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Television receive-only
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{{Short description|Reception of satellite television from FSS-type satellites}} {{Multiple issues| {{more citations needed|date=July 2014}} {{Update|reason=Requiring reliable non-social media sources|date=October 2024}} }} {{use mdy dates|date=October 2016}} '''Television receive-only''' ('''TVRO''') is a term used chiefly in [[North America]], [[South America]] to refer to the reception of [[satellite television]] from [[Fixed Service Satellite|FSS]]-type satellites, generally on [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] analog; [[free-to-air]] and unconnected to a commercial [[Direct broadcast satellite|DBS]] provider. TVRO was the main means of consumer satellite reception in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] until the mid-1990s with the arrival of [[direct-broadcast satellite television]] services such as [[PrimeStar]], [[United States Satellite Broadcasting|USSB]], [[Bell Satellite TV]], [[DirecTV]], [[Dish Network]], [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky TV]] that transmit K<sub>u</sub> signals. While these services are at least theoretically based on open standards ([[DVB-S]], [[MPEG-2]], [[MPEG-4]]), the majority of services are encrypted and require proprietary decoder hardware. TVRO systems relied on feeds being transmitted unencrypted and using open standards, which heavily contrasts to DBS systems in the region. The term is also used to refer to receiving digital television "[[backhaul (broadcasting)|backhaul]]" feeds from FSS-type satellites. Reception of free-to-air satellite signals, generally [[Ku band|K<sub>u</sub> band]] [[Digital Video Broadcasting]], for home viewing is still common in [[Europe]] and [[India]], although the TVRO nomenclature was never used there.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Free-to-air satellite signals are also very common in the [[People's Republic of China]], as many rural locations cannot receive [[cable television]] and solely rely on satellites to deliver television signals to individual homes.{{cn|date=October 2024}} =="Big ugly dish"== The term "BUD" (big ugly dish) is a [[colloquialism]] for [[C band (IEEE)|C-Band]] [[satellite dish]]es used by TVRO systems. BUDs range from 4 to 16 feet in diameter, with the most popular large size being 10 feet. The name comes from their perception as an [[eyesore]]. ==History== [[File:Back of satellite dish.jpg|thumb|The back side of a C-Band satellite dish showing the pole, mount, motor, [[counterweight]], and structure of the dish.]] TVRO systems were originally marketed in the late 1970s. On October 18, 1979, the FCC began allowing people to have home satellite earth stations without a federal government license.<ref name="dms">[http://www.dmsiusa.com/glory-days.html The "Glory Days" of Satellite] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303133328/http://dmsiusa.com/glory-days.html |date=March 3, 2014 }}</ref> The dishes were nearly {{convert|20|ft|m}} in diameter,<ref name="lat">{{cite news|last=Giarrusso|first=Michael|date=July 28, 1996|title=Tiny Satellite Dishes Sprout in Rural Areas|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-28-mn-28792-story.html|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=July 1, 2014}}</ref> were remote controlled,<ref name="denverpost">{{cite news|last=Keating|first=Stephen|year=1999|title=Stealing Free TV, Part 2|url=http://extras.denverpost.com/business/cutt1101.htm|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]] |access-date=July 3, 2014}}</ref> and could only pick up HBO signals from one of two satellites.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} Originally, the dishes used for satellite TV reception were 12 to 16 feet in diameter and made of solid [[fiberglass]] with an embedded metal coating, with later models being 4 to 10 feet and made of [[wire]] [[mesh]] and solid [[steel]] or [[aluminum]].<ref name=Stecklow/> Early dishes cost more than $5,000, and sometimes as much as $10,000. The wider the dish was, the better its ability to provide adequate channel reception. Programming sent from ground stations was relayed from 18 satellites in [[geostationary orbit]] located 22,300 miles above the Earth. The dish had to be pointed directly at the satellite, with nothing blocking the signal. Weaker signals required larger dishes.