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Archive-name: Satellite-TV/FAQ
Last-modified: 1996/02/13
Copyright 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 Gary Bourgois
USENET SATELLITE FAQ LIST
Frequently Asked Questions in rec.video.satellite / HOMESAT-L
Compiled and Edited by Gary Bourgois, WB8EOH
Send additions/further questions to flash@lopez.marquette.MI.US
May be posted to other networks and individual systems provided it is not
edited or modified in any form.
DESTROY ALL PREVIOUS EDITIONS
Gary Bourgois, FAQ Author
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Contents:
What do I need to receive Satellite TV?
Who should own a Satellite Receiver?
What types of things can I see with a satellite system that I might not
find on Cable or Broadcast TV?
How much will a satellite system cost me?
Where can I get a list of all the satellites and satellite channels?
Is there a good cheap book that will help me set up, align and repair my
satellite system?
In reference to a satellite communications system, what does a backhaul mean,
and what does it physically represent?
What about scrambling, isn't it all scrambled these days?
How much does it cost to "descramble" the scrambled channels?
How does my descrambler talk back to the satellite, and how does it know
where I live so it can black out my local sporting events?
Are the networks scrambled?
What channels will never be scrambled?
How do descramblers work?
Where can i get the plans to build a descrambler so I can watch for free
But what about the other scrambling systems used by broadcasters, how do
THEY work?
How small a dish can I use, and what is this DBS thing?
Can I use a smaller dish for AUDIO only?
What is the difference between PRIMESTAR and DSS?
Can I get STAR TREK: Voyager on my satellite dish? WHEN is it ON?
What is a Wild Feed, and why are these shows sent early?
What does "BUD" mean (I see it all the time in postings on the net)
How can i know which NBA and NHL games are on the birds?
Can you watch more than one TV at the same time?
Can I receive international satellites on my dish?
What about this mysterious KU band?
What does it cost to add KU to my system?
What is an Inclined Orbit Satellite, and how can I receive them?
How long does a satellite "last" and why do they get regularly replaced?
It is early Spring (Fall) and I was watching my satellite dish and the
picture got fuzzy and vanished. What happened?
What is SCPC?
What are DATS and SEDATS Audio, and how can I receive them.
What digital information is available on satellite and how do I get it?
What is the best satellite system for me?
Isn't it difficult to install a satellite system?
My community has restrictive covenants and dishes are not allowed.
Is there anything I can do to install a dish?
I live on a wooded lot with lots of trees. Is this a problem?
How can I subscribe to the HOMESAT mailing list, since I don't get netnews?
What other sources of info are there about home satellite?
I have a question that was not on this list. How do I get an answer?
Reference Section
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WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO RECEIVE SATELLITE TV?
A TVRO (TeleVision Receive Only) System consists of the following components:
THE DISH
This is the most visible component, a parabolic reflector which may
consist of Solid Aluminum, Perforated Aluminum or WIRE MESH. Dish
sizes vary from small (3-4 feet KU BAND, EUROPE) all the way to
16-20 Ft (USA Commercial C-BAND) with the average falling between
7-12 ft, 10 ft being most common. This device focuses the microwave
signals coming from the satellites much as the mirror in a reflecting
telescope concentrates the light from distant galaxies.
THE MOUNT
The most common type of dish mount is called a POLAR MOUNT, so named
because it is oriented to coincide with the earth's axis, enabling
it to "track" the satellites, which are spread out in geostationary
orbit in a band of the sky called the "Clarke Belt", named after
Arthur C. Clarke, who dreamed up the concept of geostationary
communications satellites back in 1945.
The mount is installed on a 3 inch pipe, which is sunk in concrete.
Most (but not all) mounts require a 3.5" OD pole. In most (but not all)
cases this is a 3" ID pipe. Schedule 40 works well, so does used "drill
stem". In many areas, this is available from salvage dealers at very
reasonable prices. (* OD refers to OUTER DIAMETER, ID refers to
INNER DIAMETER)
THE POSITIONER ARM (Actuator)
A device containing a motor that is used to swing the satellite dish
to allow it to focus on individual satellites, which may be as close
to one another as 2 degrees of arc. Actuator arms are most commonly
found in 18- and 24-inch lengths (the longer the arm, the wider the arc
that the dish can "see".) In addition, a more expensive aiming mechanism,
called a "horizon-to-horizon" actuator, is capable of more precise aiming
(important on Ku band and closely-spaced satellites), as well as being
able to see the entire satellite arc from your location.
