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MPEG2/DVB FAQ

Table of Contents

I. The a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group FAQ

II. Introduction to DVB

    1. What is DVB?
    2. If it's really just for hobbyists
    3. Why would I want it?
    4. How much does it cost?
    5. Can all of this free programming really be legal?
    6. Where can I get more information?
 
III. The original a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group proposal and charter


________________________________________________________________


I. The a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group FAQ
 
The group FAQ is a result of a collaboration of many DVB 
hobbyists. It is maintained by the webmaster of dvbwave.com 
and can be found at http://dvbwave.com/faq/ . Information about 
contributing to the FAQ can also be found at the same site.

The information is this FAQ is only a small subset of the FAQ 
found at http://dvbwave.com/faq/ .

This FAQ is oriented toward North American DVB FTA. Some of the
information in this FAQ may not be consistent with other
geographical locations, especially the information concerning 
programming content and subscription availability. Since this group
was created primarily for the discussion of DVB FTA the FAQ also will 
not be consistent with availability of DBS programming whether it is 
DVB or other forms digital of encoding.   


________________________________________________________________


II. Introduction to DVB 

1.What is DVB?

DVB is an acronym for "Digital Video Broadcasting". It is an 
industry consortium of over 300 companies working together to 
promote a worldwide standard for the progression from analog 
to digital broadcasting. The DVB Consortium has a website at 
www.dvb.org that has information on background  information and 
membership.

While DVB is not solely involved in satellite distribution methods, 
for all mentions of "DVB" in this FAQ herein, it can be assumed we 
are interested in DVB-S (which is the broadcasting of digital signal 
over satellite). For information about the other types of DVB, please 
consult their website as mentioned above.

Seeing as there is no popular subscription programming available to 
North American DVB viewers, it can be said that DVB in North America 
is generally of interest to hobbyists only. 



2. If it's really just for hobbyists, does this mean there isn't any 
regular/good/decent programming on it? 

Some programming currently available on DVB is available nowhere 
else, other programming is available on your local cable television 
or DBS service. There is regular programming, but whether or not it's 
good or decent is up to the individual viewer. DVB is generally not a 
replacement for conventional sources of television programming, 
although for some, it's the only source of ethnic programming.



3. Why would I want it?

You are:

   Interested in free ethnic programming that may/may not be 
   available elsewhere. 

   An avid, perhaps long time, satellite TV viewer and enjoy the 
   challenge and reward of finding new (FREE) programming. 

   Looking for programming that may have "gone digital". 



4. How much does it cost?

If you already have an analog satellite setup, the major 
cost will be the price of the DVB receiver. How much this 
costs depends on the feature set you're looking for. Prices 
range from perhaps $250 to well over $1000 for a top of the 
line Nokia receiver. Also, when estimating cost, factor in 
the cost of new C/Ku-band LNBs, a few DC blocking coaxial 
splitters, and other miscellaneous bits.

If you do not have a current satellite setup, the cost can 
vary widely depending on whether you want a fixed or moveable 
satellite antenna and the type of programming you want to receive. 
For C-Band programming, the optimal dish size is around 10' and 
a brand new basic C/Ku setup will run around $1000 US not including 
installation. For a fixed Ku-band setup, a dish can be as cheap as 
FREE and generally less than $200 US (not including installation).

As the programming is FTA (free-to-air), there is no cost involved 
here. 



5. Can all of this free programming really be legal?

The programming is being broadcast free-to-air (FTA) by the 
uplinker/production company. It is not really intended for 
consumer viewers. It is legal.



6. Where can I get more information?

Check the "Related Links" section at the DVBWave.com site.
http://dvbwave.com/faq/index.html#section7


________________________________________________________________


III. The original a.v.s.mpeg-dvb group proposal and charter

Charter: 
The purpose of this group would be the discussion of 
signals and hardware related to MPEG/DVB satellite 
communications. 

Justification: 
MPEG/DVB is a digital type transmission that is constantly 
growing in use in satellite communications in the US and 
Europe. The signals are usually received via C-Band or 
Ku Band equipment and viewed on television. There are presently 
discussion forums and email lists that run from browser based 
interfaces on the WWW. The membership in these forums and mailing 
lists is rapidly growing and becoming too bulky for the present 
types of discussion.





