Glossary of Cband Satellite Systems and Skyvision Products

Glossary

Motorola 4DTV - Adding the 4DTV receiver to your C-band system allows you to receive four types of satellite signals: the analog "in the clear" and analog subscription (VideoCipher II) you've been watching all along, plus the new free digital and encrypted digital DigiCipher broadcasts. This receiver is also Ku-Band compatible.

Automatic Channel Tuning - This feature enables you to fine-tune your dish position, feedhorn, polarity, and video frequency with the touch of a button.

Automatic Satellite Programming - Automatic tracking lets you easily locate satellites. After setting your first two east and west satellite parameters, the receiver automatically locates the rest.

Auxiliary Record Output - Your VCR connects to the Auxiliary Record Output, independent of any volume changes or on-screen menus.

Ball Screw vs. Acme Thread - Related to the type of dish mover you choose. The acme thread has become known as the industry standard. It is a mechanically reliable system that will push and pull your dish for many years with minimal maintenance. The improved ball screw arm system adds ball bearings to the nut that moves up and down the threads for added power on big dishes. This offers a smoother, quieter operation and a longer life, especially on large size dishes. See Dish Movers.

Birdview® - A type of satellite dish system. Skyvision offers upgrades for Birdview® capabilities. See C-band System Parts.

Books - For anybody looking for a more thorough knowledge of satellite TV systems, Skyvision offers computer software and a wide variety of books from which to choose. From the introductory books for beginners to the very detailed books written for technicians, even books about experiments and "hidden" signals, there is something for everyone who is interested in satellite TV. See Books.

Cable - The cable you choose to connect your dish to your receiver is very important when it comes to picture quality. Specially-designed Skyvision cables keep your picture crystal clear. Skyvision provides a variety of coaxial cable and cable assemblies, as well as stereo cable, audio cable, video cable, Y adapters, jump cables, and cable connectors, clips, wall plate, under-door options, water seal, etc. See Distribution.

C-band: full-size dish - C-band systems give you the most in programming choices. C-band, with over 20 satellites broadcasting to North America, is the most popular dish among satellite system owners. The C-band system is the method used by cable TV, sports channels, movie channels and the superstations. Every receiver and C-band system package in the Skyvision Online Catalog includes C-band capability. Dish sizes range from 5' to 12' in diameter. See Dishes.

C-band: What size dish? - When selecting a C-band dish, your geographic location is one of the most important factors. A smaller dish will provide good reception on newer satellites since newer satellites have more transmitting power than older ones. If you install a lower temp 17º or 20º LNB, you can usually receive good reception with the smaller dish. For the very best, static-free picture, use the larger dish along with the optional lower temp LNB. If you need assistance with choosing the best dish for your location, please call your Skyvision Product Rep at (800) 500-9275. We'll be glad to help.

Channel Skip - This feature allows you to move to every other channel, up or down. If you are on channel 3, you can move up to 5, 7, 9, 11, etc. If you are on the even channel, e.g. 2, you can move up to 4, 6, 8, etc.

Commercial Products - Skyvision is a full service satellite TV dealer making products available to every user. Whether you are new to satellite TV, a hobbyist, installer, dealer, technician or commercial operator, we have everything you need. See Commercial.

Complete Systems - Skyvision sells complete systems, with upgrade options, and includes precision coordinates with every system order. A system's major components, packaged by Skyvision, include: Receiver, dish, dish mover, decoder module, feedhorn, and LNB. Call a representative today to find out more.

Decoder Module - The decoder module, which fits inside your receiver, descrambles subscription channels (when you've purchased a programming subscription) so you can have even more programming choices. See Receivers.

Dish Mount - Details on different kinds of dish mounts, and ground pole installation information and examples, can be found on the Dish Mounts page.

Dish Mover - The dish mover (or actuator or jack arm) attaches to the polar mount and controls the east and west movement of your dish so it can locate and aim at the satellites. See Dish Movers.

Dolby Surround Sound - Theater sound is encoded in most movies available on satellite, videocassette, and DVD to put you right in the action. With Dolby Pro Logic, you can add to the entertainment by surrounding yourself with sound. See Audio/Video.

