Posted by SatForums DVB Hobbyists on 05/29/06 04:18

Archive-name: Satellite-TV/dvb
Posting-Frequency: 6 Days
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MPEG2/DVB FAQ

Table of Contents

I. The a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group FAQ

II. Introduction to DVB

1. What is DVB?
2. If it's really just for hobbyists
3. Why would I want it?
4. How much does it cost?
5. Can all of this free programming really be legal?
6. Where can I get more information?

III. The original a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group proposal and charter


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I. The a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group FAQ

The topic of DVB is far too extensive for a small usenet FAQ

Suggested resources for DVB information:
http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/
http://www.dvbresource.com

This FAQ is oriented toward North American DVB FTA. Some of the
information in this FAQ may not be consistent with other
geographical locations, especially the information concerning
programming content and subscription availability. Since this group
was created primarily for the discussion of DVB FTA the FAQ also will
not be consistent with availability of DBS programming whether it is
DVB or other forms digital of encoding.


________________________________________________________________


II. Introduction to DVB

1.What is DVB?

DVB is an acronym for "Digital Video Broadcasting". It is an
industry consortium of over 300 companies working together to
promote a worldwide standard for the progression from analog
to digital broadcasting. The DVB Consortium has a website at
www.dvb.org that has information on background information and
membership.

While DVB is not solely involved in satellite distribution methods,
for all mentions of "DVB" in this FAQ herein, it can be assumed we
are interested in DVB-S (which is the broadcasting of digital signal
over satellite). For information about the other types of DVB, please
consult their website as mentioned above.

Seeing as there is no popular subscription programming available to
North American DVB viewers, it can be said that DVB in North America
is generally of interest to hobbyists only.



2. If it's really just for hobbyists, does this mean there isn't any
regular/good/decent programming on it?

Some programming currently available on DVB is available nowhere
else, other programming is available on your local cable television
or DBS service. There is regular programming, but whether or not it's
good or decent is up to the individual viewer. DVB is generally not a
replacement for conventional sources of television programming,
although for some, it's the only source of ethnic programming.



3. Why would I want it?

You are:

Interested in free ethnic programming that may/may not be
available elsewhere.

An avid, perhaps long time, satellite TV viewer and enjoy the
challenge and reward of finding new (FREE) programming.

Looking for programming that may have "gone digital".



4. How much does it cost?

If you already have an analog satellite setup, the major
cost will be the price of the DVB receiver. How much this
costs depends on the feature set you're looking for. Prices
range from perhaps $250 to well over $1000 for a top of the
line Nokia receiver. Also, when estimating cost, factor in
the cost of new C/Ku-band LNBs, a few DC blocking coaxial
splitters, and other miscellaneous bits.

If you do not have a current satellite setup, the cost can
vary widely depending on whether you want a fixed or moveable
satellite antenna and the type of programming you want to receive.
For C-Band programming, the optimal dish size is around 10' and
a brand new basic C/Ku setup will run around $1000 US not including
installation. For a fixed Ku-band setup, a dish can be as cheap as
FREE and generally less than $200 US (not including installation).

As the programming is FTA (free-to-air), there is no cost involved
here.



5. Can all of this free programming really be legal?

The programming is being broadcast free-to-air (FTA) by the
uplinker/production company. It is not really intended for
consumer viewers. It is legal.



6. Where can I get more information?

Check the "Related Links" section at the DVBWave.com site.
http://dvbwave.com/faq/index.html#section7


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III. The original a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group proposal and charter

Charter:
The purpose of this group would be the discussion of
signals and hardware related to MPEG/DVB satellite
communications.

Justification:
MPEG/DVB is a digital type transmission that is constantly
growing in use in satellite communications in the US and
Europe. The signals are usually received via C-Band or
Ku Band equipment and viewed on television. There are presently
discussion forums and email lists that run from browser based
interfaces on the WWW. The membership in these forums and mailing
lists is rapidly growing and becoming too bulky for the present
types of discussion.

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