<ref name=Stecklow/><ref name=Reibstein>{{cite news|title=Watching TV Via Satellite Is Their Dish|last=Reibstein|first=Larry|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=1981-09-27|page=E01}}</ref><ref name=Akron>{{cite news|title=Satellite TV Dishes Getting Good Reception|last=Dawidziak|first=Mark|work=[[Akron Beacon-Journal]]|date=1984-12-30|page=F-1}}</ref> The dishes worked by receiving a low-power C-Band (3.7β4.2 GHz) [[frequency modulation|frequency-modulated]] [[analog television|analog]] signal directly from the original distribution satellite β the same signal received by [[cable television headend]]s. Because analog channels took up an entire [[transponder]] on the satellite, and each satellite had a fixed number of transponders, dishes were usually equipped with a modified [[polar mount]] and [[actuator]] to sweep the dish across the horizon to receive channels from multiple satellites. Switching between horizontal and vertical polarization was accomplished by a small electric [[Servomechanism|servo]] motor that moved a probe inside the [[feedhorn]] throat at the command of the receiver (commonly called a "polarotor" setup). Higher-end receivers did this transparently, switching polarization and moving the dish automatically as the user changed channels.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} By Spring of 1984, 18 C-Band satellites were in use for United States domestic communications, owned by five different companies.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url = http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1984/BC-1984-04-09.pdf |title = Where the Birds Are |date = 1984-04-09|magazine = Broadcasting|page = 48 |access-date = 2015-06-09}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" !Satellite name !Owner !Orbital location (degrees longitude) |- |Comstar 1 | rowspan="5" |Comsat/AT&T |76 |- |Comstar 2 |76 |- |Comstar 3 |87 |- |Comstar 4 |127 |- |[[Telstar 301]] |96 |- |[[Galaxy 1]] | rowspan="2" |Hughes Communications |134 |- |Galaxy 2 |74 |- |[[Satcom (satellite)|Satcom]] 1 | rowspan="7" |RCA |139 |- |Satcom 1R |139 |- |Satcom 2 |131 |- |Satcom 2R |72 |- |Satcom 3R |131 |- |Satcom 4 |84 |- |Satcom 5 |143 |- |[[Westar 1]] | rowspan="4" |Western Union |79 |- |Westar 3 |91 |- |Westar 4 |99 |- |Westar 5 |123 |} The retail price for satellite receivers soon dropped, with some dishes costing as little as $2,000 by mid-1984.<ref name="Stecklow" /> Dishes pointing to one satellite were even cheaper.<ref name="Wichita">{{cite news|title=Research Needed in Buying Dish: High Cost Is Important Consideration for Consumer|last=Stecklow|first=Steve|work=[[Wichita Eagle]]|agency=Knight-Ridder News Service|date=1984-10-25|page=6C}}</ref> Once a user paid for a dish, it was possible to receive even premium movie channels, raw feeds of news broadcasts or television stations from other areas. People in areas without local broadcast stations, and people in areas without cable television, could obtain good-quality reception with no monthly fees.<ref name="Stecklow">{{cite news|title=America's Favorite Dish|last=Stecklow|first=Steve|work=[[The Miami Herald]]|agency=[[Knight-Ridder News Service]]|date=1984-07-07|page=1C}}</ref><ref name="Akron" /> Two open questions existed about this practice: whether the [[Communications Act of 1934]] applied as a case of "unauthorized reception" by TVRO consumers; and to what extent it was legal for a service provider to encrypt their signals in an effort to prevent its reception. The [[Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984]] clarified all of these matters, making the following legal:<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goldwater|first=Barry|date=1984-10-30|title=S.66 - 98th Congress (1983-1984): Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/66|access-date=2020-09-22|website=www.congress.gov}}</ref><ref name=Akron/><ref name="Chicago">{{cite news|last=Takiff|first=Jonathan|date=1987-05-22|title=Satellite Tv Skies Brighten As War With Programmers Ends|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|agency=[[Knight-Ridder Newspapers]]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/05/22/satellite-tv-skies-brighten-as-war-with-programmers-ends/|access-date=2014-04-10}}</ref> * Reception of unencrypted satellite signals by a consumer * Reception of encrypted satellite signals by a consumer, when they have received authorization to legally decrypt it This created a framework for the wide deployment of encryption on analog satellite signals. It further created a framework (and implicit mandate to provide) subscription services to TVRO consumers to allow legal decryption of those signals. HBO and Cinemax became the first two services to announce intent to encrypt their satellite feeds late in 1984. Others were strongly considering doing so as well.