Many true dish heads have also added a second actuator to control
the VERTICAL aspect (elevation) of the dish, to enable them to
track inclined orbit satellites which "wobble" or vary in the vertical
plane.
THE LNB
This is the Little gizmo that amplifies the very weak signals from
the dish, and also converts them to a more suitable band of
frequencies. LNB means LOW NOISE BLOCKCONVERTOR. Older systems
consisted of separate components: LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) and a
downconvertor which changed the received signals (3-4 GHz, or
GIGAherz ....A GIGAHerz is one thousand megaHz....) to 70 Mhz.
The "standard block" used today is 950 to 1450 Mhz. Both C and
KU band (while they input on vastly different frequencies) output
on the 950 to 1450 Mhz block. HOWEVER there are special consider-
ations when dealing with KU (explained later)
There is also a device called an LNBF, which combines the LNB and
feedhorn into a single unit. (See below for description of feed
assembly. The LNBF device uses a simpler method for adjusting
the polarity (voltage right on the LNB cable). You can not adjust fine
skew, just H or V. This device is practical for C band only systems.
However if the LNB part goes bad, you need to replace ALL of it.
An LNBF is especially suitable for dedicated operations, such as a
smaller dish used for only one satellite. I have a 6 foot dish which
I use for Telstar 401 only, using an LNBF, and it gives excellent
service.
THE FEED ASSEMBLY
The feedhorn acts as a microwave "funnel" if you want to think of
it that way. This device places the LNB at the focus of the dish,
and is usually just called "the feed". There are several different
types of feeds.
Single C band feed: Contains ONE C band LNB. A device called
a POLAROTOR is located inside, which allows the reception of
both vertically polarized and horizontally polarized channels.
In general practice, the EVEN channels are on ONE polarity and
the ODD channels are on the opposite polarity. The actual
polarity scheme depends on the satellite in question.
Dual C band feed: Allows the use of Two C band LNB's one for
horizontal polarization and one for vertical.
Dual Band Feed (C and KU): Has two separate LNB's, one for C
band and one for KU band.
DUAL C band and single KU band feed: (There is at least one
version of this type of feed.
The most popular Dual Band feedhorns are the Chaparral CO-ROTOR II
Gardiner and ADL, though there are others on the market. While these
are actually a compromise system, with some minor losses, in
practice they work pretty well.
SATELLITE CABLES
This is a bundle of various wires and cables that run from the dish
to the receiver, and consist of cables for the C and/or KU LNB's,
Power to the LNB (Usually sent over the same COAXIAL CABLE) as well
as power for the positioner arm, return signals for position readout,
and control voltage for the polarotor.
Power to actuator Arm (Two conductors)
Return position readout from actuator (Two conductors)
The position readout cable from the actuator to the actuator controller
should have THREE conductors for the position sensor. For pot sensors, one
is for the tap, the other two are for the resistor. For pulse sensors, one
is ground, one is +5V, and the other is pulse input. Not all arms require
all three connections, but my scrounged Saginaw special has some nifty
hall-effect gizmo that does require power to generate pulses.
Power to polarotor (Two conductors)
Polarotors come in two different varieties. The "old style" just used a 12V
motor to rotate the probe. Apply power, it moves. Reverse polarity, it
changes direction. The new ones use a three wire connection. One for +5V,
one for ground, and one for "pulse".
RG-6U cable (rather than the often-seen RG-59U) is the cable of choice
for the higher frequencies of satellite TV.
RECEIVER
There are many receivers available by a number of manufacturers,
both new and used. The receiver takes the signal from the LNB
and produces a TV picture from the wideband FM video, and also
allows you to tune SUBCARRIER audio, which can provide many
different audio only services such as MUSIC and TALK shows and
even DATA TEXT reception. Newer receivers work with the standard
950-1450 mhz block that comes out of a standard LNB. Older ones
use a direct 70 MHZ feed and have an LNA (low noise amplifier) and
downconvertor at the dish. If you are on a budget, one of these
older type receivers might be a good place to start, though most
folks today use the more modern technology.
