Satellite TV for PC?

There has been some buzz on this Satellite TV for PC, could this overtake our conventional satellite TV system (I love mine!)?. I've check some website featuring this and you will be astounded by the advertisement and promotion by this. Now the question is does this hype holds true?. as what i've read, all you need for this is to buy the software and that's it!, no more TV card. Of course, there is some issue on your PC specification and internet speed to have a better viewing pleasure, so they say, but that's a minimal problem.

I've googled "satellite TV for PC photos" and there you'll see tons of photos of available software that is for sale. Is this some kind of a scam? because other channel offered are viably viewable without even this software, there are website that do this for a humble fee of FREE!. Browsing through some forums on this topic will just confuse you (it confused me!). While others claim that it is true (they bought one, I guessed) and really functioning very well, there are also claims that it is just a pure scam and will not work or have tons of problem working (hhmmm!). I think, there are software that really works and a tons of non-working for satellite TV for PC you just have to find it. I sometime watch on my computer, specially japanese anime (my son doesn't like anime yet-with sub title of course, I'm not japanese), but it is never comfortable to me, since there is no couch in front of my PC. (LOL!)

For sure conventional Satellite TV (you know, with the dish at the top of your house!) works, I even learn a lot of technical stuff owning one. Well, we all have our own choices.

Hail! Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao

I know that it's been days now and this is not a blog about boxing, but I just can't dust off the excitement brought about by our Great Filipino Boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (unfortunately I wasn't able to watch it on my Satellite TV but instead I watch the Internet live video streaming).

His latest fight was last May 2 on MGM Grand Las Vegas with Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, and the result of round 2 via knock out was very exhilirating and the power shots (I mean the Hits), it really landed on the Hitman (LOL!), I think his OK though. For Manny all works for him, his hard training for speed, power, discipline and the love of God really paid off (and from news I think he really getting paid a lot!, it comes with fame).

Hope the next fight would be this exciting but as for now, just cherish the recent Victory he brings. This is one way of saying Thanks to Pacman for bringing unity to the Philippines and making ourselves proud.

Satellite TV Fine tuning tips

I'd like to share the tips I found very useful in optimizing a satellite TV set up, it a guide that I've used. Normally you can check the signal strength and quality value on your Satellite TV, satellite receiver has this function for verification. In my receiver remote control it is the button Info, go ahead and check it.

If this is what you're getting :

0 Strength and 0 Quality (all zero!)
First check all connection are in proper, most common in this type of problem is that the coaxial cable from LNB are connected in marked "in from antenna", this should be connected in "in from dish, digital in or LNB in" label. I somewhat experience this on my initial set-up the label on the back of my receiver is in chinese!, good thing there's only two connection for coaxial cable, it was a trial and error for me.
Another factor for this is the RG6 coaxial cable, this could be grounded or with moist in it. Check the cable or replace it if possible.

0-30 Strength and 0 Quality
On these level check for any obstruction on the satellite dish to the satellite.

40-60 Strength and 0 Quality
with these level there might be a minor adjustment to the initial set-up, most common problem for this are that the bolts are not tightened properly, or heavy wind and rain experience or something bump your dish. you should place the dish to its original set up position (if you have markings on the dish), or perform the dish pointing (if you can, well it easy but tiring!) or call someone who knows how to catch a satellite. Once everything is OK make sure to mark the pole and the side of the dish holder for future reference of the angle ang elevation.

40-60 Strength and 30-70 Quality
With these signal only fine-tuning of LNB is needed until you reach an optimum signal quality between 70-100. this is done by twisting the LNB clockwise or counter clockwise depends on the signal you're getting wait for at least 5 minutes to register the signal on your receiver, if it is getting lower twist it on other way (of course you have to loosen the LNB collar first before doing the twist). After optimization do a channel scan or blind scan.

Always check first the signal strength and quality everytime you encounter any problem with the your satellite TV to give you an idea.

