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Satellite Technology
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| Satellites use two frequency bands. The oldest C-band operates in
the 3 to 6 GigaHertz (GHz) range and requires a ground dish 3 to 5
metres across. The Ku-band lies within the range 12 to 14 GHz and
requires a dish of up to 2m across. New Ku-band Direct Broadcast Satellites
(DBS) need dishes of 0.5 m or less.
With a little ingenuity and minimal expense, the Australian public can already catch television from a number of satellites. Using a pre-aligned module, amateurs can assemble or buy a television receiver to pick up a wide variety of satellite signals. Some universities already provide signal reception such as the facility at the Australian National University Library. The Parliament's Sound and Vision Office does not receive Asian satellite signals. A typical system comprises the dish antenna, microwave feedhorn, low noise block down-converter, cable and receiver. The converter amplifies the signal and converts it to a range suitable for television display in PAL form. A C-band installation costs from $2500. New digital signal compression (DC) encryption techniques require a decoder at additional user cost. |
The digital pay-television revolution is coming to Asia through the use of MPEG-2 digital compression set-top boxes, as used by Galaxy in Australia. The older BMAC encryption technology requires a costly $2000 decoder to use signals. Legislation requires the Commonwealth to approve any foreign set-top boxes for use in our homes. Note too that Australian local governments usually require public dish antennae over 0.5m in size to have site approval.
The eventual success of Asian satellite television services in Australia depends upon local income from subscribers and advertising. Experience also suggests a need for local input into programming. However, in the United States at least, new, strong, direct-to-the-home DBS systems are outpacing rival cable networks for program choice, price and quality. The question arises as to whether they could provide suitable pay television in Australian cities without the need for overhead cables. This assumes a lack of interactive services that cable systems may provide.
APSTAR (Hong Kong)
Apstar I just reaches Darwin with C-band Chinese Government programming in PAL from 24 transponders. Apstar II provides 28 C-band and 16 Ku-band transponders over Australia with Chinese programming.
ASIASAT (Hong Kong)
Asiasat 1 broadcasts over northern Australia with pay television services. Asiasat 2 has 24 C-band and 9 Ku-band transponders over Australia. They broadcast Australian, Chinese, Japanese, Sky, Star, BBC, RTP, Deutsche, RTE and MCM television in PAL and DC to 2m dish receivers. Asiasat 3 will have 3 steerable DBS Ku-band transponders for Australia when launched in 1997.
GORIZONT/STATSIONAR (Russia)
Satellites 18, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27 and 28 carry Russian, Chinese, Azerbaijan and other services.
INMARSAT (International)
Primarily used for mobile communications services, but mentioned here for completeness.
INTELSAT (International)
Various satellites relay Australian, Asian, American, European and unidentified PAL and encrypted television services plus radio and telecommunications.
JCSAT (Japan)
JCSat 3 has 12 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders able to provide Australia and New Zealand with pay television once DBS services commence.
MEASAT (Malaysia)
Measat 1 has 12 C-band transponders covering Darwin to Cairns. Measat 2 has 12 C-band and 9 Ku-band transponders serving eastern Australia. However, as yet there have been no apparent video transmissions despite expected encrypted DBS pay television.
OPTUS (Australia)
Optus B1 carries outback TV in BMAC as well as ABC, SBS, Nine, Seven, Ten Networks and radio Service across Australia and to PNG and New Zealand along with ASA, defence and other private networks. Optus B3 carries closed user group BMAC services as well as government networks. Each satellite has 15 Ku-Band transponders and 1 L-Band for mobile services.
PALAPA (Indonesia)
Palapa C1 covers Australia with 38 C-band and 6 Ku-band transponders. Programming includes Indonesian, ATVI, Malaysia, CNN, HBO, ESPN, MTV, Singapore, Brunei and Star television in PAL and BMAC. Palapa C2 provides coverage to south-east Australia and New Zealand with 30 C-band and 4 Ku-band transponders. Television networks available include Star, CNBC, Discovery, ATVI, CNN, HBO, SCTV, ESPN, MTV.
PANAMSAT (United States)
Panamsat PAS-2 carries NBC, NHK, CNN and MTV through 16 C-band and Ku-band transponders. Panamsat PAS-4 relays Chinese, CNN, BBC, MTV, NHK and other services on PAL as well as encrypted BMAC channels through 24 C-band and 24 K-band units.
RIMSAT (United States)
Rimsat 3-G2 carries India's ATN, PNGTV, Nine Network and local programs.
THAICOM (Thailand)
Thaicom 3 has 6 C-band transponders over Australia providing Thai television.
