History Of Satellite Communications Information Technology Essay

Communications specifically between radio stations on earth (earth stations) via a radio station set up on a spacecraft (space station) are called “satellite communication”. Satellite communication obtains different purposes such as for meteorology, radio, internet and television. Thus, this research is focus only satellite communication for television broadcasting, which transmit and receipt signal via a communication satellite (abbreviated COMSAT) – an artificial satellite stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications.

The history of satellite communications dates back to 1945 when a paper titled “Extra-terrestrial Relays” was written by Arthur C. Clarke who first describes the principle of satellite communications with satellites in geostationary orbits – a speculation realized 25 years later. The space era started in 1957 with the launching of the first artificial satellite – SPUTNIK of the USSR. Subsequent years have been marked by various experiments including the following: the world first reflecting satellite ECHO of USA (1960), the powered relay satellite TELSTAR of Europe (1962), the first geostationary satellite SYNCOM of NASA (1963), and the world first commercial geostationary satellite INTELSAT I or Early Bird of USA (1965) [2]

In 1966, Thailand became a member (49th) of the International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) to management the demand of telecommunication channels and network data. Later in 1993, Thailand was launched the first domestic communication satellite named “THAICOM 1” under concession of the Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co.,Ltd. [3] , and the latest Thai communication satellite relay in the orbit is THAICOM 5.

ECHO (b) TELSTAR (c) SYNCOM

INTELSAT I (e) THAICOM I (f) THAICOM 5

Figure 2.1 Communications Satellites

2.1.2 Satellite orbits [4]

Satellites relay in the orbit – the gravitationally curved path of an object around the Earth, which satellite orbits can be classified under three main types.

Figure 2.2 Types of satellite orbits

Types of orbits path

Equatorial Orbit: it moves along with the equinoctial line.

Inclined Orbit: it makes angle with the equinoctial line.

Polar Orbit: it moves along the North Pole and South Pole.

Types of orbits pattern

Circular Orbit: it rotates around a fixed axis.

Elliptical Orbit: it rotates in different distance from axis – the most distance called “Apogee” and the least distance called “Perigee”.

Types of orbits distance;

Low-Earth Orbit (LEO): This orbit has the least altitude from the Earth at 500-2,000 kilometer. Satellites require moving at a very high speed at 28,000 kilometer per hour to avoid being pulled out of orbit by Earth’s gravity. At LEO, satellites can cycle approximately 90 minutes around the Earth.

Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO): This orbit has altitude at 8,000-12,000 kilometer above the Earth, and satellites are placed in an Elliptical Orbit that covers the North and South Pole.

Geosynchronous or Geostationary Orbit (GEO): This orbit has the highest altitude at 35,786 kilometer, which the satellites cycle in the same direction and at the same speed as the Earth’s rotation on its axis. The satellites take 24 hours to complete a full trip around the globe. The way satellite positioned over the equator in GEO, the transmission signal appears to be direct to a specific location on the Earth.

Communications satellites in use today for television broadcasting purposes are placed in the geostationary orbit (GEO) such as THAICOM 5 of Thailand, PALAPA of Indonesia, and ASIA SAT of Hong Kong as the following advantages;

One satellite can cover almost 1/3 of the Earth’s surface, offering a reach far more extensive than what any terrestrial network can achieve

Communications require the use of fixed antennas. Since geosynchronous satellites remain stationary over the same orbital location, users can point their satellite dishes in the right direction, without costly tracking activities, making communications reliable and secure

GEO satellites are proven, reliable and secure – with a lifespan of 10-15 years

2.1.3 Satellite communications structure [5]

All elements of satellite communication structure for television transmission are identified as follow;

Geostationary satellite and back up satellite: contain one active and back up satellite for spare purpose in a constellation. Each satellite’s life is approximately 7-15 years.

Station keeping or Master control station: consists of all ground facilities for the control and monitoring of the satellites, named TTC (Tracking, Telemetry and Command) stations, and for the management of the traffic and the associated resources onboard the satellite.

Free space

Earth station: consist of antenna, high power amplifier, low noise amplifier, up converter, and down converter.

Links: contain 2 links – uplink and downlink, linkage between the earth station and communications satellites.

Terrestrial network: linkage between the earth station and user terminal, which transferred by fiber optic cable.

2.1.4 The configuration of a satellite communications system

Figure 2.3 shows an overview of satellite communication system for television broadcasting.

Figure 2.3: The satellite communications system

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQA-iB7X7QhcjXd2mL6iGwFCGAHIicyvWH3PP2cIQOYH2it7Rg&t=1&usg=__0aw6ADL3MkplFl3F6XXdN87Cz_o=The satellite communication for television broadcasting composes of two main segments; a ground segment, and a space segment. The ground segment consists of earth stations and user terminals, which connect through terrestrial network by fiber optics. User terminals transfer their programming in base band to the earth station through terrestrial network by fiber optics to compress the size of the data – by reducing the size of the data; the provider can broadcast more channels to a satellite. Once the data is compressed, the broadcast signal is encrypted, and then the earth station will modulate and send uplink signal by microwave to a satellite in orbit. Then the satellite works as a repeater to amplifies the signal and send downlink signal back to the earth station. Next, the earth station will demodulate data back to base band and transfer back to user terminals. In case of direct to home transmission, viewers can receive data signal by their satellite dish directly. In the space segment means communications among another satellites in the orbit for different purposes.