Your receiver may also have a descrambler built in for decoding
PAY services. This type of receiver is called an IRD or
Integrated Receiver Descrambler. You need a descrambler for
services like HBO and regular CABLE-TV type services (to be
discussed later)
DESCRAMBLER
The DE-FACTO consumer descrambler is the VIDEOCIPHER system which
is manufactured by General Instruments (G.I) in the USA. There
are stand-alone decoders still available. However a major consider-
ation is that at the present time, Descrambler technology is changing
and older descramblers will not work under the new standards. Beware
when buying an IRD (INTEGRATED, RECEIVER DESCRAMBLER) that the
unit can be upgraded to the new VC-II+
and forthcoming VC-II+ RS (Renewable Security) if you plan on watching
scrambled (Mostly Cable) services or Pay Per View movies and sports
events.
In Canada, the OAK-ORION system was another popular scrambling system,
which was used by TELESAT CANADA on the ANIK (Canadian) satellites.
CANCOM dumped OAK, in preparation for EXPRESSVU DBS. There ARE
some USA programs transmitted with the OAK-ORION system, primarily
Horse Racing and Hospital programming. While it is LEGAL to own a
OAK-ORION decoder, there are not enough services available in this
format to warrant doing so. Unless a person is a REAL horse racing
nut, and even then, getting the decoder AUTHORIZED to descramble
the horse races is questionable.
There are other scrambling systems in use in Europe.
In the USA, there had been a serious market for "pirate" or "chipped"
decoders, which receive scrambled services without the payment of
subscription fees. This situation has lead to the change to the
revised VC-II+ and forthcoming VC-II+ RS systems, which hope to
thwart this piracy through the use of a renewable "credit card" type
of chip system. Of course, this technology costs the consumer
additional money, on top of subscription fees that for the most part
are higher than comparable cable prices. Since the majority of the
scrambled channels are owned by the cable TV conglomerates, who
would prefer people subscribe to cable rather than view by satellite,
the reasoning here is obvious. For this reason, satellite TV
popularity in the USA has declined.
More about scrambling later in this FAQ list.
WHO SHOULD OWN A SATELLITE SYSTEM:
Most owners of Satellite TV systems these days fall into the following
categories:
1. Those who can not get cable due to isolated location.
2. Those who wish to receive programs not available on their
local cable system.
3. People who desire the sharpest "blow you away" video picture
possible (Studio Quality, far better than cable or over air)
Or those who want DISCRETE stereo sound from channels or
networks that are not carried in stereo in their local
area.
4. News Junkies who want to see unedited news coverage from the
source location, before it gets chopped up and packaged.
5. Experimenters and techy hobby types who enjoy tinkering.
6. Audiophiles who want to hear HUNDREDS of music services in
superior quality.
7. Digital Information Junkies desiring info-text services.
8. Those who desire foreign Language programming.
9. Individuals who like to see certain TV shows BEFORE they
are aired over the networks, often without commercials.
10. Those in search of additional programming, including pay per
view movies.
11. SPORTS NUTS... There is more sports on satellite than any
human being can STAND. Virtually EVERY game of EVERY team
is up there SOMEWHERE.... Much of it as "Backhauls" which
are not scrambled, and often do not have commercials.
12. Those who want to watch programs earlier or later than seen on
their local stations. For example, on the West Coast you can
watch David Letterman at 9:30 PM PST (or watch it at 3:30
AM Eastern time on the Pacific feed). If you see a music video
you *really like* on the MTV Eastern feed, you can tape it 3
hours later on the MTV Western feed.
13. Those who want to watch Gene Scott 24 hours a day.
14. RADIO NUTS. With the proper additional equipment there are
hundreds of additional audio services receivable, including
AM and FM stations from major cities, TALK SHOWS, every
kind of music imaginable, and very SPECIALIZED formats. Some
Satellite owners actually spend more time LISTENING to the
signals on their dish than WATCHING. (See the SCPC Paragraph
further down this FAQ list for more info)
15. Culture Vultures. If you like Ballet, Art Films, Concerts,
documentaries, Foreign Films, There are many opportunities
here, including a FREE Art Channel that runs snippets of
Concerts and Performances WITHOUT COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION
24 Hours a day.
Just about everyone could find themselves in ONE of the above categories.
WHAT TYPES OF THINGS CAN I SEE WITH A SATELLITE SYSTEM THAT I MIGHT NOT
FIND ON CABLE BROADCAST TV OR DBS?
Live uncensored coverage of news feeds, with no anchor man or reporter,
just see the news as it happens before live cameras. Major events like
the WACO debacle and the L.A. riots from multiple feed points, YOU select
the angle and shot you want to watch.
Teleconferences and meetings of various businesses and organizations, while
many of these are scrambled, quite a few are not.
