Television by satellite

The transmitter power requirements for adequate field strength are evaluated for direct broadcasting in the present u.h.f. television bands. It is shown that improved aerials, the use of preamplifiers and wideband frequency modulation will be necessary for practical transmitters in existing or foreseeable space vehicles. The concept of `indicial bandwidth¿ is introduced which is defined as the receiver bandwidth for which carrier/noise power-ratio is unity. Satellite considerations of power supply, station keeping and launching costs are discussed. The conclusion is reached that satellite broadcasting can most satisfactorily operate to stations feeding conventional wire broadcasting networks.