Earth stations in Thailand

In Thailand, there are five earth stations, which owned by THAICOM CO., Ltd and CAT Telecom Co., Ltd. Both earth stations operate in similar responsibilities as below;

THAICOM Co., Ltd

“THAICOM is Asia’s leading commercial satellite operator providing advanced transmission access for information and entertainment to some of the world’s leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, and government agencies”

THAICOM provides two one-stop-shop earth stations and master control station called “Teleport and DTH Center” located in Prathumthani and Nonthaburi provinces. THAICOM Teleport and DTH Center offers comprehensive network solutions, including digital uplink system, tape play out service, compression system, downlink monitoring system, transponder service, and global digital television under the standard ISO9002 and 9001:2000. [6]

Compression Service

– MPEG-2/DVB compliance system

– CD-quality stereo audio

– Network control & monitoring

– Flexible video and audio quality

– Channel bit rate: 3-8 Mbps per channel, broadcast quality

– Compatible with any receiver

– Free-to-Air or Encryption feature

Uplink Service

– 11 or 7.2 meter antenna uplink station

– Carrier is transmitted to MCPC transponder

Tape Play Service

– BETACAM, DVCAM or DVC-PRO format

– Automatic/Manual Tape Play system

– Logo Insertion, PAL/NTSC conversion

Transponder Service

– Spectrum efficiency provides lower space segment cost per channel

– Choices of KU-band Beam, C-band Regional Beam and C-band Global Beam

– C-band receiving dish size is small, from 1.8-2.4 meters

System Integration and Global Services

– Complete end-to-end service for integrated satellite TV networks

– Consultancy services for teleport design and installation

– Turnaround and connectivity with other satellites for global coverage

http://www.catdatacom.com/images/stories/bandnersatlink.jpg

CAT Telecom Co., Ltd

“Quality Assurance and Service Efficiency”

Another three earth stations owned by CAT Telecom Co., Ltd located in Nonthaburi, Chonburi, and Ubonthani provinces. Their television transmission services are providing uplink and downlink in digital system under standard of ISO 9001 [7] . Its services can be identified below;

Distribution: receiving international program and transfer to domestic television stations.

http://satlink.cattelecom.com/catdatacom/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tvt-distribution.jpg

Contribution: transfering domestics program to both domestics and international television stations.

http://satlink.cattelecom.com/catdatacom/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tvt-contribution.jpg

Turnaround: receiving television programs from one satellite and then transfer to another satellite for a broader broadcasting transmission.

http://satlink.cattelecom.com/catdatacom/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tvt-turnaround.jpg

Content Delivery: transferring television programs from program producers to television stations or cable TV

http://satlink.cattelecom.com/catdatacom/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tvt-contentdelivery.jpg

DSNG: providing mobile broadcasting station

http://satlink.cattelecom.com/catdatacom/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tvt-dsng.jpg

2.2 Satellite television

Telecommunication, or telecom, is the transmission of signals over long distances from one sender to another. [8]

After the development of satellite communications, many telecommunication devices such as telephone, internet, and including television have been improved and exploited in signal quality and stabilization, broader communication transmission, higher speed, and flexibility in accessibility.

Satellite television is a television system in which the signal is transmitted to an orbiting satellite that receives the signal and amplifies it and transmits it back to earth. [9]

This part illustrates communication satellites that relay in global and Thailand, and explains the evolution and identifications of Thai communication satellite, signal frequencies, angle of azimuth and elevation.

2.2.1 Communication satellites that relay in geostationary orbit [10]

Figure 2.4 shows total commercial communication satellites relay in geostationary orbit.

BSS: Boeing Satellite Systems

Figure 2.4: Commercial Communication Satellites in Geostationary orbit

Communication satellites available for Thai television broadcasting

Table 2.1 shows all commercial communication satellites relay in geostationary orbit that states the individual identification of the orbital slot and usability which Thai viewers can be received directly to home.

Table 2.1: List of communication satellites available for Thai television broadcasting

Table 2.1:

