Single cable distribution

Satellite reception- and distribution technology. Introducing a new industry standard for single cable distribution of satellite programmes.

One of the most compelling features of satellite broadcast is the huge amount of available bandwidth. It allows for the simultaneous transmission of thousands of video- and audio programmes into consumer homes. Transporting this bandwidth from the satellite dish to multiple receivers in a single family home or apartment dwelling has up to now required an often complex installation of multiple coaxial cables from the dish or the distribution unit (the so-called multi-switch) to the individual receivers.

The cabling scenario gets even more complex with new digital Personal Video Recorder (PVR) receivers that feature multiple tuner inputs, as two or even more coaxial cables need to be laid to each PVR receiver. In order to simplify in-home satellite installation, an industry consortium lead by SES ASTRA has developed a new standard for the distribution of satellite signals over a single coaxial cable.

Benefits

The examples above illustrate the advantages of single cable distribution versus a traditional installation.

The new industry standard CENELEC prEN50494 will facilitate the delivery of broadcast programming over a single coaxial cable to multiple users, and hence help to eliminate the numerous coaxial cables that were previously required to connect satellite PVRs and other high-end set top boxes to the satellite dish. Several manufacturers already offer LNBs, multi-switches and digital satellite receivers that are compatible with the above industry standard.

These components will allow consumers to upgrade and extend existing installations, for example when adding a new receiver in a different room or replacing a standard receiver by a dual-tuner PVR receiver. Choosing the single cable distribution configuration can significantly reduce complexity of the installation and save considerable labor and material costs.

Single Cable Distribution Consortium

• ASTRA
• CBD Electronics
• Delta Electronics
• FRAcarro
• Global Communications
• Inverto
• Johansson
• Kathrein
• Microelectronics Technology
• Pace
• RFMagic
• Rover
• ST
• TechniSat
• WNC
• Zinwell
• and 25 additional contributing members

Key features

The new single cable distribution technology will soon be issued as a CENELEC standard (reference prEN50494) and will greatly simplify installations for the delivery of satellite signals to multiple receivers:

• Standardized “plug and play” technology
• Easier installation of new dual-tuner PVR receivers requiring only a single cable feed
• Access of 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 8 different satellite receivers (tuners) per single cable drop
• Fully transparent with regard to the transmitted signals (analogue, digital, HDTV, etc.)
• Cost efficient connection of multiple receivers in a home via a single cable
• Significant cost savings for new installations and upgrades

Working principle

The desired satellite transponders are translated into “user bands” that are allocated to the specific satellite receivers in the installation. Such translation of transponders happens in the Low-Noise Block converter(LNB)or in the distribution unit (the multi-switch), and is facilitated by special semiconductor chips developed by RFMagic Inc. and ST Microelectronics. The satellite receiver transmits specific commands to the LNB or multiswitch to allocate the wanted satellite transponder to its own user band.

Desired channels/transponders

User bands