Specialty and narrowcast shows, some examples include a 24 hour gold
prospecting channel, a channel for long haul truckers, etc.
College lectures and advanced courses, not just the simple brain dead stuff
of the Mind extension University, but REAL graduate level stuff, watch for
knowledge, or take the course for credit.
A full time channel from NASA, including complete 24 hour coverage of all
space missions, not just the launch and selected tidbits. See space
experiments being performed, and just look out the window at the earth
revolving below.
Several channels of Canadian TV which is superior to American TV, also
Mexican TV, which includes first run movies in English with spanish
subtitles. Unscrambled.
BBC TV Breakfast News, ITN news, News from Moscow TV, RTS TV from Serbia,
TV Madrid, German TV 24 hours a day, Italian TV, a channel of TV from the
Asian subcontinent which runs popular Indian and Pakistani films with no
commercial interruptions (Subscription required). Portuguese TV, Japan TV, A
Greek Channel, Chinese TV, A channel for Eskimos (Inuit), Arab TV, and many
other international broadcasts.
1000 or so AUDIO channels, including every conceivable music format, 24 hour
BBC world service Radio in FM studio quality. Talk shows, and relays of
local radio stations in many cities all across the USA. Several channels of
reading services for the blind, with newspapers, magazines and books read
aloud.
More sports than a human could stand. Every game in every sport is available
on at least one satellite channel. Some sports like Baseball scramble games,
but the NHL does not scramble. Pro and College sports, minor leagues,
Australian Football, World Cup Soccer, Stanley Cup Hockey. Many games with
NO COMMERCIALS. All the Auto Racing that a Car Nut could STAND...
Narrowcast Religious programming from smaller and minority faiths, including
Hindu, 7th Day Adventist (Three Channels), Scientology, and unusual sects of
Christian and non Christian beliefs.
Alternate Political views, even Nazi Programming, since FCC rules do not
apply to satellite broadcasting. Right Wing, Left Wing, Wacky or wonderful,
Satellite TV is the only free thinking broadcasting outlet on the planet.
A talk network devoted to high tech electronics and communications.
New product rollouts and demonstrations designed for distributors and the
press.
Newsworthy and not so newsworthy Press Conferences in their entirety.
Court trials.
Horse and Dog Racing.
Every Lottery drawing in the country LIVE.
Previews of TV shows that may or may not make it to the networks. Regular
Syndicated and network shows feed from the studios without the commercials,
up to a week before the official broadcast, sometimes the final broadcast
gets edited, Satellite viewers see the shows UNCUT.
Six separate channels of PBS programming.
"Other" not too common shows in the British and/or PBS arena can be found.
Shows like Eastenders, Upstairs/Downstairs, and the Bravo Channels "Six
Wives of Henry VIII". Or is it 8 wives of Henry 6th :)
A behind the scenes look at newsroom operations, listen to the reporters
discussing news stories BEFORE they start talking to the regular viewers.
See well known newscasters have tantrums live. During the Russian Coup
Attempt, satellite owners had a 24 hour camera and microphone running on the
roof of a hotel in moscow, and we listened to the scuttlebutt, watched them
track down rumors, and saw them eating their lunch.
Crystal clean uplinks of special events (such as the recent CMA awards)
direct from the event, before commercials are added by the network.
Most of the programming mentioned is unscrambled (Free) and can be picked up
with any satellite system, including one you can put together yourself for
less than $500.
HOW MUCH WILL A SATELLITE SYSTEM COST ME?
You can pay upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 for a top of the line system
completely installed. A brand new do it yourself system will run between
$800 and $1500, with $1200 about average. HOWEVER, if you are
resourceful, you can set up a system for $200-$500 which will provide
decent pictures and hours of entertainment. Several members of the net
have put together systems for less than $100, even FREE. My own first
system cost $40 complete. It was primitive but was a start, and got me
hooked pretty quickly.