Orbital Slot Name

Usability

(Degree) HD TV TV Digital TV Analog

177.0oW NSS 5 0 1 0

180.0oE Intelsat 701 0 89 1

169.0oE PAS 2 N/A N/A N/A

166.0oE PAS 8 N/A N/A N/A

164.0oE Optus A3 0 7 0

162.0oE Superbird B2 0 0 3

160.0oE Optus B1 0 96 1

158.0oE Superbird A 0 1 6

156.0oE Optus C1 0 192 0

154.0oE JCSAT 2A 0 3 0

152.0oE Optus B3 0 96 0

150.0oE JCSAT 1B 0 1 5

148.0oE Measat 2 0 40 0

146.0oE Agila 2 0 69 0

145.0oE Gorizont 33 0 7 0

144.0oE Superbird C 0 48 0

140.0oE Gorizont 31 0 0 1

138.0oE Telstar 18 0 116 0

136.0oE N-Star B 0 1 0

134.0oE Apstar 1A N/A N/A N/A

134.0oE Apstar 6 0 37 5

132.0oE N-Star A 0 2 0

Orbital Slot Name

Usability

(Degree) HD TV TV Digital TV Analog

124.0oE JCSAT 4A 0 93 0

122.2oE AsiaSat 4 0 19 0

120.0oE Thaicom 1A 0 6 0

118.0oE Palapa B4 0 1 0

116.0oE Koreasat 3 N/A N/A N/A

113.0oE Palapa C2 0 23 2

113.0oE Koreasat 2 0 67 0

110.5oE Sinosat 1 0 63 0

110.0oE BSAT 1A 10 3 4

110.0oE BSAT 2A 10 3 4

110.0oE N-Sat 110 N/A N/A N/A

108.2oE Worldsat 1 0 51 0

108.0oE Telkom 1 0 46 0

107.7oE Cakrawarta 1 0 46 0

105.5oE AsiaSat 3S 0 253 0

105.0oE AsiaStar 0 0 0

103.0oE Express AM 3 N/A N/A N/A

100.5oE AsiaSat 2 0 29 0

96.5oE Express AM 11 0 49 2

95.0oE NSS 6 0 175 0

93.5oE Insat 3A 0 29 1

91.5oE Measat 1 0 65 1

90.0oE Yamal 201 0 45 0

Orbital Slot Name

Usability

(Degree) HD TV TV Digital TV Analog

87.5oE ChinaStar 1 0 19 0

85.2oE Intelsat 709 0 2 0

83.0oE Insat 2E 0 84 0

83.0oE Insat 3B 0 84 0

80.0oE Express 6A 0 29 1

80.0oE Express AM 2 0 29 1

78.5oE Thaicom 2 0 176 4

78.5oE Thaicom 3 0 176 4

76.5oE Telstar 10 0 169 0

75.0oE LMI 1 0 28 1

74.0oE Insat 3C 0 27 0

74.0oE Edusat 0 1 0

72.0oE PAS 4 N/A N/A N/A

70.5oE Eutelsat W5 1 11 0

Source: http://www.lyngsat.com/nee5.html, Retrieved 20th October, 2010

2.2.2 Birth of Thai Communication Satellites

The national communication satellite is an important asset of all nations for the benefits of both domestic and international telecommunication. In Thailand, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand graciously named the first national communications satellite, “THAICOM” (used as abbreviation) which stands for “Thai Communications”. This name signifies the linkage between “Thailand” and “Communications” [11]

THAICOMs have been launched five communication satellites in a geostationary orbit for use to transmit signal in different purposes such as broadcasting and broadband. THAICOM 1A, 2, 5 are used for TV and radio broadcasting, but THAICOM 4 (or called IPSTAR) is used for broadband such as internet, telephone, VoIP, etc. THAICOM 5’s prime orbital slot is at 78.5 °E, which is the highest penetration for South Asia, Europe, Indochina and Australia. Its strategic orbital slot carries more than 200 national, regional, ethic and global TV channels.

Thaicom Public Company Limited (formerly named Shin Satellite) was founded on 7th November 1991 by Shin Corporation Plc. (“SHIN”), which was granted a 30-year Build-Transfer-Operate concession from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (now transferred to “Ministry of Information and Communication Technology”) to operate the country’s first communications satellite, and the concession expires in 2021. The company also certified by ISO 9001-2000 to guarantee customers a world-class product and services.

Specification of THAICOM satellite televisions

Table 2.2: THAICOM 1A, 2, 5 Specifications

http://www.thaicom.net/eng/images/satellite/Thaicom3.jpghttp://www.thaicom.net/eng/images/satellite/pic_Thaicom1A_2.jpghttp://www.thaicom.net/eng/images/satellite/pic_Thaicom1A_2.jpg

THAICOM 2

THAICOM 5

THAICOM 1A

Design

Two identical Hughes HS-376, dual spin stabilized spacecraft

Spacebus 3000A, a three-axis stabilized spacecraft

Manufacturer

Boeing Company, USA

Alcatel Alenia Space, France

Power System

800 Watts at the end

At least 5,000 Watts at the end

Launch Weight

1080 Kg.

Approximately 2,766 Kg.

Mass in Orbit

629 Kg. at the beginning of spacecraft’s life, 450 Kg. At the end.

At least 1,600 Kg. at the beginning of spacecraft’s life, 1,220 Kg. at the end

Life Expectancy

15 years.

At least 12 years

Transponder Capacity

C-band = 12 transponders

KU-band = 3 transponders each, total = 6 @ 54 MHz

C-band = 10

KU-band = 3 transponders each, total = 6 @ 54 MHz

C-band: 25 transponders (all with 36 MHz)

KU-band: 14 transponders (two with 54 MHz and 12 with 36 MHz)

Satellite Location

120 degrees East

78.5 degrees East.

78.5 degrees East

Launch Agency

Ariane 4,Arianespace of France.

Ariane 4, Arianespace of France.

Ariane 5ECA, Arianespace of France

Launch Date

December 17, 1993

October 7, 1994

May 27, 2006

Relocation Date

THAICOM-1A: May-June, 1997

Source: THAICOM Products and Services, http://www.thaicom.net, Retrieved 15th November, 2010

2.2.3 Satellite television transmission and reception system in Thailand

Refer to the part 2.1.4 the configuration of a satellite communications system describes the concept of the satellite communications between ground segment and space segment. In the meantime, this part is to understand space radiocommunications services, frequencies, and angle of azimuth and elevation to know the signal transmission and reception system for Thai satellite television.

