Single-cable distribution

A new industry standard for single cable distribution of satellite programmes.

The new industry standard CENELEC prEN50494 allows multiple users to receive transmissions over a single coaxial cable. This helps eliminate the numerous cables that were previously required to connect PVRs and other set top boxes to the dish.

Single-cable distribution reduces installation complexity, and saves labour and material costs.

Several manufacturers already offer LNBs, multiswitches and digital receivers that are compatible with the new standard.

These components allow consumers to upgrade and extend existing installations; for example, when adding a new receiver in a different room or replacing a standard receiver with a dual-tuner PVR.

The diagram below illustrates the advantages of single cable distribution versus a traditional installation.

Simplifying transmission delivery to multiple receivers

Simplifying transmission delivery to multiple receivers

• Standardized plug-and-play technology
• Easier installation of dual-tuner PVRs
• Access to all polarizations and bands of one or more orbital positions via a single cable
• Full coverage of entire satellite IF range: no channels are omitted
• Up to eight receivers (tuners) per single cable
• Fully signal transparent: analogue, digital, HDTV, etc.
• Cost-efficient connection of multiple receivers via a single cable
• Significant cost savings for new installations and upgrades

User bands are created in the LNB or multi-switch

• Satellite transponders are converted into user bands and allocated to specific receivers in the installation.
• The transponder conversion occurs in the LNB or distribution unit (multiswitch), and is made possible by special semiconductor chips developed by RF Magic and ST Microelectronics.
• The receiver transmits commands to the LNB or multiswitch to allocate the requested transponder to its own user band.