I have written an article called: THE SCROUNGER'S GUIDE TO SATELLITE TV
Which details how to go about putting together a low budget (Under $500)
system that would include stereo audio and SCPC. The article gives hints,
sources for used equipment, and recommended texts to help you assemble and
track the system. NOTE: This is not a plug-and-play kind of thing, your
scrounged system will require EFFORT on your part, and it will take TIME
to assemble the various components. You will INSTALL and SET UP all the
equipment yourself. If you have a couple thousand dollars laying around,
you can pay a dealer for a complete system. The SCROUNGER'S GUIDE is for
someone who does not mind putting forth TIME and EFFORT to achieve the goal
of a cheap system. If you want this article, just ask for it by writing to
flash@lopez.marquette.mi.us and requesting the SCROUNGER'S GUIDE. PLEASE
NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN NORTH AMERICA THIS GUIDE WILL NOT WORK FOR
YOU. THE METHODS IT OUTLINES ARE GOOD IN NORTH AMERICA, WHERE C BAND
SATELLITE HAS BEEN AROUND FOR MANY YEARS. It is a guide on how to
obtain USED equipment using methods that only work in the USA and
Canada. Do not write for the guide if you live in Europe, Africa or
anywhere else not in this hemisphere.
NOTE:
You will get your reply by EMAIL. Do not send me a postal address, except
under the guidelines that state how to receive things by postal mail, which
is outlined later in this FAQ. I do not send Postal mail except to those
who have no net access, AND who pay for the costs of copying and mailing
the material. ~~~
WHERE CAN I GET A LIST OF ALL THE SATELLITES AND SATELLITE CHANNELS?
There are Satellite TV guides available that have a partial listing of
what is in the sky, and these also include program listings for the
various regular program services. You should be able to find at least
ONE of them at any news stand. ORBIT and ONSAT are the two most widely
available guides. ORBIT is a huge monthly book, and onsat is a weekly.
Satellite TV week also is a weekly in a tabloid format.
If you are just interested in knowing WHAT is up there, and desire a
comprehensive listing of ALL the satellites and Channels, there is no
finer list than the SOUTHSCANNER CHART, which is available here in
Homesat/rec.video.satellite every month. If you can't wait, write for
your copy (It is huge, about 100 pages long if you PRINT it) and has
full information about every occupied transponder in the arc.
Write to Robert Smathers, the list author at:
roberts@nmia.com
IS THERE A GOOD CHEAP BOOK THAT WILL HELP ME INSTALL, ALIGN AND REPAIR MY
SATELLITE SYSTEM?
Frank Baylin has written a very good reference book called:
"Install, Aim and Repair Your Satellite TV System"
This book is clearly written, and includes ALL the info you need to properly
tune up your dish, find the satellites, and get the best reception. It also
will help you diagnose any problems that come along, and tells you what to
replace or tweek to get your reception back on the beam. Lots of photographs
and diagrams, IDEAL for the beginner.
The book is $9.95 + $3 S/H from:
Universal Electronics Bookstore
4555 Groves Road, Suite 12
Columbus, OH 43232
IN REFERENCE TO A SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, WHAT DOES A BACKHAUL MEAN,
AND WHAT DOES IT PHYSICALLY REPRESENT??
Backhauls are signals sent from a remote location back to a network operating
center. Usually, but not always on KU band, these are special events and
sports. Since the commercials are usually added by the network, the backhaul
has no commercials, and you get to hear the announcers talk and see them play
with the video effects when the signal is not being broadcast to the world
(before, after the event and during commercial breaks).
What is needed at the backhaul site are cameras, microphones, audio and video
mixing and effects equipment, and an uplink transmitter and small dish to
send the signal to the satellite.
At the network operating center, there is a downlink (receive) dish, and
a receiver to pick up the signal, and pipe it into the audio and video chain
of the network so that it can be sent to those unlucky people who don't have
satellite dishes and have to watch these broadcasts on regular TV or Cable
WHAT ABOUT SCRAMBLING, ISN'T IT ALL SCRAMBLED THESE DAYS?
This is a common misconception. While it is true that most of the CABLE
services are scrambled, many of us see this as a feature. If you DO
desire HBO, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL, ETC, you WILL need a[ descrambler, AND
a subscription to these services. However, there are over 150 channels of
programming "In the clear" that is NOT scrambled, and many of these
provide a lot of entertainment and information. It all depends on your
personal taste. Most of the sporting events are not scrambled. PBS is
not scrambled (Four separate feeds) and many other services are also
available free for the taking. NOT to mention HUNDREDS of audio services.
There is more on satellite that you can get for FREE than you would ever
have time to watch.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO "DESCRAMBLE" THE SCRAMBLED CHANNELS?
First you need a descrambler. If you get a new system, most likely you
will get an IRD, which comes with the descrambler built in. Just make
sure it WILL upgrade to the VC-II RS, and understand that this upgrade
may cost you additional money when this system is implemented. The
descrambler will add around $400 to the cost of your satellite system.