In the process of uplink and downlink of data in satellite television between the earth station and communication satellites need to consider the compatibility of frequencies and space radiocommunications services – defined as transmission and reception of radio waves for specific telecommunication applications. [12]

There are many sorts of space radiocommunication services such as Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EES), and Space Research Service (SRS), but for satellite television uses FSS and BSS services. FSS is the oldest and most used of all of the satellite services. It is intended for communication through one satellite between earth stations that are fixed, or which are within a specified area. BSS consists of three services specifically designed to provide audio and video entertainment, possibly along with ancillary services, directly to end users; BSS-TV, BSSS-HDTV, and BSS-Sound. BSS is often called Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), which similar term is Direct- to-Home (DTH) (Chartrand, 2004)

The FSS and BSS satellite services have major frequencies allocation in C-band and KU-band, which used for satellite television.

Type of frequencies allocations

Frequency (GHz) for uplink/downlink

Band

Space Radiocommunications service

1.6/1.5

MSS

2/2.2

FSS & BSS

6/4

FSS

8/7

Military

14/12-11

FSS & BSS

30/20

FSS

Table 2.3: Frequency allocations

Source: Satellite Communications Systems, 4th edition, 2002

Angle of azimuth and elevation of different areas

Table 2.4 shows the angle of azimuth and elevation in Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) of THAICOM to enable to receive signal from communication satellites that relay on geostationary orbit, which are different depend on specific located area of satellite dish.

Table 2.4: Angle of azimuth and elevation for THAICOM 2/5, C-Band satellite dish

Provinces

Azimuth

Elevation

1.Bangkok

240

2.Krabi

249

3.Kanchanaburi

237

4.Kalasin

239

5.Kamphaeng Phet

233

6.Khon Kaen

238

7.Chanthaburi

244

8.Chachoengsao

241

9.Chon Buri

240

10.Chai Nat

236

11.Chaiyaphum

238

12.Chumphon

244

13.Chiang Rai

229

14.Chiang Mai

229

15.Trang

251

16.Trad

244

17.Tak

233

18.Nakhon Nayok

239

19.Nakhon Pathom

239

20.Nakhon Phanom

238

21.Nakhon Ratchasima

240

22.Nakhon Sri

249

23.Nakhon Sawan

236

24.Nonthaburi

239

25.Narathiwat

255

26.Nan

232

27.Nong Khai

236

28.Buri Ram

241

29.Prathum Thani

239

30.Prachuap Khiri Khan

237

31.Prachin Buri

240

32.Pattani

255

33.Ayutthaya

240

34.Phayao

230

35.Phang Nga

248

36.Phatthalung

252

37.Phichit

235

38.Phitsanulok

234

Provinces

Azimuth

Elevation

39.Phetchaburi

239

40.Phetchabun

236

41.Phrae

232

42.Phuket

249

43.Maha Sarakham

239

44.Mae Hong Son

226

45.Mukdahan

240

46.Yala

255

47.Yasothon

241

48.Roi Et

239

49.Ranong

245

50.Rayong

242

51.Ratchaburi

239

52.Lop Buri

237

53.Lampang

230

54.Lamphun

229

55.Loei

235

56.Si Sa Ket

241

57.Sakon Nakhon

238

58.Songkhla

253

59.Satun

254

60.Samut Prakan

240

61.Samut Songkhram

240

62.Samut Sakhon

240

63.Sa Kaeo

241

64.Saraburi

238

65.Sing Buri

238

66.Sukhothat

232

67.Suphan Buri

238

68.Surat Thani

247

69.Surin

241

70.Nong Bua Lamphu

236

71.Ang Thong

238

72.Amnat Charoen

240

73.Udon Thani

236

74.Uttaradit

232

75.Uthai Thani

236

76.Ubon Ratchathani

242

Source: THAISAT Website, http://www.thaisat.co.th/thaibestmanualb.pdf, Retrieved 15th November 2010

2.3 Satellite dish

2.3.1 Type of satellite dish [13]

There are two types of satellite dish that generally uses for satellite television are KU-band and C-band. KU-band signal has potential to cover in specific and narrow area – Thailand and surrounding area. However, it has very strong signal, so small size of satellite dish (2-5 inch of diameter) can receive signal effectively. Another signal is C-band; this signal covers in a very broad area across continents. As it has a wider beam, the weaker signal it obtained. Thus, C-band uses a bigger size of satellite dish (5-10 inch of diameter) to receive better signal from many satellites, meanwhile many more international channels are available direct to home of viewers.

Limitations of KU- band and C-band Satellite dish

The major concern of DTH system is weather uncertainty especially raining period, because it affects intensively to the quality of signal transmission and reception of satellite television. KU-band capability has a limitation of this issue and then cause problem while watching television because of the narrow covering area. In contrast, C-band has no limitation of raining issue, but it has the difficulty to set up a satellite dish because of its larger size.

