Satellites detail program frequency channels. Is Telesputnik magazine necessary?
The results of one interesting vote on the popularity of the Telesputnik magazine have been summed up. But before moving directly to the results of the vote we are considering, let us recall that the Telesputnik magazine is the only (as far as we know) magazine on the topic satellite television in Russia, and has been published since 1995. The magazine is published by structures close to Andrei Tkachenko (A. Tkachenko is the non-public owner of the Russian satellite platform Tricolor TV and the receiver production company General Satellite); however, at the time of publication of the Telesputnik magazine, Tkachenko had not yet created “ Tricolor TV", and the General Satellite company focused on the sale of imported receivers for satellite TV and installation satellite dishes). The circulation of Telesputnik magazine in 2015 was stated to be 12 thousand copies, in previous years it exceeded 20 thousand.
So, the mentioned voting was carried out among Obob.tv readers in the form of an open questionnaire on the website. Each participant could vote only once. Approximately a quarter of those who answered the questions are, by their own admission, professionals in the satellite TV market (these are managers, installers, etc.), and the rest are satellite TV fans. In total, about 600 people from Russia and the countries of the former USSR took part in the survey (in other words, the survey can be called quite representative). Moreover, these are people interested in the subject of satellite TV, because Obob.tv is not read by what is called casual readers. And, what is also important, all of those who responded are, in one way or another, familiar with the Telesputnik magazine (in other words, have ever read it), because the very nature of the survey questions implied such familiarity.
Two main conclusions can be drawn from the analysis of the responses to this reader vote:
1. The magazine "Telesputnik" has greatly "failed" in terms of interest in it from its target readership - i.e. amateurs and professionals of direct satellite TV.
- 47% of those who voted, to one degree or another, expressed disinterest in the magazine, and responded as follows:
- I don't read. I read it before, but now I don’t want to - 20% of those who voted answered, or what is 118 votes cast in the survey;
- I read it when it catches my eye. Everything is already on the Internet - 17% answered, or that is 98 votes cast;
- I read it when it catches my eye. The magazine became boring - 8% responded, or that is 48 votes cast;
- I read out of obligation, because... nothing else is published on satellite topics (2%, or which is 12 votes cast).
It is difficult for us, the editors of Obob.tv, to answer the question about the reasons for the decline in interest in the magazine (and such a decline in interest, in our opinion, is observed). But two objective reasons (i.e. reasons not related to the quality of the magazine’s content) can be named: the spread of the Internet and, therefore, the spread of news even before they get “on paper”; satellite TV losing its status as something exotic.
Perhaps, in order to win the hearts of a wider audience, the magazine should now write less about hardware - receivers, etc., and more about what and where you can see. But this should not be done by printing satellite tuning tables (they are available on the Internet) - but by telling stories about individual satellite television and radio channels and the possibilities of their convenient reception. Write about the global, and not just national, satellite landscape, while showing how channels compete with each other, revealing all the most interesting things in this field. And, of course, continue to write about the economics of the satellite TV market in order to increase a professional audience. 2668
The Internet is gradually replacing other methods of disseminating information, but television is still thriving. Satellite television is gradually becoming more popular than other broadcasting methods, but in order to access free channels regularly, you need to have an understanding of how satellites work.
Satellite operation
TV satellites are in the orbit of the planet in the equator region and constantly rotate with it.
So, each satellite covers a certain territory of the Earth with its signal, which, in fact, determines which channels are on which satellite, because certain parts of the planet are inhabited by different nations.
Antenna operation
An antenna for a satellite is a “dish” that collects a signal from space at its center and amplifies it to a certain stability. To receive high-quality broadcasts from distant satellites, you need to install a large-diameter antenna. A converter is installed in the center of each “plate”, which picks up the signals, further converting them into sounds and images, transmitting them to the receiver. The latter is installed directly next to the TV and plays the role of a receiver. It finally decodes the signal and transmits the resulting image directly to the screen. To do this, it has special software installed, which determines which channels from which satellites the device will receive (only free, paid, or previously encrypted due to the installation of new software).