Next you need a subscription. Movie channels will run you around $7 a
month or so, actually less than cable, but you do get taken for a bit of a
ride on the "generic" cable channels such as DISCOVERY, CNN, etc. You can
not generally by one channel, certainly not at a reasonable cost. Most
subscriptions to the "generic" cable channels (which does not include
premium/movie channels) will cost between $150-$300 a year above and
beyond the cost of the descrambler itself. Some say this is why piracy
has flourished. Piracy is illegal. If caught with a pirate decoder, you
can be fined or jailed. Certainly if you sell such equipment, you can
count on heavy fines, and jail time. Piracy is not good for anyone. Pay
for your subscription, or do like many of us on the net and watch ONLY
programming that is NOT scrambled.
WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE HERE?
You can buy channels in packages like cable TV, or ala carte. The packages
are not necessarily a better deal. If you don't ever watch 25% of the
channels in the package, you are probably better off buying ala carte.
You can also buy most channels on a monthly or annual basis. You save 5
to 10% through annual purchases.
Price ranges for various channels:
Low rent cable channels (A&E, BRAVO, etc.) $0.79 - 1.00/month
Network packages (Denver 5 or Primetime 24) $4.00 - 5.00/month
Premium Channels (Disney, HBO, TMC, etc.) $7.00 -10.00/month
HOW DOES MY DESCRAMBLER TALK BACK TO THE SATELLITE? HOW DOES IT KNOW WHERE
I LIVE SO IT CAN BLACK OUT SPORTS EVENTS OF MY LOCAL TEAMS?
Your Descrambler does not "talk back" to the satellite through your IRD. In
the case of VIDEOPAL, which is an automatic PAY PER VIEW ordering system,
your descrambler is hooked to the phone line. When you order a PPV Movie, it
will place a call to the ORDER center once a month and tell them what movies
you ordered. This is the only "talk back" system built into the VIDEOCIPHER,
and this is only on the units that have VIDEOPAL. The VCRSi boards
(Purple/pink in color) do not have this feature, so you have to call the
order center 800 number yourself and order the movie by voice, so it is no
big deal. As far as "knowing" where you live for sports blackout purposes,
this is a very low tech operation. What they do is have the computer search
the index of subscribers by ZIP CODE. If you live in 600XX you won't see the
Chicago Cubs, for example. Many people get around the sports blackout
"feature" of the Subscription system by having their Auntie in Keokuck do
their subscribing for them. Then they can get all the sports with no
blackouts. This "Grey Market" kind of thing is also used by Canadians so
they can get USA programming (And by Americans so they can watch Canadian
Programming). While technically illegal, and not recommended, this type of
thing is done every day by sports fanatics.
ARE THE NETWORKS SCRAMBLED?
ABC is almost entirely scrambled, with some feeds in the clear. NBC is
Presently totally unscrambled, as is FOX. CBS is usually scrambled, but
they still have quite a bit in the clear. The scrambling used
by the networks is such that you can not receive it with a home decoder.
Totally different methods are used. CBS uses VIDEOCIPHER _ONE_ (completely
different than the VCII used in home systems). ABC uses LEITCH for its
scrambled feeds. Networks are scrambled to protect the affiliates. Your
local station does not want you watching the network shows direct from
the birds with 400+ lines of resolution and discrete stereo sound, which
anyone would do given half a chance. They want you to watch the LOCAL
commercials, so convinced the nets to scramble their feeds. For those
who can not receive the networks over the air, the only choice is to
subscribe to NETLINK's DENVER FIVE package or The Atlantic Three or
PRIME TIME 24.
Interestingly, network NEWS feeds are usually in the clear! If you are a
news hound, this will be GOOD news for YOU.
The PRIME TIME ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK (PTEN) backhauls its programs
several days before they are broadcast on the over the air TV channels.
These transmissions are in the clear, as are most SYNDICATED feeds.
PARAMOUNT feeds (Deep Space Nine) are not scrambled. Same with all other
syndicated programming.
UPN (Star Trek Voyager, and other prime time programming) is all in the
clear, and they also run pre feeds.
WB (Warner Brothers Network) is not scrambled.
PBS is not scrambled on their C band feed.
WHAT CHANNELS WILL NEVER BE SCRAMBLED?
For the foreseeable future, there should always be SOMETHING in the
clear, though with the conversion to digital transmission, a new
definition may be needed for "unencrypted digital transmission" which would be
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