Satellite Elevators

Last time I've post a topic on Clarke's belt or Geosynchronized orbit which is very useful in our communication specially on our satellite TV, coincidentally I saw this episode on National geographic on space travel (I forgot the episode title). Discussing space exploration that we are stuck to for 30 years now (the last when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon). Since the great problem of space travel is cost (millions of dollars will be spent), because of the chemical fuel that would be used to lift up a spacecraft from earth and almost 90% of the spacecraft would be dedicated to just the fuel container itself. That's when different idea was shown to minimize the launch cost.

One idea is using a satellite elevator, by using the geosynchronized orbit which is stationary to us, satellite elevators is very possible. The idea is to use the satellite elevator to lift the spacecraft from earth and launch it in space (cool!), it is much cheaper then since it doesn't much use chemical fuel. If your an anime fan you probably saw this concept already, in Gundam 00 anime they use satellite elevators to transport people to outer space powered by solar, in their fictional era there is little or no more fuel in the middle east and main source of earths' energy comes from a satellite harnessing solar energy (watch it you'll like it , if you are fascinated by robots.). Who knows maybe in the near future we may also receive an energy and a broadcast from space to our Satellite TV!.

Geosynchronized Satellite

When I first heard of the principle geosynchronized or geostationary satellites, I wonder how's that?. Of course we all know the moon orbits around the earth but not in stationary, unlike satellites which have a footprint on earth and and it is just there in his place day or night.

Well after reading some stuff on satellites (satellite TV), it enlightens me that there is a Geostationary orbits on earth in which satellites orbits in the direction of the earths rotation, it about 22,300 miles (approx.) above the earth ground, with this altitude it produces an orbital period equal to the earth's period of rotation (meaning - same speed) that is why it always seems stationary to a fixed point on earth. The satellite concept was invented by a science fiction novelist Arthur C. Clarke back in the 1940's, that is why it is also called Clarke's belt.
Actually it is not stationary it just moves the same as our Earth, since to us on the ground the satellites seemed not to be moving we just have to know the exact position of a satellite (for a satellite TV) to point our satellite dish and received/maintain the link to the satellite TV signals without worry that the satellite (in my case the Agila 2) might be out of sync. Good for us all!

Painting the Satellite dish

A friend of mine who also owns a satelliteTV dish set up decided to get funky and painted his satellite dish, from the original color of light beige to blue (not funky at all!). He used a can spray paint (don't know the label), I ask him if there was any change on the audio/video quality on TV, he said none (or he just don't observe it well?).

Is it really ok to re-paint the dish from its original color? I did some researched on this issue of painting the dish (with our friendly google of course!) and got sleepy reading on forums and tech sites. But knowledge is power right! (how come I'm more powerless? LOL!).

And the answer is, Yes!, Satellite dish can be re-painted but there are several guidelines that should be followed so as not to affected the signal quality and damage the satellite dish itself.

Painting Guidelines:

• Don't use lead based / glossy type / metallic paint. The reason for this is that it increases the reflection from the sum and may disrupt with satellite TV reception and may burn the LNB.
• Don't paint the LNB (Low Noise Block), you'll get no signal at all!
• Use only light color paint and the coating should be light also. (Spray paint is advisable, paint brushes gives a thick coating)
• Use high quality paint that will not peel easily.
  

During my inquiry, I stumble upon some Satellite dish, that I never even think of to have:

• There's a satellite dish cover, only the dish and there's the whole dish set-up, it won't interfere with the signal according to the advertisement even with covers.
• There is also a dish that don't even look like a dish. Look at the embedded photo, pretty neat huh!. The dish that is in rectangular shape also has a capability of camouflaged (great!), they call it sqish, it is from UK. A photograph of the surrounding wall has to be taken and the sqish take it and it will just blend with its background (coolness!)

Whatever customization you want just don't compromised the looks of your dish to the signal quality of your satellite TV. My light gray dish color is fine for me. (for now!).

