Then there are the 'universal' LNB's. These are so called because they are not limited to a particular frequency band (KU band or C band, say) as other LNB's are, but can respond to a 22Khz tone which will switch them to a higher band. These HAPPEN to be used mainly for digital satellite in the UK, since SkyDigital on Astra 2 uses transponders in two bands.
So why would anyone bother with anything other than a universal one nowadays? Do older systems not send out this 22kHz tone?
No, I'm pretty sure Cheese Head is right; AIUI there are digital LNBs for DSAT, Analogue LNBs for analogue and Universal LNBs which do both. My understanding is very sketchy so, anybody, feel free to correct me, but, as I said, I think Cheese Head is correct.
No, no, no, no, no. An LNB is just like any other receiving antenna in that there is no distinction between analogue and digital television at the receiving end.
In LNB terms there are 'Standard' LNB's (I don't think they are made any more now) which HAPPENED to be mainly used for analogue satellite, but are not limited to it (our house's Astra 1 dish has an old standard LNB on it - and I can use it to pick up some of the KU band digital channels on Astra 1 if I want to). These were suceeded by 'Enhanced' LNB's which have a greater frequency range (although there were devices constructed to expand the frequency range of standard LNB's) Again, these LNB's HAPPEN to be mainly used for analogue satellite, but are not limited to it.
Then there are the 'universal' LNB's. These are so called because they are not limited to a particular frequency band (KU band or C band, say) as other LNB's are, but can respond to a 22Khz tone which will switch them to a higher band. These HAPPEN to be used mainly for digital satellite in the UK, since SkyDigital on Astra 2 uses transponders in two bands.
ALL incoming satellite signals are analogue by definition, the distinction between 'analogue' and 'digital' transmission only happens at the receiving equipment itself.
I know that the LNB on Sky minidishes has 'Grundig Digital LNB' on it, but it's just a marketing gimmick; indeed if you remove the plastic cover to reveal the LNB inside you will then see 'Grunding Universal LNB'. There is nothing which specifically makes a minidish a 'digital' dish - indeed I currently have plans to remove the aforementioned 60cm dish with a standard LNB (which is rusting out like crazy now - but then it is 13 years old) and replace it with a spare Sky minidish that I have around - and that will work fine for Astra 1 analogue reception.
Yep - though Universal LNBs don't normally cover C and Ku bands - they just cover the wider Ku band now in use (and introduced with Astra 1D ISTR)
The only problem with using a Universal LNB with an older receiver is that if the receiver doesn't support 22kHz switching then you will only be able to tune across either the high or low bit of the band but not both - though external 22kHz switches are available. (They were sold to extend old Sky analogue receivers into the Astra 1D transponder range)
It is perfectly possible to use the same LNB and dish to receive both analogue and digital transmissions - and it is possible to buy motorised dish/receiver combinations that will receive both.
It is NOT currently possible to use these receivers to receive Sky FTV/Subscription channels - only the FTA channels on Astra 2. This is because the Sky encryption system is closed and cannot be added to another receiver. It IS possible to connect two receivers to one dish - either by "sharing" the LNB or buy using a dual/quad LNB and feeding the receivers separately.
It is NOT currently possible to use these receivers to receive Sky FTV/Subscription channels - only the FTA channels on Astra 2. This is because the Sky encryption system is closed and cannot be added to another receiver. It IS possible to connect two receivers to one dish - either by "sharing" the LNB or buy using a dual/quad LNB and feeding the receivers separately.
I *think* (correct me if I'm wrong), that SCT (a company which specialises in custom modifications to satellite equipment and is well known in satellite circles) managed to build a piece of kit for Charparell Montereys which enables the receiver to connect to a Sky box and use it's decoder. You would obviously still need a Sky box present, but you would then be able to use an external receiver to actually receive the channels - and thus use your multi satellite system for Sky.
Ok ok, i know im gonna get some mad replys to this one but id love an honest answer and some help....
Is it possible to recieve channels such as M6, Franch 1 thru 5 etc through SkyDigital?
If it's not, could someone please tell me the steps i would have to go through in order to recieve french, swiss and other european channels on my TV...
Thanks a lot Callum x
France 2,3,5 and TF6 is available through Hotbird on Digital, but they are encrypted, you'd have to pay to watch them.
Canal+ France is on Astra 19.2E, again you need to pay to watch, although they broadcast in the clear for an hour or so.
You will need at least 60cm dish(80cm is ideal) with a universal LNB to receive it, with a non Sky Digital receiver(not a Free to Air receiver!!!!).
They are free on analogue satellite, 8 W I think, I think the signal is in SECAM though!
1 Ad-Mag
1 old Sky Analogue satellite system (correct me if I wrong but I think this would do the job)
1 installer
500grams of patience.
Method:
buy an old sky analogue system, you can search you local admag for this, also available at e-bay.
Goto the yell.com website, or get out that dusty book and ring your local aerialand satellite fitters. Ask "Hi I'm ringing to enquire about satellite installation."
"what would you like to know?"
"Can your fitters point my 60cm dish at 8 west?"
"yes/no we can/can't do this for you it will cost (probably) 40 pounds"
He'll install it. now, visit lyngsat.com (spl..) and, this is where it gets tricky, and look for the frequencies of te channels you want. This may be hard at first, but youll get the hang of it. now open the menu on ya box and there'll hopefullybe an option to ad channel or something similar.
Ok, now I think cwathen can pick up where I start to have no idea what I'm going on about.
I've just checked that satellite, and there is only one french channel on their Canal +, it's encrypted as well and it's in SECAM, I don't think an old Sky Analogue box will get him anywhere!
I feel suitably chastened now.