2.3.2 Satellite dish components [14]

Figure 2.5: Satellite dish components

Satellite Antenna (Reflector)

The satellite antenna is designed in a parabolic shape. The main role of satellite antenna is to receive down link signal from the satellite, and reflect it to the center focus where LNB is located. There are three type of reflection – cassegrain, prime focus, and offset focus. The most popular type for free to air use is a prime focus because it can receipt a better signal, ease to set up, and enable to modify a LNB in both C- band and KU- band to receive signal from many satellites.

Low Noise Block down converter (LNB)

LNB is located at the center focus of the satellite antenna. Once the signal comes to the center focus, it will be leaded to wave guide line and pass through small pole. Then LNB will expand the signal intensively, and transfer to a frequency down converter to release IF (intermediate Frequency). The frequency need to be down in order to send signal through coaxial cable, and later transfer to the receiver.

Receiver

Receiver sometime called Set Top Box (STB) or Integrated Receiver and Decoder (IRD), its role is to convert the IF signal that receives from coaxial cable to picture and sound signal. Nowadays, there are two types of system in the receiver which are analog and digital system.

Analog system receiver: this sort of receiver will convert the signal from satellite to picture and sound directly. Its process is not complicated, and if the signal is strong enough then the picture will be clear. In contrast, if the signal is weak, picture received will be unclear.

Digital system receiver: this sort of receiver will receive digital signal from satellite then decrypt a digital system to a complete form of picture and sound signal. The compress signal system is used MPEG-II system – the same compress signal system as a DVD player which gives a very clear picture and sound. Even though, the signal transmission and reception from satellite is weak, the quality of picture and sound signal are still good.

Mount

There are two types of mounts which are fixed and moved mount. The different is that the moved mount can move the satellite antenna to different directions which means it can receive TV signal transmission from various satellites. In contrast, fixed mount can only receive the signal from a specific satellite.

Standpole

The standpole helps to hold the satellite dish with some places that quite strong and stable such as floor or roof. Currently, it has been adapted for flexible uses by producing in different designs such as straight one or blending one.

Actuator

An important motor helps to adjust the position of satellite antenna according to the angle of relayed satellites. The motor will move by stretch and shrink the central axis depends on the position of satellites. There are many size of actuator such as 18 inch, 24 inch, or 36 inch, and there are both wide and narrow feature which depend on the flexibility of use.

Coaxial cable

The coaxial cable can be divided into two types;

– Coaxial cable of RG6 uses with fix satellite antenna

– TVRO uses with move satellite antenna

2.3.3 Satellite dish brands in Thailand

PSIhttp://www.vitsat.net/images/logo_psi.gif

Poly Telecom Co.,Ltd has been founded 19 years ago. PSI (Poly Satellite Industry) is the renowned brand of Thai people which is the leader company in production and selling equipments of satellite dish. To response to customers demand, PSI keeps developing and improving existing and new products by the group of researcher which is expertise in this field. Moreover, PSI brings high digital technology to use in every production line processes in order to meet the quality standard and being accepted from both domestic and international market. PSI is not only distributed in Thailand, but also export to another countries as well such as Middle East region, Australia, Africa, and South Africa. [15]

Table 2.5: PSI products and its features

Products

Features

C-band satellite antenna Size 1.5,1.7 m

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Workable with C-band and KU-band system

Aluminum material

High quality of painting by powder color heated with 200 degree Celsius. Help to protect rust and color peering

Water proof hoop to protect LNB

Receiver DFIX-O2 N

TV channels upgraded by Auto OTA

Thai menu language, easy to use

Receive signal faster than before 20%

Electronic supply cost 0.25 baht

Receiver Bonus

TV channels upgraded by Auto OTA

LED display

Free news through satellite

Able to send/receive SMS through internet and mobile free (SAT-MAIL)

Thai menu language

Body made from metal for extracting heat

Special design of Switched- Mode Power Supply to support usable in Thailand

Fast response for sensitive signal by the new technology ETEG III

Receiver S-TAR S7

Auto updated TV channels

Thai menu language

High quality

Small size

Save power supply

Smart search for TV channels

Source: PSI Website, http://www.psisat.com/products, Retrieved 29th December, 2010

DYNASAT

Dynamic Satcom Co.,Ltd was founded in 1992 to operate as the manufacture and distributor of satellite dish and equipments under the trademark “DYNASAT”. Since the past 10 years, DYNASAT is very concern in research and development, design development and up-to-date technology in production. They aim to develop the high quality products because they believe that it is the most important factor than anything else. Until now DYNASAT has already exported their products to other countries more than 20 countries. Moreover, they received permission from the Department of Export Promotion to use the mark “THAILAND’S BRAND” – this is an honor of the company to continue improving new products to the market. [16]

Table 2.6: DYNASAT products and its features

Products

Features

C-band satellite antenna Size 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 10, 12 foot

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDMDNvx7ILZq1qD0BMt0d5fySjRy2FI9F7nbkg9Rd5qWjlsvEJhg

Aluminum Mesh Dish Antenna

S/C/KU Band Reception

High accuracy parabolic curvature design

Thicker & Flatter Laminated mesh sheet

Bigger & Thicker ribs for better strongness

Intermediate support rings

Big screw fixing heads

Smart quad feed supports

Powder coated finishing

Free for LNB cover hood

Fast & Easy assembly and installation

Heavy duty Pre-Assembled mount

Adjustable declination 0-15 degrees without stress

Precise direction tracking

Ease of transportation and space management by 4-8 panels/CKD

Gold gavalnize plated for all nuts & screws same as industrial grade

Shot blasting for steel surface preparation not chemical cleaning for neat finishing. No rust longer & save environment

