Satellite direct broadcast

A brief history and commentary on the development of satellite direct broadcast (direct broadcast satellite, or DBS) to small user terminals is given, and the interrelations among the technical, economic, and political aspects are discussed. The fundamental technical problems in the transmission of video and audio directly to small user terminals are reviewed at a basic level, and points of particular interest relating to DBS are highlighted. The effects of improved transmission systems using multiplexed analog components and of high-definition television are related to the satellite transmission problems. The conflicting requirements of performance, compatibility with existing equipment, competition with other means of transmission, and vested political interests are pointed out. A reasonably complete summary of existing programs, both true DBS and near DBS, is given