SatelliteTV splitting

I once wonder if my satelliteTV setup can be used in multiple TV sets, although currently I only own a single TV, it just cross my mind. I did saw some residential house near mine who has an installation of 2 satellite dish, that set-up could be for 2 TV sets, but hey! a single dish will do fine.
If you ever tried to split the coaxial cable for a cable TV for 2 TV, it is different from the satellite TV setup because we have a Receiver that needs to decode the signals. I've read in some forum that they were able to use one receiver for 2 TV's, the catch for this set-up is that both TV will have the same channel or program since they are controlled by a single receiver (I haven't try this one), at least you can leave your couch and still watch the same channel on your kitchen or bedroom and be back again without missing any portion of the shows (if it is ON). There are two ways in having a this done but you need an extra cash on this, because thre will be some modification on the set-up.
One is to have 2 receivers for 2 TV with a single coaxial cable from single LNB, this means we have to use a splitter for the receivers (this one I've already tried with my friends' receiver and a portable TV), this works just fine and different channels for both TV is viewed, I just don't know yet the pros and cons of this set-up because It is advised by some expert (this is the second one) that rather than splitting the coaxial it is best to buy a dual LNB (can connect 2 coaxial cables) for 2 receivers you will have the same result as of the first with minimal problem I guess (cause from my experience splitting coaxial cable, smells trouble). And because it is more of an advantage for a multiple TV set, cause aside from a dual LNB, there's also a quad (4) and Octa (8) available LNB (there's still some that I don't know of) , of course you have to match this with the receiver on how many TV you want. Well maybe I'll do this in the future if I'll be able to buy another TV.

RG6 coaxial cable problem

Yesterday I've Decided to relocate my TV (a little feng shui, if you know what I mean), although the plan in arranging my place is going fine but I forgot to consider the length of the coaxial cable from my satellite Dish, well it is somehow short.

First, I tried using my old splitter (although i'm not splitting) just to add another length to RG6 cable to reach my receiver besides my TV but to my surprised I did get any signal, my first guess is that my splitter is in bad shape (I can't even remember when did I used it).
So to settle the annoyance I decided to buy a long RG6 coaxial cable to solve my problem, I took the new coaxial cable and attached the connectors (can't connect it with the LNB and Receiver without them). Just as I thought that everything would be normal, to my another surprised I'm getting no signal again and worst the LED or the light on the receiver is blinking (red blinking light- it is connected to a power but it is not turned on yet) and I can't turn it on.
Well I'm already in a bad mood and hungry, I don't know what could be wrong, or I know whats wrong (it is the coaxial cable of course, that's the only thing that I've replaced) but don't know how could I've done it wrong.
I ate my lunch first, then remove the coaxial cable and check it thoroughly, It seems no problem with the cable (I was looking for a stripped cover along the cable). There must have been a problem on attaching the connectors, I used my analog multimeter then check for line continuity, there's a good line continuity between end to end center wire or conductor and end to end connectors.
This where I found the problem 'cause there is a line continuity between wire conductor (one end) to the connector on the other end where there shouldn't be, in short the wire is somewhat grounded and I found out that during my attaching of connectors, some of the aluminum braid (shielding) were in touch with the center wire (hey! at least I've got it).

My guidelines in attaching a connector to an RG6 coaxial cable:

1. Make sure that the coaxial cable has a line continuity at both ends (check it before attaching the connectors). see the picture.
2. In stripping the coaxial cable, make sure that that the shielding are cut clean (use a sharp wire cutters).
3. Double check the attached connectors visually (you can actually see the center wire if there is an aluminum wire touching it). To be absolutely sure check again for line continuity.

RG6 coaxial cable

I've checked on RG6 or coaxial cable by common terms (although nowadays it is simply called coax), obviously its variety are most commonly used in cable tv (mostly familiar), you must have seen it but never bothers.

