabolic antenna with a diameter of 1600 nificant for our general observations. It also dishes with an f/D of approximately 0.7, so it mm. For the following explanations the exact has to be noted that I have taken strictly is reasonable to take this as a benchmark for geometry of the parabola is not significant, so hypothetical measurements for the feed cone any DIY satellite dish. in the illustration below the geometry corre- without the help of a model sketch. It can be sponds in shape to an f/D of 0.7. Actually, the clearly seen, however, that its geometry influ- It also follows that while it may be possible outward gradient of the parabola would have ences the selection of the focal point distance to use an LNB designed for a low f/D with a to increase as the f/D value decreases. For and/or the f/D relation. dish featuring a high f/D, the same may not the purpose of my observations I have con- It can be observed that an f/D of 0.25 will lead be true the other way round. Of course it is centrated on the radio waves that reach the the signal directly out of the feedhorn again, always possible to create a self-made input outermost border of the parabolic antenna. As and that a value of 0.35 also causes the radio cone as well – even though this is a rather can be seen from the detailed illustration, they wave to leave the feed after being reflected complex task. reach the feed with the widest angle which can twice. With an f/D of 0.5 the signal meets In addition, a minimum opening diameter lead to problems regarding the reflection in the feedhorn vertically at the second point of and a minimum cone length are required, the feedhorn. reflection and then leaves the feedhorn in the depending on the frequencies to be received, opposite direction which means that the signal since lower frequencies are characterised by Below are some detailed sketches to illus- is cancelled. It can be seen, however, that the stronger amplitudes.

Illustration 4 Illustration 5

62 TELE-satellite International — www.TELE-satellite.com Your questions, our answers www.tele-satellite.info TSI Team

Digital, you’d need to get a Sky Digibox all the other satellites but not Nilesat. I MPEG 4:2:2 Andy Middleton receiver which can be obtained directly called a mechanic who told me that Nile- [UK] from Sky or one of their dealers, or they sat is not on the same belt as the others How can I receive broadcasts in 4:2:2 are also available fairly cheaply on the and I need to buy one dish for Nilesat format? What receivers are available in second-hand market. If you’re still able and another for the others. Is that really the market to receive such signals? answers to see analogue channels this would true? your questions confirm the dish would need to be rea- The most-cost effective way to receive ligned to the Astra 2 and Eurobird satel- I don’t think so. If you find you have to 4:2:2 signals at the moment is with a lites which Sky now use, and you should move the dish up or down to get a better DVB-S PC card receiver such as a Sky- Eurasiasat in “Pieter” also ensure you have a universal LNB on signal on the other satellites instead of star or Broadlogic. Used with software I live in St Petersburg, Russia. Is it pos- the dish. A local satellite installer should simple east-west fine-tuning with the such as ProgDVB, 4:2:2 transmissions sible to get Eurasiasat here? If so what be able to do this for you. receiver or positioner, this means that can be received as easily as a normal size dish do I need? the dish’s central position or the motor’s 4:2:0 broadcast. For a standalone solu- alignment is not accurate. Nilesat is tion without using a computer, there are Yes, at least partially. The western beam Arc Alignment above the equator at the same latitude few options outside receivers made for of Eurasiasat covers the whole of Europe I have a 10ft mesh dish that receives as other satellites, so this is not a prob- professional use. However, the Quali-TV including your part of Russia. A 1.2m dish Nilesat, but when moved with the actua- lem here. Find a more knowledgeable QS1080IR can receive 4:2:2 in addition should bring you all the channels on that tor does not receive all the other satel- installer who should be able to easily to 4:2:0 and high definition transmis- beam, as well as all those from Turksat lites. If I adjust the position I can receive correct the alignment. sions. at the same orbital position. The Eastern beam would be more of a problem as you are a few hundred miles from the edge of the footprint, but you may get lucky wit a 1.2m, or use a larger dish and a sensitive LNB to increase your chances.

Expat in Spain I live in Galicia in the north-west corner of Spain. Is it possible to receive English TV channels, for example BBC, ITV and Sky TV programmes?

Whilst you are outside the ofﬁcial foot- prints of the Astra 2D satellite used by Sky for the BBC and ITV, people from across Europe have successfully received them. At your location for the 2D channels, a dish of around 1.6m should bring them in without too many problems. It’s likely other English-speaking residents will already have such systems, so it would be good to speak to them to hear their stories of success or failure. The BBC and now ITV are free- to-air, but for the others you’d need a Sky Digibox and a card for the channels you wish to view, which would need to be registered to a UK address.

Antique Receiver My ageing neighbour has an Amstrad SRD400 on which she had subscribed to Sky. Owing to cost she did not con- tinue subscribing. I purchased a viewing card from Sky which would enable her to receive the free channels. I rang today to get the card activated but could not carry out their instructions as I was unable to ﬁnd coloured buttons to get to service screen. How do I display these menus from this Amstrad box...have I got the wrong remote?

The SRD400 is almost an antique these days! It’s an analogue receiver with ﬁxed frequencies, used long before Sky switched their service to digital only. I’d guess that the dish is aligned to the Astra 1 satellite that Sky used in the analogue days, where you could still receive Eurosport and CNN in addition to several non-English channels in analogue form.

To receive the free channels via Sky

The Amstrad SRD400 with it’s successor, the Sky Digibox

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