Robotic welding machines give excellent works

Dynasat PVR

Dynasat-PVR

Able to record favorite channels in USB or External HDD

File convert to view by another devices – notebook, PSP, iPod, iPhone and more

Support UBC smart card and other card

Advanced Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and brief story in Thai language

Advance Time Shift function to review the old channel

Able to adjust brightness, contrast and color on LCD TV for a better video quality

MPEG II and DVB

Provide Blind Search

Store 10,000 channels (Max)

Editing security by Parental Lock/System Lock/ Installation Lock

IRD-7200

http://www.dynasat.com/images/Dynasat_IRD7200_SM.jpg

DVB/MPEG-2 Compliant

Multi-CAS (Software Embedded Upgradable)

2 card system embedded for viacess 1-2, IRDETO 1-2, SECA 1-2 Nagravision, CONX and more

Acceptable original card, fun card, pic card, gold card, and more

Soft-Fun-card, built-in edit key by remote control

4,000 channel TV & radio programmable

100 Satellite programmable

Satellite & Channel name editable

Multi-system PAL/ NTSC

Advanced Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

Automatic turn-on & timer settings

Full information mulit language OSD

256 color GUI (Graphic User Interface)

True color background image up loadable

Advanced favorite channel menu

Parental lock function

Software upgrade & backup through RS- 232

Software transfer between RX<->RX, RX<-> PC

Capable of setting RF Modular for SMATV system

DYNASAT ADP-5000

http://www.dynasat.com/images/Dynasat_ADP5000_SM.jpg

Installation by Easy Setup Guide

Program up to 4,000 TV and radio

Store up to 30 favorite channel lists

Satellite by satellite channel list

Channel edit, move, delete, rename function

Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

On-Screen display available in multi-languages

Data transfer function between receivers

MPEG I&II, CD quality audio sound

DYNASAT DigiBox-3000

http://www.dynasat.com/images/Dynasat_DigiBox3000_SM.jpg

MPEG-2 digital & fully DVB compliant

Support user friendly and easy main menu

Picture In Graphics (PIG)

Game

Switching time less than 1 sec

Max. 3,000 channels

Teletext support

Source: Dynnasat Website, http://www.dynasat.com/t_product.htm, Retrieved 29th December, 2010

SAMARThttp://www.freethailand.com/webboard/images/logo_samart.gif

More than 50 years of SAMART Group that has been attempted to create and develop high quality of television wire and equipment which growth parallel with the market expansion over all region of Thailand. SAMART Group realizes the important of information acknowledge of Thai people in order to raise their living standard. Therefore, the company starts to bring the technology of satellite communication system to meet the demand of receiving news and information from every corner of the world. [17]

Table 2.7: SAMART products and its features

Products

Features

C-band satellite antenna Size 4.3, 5, 5.5, 6, 10 foot

http://www.samart-eng.com/pictures/samart-eng-20091013012834.jpg

More than 80 TV channels provided

High quality material and high Aluminum quality to protect all climate

Better slope design to receive better signal transmission

Applicable to view TV channels from Ku-band system

OTA-ONE

http://www.samart-eng.com/pictures/samart-eng-20101104041024.jpg

National Chip (OTA) High speed

Compatible with DVB-S/ MPEG-2 Layer I&II

High-quality pictures (contrast/bright/hue)

Software can be upgraded

Highly reliable switching power supply

9 pictures in one screen function

Power off memory

QSD Thai/Eng language

Freeze picture function

Zoom picture function

Store 1,000 programs (Max)

DSR-999

http://www.samart-eng.com/pictures/samart-eng-20091214102112.jpg

One push “Smart Search” to search new channels

New chip “National Chip” to drive processor run faster

Body made from metal, excellence heat extracting

Menu control on the front, work without remote

Have both type of out-put; AV-out and RF-out

Remote is easy to use; big buttons and different color help users to recognized

DSR-111

http://www.samart-eng.com/pictures/samart-eng-20091014085957.jpg

All solution (3328C) main chip

Compatable with DVB-S/MPEG-2

High-quality pictures

Power off memory

RF modulator

Dual port tuner

Software can be upgraded

Box-to-Box upgrading supported

Highly reliable switch power

Store 1,000 programs (Max)

9 pictures in one screen function

Source: Samart Engineering Website, http://www.samart-eng.com/product.php, Retrieved 29th December, 2010

THAISAT

Thaisat Expert Engineering Co.,Ltd is a professional company in development, manufacturing, and marketing of satellite dish industry which named under the trademark “THAISAT”. The company was founded in 2010, but according to the experiences in satellite dish market for 10 years of Lecturer Montree Sukrop – the founder and the teams who attempt to continue improving product quality and production processes to be the most efficiency products in Thailand. [18] http://www.asatellite.com/img/css/logo/logo_thaisat_50.jpg

