FTA Online Canada

A list of commonly used Satellite Terms:

ACCESS CARD:
A plastic card is a card received with all satellite receivers. The access card is registered to the receiver and can not be used in any other receiver. It gives the service provider the information necessary to provide the subscribed programming; it is also used for Pay per View billing.
ALIGNEMENT:
The azimuth is the east to west alignment of the dish.
ELEVATION:
Elevation is the vertical angle of the dish from the horizon. The dish must have a clear unobstructed view of the satellites and the coordinates vary depending on your location. Determine where to point your dish.
COAXIAL CABLE:
RG-6 Coaxial cable is required to bring the signal from the dish to the receivers. It also handles the low voltage to power the LNB.
DBS – DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE:
The term used for satellites that broadcast directly to your home satellite dish.
DIGITAL COMPRESSION:
The satellite signal is sent in a compressed digital format used to allow more channels and more audio video options.
DVR:
Digital Video Recorder.
EPG:
The Electronic Program Guide or EPG displays all available programming. You can easily create your own custom guides.
FOOTPRINT:
A footprint is where the signal transmitted from a satellite is able to reach with an acceptable signal.
FTA:
FTA is an acronym meaning free to air.
GEOSTATIONARY:
The satellites are in a geosynchronous orbit, 22,300 miles above the equator. This means the satellites stay in the same place and orbit with the earth.
IKS:
Internet Key Sharing
LNBF:
LNBF stands for Low Noise amplifier, Block Converter, Feed Horn, and is commonly referred to as the LNB and is located in front of the satellite dish.
The LNB is catches the high frequency satellite signals reflected from the dish. The high frequency is down converted to a lower frequency and sent to the receiver(s) via RG-6 coax cable.
OTA:
Over the air. See our OTA Equipment Section
PVR:
Personal Video Recorder.
RECEIVER:
The receiver is also referred to as a tuner. It is the “box” directly connected to your television. It receives the signal from the LNB on the dish and allows you to view programming.
R/F COAX CONNECTORS:
Also called R/F connectors. The R/F connectors are attached to the end of coax cable to allow you to connect the cable to the receiver, LNB and other devices. See how-to video.
RG59 COAX CABLE:
A low cost coaxial cable used in many homes prewired for cable. It can be used to connect the output of a receiver to other rooms, but it shouldn’t be used to connect the LNB to a receiver.
RG6 COAX CABLE:
Is a high grade coax cable that should be used to connect the LNB to the receiver and where ever possible. The center conductor is larger in diameter, which is needed to carry the DC voltage from the receiver to power the LNB.
SATELLITE DISH:
The dish is parabolic reflector used to receive or transmit radio, television or data
SWITCHES:
There are several types of switches that can be used to connect a second dish and LNB and/or multiple receivers. Switches look like splitters with multiple inputs and outputs.
SPOT BEAM:
Is a satellite transmission that is focused on a specific area within the footprint of the satellite. Spot beams are used to control the local Networks so they can only be received within a few hundred miles of your home.
TRANSPONDER:
A transponder is defined as a wireless communications, monitoring, or control device that picks up and automatically responds to an incoming signal.
UHF REMOTE:
Ultra High Frequency remote control that allows you to control the receiver from another room.

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