Extender - A device that allows you to use your infrared (standard line-of-sight) remote control to operate your electronics - even from another room. It translates the IR signal into a UHF signal that can reach through walls and floors to your receiver or other equipment. See Remotes and Audio/Video.

Favorite Channel Memory - With this feature, favorite satellite channels or radio stations can be stored in memory for instant recall.

Feedhorn - The feedhorn collects the reflected signal from the dish and sends it to the LNB. The feedhorn you need is determined by the types of satellites you want to watch: C-band, Ku-band, DBS, or all three. See Feedhorns.

GPS - The hand-held navigational tool comes in two versions. The device uses satellites to confirm your latitude/longitude location on the surface of the planet. You can use this to accurately identify and find your way back to (or toward) any spot on the planet you choose. Camping and fishing spots, impossible to mark otherwise, are now easy with the GPS. You can also use this to ensure you don't get lost when backpacking. Compass and other navigational utilities are included. This is the technology that the military has used for decades to track anything anywhere on the planet, and the technology that commercial businesses such as UPS use to be able to tell where their delivery trucks are at any moment.

Ground Poles - Standard ground poles are used on most satellite installations. Note that only steel pipe, schedule 40 or thicker, should be used for any installation. Details on different kinds of dish mounts, and ground pole installation information and examples, can be found on the Dish Mounts page.

Installation Mount - The mount gives your dish a sturdy support structure. A good mount will reduce the effects of shifting ground, blowing wind, and other elements. Types of mounts include the standard ground pole, support mounts for wall mounts, roof mounts, and non-penetrating mounts. See Dish Mounts.

Ku-band: medium dish - With access to the 21 Ku-band satellites, this backyard system will greatly expand your entertainment options. It's through these satellites that you can get "wild feeds" of sports, news, international broadcasts, etc. Ku-band dishes range in size from 3' and up. See Dishes.

Last Channel Recall - No matter where you're sitting on the arc, last channel recall will recall the last channel you were watching, even if it was on another satellite.

LNB - The LNB (Low Noise Block Downconverter) is the heart of your system. It converts the signal from the satellite into a signal your receiver can use. The LNB you need is determined by the geographic location of your dish, the size of your dish, and the length of cable run you have. If you are experiencing poor reception, sparklies or bars on your screen, you need a new one. Some feedhorns come with LNBs. See LNBs. See Feedhorns.

Micro Mesh - Micro Mesh is a breakthrough in the mesh dish industry. Micro-Mesh increases C/Ku-band performance by giving the dish surface a truer parabolic shape. See Dishes.

MPEG-2 - As an international standard, MPEG-2 video (DVB) compression is technology that lets you receive more than 250 free to air channels, available exclusively to those using an MPEG-2 receiver. The result? Your neighbor without MEPG-2 won't be enjoying these 250 channels of sports, local networks, music and wild feeds. Many of the wild feed are still available with free-to-air analog receivers. Catch the International feeds and many wild feeds without the expense of paying for a monthly programming package. This world of DX (distant signals) is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby for those who want to catch the very best.

Multi-Room TV - If you plan to connect more than one television to your satellite system, a distribution system that delivers premium pictures from any video source to every TV in your home is a great enhancement. See ChannelPlus and Multi-Room TV Viewing.

Off-Air Antenna Mount - Allows you to position your VHF/UHF television antenna above your satellite dish. See Off-Air Antennas.

One-Button Aux. Switcher - This switcher allows the satellite receiver to change between an external video source such as your VCR and the satellite receiver.

On the Go - These portable systems make your satellite entertainment mobile, allowing you to receive your favorite programming anywhere. See On-The-Go.

On-Screen Display - Easy-to-use on-screen menus show you each operation that your system undergoes so that you are always informed.

Owner's Manuals - Skyvision has a huge assortment of replacement owner manuals, for systems and components of all kinds! Give us a call toll-free to see if we have what you need. (800) 543-3025.