RG6 term origin is from a long forgotten military spec which means radio guide and the numbers they say are picked in random (hmmm, I guess it is used to identify other coaxial cable from one another). RG6 coaxial cables main design are cables with 18 AWG (american wire gauge) center conductor and 75 ohm characteristic impedance (pretty technical huh!).

Its physical appearance (if you keenly observe it) has a center conductor, with a shield, the dielectric keeping the two apart, and an outer jacket wrapping (from the material being used in RG6, this is where its variety differs). Its main function (as we all hope it would be doing) is to transfer video signals from one piece of equipment to another with less cable loss, In the case of a satellite TV it is from LNB to our Receiver/s.

According to expert, RG6 coaxial cable are suited for a satellite TV set up, main reason for this is the shielding design which maintains the signal levels inside the center conductor even on a long cable run and appropriate for high frequency radio signals.

The Missing link

I almost forgot the link that is use to communicate with LNB and the receiver (it it essential), if this one is not attached there's no way or whatsoever our satellite TV will work.
You've got it right, it is the wire / cable (commonly known as RG6 cable) that connects the set up and the receiver and another is the RCA cable from receiver to TV set. For sure we are all familiar with the RG6 cable, it is almost common to every house since it is not specific for Satellite TV, it is also use outdoor Antenna and most popular is in cable TV.
RG6 is the thick cable (commonly black in color but there are also a variety in colors), when using a cable TV it is directly attached to our TV through a connector.
When buying it in a local hardware it is normally called coaxial cable. I'm gonna check check on this RG6 coaxial cable specification and why it is best for my Satellite TV set up and find a way to get electrified in the process (hope not!).

Satellite TV Receiver

The Receiver is whats visible inside the house (the satellite dish is located outside of course!) it resembles a small DVD player connected to the video input of the TV. It has its own remote control and special features on its own.

The main function of the receiver is to get the digital MPEG2 signal (I'm gonna check this out) and convert it to analog where the TV is most use to. It also de-crypt some encrypted signals, these are the pay-per-view thing. It has to have a decoder chip which communicates with the received signal from the satellite. I think this would be the card which I see on the receiver, this would also be the one they are all been talking about hacking (well! enough about that for now). Another function that is very helpful during set-up is the signal and quality indicator, the indicators tell us if the Satellite TV set up is optimized or needs some fine tuning (satellite dish adjustments). The last and my favorite is that is also pick up programming schedule signal which you can always check from the remote control to check the programming guide.

Some frequently ask question (that i know cause I ask them too!). Can we use 2 TV with 1 receiver (just like a cable TV)?. Normally one Satellite dish set has a receiver, if you want to split the signal ( for 2 TV's) and you only got 1 receiver this will work but both TV set would have the
same TV program all the time since only 1 receiver is controlling it ( never tried this one yet), the rule is you can't watch two different programs on two TVs hooked up to the same receiver. The only way to do this is to have 2 receivers for each TV (which I have already tried - it will work), even if there is one Satellite dish it will work just fine. I've read somewhere that there are other receivers that have upgraded its function, one example is that there are receiver already in the market that have a hard disk for recording programs, and who knows the receiver technology may improve a lot (let's check it out!).

Frustrated on Satellite TV

It's not that he is unable to set up his Satellite TV for its been 2 years of being used, he's frustrated that its not getting any signal anymore and don't know what suddenly went wrong.

This is the plight of my office mate who has the same Satellite TV set up as mine, I mean very same dish size, LNB and receiver model. Through our conversation on our coffee break (smoking break for us) that we get to know each others satellite set up, although he's been using it longer than I am.
From his description, one night upon turning on the TV, he's not able to get any signal. He check the signal strength on the receiver and was amazed on the signal behavior, normally its value would fluctuate from a value of 55 to 60 but now its range is from 0 to 60, just like an offbeat equalizer. I accommodate him to a retailer in manila, we brought the LNB and the receiver since we think is the only possible device that might be not working properly.

