I’ve come across this excellent resource for people setting up their own satellite system (guides coming soon!).
This handy little online tool will tell you your latitude/longitude and all the technical info you need to align your dish such as dish elevation and LNB skew.
Head over to www.dishpointer.com to give it a go!
The BBC has commenced DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for the launch of high definition services on Freeview.
The tests, which are being conducted from the Guildford transmitter, follows the approval by the DVB Project of the DVB-T2 specification, an improved version of the DVB-T standard currently used for digital terrestrial transmissions in the UK designed to increase capacity and thus permit the carriage of high definition services on the platform.
Plans announced in April by broadcasting regulator Ofcom will see multiplex B cleared of its current standard definition services, converted to use the DVB-T2 standard to increase its total capacity, and used for the carriage of BBC HD and other public service broadcasting offerings by the end of 2009.
BBC Research and Innovation is conducting the test transmissions in partnership with National Grid Wireless and Arqiva. It is also developing a modem compliant with the newly-ratified DVB-T2 standard.
Justin Mitchell, who leads the DVB-T2 modem development team for BBC Research and Innovation, said:
“We are delighted that our team in collaboration with our partners has been able to deliver such a key piece of technology in such a short timescale. This is a big step forward in enabling the introduction of full HD terrestrial on Freeview by the end of 2009.”
After the launch of Freesat, we have had a few emails asking what exactly “HD” is. We’ve compiled a guide for you to help you understand.
High definition (HD) offers picture quality with four times more detail than standard definition (SD) TV delivering vibrant colour, stunning detail and incredible depth. It’s the ultimate way to watch your favourite movies, TV programmes and sporting events and it’s going to blow you away!
High definition television, or HD TV, is a new standard that delivers higher picture quality and better sound than traditional TV technology. Put simply, older flat screen TVs support current standard definition TV broadcasts, DVD players and games consoles but they can’t reproduce the higher picture quality of the new generation high definition programming.
HD TV or high definition television offers the highest picture quality available today. Instead of using the conventional 625 lines to plot a TV picture, HDTV uses 720 or 1080 lines. In addition, the pixels in each of those lines are closer together. This results in a hugely improved picture quality, clarity and colour definition. HD also uses millions more colours than SD TV, increasing the richness and intensity of everything you watch. Most HD programmes and movies are also created with cinema-style surround sound, that you can experience in full with a compatible surround sound system.
Panasonic are delighted to be supporting the launch of freesat which marks a major landmark in the development of Digital Television broadcasting in the UK.
The PZ81 Series, available in three screen sizes: TH-42PZ81 (42”), TH-46PZ81 (46”) and TH-50PZ81 (50”) will be available instore from June. These stylish and desirable plasmas boast a host of features to deliver outstanding moving picture resolution and beautiful colour reproduction together with brilliant sound and easy operation, giving viewers the optimum HD viewing experience. A Panasonic HD plasma TV with freesat built-in is a quick and convenient way to view a wide range of channels including brilliant HD programmes from the BBC and ITV, all for free*.
* Following a one-off installation payment, plus the cost of receiving equipment.
Reading through the paper today, I saw a very interesting article on the “Sqish”.
The Sqish is a discreet alternative to a satellite dish and can be used to receive Sky and Freesat in the UK.
It can be camouflaged to help it blend into its surroundings with the addition of a Bespoke sticker created from a digital photo.
Why use a Sqish? Areas sensitive to planning restrictions, coastal towns where dishes are prone to rust, dish stigma or just for the sheer hell of it! The Sqish is a quirky contemporary alternative to a satellite dish.
More details and pictures are available at www.sqish.co.uk