Parental Lockout - There are two ways to restrict program viewing. Use the system password and lock out selected channels or satellites, or, with a VCRS decoder password, you can set a program rating ceiling for subscription channels.

Picture-in-Picture (PIP) - While watching one outside source such as your VCR, you can keep tabs on a satellite channel on the small inset picture. Switch between the two at any time with the touch of a button. See Audio/Video.

Programming - "Available Programming" means the channels and/or satellites that your system has access to. This may be C-band satellites, Ku-band satellites, DBS, radio signals, or all of the above. Digital receivers allow more programming, and the 4DTV™ digital satellite receiver is the latest technology allowing you access to both digital and analog signals. Many signals require a decoder module to "decode," and a monthly programming package subscription which gives you the key to unlocking the programming of your choice.

Receiver - The receiver (or "IRD - Integrated Receiver Decoder) is the control center of your satellite system. You will use this unit to select satellites and channels for your preferred programming. See Receivers.

Remote Controls - These controls allow you to control your satellite system by transmitting infrared (line of sight) or UHF (through the wall) signals. Many infrared controls may be trained to work with other components and are usually slightly lower in cost. UHF remotes provide control of your satellite system from any room in your home. See Remotes.

Satellite Dish - The satellite dish (or antenna) is used to concentrate a satellite signal to a central point in front of the dish, where it's collected, amplified and converted for use. See Dishes.

Sender - A device that allows you to project your audio/video from its source (such as satellite receiver, television, VCR, or camcorder) into another room or floor. Also it can allow you to send stereo sound to powered speakers out-of-doors. No cable from room-to-room necessary. Also for sound, Skyvision has three great options for sending wireless audio to the headphones of your choice. See Audio/Video.

Servo Motor - This device sits on your feedhorn and allows you to switch from vertical to horizontal polarities, thus enabling you to receive both odd and even channels. See Feedhorns.

Stereo Processor - Analog stereo allows you to receive over 100 channels of full audio in all formats. Programming through decoder modules comes in digital audio. By connecting the receiver to your stereo system, you'll enjoy either digital or analog sound in full stereo.

Surge Protection - Surge protection saves equipment from damage caused by lightning and voltage irregularities called spikes and surges. See C-band Surge Protection.

Technical Support - "If it's broke, call the experts!" There's nothing our technical support people can't do. Our professional staff is trained to help you keep your equipment up and running strong, plus you receive 30 days of FREE technical support when you purchase from Skyvision! This team proves time and again that we have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and then walk anyone - amateur or hobbyst - through the most complicated procedures. Call us at: (218) 739-5232. You get a special toll-free technical support number when you order! Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Central Time. Saturdays 9am - 5pm Central Time.

Television - Your television: Just plug it in, hook it up to your receiver, and get ready to watch the satellite world come to life! And with High Definition TV (HDTV) experience a super clear, sharp picture you never thought you could get at home. See Audio/Video.

T.I. & Bandwidth Filters - These filters deliver the best possible picture of every channel, even if your system is affected by terrestrial interference (T.I.), or if certain channels require custom bandwidths.

Tools - For satellite installation and troubleshooting, you may need more than just the necessary common hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.). Skyvision offers specialized tools for satellite systems that will help you save time and money. See Tools.

Tuning - Signal strength meters, included in the tune-up kits, are the best tools for tuning your dish to receive the highest quality picture possible. They are extremely useful when dish size or location hinders clear reception, or when extreme weather conditions require frequent peaking of your system. Skyvision offers several models of signal strength meters that are sure to fit your needs. See Tools.

VCRS Decoder Module - These modules allow access to scrambled signals and pay-per-view programming with monthly or annual subscriptions. See Receivers.

VCR Timer - Select the satellite and channel for programs you wish to record on your VCR when you're not at home.

Weatherization - Your satellite dish system is exposed to the outdoor elements. There are weather covers for dish movers and LNBs to minimize wear. See C-Band System Parts.

For more information about any aspect of satellite TV systems or Skyvision products,
call your friendly Skyvision Product Representative! (800) 543-3025.