Advantages of satellite broadcasting
Among the advantages are:
- excellent quality transmitted image and sound;
- unlimited choice of channels (almost all television stations available today broadcast on satellite frequencies);
- large number free channels;
- ability to record broadcasts;
- wide availability (regardless of region of residence);
- low cost of equipment;
- the ability to view the program schedule directly in the system options.
If points in this list had it been smaller, perhaps television would not have gained such popularity today.
Flaws
The main disadvantage is that, regardless of which channels are broadcast on which satellite, in bad weather the signal will disappear. Meteor dependence is especially evident when the sky is heavily clouded, or it is raining or snowing. The quality of the signal also depends on the direction of the antenna; its converter must face south, since all satellites are located in the equator region.
If there is an obstacle in the space between the antenna and the satellite - the signal will disappear. A striking example: the converter is entwined with grapes, flowers, or the appearance of a new tree.
The receiver also needs to be serviced periodically, since channels change encodings from time to time and disappear from the screens.
Installation and broadcasting features
A detailed list of which channels and on which satellites broadcast their broadcasts will be presented below. Main feature V this issue is a choice: watch only free channels or purchase a specific package from a satellite television provider.
If they want to watch their favorite programs and not pay monthly fees for it, consumers most often order a set of two antennas for installation. This allows you to expand the list of received channels to signals from Eutelsat satellites W4, Astra 4.9 (Sirius), ABS, Yamal and Hotbird.
Which satellite will show more Russian channels depends on the model of the receiver and its operating system. Thus, many channels are now switching to broadcasting in HD quality, but older models of receivers do not support this and, even when receiving a signal, will not be able to display the image on the TV screen.
Absolutely all television channels are broadcast in the C or Ku bands, which differ in frequencies.
on ABS
This satellite operates in the Ku band and covers almost the entire territory of Eurasia, therefore it is very popular among Russians. There is only one paid package on the satellite - MTS-TV, the rest of the channels are freely available.
So, which satellite has more channels with Russian-language content? Let's count together. Satellite ABS offers the following channels for viewing:
- RU TV;
- "TNT4";
- "Friday";
- "Moscow trust";
- "Moscow 24";
- "TV3 +4";
- TV TOP SHOP;
- "RBC";
- "Belarus 24";
- "TV3 +2";
- "Star";
- "TRO";
- Fashion TV;
- "World 24";
- "World";
- "Tochka TV";
- "World +4";
- "TNT4 +2";
- "Together RF";
- "My world";
- "TNT";
- "Channel 8";
- "TV channel 360 (Moscow region)";
- "TNT" +4 and +7;
- Shopping TV;
- "Union";
- "2X2" and "2X2 Ural";
- "Horse World";
- "Kaleidoscope";
- "World of HD".
Astra satellites
It is impossible to answer which channels are broadcast on which satellites, knowing only their names. Astra, for example, is represented by four satellites that distribute their signal to different territories. Two of them do not have Russian-language channels at all, the third broadcasts "Peretz international", and the latter is popular in Ukraine, since it has most of the channels in Ukrainian and in open access. Ukrainian pay television Viasat-Ukraine also distributes its signal on it.
The Amos satellite also broadcasts mainly Ukrainian channels, but also carries some Hungarian, Romanian and Israeli signals on its frequencies.
Hotbird channels
This source of information distributes signals from many TV channels throughout Europe and our country. Its pay TV packages include only foreign offers, while Russian-language ones are freely available. Among them:
- "RBC";
- "TNT";
- "News";
- "RTR Planet";
- "Chanson";
- "Russia 24";
- euronews;
- RU-TV;
- MusicBox Russia;
- TV RUS;
- "STS";
- "K+";
- "ORT" ("1 channel");
- "ORT" HD;
- "New world";
- "NTV World";
- "Russian Bestseller";
- 8 TV RU;
- "Present time";
- "Union" and so on.
