Satellite digital TV programme reception through domestic TV networks (SMATV)

The upcoming years will bring a new revolution in the broadcasting field due to the expansion of satellite digital TV technology. This paper provides guidelines for the introduction of satellite digital TV systems on satellite master antenna television (SMATV) systems, also known as domestic TV networks. A review of the SMATV scenario is made introducing the definition and concepts around SMATV. System architectures of digital TV through SMATV are presented based on DVB system for SMATV that have been this basis for European and international standardizations. Special emphasis has been made on the business opportunities open around satellite digital TV, in particular for SMATV based systems where a critical audience mass is achieved in a minimum period of time. A technical review is done of those aspects of interest to manufacturers and operators, providing key guidelines to develop and operate digital TV equipment adapted to SMATV scenario. Finally some flashes are provided about the near future: interactive TV using satellite based return channel