<ref name="Akron" /> Where cable providers could compete with TVRO subscription options, it was thought this would provide sufficient incentive for competition.<ref name="Turned">{{cite news|title=Direct-Broadcast TV Is Still Not Turned On|last=Wolf|first=Ron|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=1985-01-20|page=C01}}</ref> HBO and Cinemax began encrypting their west coast feeds services with [[VideoCipher|VideoCipher II]] 12 hours a day early in 1985, then did the same with their east coast feeds by August. The two networks began scrambling full time on January 15, 1986, which in many contemporary news reports was called "S-Day". This met with much protest from owners of big-dish systems, most of which had no other option at the time for receiving such channels. As required by the Cable Communications Policy act of 1984, HBO allowed dish owners to subscribe directly to their service, although at a price ($12.95 per month) higher than what cable subscribers were paying. This sentiment, and a collapse in the sales of TVRO equipment in early 1986, led to the [[Attack of Captain Midnight|April 1986 attack on HBO's transponder]] on [[Galaxy 1]]. Dish sales went down from 600,000 in 1985 to 350,000 in 1986, but pay television services were seeing dishes as something positive since some people would never have cable service, and the industry was starting to recover as a result. Through 1986, other channels that began full time encryption included [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] and [[The Movie Channel]] on May 27, and [[CNN]] and [[HLN (TV network)|CNN Headline News]] on July 1.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1986-07-01|title=CNN shuts out dish owners|pages=10|work=The Dispatch|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59756349/cnn-shuts-out-dish-owners/|access-date=2020-09-22}}</ref> Scrambling would also lead to the development of [[pay-per-view]],<ref name="Chicago" /> as demonstrated by the early adoption of encryption by [[Request television|Request Television]], and [[In Demand|Viewer's Choice]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Scrambling Information: 1988|url=http://digitalcollections.library.cmu.edu/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=419306|publisher=National Cable Television Association|date=1988-02-05}}</ref> Channels scrambled (encrypted) with VideoCipher and VideoCipher II could be defeated, and there was a [[black market]] for illegal descramblers. By the end of 1987, 16 channels had employed encryption with another 7 planned in the first half of 1988. Packages that offered reduced rates for channels in bulk had begun to appear. At this time, the vast majority of analog satellite TV transponders still were not encrypted.<ref name=":0" /> On November 1, 1988, [[NBC]] began scrambling its C-band signal but left its [[Ku band|K<sub>u</sub> band]] signal unencrypted in order for affiliates to not lose viewers who could not see their advertising. Most of the two million satellite dish users in the United States still used C-band. [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] and [[CBS]] were considering scrambling, though CBS was reluctant due to the number of people unable to receive local [[network affiliate]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Scrambled NBC Bad News for Satellite Pirates|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|agency=United Press International|date=1988-11-03|page=E3}}</ref> The growth of dishes receiving K<sub>u</sub> band signals in North America was limited by the [[Challenger disaster]], since 75 satellites were to be launched prior to the suspension of the [[Space Shuttle]] program. Only seven K<sub>u</sub> band satellites were in use.<ref>{{cite news|title=Newest Technology Could Become a Major Threat to Local Cable Firms|last=Nye|first=Doug|work=[[The State (newspaper)|The State]]|location=Columbia, South Carolina |date=1988-02-04}}</ref> In addition to encryption, [[Direct broadcast satellite|DBS]] services such as [[PrimeStar]] had been reducing the popularity for TVRO systems since the early 1990s. Signals from DBS satellites (operating in the more recent K<sub>u</sub> band) are higher in both frequency and power (due to improvements in the [[solar panel]]s and [[energy conversion efficiency|energy efficiency]] of modern satellites) and therefore require much smaller dishes than C-band, and the [[Digital data|digital]] signals now used require far less [[signal strength]] at the receiver, resulting