On what other satellite can Russian channels be found in large quantities? Of course, this is Yamal.
on the Yamal satellite
This source information is also available in space in several variations under one name. Each of its varieties carries on board a wide list of publicly available ones and distributes them in different ranges.
Among him information flows citizens are most interested in:
- "TNT";
- "REN-TV";
- "Disney";
- "Home";
- "Russia24";
- "Star";
- "Russia2";
- "TV3";
- "NTV";
- "STS";
- "NTV";
- "Pepper";
- "Yu" and others.
More satellites
On which satellites which channels will be more preferable? It depends on the area where you live. Thus, the Express satellite broadcasts its frequencies especially for residents of the Far East, the Urals and Siberia. On board there are paid packages of channels and free ones, but with a time shift relative to Moscow. There is also specialized broadcasting for Siberia on the Bonum satellite.
If you choose a satellite solely by the number of free channels, then from the remaining list you can select “Horizon”, “Express”, “AzerSpice” and “Intelsat”. The latter is also popular thanks to a large number radio stations. Among the less common options, Russian-language channels can be found in small quantities on the Asiasat satellite.
Paid popularity
Which satellites have which channels? This is approximately understandable, now you should understand the popularity of such an information source as Eutelsat W4, because it is not mentioned anywhere in the above list. The peculiarity of this satellite is that its broadcasting provides broadcasting of such paid packages channels such as Tricolor and NTV-Plus. It is precisely because of the maximum popularity of these operators among the population that this satellite has gained popularity in our country. Of course, almost all the channels on it are encrypted and are opened only to subscribers after payment, but you can also find in its list the open frequencies of the Orthodox Soyuz and Kazan TNV.
Conclusion
So on which satellites Russian channels are in more? It all depends on the desire to watch free broadcasts or purchased channel packages from popular operators. In most cases, citizens prefer to save money and prefer the need to periodically change the settings of their receivers. In this case, it is best to point your antennas at the Yamal, ABS or HotBird satellites. At the same time, you should be prepared for the fact that from time to time you will have to pay a certain amount to a specialist who can return the missing channels, and they will definitely disappear over time. Also free tv(even on satellite broadcasting) rarely provides subscribers good quality images and sound. The operation of such equipment is very dependent on the weather, and you will have to pay extra for each breakdown.
Paid operators offer their subscribers more favorable conditions, since the quality of their broadcasting is always at the highest level. top level and at the same time the weather dependence is not so strongly felt. Operators also offer clients professional service specialized equipment in case of breakdown. At the same time, the broadcasting of channels also spreads equally well over the entire territory of the country, the main thing is that there is a sky above it. Maybe it’s thanks to such quality advantages that most subscribers today switch to paid operators satellite television and is ready to pay a fixed amount for the timely elimination of any problems.
Paid operators regularly offer new customers promotional offers for connecting and purchasing channel packages. Such ways to save have always attracted people, and this case is no exception. There are more and more subscribers willing to pay to watch their favorite programs. Of course, owners and those wishing to install a “plate” for themselves free use also a lot.
Dear readers of NskTarelka.ru, the article will focus on special technical and information projects on which satellite television frequency tables are published.
Let's take a closer look at one of the most popular - LyngSat, and mention other projects that publish satellite television frequency tables.
LyngSat - satellite television frequency tables
I will describe this project as a short manual with pictures.
By following the link to home page LyngSat, at the top of the page we will see two tables.
I highlighted the positions of interest to us with a yellow, green and red marker.
Let's look at the top table of Lungsat, we'll talk about the bottom one a little later.
So let's get started.
Satellites is translated as satellites. 160°W-73°E or 73°E-0°E list of satellites from and to.
That is, if we are interested in the Yamal 300K satellite at 90.0°E, then click on the Asia link.