Onto the retailer, we thought that the they must have some device in checking the LNB and Receiver for their analysis of the problem, since they offer repair services. To my surprise, the method is trial and error. They have a fully functioning set up of satellite TV, and what they do is replace each part of what we brought on the functioning set up and check which failed. Well, from the trial it seems that the LNB is still good but the receiver is not. The software is not the issue but the hardware (so they say), they are not sure if they can fix it, my office mate just bought a new receiver with a good discount.

Our initial assessment of the failure would be overused of the receiver cause my office mate said that he normally forgets to turn it off even if the TV is not in used (a possible 24/7 workout, whew!). That's one lesson for our Satellite TV 101, taking care of the receiver means, turning it off when not in used (its pretty basic!).

LNB

LNB or the Low Noise Block-Downconverter plays a significant role in satellite TV set up, it is the center of attraction on a dish. It is located at the end of the arm and pointing or facing the dish.

The name is somehow literal to its function, it actually gathers or receives signals (Ku band - High frequency) that bounced off the satellite dish and converts it to low frequency (unwanted signals are filtered), it amplifies it and send it to the cable unto the receiver inside the house for viewing pleasures. It is assume of course that the Azimuth and Elevation angle and set up is correct.

Satellite TV (Victory!)

Last weekend a friend of mine ask me if somehow I can help his friend (the Earth is full of friendlies, I wonder why there is still war/s) make his satellite TV works, I think he wants this to be a hobby. I agreed to help knowing that I only knew some of the basics in the area of footprint, dish pointing and connecting the parts, I still don't even know how to check the set up if it is faulty, although I assume that his materials are all OK since it is all brand new.

It was 9:00 in the morning when we start, The whole set up was finished before lunch (Free! thats the pay and a few beers, Cheers!). Never did try to be expert but it seems simple or we're just lucky that day.

I'd say that most time consumed on the installation was mounting of the Satellite Dish, because of the drilling and screwing (of course the site where the dish is pointing is first considered), it is given. Once mounted, a few adjustment and walla! the bird (Agila 2 Satellite) is hit. Never even bother to check the compass to identify the location of the satellite, I just viewed the direction of the Sun. Well, I had an idea where it should be pointing, same as mine and the elevation of the dish were pattern also to my dish (there's a scale). The receiver is different (new model- I think) but work just fine.

Now I think I can set up a Satellite TV but only within my vicinity, cause I think Elevation and Azimuth doesn't change much. Of course LNB, receiver and cables should be in good condition otherwise I'm doomed (still don't know how to check if its functional). And no question or few should only be asked by the owner, because I can only answer few as of now but I think it will do. Just here to help (LOL!).

What is Free to Air?

Of course we all know that air is free, may it be fresh air or polluted air, its for us to take (cough!). Almost the same thing in Satellite TV, Free to Air TV refers to signals that are unencrypted and without subscription or bill but somethimes with geographical restriction (thats fine with me, can't understand others language anyway). Since its Free to us, then someone must have been covering up the bills (if theres any), I guess advertisers and sponsors is on the back for that. The last time I check with lyngsat.com, there are other countries who have many FTA channels (wow! that's good). And for those other channels with subscription or Pay TV, there are experts who just can hacked them. Don't know how'd they do that, is it the hardware (receivers) or other softwares?, they have their own way, I just have to find it out for myself (if I can!). In the Philippines they say that there's no law regarding hacking encrypted signal for Satellite TV or there's some gray area on existing one.
Although as i recall, maybe last month there's been a raid on Satellite TV set dealers on Manila, headed by NTC (National Telecomunication Commision) and police. I don't have a clear view of this issue, but I think they confiscated the receivers and the dealers can have it back if they are willing to pay P5000 (WOW! higher than the actual unit price). To have a better picture on this, Well we just have to find out Attorney!