in a lower [[cost of entry]]. Each satellite also can carry up to 32 transponders in the K<sub>u</sub> band, but only 24 in the C band, and several [[digital subchannel]]s can be [[Multiplex (TV)|multiplex]]ed (MCPC) or carried separately ([[SCPC]]) on a single transponder. General advances, such as [[HEMT]], in [[noise reduction]] at microwave frequencies have also had an effect. However, a consequence of the higher frequency used for DBS services is [[rain fade]] where viewers lose signal during a heavy downpour. C-band's immunity to rain fade is one of the major reasons the system is still used as the preferred method for television broadcasters to distribute their signal. ===Popularity=== TVRO systems were most popular in [[rural]] areas, beyond the [[broadcast range]] of most local [[television station]]s. The [[mountain]]ous [[terrain]] of [[West Virginia]], for example, makes reception of [[terrestrial television|over-the-air]] television [[broadcast]]s (especially in the higher [[Ultra high frequency|UHF]] frequencies) very difficult. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s DBS systems were not available, and cable television systems of the time only carried a few channels, resulting in a boom in sales of systems in the area, which led to the systems being termed the "West Virginia state flower". The term was regional, known mostly to those living in West Virginia and surrounding areas. Another reason was the large sizes of the dishes. The first satellite systems consisted of "BUDs" twelve to sixteen feet in diameter. They became much more popular in the mid-1980s when dish sizes decreased to about six to ten feet, but have always been a source of much consternation (even local [[zoning]] disputes) due to their perception as an [[eyesore]]. [[Neighborhood]]s with [[restrictive covenant]]s usually still prohibit this size of dish, except where such restrictions are illegal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Installing Consumer-Owned Antennas and Satellite Dishes|url=http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/consumerdish.html|publisher=FCC|access-date=2008-11-21}}</ref> Support for systems dried up when strong [[encryption]] was introduced around 1994. Many long-disconnected dishes still occupy their original spots. == TVRO on ships == The term TVRO has been in use on ships since it was introduced in the 1980s. One early provider of equipment was SeaTel with its first generation of stabilized satellite antennas that was launched in 1985, the TV-at-Sea 8885 system. Until this time ships had not been able to receive television signals from satellites due to their rocking motion rendering reception impossible. The SeaTel antenna however was stabilized using electrically driven gyroscopes and thus made it possible to point to the satellite accurately enough, that is to within 2Β°, in order to receive a signal. The successful implementation of stabilised TVRO systems on ships immediately led to the development of maritime [[VSAT]] systems. The second generation of SeaTel TVRO systems came in 1994 and was the 2494 antenna, which got its gyro signal from the ship rather than its own gyros, improving accuracy and reducing maintenance. As of 2010, SeaTel continues to dominate the market for stabilized TVRO systems and has according to the Comsys group, a market share of 75%. Other established providers of stabilised satellite antennas are Intellian, KNS, Orbit, EPAK and KVH. ==Current uses== Most of the free analogue channels that BUDs were built to receive have been taken offline.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} Due to the number of systems in existence, their lack of usefulness, and because many people consider them an eyesore, used BUDs can be purchased for very little money.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} As of 2009, there are 23 C-band satellites and 38 K<sub>u</sub>/K<sub>a</sub> band satellites.