Table 2.8: THAISAT products and its features

Products

Features

C-band satellite antenna Size 4.5, 5 foot

http://ptp-satellite.com/~/images/thaisat_dish.gif

Palabola Curve design

Aluminum satellite antenna

Coat with powder color, and heat with 200 degree Celsius for 15 minutes

Big hoop made from ABS plastic

Receiver

Fast search TV channels

Store 2,500 channels

Store favorite channels in 6 groups

Multilingual menu

Shown signal level and quality in numeral

Stereo sound system in left and right

Able to control without remote

9 pictures in one screen function

Source: Thaisat Website, http://www.thaisat.co.th/home.php, Retrieved 29th December, 2010

LEO

LEO Technology and Marketing Co., Ltd., the distributor of products from quality factory was incorporated on 29 October 1999, with the initial objective to distribute goods and equipments in CATV and MATV systems. Later, LEO has expanded its capacity to develop satellite dish and receiver to the market. [19]

Table 2.9: LEO products and its features

Products

Features

C-band satellite antenna Size 4.3, 5, 5.5, 6, 10 foot

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSp9mYWT1mPGgXPALLq08XNVvUO-MH6J8j1v0LAMSAX0vA7AtvZ8g

C/KU-band digital reception

Light, durable, small size and not against the wind

Aluminum satellite antenna, coat with powder color, heat with 200 degree Celsius

TF 8000 F (FTA Digital Satellite Receiver)

TFhttp://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNbN0qiUtsKHjOlKYbOLMTiOnGC-qQ3smx_xxIXN-L9Geuu81h

Fully DVB-S compliant

5,000 services programmable (TV & Radio)

Multilingual audio/ Menu text supported

Service/ Favorite list editing

Electronic Program Guide (EPG) supported

USB 2.0 host supported for fast interface

Subtitle. Teletext supported

Mosaic (multi-picture) screen supported

Fast firmware upgrade supported via USB port

Capable of Time-shifting & recording using a external hard disk drive

LEO 9IR

Firmware upgrade by OTA (Over-The-Air)

IRDETO CAS embedded

Fully DVB compliant

5,000 service TV & radio programmable

Multilingual audio/ menu text supported

Favorite/service list editing

Parental lock facility by service and program event

Subtitle/Teletext supported

Electronic Program Guide (EPG) supported

Source: LeoTech Website, http://www.leotech.co.th/dBySattel/product.php?id=3, Retrieved 29th December, 2010

2.3.4 Development of satellite dish and its technology [20]

The television video signal system and signal transmission system have been developed from analog system to digital system in many countries even Thailand. Then, in 1982 ITU has set up the standard for the digital signal system called ITU-R BT. 601 in order to support and develop all country to change from analog system to digital system in a unidirectional way.

Adoption of video signal systems

Analog video signal system: In the beginning stage of broadcasting, all television video signals were black and white and developing to color. The video signal that shown on television is generated by horizontal scanning (left to right) and then vertical scanning (top to down), and the standard result is 625 lines scan system for 50 Hertz coprocessor ratio, and 525 lines scan system for 60 Hertz coprocessor ratio.

Digital video signal system: This developing system was change by using signal modulation, and its capacity was increase.

Adoption of signal transmission systems

Analog transmission system: In the analog system, transmission and reception of signal in 1 transponder can only transfer 1 channel or the most 2 channels, but quality is low. Nowadays, this system is not being used anymore once the emerging of a high quality of technology – Digital transmission system.

Digital transmission system: This system 1 transponder can transfer 4-8 channels, and its transponder can be divided to obtain many channels. Meanwhile, as the price is cheaper, many nation or international channels are likely to use this system widespread.

Digital transmission system gains advantages over analog system; for example, exact signal, eliminating cumulative noises, integrated network, easy to manipulate, more reliable, and compatibility with other digital systems.

Adoption of audio and video compression standard

In 1988, Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) was founded as the standards body made up of a number of large companies involved in technology and content creation in the video industry, which work under the support of ISO/IEC. Its obligation is to set up the standard of audio and video compression. There are a number of MPEG compression formats had been gradually developed such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-3, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, and MPEG-21, but each standard indicated usage differently. The list below only explains the MPEG standard that related to TV broadcasting.

MPEG-1

MPEG-1 compression was first introduced in 1992 by MPEG. It was designed to record information on the CD or HDD with progressively scanned video coding at bit rates up to about 1.5 Mbit/s

MPEG-2

MPEG-2 is an extension version of the MPEG-1 standard for digital compression of audio and video signals. It has been used in almost all digital television system such as terrestrial, cable, and satellite broadcasting. MPEG-2 is directed at broadcast formats at higher data rates; it provides extra algorithmic ‘tools’ for efficiently coding interlaced video, supports a wide range of bit rates and provides for multichannel, multilingual, and multiprogramming for advance audio coding.

The MPEG-2 standard is capable of coding standard-definition television at bit rates from about 3-15 Mbit/s and high-definition television at 15-30 Mbit/s. MPEG-2 increase the stereo audio capabilities of MPEG-1 to multi-channel surround sound coding. MPEG-2 decoders will also decode MPEG-1 bit streams. MPEG-2 mainly used by DVD formats for encoding video, digital cable and satellite industries.

MPEG-3

The intention of MPEG-3 was to make the standard compatible with high-definition TV (HDTV), but it is became unnecessary when MPEG-2 extensions expanded that standard’s ability to encompass HDTV. Therefore, MPEG-3 was abandoned.

