With its higher power and superior video and audio quality, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications is proliferating worldwide. Many new DBS systems are evolving and with the introduction of HDTV, DBS technology is predicted to become even more prevalent. Written by a leading DBS authority, this book is required reading for anyone involved in this burgeoning field. This comprehensive reference describes the history and structure of DBS systems, the regulatory environment, the subsystems that support it, and the underlying compression technology that makes it commercially feasible. Direct Broadcast Satellite Communications can be read as a broad overview of DBS systems or can serve as a detailed technical description. In particular, the author thoroughly explains how MPEG compression standards are used to implement modern satellite broadcast systems. You will find complete information on key topics such as: International and FCC regulations Radio frequency components of DBS systems, including the shaped reflector antenna Forward error correction, looking at block codes, interleaving, and Viterbi decoding The use of cryptography for conditional access to subscription services MPEG system and transport layer MPEG-2 video and audio compression Connecting terrestrial systems and DBS uplinks The Integrated Receiver Decoder In addition, the book explores future developments, including the Spaceway and the Global Broadcast Service, as well as the MPEG-4 compression standards. Numerous case studies involving DIRECTV(TM) and the European DVB standard appear throughout the book. For other books in this series, see http://www.awl.com/cseng/wirelessseries/

Every facet of satellite technology is included in this concise reference guide to a fast developing field. The latest systems are included and the coverage is worldwide. Supplemented with tables, formulae and footprints for satellites, this pocket book is the first place for communications engineers, students, satellite industry personnel and enthusiasts to look for essential data.DBS and other enabling technologies for HDTV are covered, in this wide-ranging review of technologies used in Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia. Drawing on James Wood's extensive experience as an engineer in the international broadcasting industry and a technical broadcast journalist, this book will provide the essential details of satellite communications.

This authoritative book provides a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of satellite communications (SATCOM) network design and performance assessments. You find discussions on a wide class of SATCOM networks using satellites as core components, as well as coverage key applications in the field. This in-depth resource presents a broad range of critical topics, from geosynchronous Earth orbiting (GEO) satellites and direct broadcast satellite systems, to low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, radio standards and protocols.This invaluable reference explains the many specific uses of satellite networks, including small-terminal wireless and mobile communications systems. Moreover, this book presents advanced topics such as satellite RF link analyses, optimum transponder loading, on-board processing, antenna characteristics, protected systems, information assurance, and spread spectrums. You are introduced to current and future SATCOM systems and find details on their performance supportabilities. This cutting-edge book also presents trends in multimedia satellite applications and IP services over satellites.

With its higher power and superior video and audio quality, Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) communications is proliferating worldwide. Many new DBS systems are evolving and with the introduction of HDTV, DBS technology is predicted to become even more prevalent. Written by a leading DBS authority, this book is required reading for anyone involved in this burgeoning field. This comprehensive reference describes the history and structure of DBS systems, the regulatory environment, the subsystems that support it, and the underlying compression technology that makes it commercially feasible. Direct Broadcast Satellite Communications can be read as a broad overview of DBS systems or can serve as a detailed technical description. In particular, the author thoroughly explains how MPEG compression standards are used to implement modern satellite broadcast systems. You will find complete information on key topics such as: International and FCC regulations Radio frequency components of DBS systems, including the shaped reflector antenna Forward error correction, looking at block codes, interleaving, and Viterbi decoding The use of cryptography for conditional access to subscription services MPEG system and transport layer MPEG-2 video and audio compression Connecting terrestrial systems and DBS uplinks The Integrated Receiver Decoder In addition, the book explores future developments, including the Spaceway and the Global Broadcast Service, as well as the MPEG-4 compression standards. Numerous case studies involving DIRECTV(TM) and the European DVB standard appear throughout the book. For other books in this series, see http://www.awl.com/cseng/wirelessseries/

Extensive revision of the best-selling text on satellite communications — includes new chapters on cubesats, NGSO satellite systems, and Internet access by satellite There have been many changes in the thirty three years since the first edition of Satellite Communications was published. There has been a complete transition from analog to digital communication systems, withanalog techniques replaced by digital modulation and digital signal processing. While distribution of television programming remains the largest sector of commercial satellite communications, low earth orbit constellations of satellites for Internet access are set to challenge that dominance. In the third edition, chapters one through three cover topics that are specific to satellites, including orbits, launchers, and spacecraft. Chapters four through seven cover the principles of digital communication systems, radio frequency communications, digital modulation and multiple access techniques, and propagation in the earth’s atmosphere, topics that are common to all radio communication systems. Chapters eight through twelve cover applications that include non-geostationary satellite systems, low throughput systems, direct broadcast satellite television, Internet access by satellite, and global navigation satellite systems. The chapter on Internet access by satellite is new to the third edition, and each of the chapters has been extensively revised to include the many changes in the field since the publication of the second edition in 2003. Two appendices have been added that cover digital transmission of analog signals, and antennas. An invaluable resource for students and professionals alike, this book: Focuses on the fundamental theory of satellite communications Explains the underlying principles and essential mathematics required to understand the physics and engineering of satellite communications Discusses the expansion of satellite communication systems in areas such as direct-broadcast satellite TV, GPS, and internet access Introduces the rapidly advancing field of small satellites, referred to as SmallSats or CubeSats Provides relevant practice problems based on real-world satellite systems Satellite Communications is required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in satellite communications courses and an authoritative reference for engineers working in communications, systems and networks, and satellite operations and management.