Required frequency table Eutelsat 36A/36B at 36.0°E click on the Europe link.
After clicking, a window will open showing the entire list of satellites. We select the one we are interested in and get to the page of the frequency table of the selected satellite.
Let's take Yamal 300K at 90.0°E as an example.
Click on the picture, enlarge it, and look. I have outlined the important parameters for us with a red pencil.
Let's take a closer look at all the marked positions starting from the first column
Freq.
Tp
This column contains the transponder frequencies themselves and their polarization.
There are two main bands in satellite television: C-band (3.5-4.2 GHz) and Ku-band (10.7-12.75 GHz).
Based on this, if your satellite dish operates in the C-band transponder frequency four-digit numbers from 35xx to 41xx MHz.
Transponder frequencies Ku-band is five-digit numbers from 107xx to 127xx MHz.
Provider Name
Channel Name
If you click on the channel name, we will go to a page with information on which other satellites it is broadcast on. Under the channel's logo there is often a link to its website.
System
Encryption
Information about the broadcast standard, encoding, video compression.
There are two satellite broadcasting standards available to users, DVB-S and DVB-S2
If your receiver only supports DVB-S, TV channels of transponders transmitting a signal in the DVB-S2 standard will not be available for viewing.
Channels will not be available for viewing either. DVB-S standard marked MPEG-4. There will be sound, but no picture. This is due to the fact that the video signal is compressed using the MPEG-4 codec.
The presence of a receiver that “reads” DVB-S2 (HD - receiver) makes it possible to view two standards.
Coded and open channels of satellite television
Satellite television channels can be encrypted or freely available.
F - uncoded TV channel, broadcast in the public domain.
If the DVB-S2 broadcast standard says T2-MI, FTA, the channels will not be available for viewing. T2-MI is a modulator interface for broadcasting in the DVB-T2 standard.
BISS is a simple encoding; TV channels in it can be opened using a receiver with a built-in encoding emulator.
In other cases, the name of the conditional access system in which it is encoded is written opposite the channel.
Russian operators use the following encodings for their television projects:
Irdeto - Rainbow TV, Telekarta TV, Continent TV, Orient Express.
Viaccess - NTV Plus.
CONAX - Telekarta TV, Continent TV, Orient Express.
DRE-Crypt - Tricolor TV
The inscription HD means that this TV channel is broadcast in high definition format.
SR-FEC
SID-VPID
SR (Symbol Rate) – transponder broadcast flow rate, measured in MHz.
FEC (forward error correction) - error correction.
SID-VPID - service data.
When entering transponder data into the receiver, we take the data from here symbol rate(SR) and FEC.
Many receivers have the ability to set FEC to auto, that is, the receiver will independently determine the desired parameter.
Beam
EIRP (dBW)
C/N lock
Here is the satellite beam in which the channels are located and the minimum signal-to-noise ratio level.
If the satellite beam does not shine on the area where you are, the channels for viewing will accordingly be unavailable. When you click on the name of the beam, you will be taken to the coverage map, where the signal strength in dBW is indicated.
C/N lock - the minimum signal-to-noise ratio level at which the picture will run without interruptions.
Well, now let's look at the second table, where I marked the data in green and red marker.
Free TV and Free Radio are translated as free TV and free radio.
By looking at these tables, we can see on which satellites and which TV channels are broadcast in the public domain.
In the picture, I have circled with a red pencil the place where the latest news is published, which satellite and which FTA channel has been added. Year, month, day. TV channel name and satellite name.
Other projects publishing transponder parameters
In addition to Lungsat, I use information about transponders published on Frocusat. This portal has a trilingual interface (Russian, Romanian and English).
I practically never use satellite television frequency tables posted on other resources. But this does not mean that they are somehow worse. It just happened that way.
You can try Flysat, some people prefer it.
And at the end of the article, a video about how to use satellite television frequency tables using LyngSat as an example.