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-15 |title=SatelliteGuys.US - TheList |url=https://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215131127/https://www.satelliteguys.us/thelist/ |archive-date=2009-12-15 |access-date=2023-01-23 }}</ref> There were over 150 channels for people who want to receive subscription channels on a C-band dish via Motorola's [[4DTV]] equipment via two vendors [http://www.programming-center.net Satellite Receivers Ltd (SRL)] and [http://www.skyvision.com Skyvision] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113123637/http://www.skyvision.com/ |date=January 13, 2011 }}. The 4DTV subscription system shutdown on August 16, 2016. The dishes themselves can be modified to receive [[free-to-air]] and DBS signals. The stock LNBs fitted to typical BUDs will usually need to be replaced with one of a lower [[noise temperature]] to receive digital broadcasts. With a suitable replacement LNB (provided there is no [[wikt:warp|warping]] of the reflector) a BUD can be used to receive free-to-air (FTA) and [[Direct broadcast satellite|DBS]] signals. Several companies market LNBs, LNBFs, and adaptor collars for big-dish systems. For receiving FTA signals the replacement should be capable of dual C/K<sub>u</sub> reception with [[linear polarization]], for DBS it will need a high band K<sub>u</sub> LNBF using [[circular polarization]]. Older mesh dishes with perforations larger than 5mm are inefficient at K<sub>u</sub> frequencies, because the smaller [[wavelength]]s will pass through them. Solid fiberglass dishes usually contain metal mesh with large-diameter perforations as a reflector and are usually unsuitable for anything other than C band. Large dishes have higher [[antenna gain]], which can be an advantage when used with DBS signals such as [[Dish Network]] and [[DirecTV]], virtually eliminating rain fade. Restored dishes fitted with [[block upconverter]]s can be used to transmit signals as well. BUDs can still be seen at [[antenna farm]]s for these reasons, so that [[video]] and [[backhaul (broadcasting)|backhaul]]s can be sent to and from the [[television network]] with which a station is [[network affiliate|affiliate]]d, without interruption due to inclement [[weather]]. BUDs are also still useful for picking-up weak signals at the edge of a satellite's broadcast "footprint" β the area at which a particular satellite is aimed. For this reason, BUDs are helpful in places like [[Alaska]], or parts of the [[Caribbean]]. ===Modern equivalents=== Large [[parabolic antenna]]s similar to BUDs are still in production. New dishes differ in their construction and materials. New mesh dishes have much smaller perforations and solid dishes are now made with [[steel]] instead of fiberglass. New systems usually include a universal LNB that is switched electronically between horizontal and vertical polarization, obviating the need for a failure-prone polar rotor. As a complete system they have a much lower noise temperature than old BUDs, and are generally better for digital K<sub>u</sub> reception. The prices of these dishes have fallen dramatically since the first BUDs were produced for several thousand dollars to as little as $200 for an 8 ft mesh started BUD sold on eBay or amazon as of 2014.<ref>[http://sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Fortec-Star/Dishes/FS6P-180P-CM-C-Ku-Prime-Focus-Dish-Polar-Mount.htm 6.5' Fortec Star with Polar Mount]</ref> Typical uses for these systems include receiving free-to-air and subscription services. ==See also== *[[Direct-broadcast satellite television]] *[[Polar mount]] ==References== {{reflist}} == External links == * [http://www.faqs.org/faqs/Satellite-TV/TVRO/ rec.video.satellite.tvro FAQ] * [http://broadcastengineering.com/infrastructure/satellite-tvro-part-1-0813/index.html Part 1], [http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/satellite-tvro-part-two-0902/index.html Part 2], [http://broadcastengineering.com/infrastructure/satellite-tvro-part-3-0918/index.html Part 3], [http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/satellite-tvro-part-4-1001/ Part 4] *[http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html#anchor715739 C/Ku Band Satellite Systems β Tuning, Tracking...] *[http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html How to set up and align a BUD] *[http://www.tek2000.com North American seller of 8ft, 10ft, 12ft and 13.5ft mesh TVRO antennas] *[http://www.skyvision.com US satellite TV subscription provider for BUDs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113123637/http://www.skyvision.com/ |date=January 13, 2011 }} *[http://www.drsat.ca Canadian satellite TV subscription provider for BUDs] *[http://www.tvrosat.com Satellite Charts and Forum for C-Band Satellite users in North America] *[https://www.lyngsat.com Satellite charts for C/Ku-Band Satellites world-wide] {{Analogue TV transmitter topics}} {{Telecommunications}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Television Receive-Only}} [[Category:Television technology]] [[Category:Broadcast engineering]] [[Category:Radio frequency antenna types]] [[Category:Antennas (radio)]] [[Category:Satellite television]] [[Category:Television terminology]]
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