Rock band

Nope! I don't mean a group of musicians. but Yes! the band the we received in Satellite TV (Free-to Air) rocks! I was wondering on the significant effect the difference the two band that satellite TV transmits.

A C band (3~4 GHz) low frequency and Ku band (11~12 GHz) high frequency. A simple analogy that I read for this is using a celphone, if you recall older celphones use to have an visible antenna attached to it (if you don't, they have!), the new ones don't (well they do but not visible). same as the band, C band are somewhat old (original for communication) but still remains and the dish requirement are much bigger since the coverage of area are much wider.Ku band requires much less dish size and designed primarily for SatelliteTV, the coverage area are smaller.

To sum it up, the higher the frequency the less Dish size is required (that's good)but oless area of coverage also. The next difference is the weather effect (ex. heavy rains/dense clouds) on both bands, Ku band might have fade or lost signal while C band can still have a good signal on heavy rains. The Explanation for this is the dispersion, since C band has a wider footprint (coverage) dispersion are wide but for ku band dispersion are smaller or concentrated which makes them susceptible to weather disruption.

That's their major differences, they still do have something in common - the Azimuth and Elevation angle is the same for both C and Ku band on how to set up of a satellite dish,(considering you're in the same spot and targeting a single satellite). Well I somehow got the idea. Not to worry since majority of receiver are C and Ku band integrated, also LNB are with C and Ku band set-up it thats the case you should be getting both. I think I only utilizes the Ku band.

The Signal

For me the signal is the most important factor in Satellite TV, what's the used if you can't get any. Shoot the dish plate and it'll probably bounce back to you (word of reminder: please don't try this at home. LOL!).

The signal I'm talking about is the one we get from the satellite. There are actually 2 significant band in this Satellite TV topic that always comes up when researching. Its the C and ku band, the explanation for this is very much technical, but there's always a way for us to understand it. Basically, the main difference is the range of frequency, C band (3~4 GHz) and Ku band (11~12 GHz), whoahh!!. I'll try get much info on this before my head spin.

Where does the signal came from? 100% sure not from aliens (or could it be from them - hidden messages, hhmmm?). In reality it not from space (i mean the signals), the origin of the signals are (yes my friend!) from Earth, to be more specific from a broadcast center. They are the ones responsible in transmitting or broadcasting a programming source signals to the satellite (they use a powerful type of satellite dish) and the receiving satellite then distributes or rebroadcast them to back to earth. This is where our satellite dish comes to work, it catches the signal then you watch your TV with your favorite program.

Agila 2 "birds eye view"

Courtesy of satbeams.com, I'm able to at visualize the location of Agila 2. As long as Agila 2 moves with the same speed as the Earth revolves, the satellite will be appearing stationary in the sky they call it Geostationary (that's COOL!).
Judging from the view, we can fairly state that depending upon where you are compared to where the satellite is at, the direction and angles differs.

Know thy bird

How does a satellite TV works? One thing for sure it won't work if you don't know where is the location of a satellite (Great source of info - lyngsat.com). Installation set-up is not that hard, the challenge in this part is the mounting of the dish and where to point or face it properly.

In my location Laguna, Philippines the satellite that would be appropriate is the bird AGILA 2 (also Known as mabuhay 1), it's named after the endangered species of Philippine Eagle. It is a joint venture of collective of companies from Philippines, Indonesia and China for telecommunication purposes (launch site - 1997). Well, what do you know it has a life span of 15 years and will only last up to 2012.

I guess I have to maximize its use then, while it is up and running. I read a forum on a satellite hobbyist in philippines ( found during search ), it discusses there that the Agila 2 might not even reach 2012 since it is reported to have some major problems in the past that post a threat on its longevity, that is BAD NEWS! Just when I'm getting started. I wonder what happens after Agila 2? as of now, I wish the bird good health and goodluck (LOL!).

Basic set up for Satellite TV