Satellite digital TV reception through domestic TV networks (SMATV)

Domestic TV networks (SMATV/MATV systems) have been identified as a dominant TV reception scenario in some areas, with clear advantages in terms of cost and complexity for satellite TV reception, allowing cost sharing among groups of users. The future will bring a new revolution in the broadcasting field due to the expansion of satellite digital TV technology. The paper analyses the role of satellite master antenna TV (SMATV) systems in the quick introduction of satellite digital TV, assuring the commercial success of any new broadcasting system. A review of the SMATV scenario is carried out, introducing the definition and concepts around digital TV through SMATV. System options for the DVB-SMATV systems are presented, as they have been established in the frame of the European DVB project, having been the basis for the European and International standardization process around SMATV. The authors review technical aspects which are of great interest to manufacturers and operators, giving also a picture of state of the art SMATV applicable equipment, highlighting the common pieces (user IRDs) with CATV and DTH systems. Finally, the innovative concepts are presented for SMATV based interactive TV services using a satellite based return channel