Direct Broadcast Satellite

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/

The possibilities of Direct Broadcast by Satellite (DBS) have provoked serious debate in modern telecommunications circles, raising vital questions of state sovereignty, cultural interaction, and the functioning of political and economic systems. In this ground-breaking study, Dr. Luther identifies the social, political, and economic factors underlying the evolving international controversy and situates the debate in the larger arena of postwar power relationships, including the rise of socialist and Third World countries. Placing these issues in a unique historical framework, she discusses the rise of international regulation through the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the role of radio interests in the United States, and the legitimizing effect of the then-emerging mass communications research and scholarship. Dr. Luther also devotes particular attention to the First Amendment and "free flow" arguments put forth by the United States in support of an unfettered international transmission of radio and television signals via satellite. A provocative, insightful work, The United States and the Direct Broadcast Satellite will do much to help clarify the ongoing DBS debate.