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Satellite Jargon made easy
Amplifier
TV or Radio Signal amplifier/booster
Antenna
Term for an aerial used in European/U.S.
Attenuator
Reduces Signal Strength
BBC Freesat
Brand new, non-subscription digital satellite system, from BBC & ITV. Featuring over 80 digital channels and estimated 200 by 2009. Broadcast in HD with no subscription required
Booster
TV or Radio Signal amplifier/booster
CAI
Confederation of Aerial Industries – represents manufacturers, installers & other interested parties.
CATV
Community Aerial TV – covering a set neighbourhood/Town/City/County
Chimney lashing kit
Used to secure an aerial to a chimney
Coax coupler
Used to join together 2 Coax Plugs
Coax plug
Terminates coaxial cable for insertion to TV etc via a coax plug
Coaxial cable
Aerial lead to appliance
Cob
Coaxial (aerial lead) outlet box, surface mounted within the room
Combiner
Combines two or more aerial leads into one single aerial (coaxial) lead
DAB
Digital audio broadcast
DAB Radio
This is a new digital radio format offering wide range of stereo based channels, as an alternative to FM.
DAB aerial
Enhances DAB reception
Db
Decibel – signal measurement
Digital Aerial
Aerial/Antenna capable of receiving the new digital signal, providing more channels and enhanced services for the UK
Diplexer
Combines two or more aerial leads into one single aerial (coaxial) lead
Dipole
This element connects to the aerial downlead, receiving signals from the director and reflector elements.
Director element
Forward of the dipole, these are a series of tuned elements.
Dish pack
The satellite dish or external part of a sky installation
Distribution amplifier
When sending signals to two or more TV’s or Radio, this is the signal booster.
Downlead
This is the cable which connects the aerial or dish to TV, radio or set top box
DTT
Digital Terrestrial TV
F connector
Terminates coaxial cable for insertion to appliance
F coupler
Enables 2 f connectors to be joined
Fascia mount
Used to mount an aerial to a soffit
FM
Stereo analogue radio reception, alternative to DAB, but cannot receive all radio signals
FM aerial
Boosts FM radio reception
Freesat
Sky Broadcasting subscription free package
Freeview
Digital Terrestrial TV, channels are provided by the UK’s mainstream broadcasters
Ghosting
Repeat image(s) on analogue TV sets, caused by a reflected signal
Grid aerial
A TV aerial with 2 or more dipoles and a grid reflector
Grouped aerial
A TV aerial that will receive a segment of UHF (terrestrial TV) channels
High-gain aerial
Multi-element aerial that utilises 32 elements, or more
IRS
Integrated Reception System: A system providing UHF, Sky and radio, wich also enables connection of individual Sky boxes
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display: A flat panel TV, alternative to plasma screens.
LNB – Quad
This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to multiple (2 – 4) Sky boxes via the Coaxial (Aerial) cable.
LNB – Quattro
This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to multiple switches
LNB – Solo
This is a dish mounted device, which converts Sky signals to send the reception through to a single Sky box via the Coaxial (Aerial) cable.
Loft mount
This is for installing an aerial with-in a loft space.
Magic eye
This is a device which the Sky box can be controlled from another room.
MATV
Master Aerial TV: a UHF (terrestrial TV) reception distribution system
Multiplexer – MUX
This is where groups of Freeview channels are broadcast on a single UHF channel. This is known as a multiplexer
Multi-switch
One Sky dish receives the signal for multiple Sky boxes, usually used in apartment buildings & hotels.
Outlet plate
Mounted to the backbox or Patras, this plate is flush to the mount.
Pixellating
Pixellating is caused by a defective signal, which produces a mosaic or frozen image on the screen.
Plasma
Flat Panel/Screen TV which is an alternative to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
Polarity
The UHF signal is transmitted on either horizontal or vertical polarities.
Pre-amplifier
The signal booster is installed directly on the aerial, with a power supply unit which is required.
PSU – Power Supply Unit
This converts the mains voltage to 12v, and is used to energies the pre-amplifier via the down lead.
Reflector element
Rear element of an aerial
Set back amplifier
Sits next to the TV and boosts TV reception signal.
Set top box
Sits on top of the TV set – usually a Sky box, Freeview box, DVD player or VCR
Sky Digital
Sky digital satellite system providing access to hundreds of digital channels and a vast range of pay to view movies, interactive services and radio stations
Sky+
This is a Sky digital set top box with a twin tuner and recording facilities. Provides the viewer to control what they watch by pausing, rewinding and playing live TV! You can also record and watch 2 channels at the same time
Sky HD
Sky HD brings a new home viewing experience, providing images in much greater detail and vibrant colours, complete with full recording facilities as Sky+. HD Compatible TV & Subscription required to take full advantage of a Sky HD system
Sky Freesat
Sky digital system providing access to a range of Free to Air channels, no monthly subscription required
SMATV
Satellite Master Aerial TV: Sky/UHF reception distribution system
Splitter
Splits signal to two or more TV’s
Tetra
Tetra means Terrestrial Trunked Radio. Used by the Emergency Services. This can interfere with digital multiplexes.
Tetra filter
Blocks interference from Tetra transmissions
Top-Up TV
Pay as you view Digital TV
UHF
Terrestrial TV reception
VHF
Redundant frequency bands 1, 2 & 3. Part of Band 3 is now used for DAB.
Wall bracket
Secures an LCD or Plasma screen TV to the mounting surface.
Wideband aerial
A TV aerial used to receive UHF channels 21-68
Yagi
A TV aerial that has a dipole, director and reflector
