Direct broadcasting from satellites

A review is given of the various aspects of broadcasting television programmes directly to the public from a geostationary satellite. To implement the basic system requires consideration of the characteristics and control of the satellite, the receiver technology and the link which carries the programmes to the satellite. For Europe, economic considerations suggest that using a power permitting good reception with a reflector not greater than 0.9m is a reasonable choice, but cable distribution will still be used wherever it is cheaper for the viewer.