MPEG-4

From MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, the MPEG-4 standard extends functionality of audio/video compression by developing format flexibility. The purpose of developing MPEG-4 is for interactive communication in multimedia, and its small information is good for fix communication and wireless communication especially in the internet streaming.

MPEG-4 is efficient across a variety of bit-rates ranging from a few kilobits per 2-10 Mbit/s. The following are functionalities of MPEG-4:

Improved coding efficiency over MPEG-2

Ability to encode mixed media data (video, audio, speech)

Error resilience to enable robust transmission

Ability to interact with the audio-visual scene generated at the receiver

MPEG-4 standard is successfully used in these three fields:

Digital television;

Interactive graphics applications (synthetic content);

Interactive multimedia (World Wide Web, distribution of and access to content)

2.4 C-band satellite dish market in Thailand

C-band satellite dish has been entered in Thai market date back in 1999. However, it was unrecognized and not common use in a household level because satellite dish was sold in high price, high set up cost, high price of transponder, large size of satellite dish, less TV channels, unclear signal from analog transmission system, and it need to get ownership permission from government officers. [21]

Later, the broadcasting system has been develop from analog to digital transmission system which it can transfer more TV channels with a better video signal. The more channels released direct to home of the viewers, the less price of TV channels. After that, all satellite dish companies were trying to improve and release new products to the market subsequently once the technology has been continuously developed. This bring the positive advantages to the satellite dish market; for instance a better product quality, smaller size of satellite dish, more TV channels provided, clear video signal, ease to set up, cheaper set up cost and cheaper price of satellite dish – these are very important influencers that can affect to the customer’s buying decision. [22]

In 2008, the market situation of C-band satellite dish was dramatically expansion when the political offense occurred in Thailand and satellite was used as the main medium in live broadcasting. Moreover, late accredit of the Nation Telecommunications Commission and the unidentified regulation of Broadcasting and Television Business Operation Act B.E. 2551 (A.D. 2008) brought the gap in satellite television business. The act allows more advertising time to 6 minutes per hour for television broadcasting activities or business that do not use frequency. Hence, this give an opportunity for Satellite TV and Cable TV business to take advantages from this issue; for example, TV producers can release more new TV channels because of cheaper broadcasting cost, satellite dish companies can develop and sell more satellite dish, and viewers can watch more variety of TV channels.

The C-band satellite dish market become very competitive which it obtains 2.35 million households from the total 6 million households who use both type of satellite dish, and 20.35 million households are the total households in Thailand. [23] Moreover, The Satellite Television Association (Thailand) or STAT was launch the “Wireless Antenna” campaign, which the main objective is to encourage viewers to change TV transmission medium from antenna to satellite dish and by 2013 all antennas are expected to be vanished. Table below shows the forecasting statistics of the number of households that receive TV transmission from different mediums in Thailand;

Table 2.10: Number of households that receive TV transmission from different mediums

(in millions)

Year

C-band Satellite dish

Cable TV

Antenna

2007

19.13

4.18

14.94

2008

19.79

5.72

14.07

2009

20.35

6.37

13.97

2010

* 20.94

9.16

11.78

2013

* 22.83

27.18

-4.35

Source: AGB Nielsen media Research, *Forecasting from STAT

Consequently, since the extremely expansion of C-band satellite dish market in 2008, it attracts new satellite dish companies to enter in this market such as THAISAT, Idea Chan, and Top Ten. Currently the C-band satellite dish market comprises of many competitors – SAMART, PSI, DYNASAT, LEO, THAISAT, Infosat, Idea Chan, and Top Ten. According to Naewna News, the CEO of PSI, the leader in satellite dish companies, said that the competition in 2010 is very aggressive so the company has prepared more active marketing strategies; for example, partnered with Live TV to have 5 new channels to free TV to be 12 channels in total. Moreover, the company has expected to increase sales to 1.5 million satellites and expanding 2 new branches to be 25 branches total in Thailand. The marketing manager of SAMART also said that nowadays competition is very high and many small companies try to reduce the price. This makes the company have to adjust its marketing strategy to compete in the market.

As the matter of fact that all companies are facing with intensive competition as many products available in the market which affect the selling price to be reducing. Therefore, each company need to come up with effective strategy, push more promotions, and develop products quality to increase their sales figures in the future.

2.4.1 The future plan of the television broadcasting in Thailand and its impact to C-band satellite dish market

According to the Year End Conference 2010 hold by the National Telecommunication Commission, it has proposed many future plans related to the ICT industry. The master plan for the television broadcasting sector is that Thailand will start to change the television system from analog to digital system in 2015, and will abandon using TV analog system in 2020. Thai television broadcasting will use the transmitting signal method named Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) as already use in Europe and Australia. There are benefits of using DVB-T to different body as below;

Benefits:

Government: More frequency (4-8 channels more in 1 old frequency which depend on used compression standard), and more variety of TV channels.

TV channels: It creates more channels TV.

Household: Increasing prefer channels, mobile TV, and performing as an interactive TV.

Impact to this future change:

Viewers

Free-To-Air TV

Corporate spectrum allocation and monitoring the television broadcast

Policy Makers

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