A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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A |
Access |
General term for the ability of a user to make use of a network.
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Ad Hoc |
For a special purpose; as needed; Latin for "for this."
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Analog |
A continuously variable signal waveform; Relative satellite transmission, often uses 27 - 36 MHz of bandwidth.
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Antenna |
The piece of equipment which sends and receives signals; Re: satellite, it is also referred to as a "dish."
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B |
B-mac |
A method used to scramble and transmit signals.
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Backhaul |
Original transmission before network re-broadcast.
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Bandwidth |
Original transmission before network re-broadcast.
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Baseband |
The band of frequencies containing the information, prior to and after demodulation.
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BER |
Bit Error Rate -- The fraction of a sequence of message bits that are in error.
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BETA |
A type of 1/2" tape used for editing and recording video.
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Bird |
Slang term for satellite.
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Bit Rate |
The speed of digital transmission measured in bits per second.
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Broad Beam |
A single large circular beam that covers a large geographic area.
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Broadband |
Referral to a bandwidth greater than the baseband or greater than a voice frequency bandwidth.
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Broadcast Service |
A radio communications service in which the transmissions are intended for direct reception by the general public. This service may include audio and television transmissions.
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BTV |
An abbreviation for "Business Television." |
C |
C-Band |
A frequency for signal transmission, between 4 and 6 GHz, which is used for satellite signals as well as certain terrestrial microwave transmissions.
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Cable Television |
Any system which receives transmissions from program sources and distributes them to users (usually homes) via coaxial cable, usually for a fee.
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Carrier |
A frequency wave that is transmitted from one earth station through the satellite to another earth station, which is used for channel distribution.
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CG |
Abbreviation for Character Generator.
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Channel |
A one-way communications link used for transmission on the satellite.
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Character Generator |
A unit that enables the creation of letters, numbers, or other characters for use with video.
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Chyron |
Brand-name for commonly used Character Generator system.
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Closed Circuit Television |
A television signal carried, usually via microwave or coaxial cable, between two or more locations, but not broadcast for general reception.
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CODEC |
Coder / decoder -- a system which converts an analog signal to and from a digital signal. Often used in reference to ISDN videoconferencing systems.
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Common Carrier |
A regulated telecommunications company which carries messages for anyone for a fee.
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CONUS |
The CONtinetal United States; all the states (includ. District of Columbia) except Alaska and Hawaii.
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D |
DAMA |
Demand Assigned Multiple Access -- The assigning of channels in a transponder.
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Data Communication |
The transfer of digital data by electronic or electrical means.
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dBW |
The power ratio (decibels) relative to one watt.
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Decoder |
A device used to unscramble previously scrambled program signals. Each decoder is authorized individually.
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Digital |
A signal waveform used to convert information into bits of data; Relative satellite transmission -- often uses 3 - 18MHz of bandwidth.
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Domsat |
Domestic satellite
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Downlink |
Term used to describe the ability to receive or the act of receiving domestic or international satellite signals at an earth station.
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Dual Path |
The ability to transmit two signals to a satellite at the same time.
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Duplex |
A mode in which there exists two-way simultaneous transmission between the users.
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E |
Earth Station |
Ground equipment used to process and transmit or receive signals to satellites.
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Editing |
To "cut;" to alter, correct, or revise video.
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EIRP |
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power -- The strength of the satellite transmitter RF power and transmitting antenna gain.
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Encryption |
The process of encoding or "scrambling" television signals. Used in business and broadcast television so that unintended audiences are unable to view the signal. Both picture and sound must be encrypted.
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ENG Crews |
Personnel available which are necessary for Electronic News Gathering. Commonly used to refer to a one camera, two person video crew.
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F |
FEC |
Forward Error Correction codes -- Codes added to the digital signal to monitor and correct errors.
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Fiber Optics |
Mode of transporting signals which uses laser beams through strands of glass.
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Footprint |
The geographical range of reception of a satellite signal, usually given with signal strength.
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Format |
Types of machines and tapes that store video and audio information. Examples include VHS, Beta, Beta SP, SX, DV, DVCPRO, and 3/4."
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Frequency |
The number of times an alternating current goes through a complete cycle in one second of time. |
Full Duplex |
A circuit which carries information in both directions at the same time.
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Full Time |
Dedicated facilities for a client's exclusive use.
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G |
G/T |
Gain to Noise-Temperature ratio -- the measurement of gain-to-noise temperature ratio of a receiving system; its sensitivity or "figure of merit."
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Geostationary Orbit |
A special geosynchronous orbit which his circular and lying over the equator such that the satellite seems to remain stationary in the sky as seen from a location on the surface of Earth.
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Geosynchronous Orbit |
An orbit around the Earth, with an average distance from the center of the earth of about 26,000 miles in which a satellite would have a period equal to the rotation period of the Earth.
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Gigahertz |
Unit of frequency equal to one billion cycles per second.
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H |
HDTV |
High Definition Television -- Provides a finer-grained picture, a much sharper image and a higher quality stereo sound. |
Headend |
Central distribution point for a CATV or SMATV system. |
HUB |
Master station through which all information flows in and out. |
I |
IFB |
Interruptible Feedback Line -- Allows producer, director, etc. to communicate with a talent during a program -- unidirectional.
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Intelstat |
The international Telecommunications Satellite Organization -- a body which handles international telecommunications traffic...via satellites placed over ocean regions.
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IRD |
Integrated Receiver Decoder -- A receiver which contains a decoder for the reception of a transmission of voice, video and data.
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K |
Ku-band |
Frequencies in the 10.7 to 18 GHz range dedicated to use for satellite transmissions. |
L |
Longitude |
The angular distance in degrees from the prime meridian to another point for which the longitude is being determined.
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M |
MCPC |
Multiple Channel Per Carrier -- digital services used for tranmission of multiple channels of audio, video, and data information over a single wideband carrier.
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Microwave |
Terrestrial method of transmission which travels from point to point.
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Mobile Earth Station |
An earth station in the mobile satellite service intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.
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Mobile Satellite Service |
A radio communications service between mobile earth stations and one or more space stations. This service may also include feeder links necessary for its operation.
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N |
Net Return |
Downlink used by networks so they can view their final transmission. |
NPR |
Noise to Power Ratio -- a measure of intermode noise in a multiplexed communications channel. |
NTSC |
The color TV system established by the US National Television Standards Committee and used in North America, Latin America, parts of South America, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. NTSC produces interlaced 525-line 30 frame/second picture. |
O |
Occasional Business |
Satellite services provided in increments of 15 minutes or more. Recurring services are available at discounted rates.
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Orbit |
The path, relative to a specified frame of reference, described by the center of mass of a satellite or other object in space subjected primarily to natural forces, mainly the force of gravity. |
P |
PAL |
Phase Alteration by Line -- The color television broadcast standard developed in Germany and used in the U.K, and most of Europe, Africa, Australia and South America. PAL produces interlaced 625-line, 25 frame per second pictures.
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Pay-Per-View |
A system whereby a cable or DBS customer can order individual programs, such as films or sporting events, either immediately or for some specific later time. |
Playback |
Playing pre-recorded video material in any format.
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PTT |
Post, Telephone, and Telegraph Authority -- Operating agencies controlled by governments and in charge of telecommunications for the country (eg: in the USA, we have the FCC).
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R |
Real Time |
A term used to describe any system which operates such that input, processing, and output take place over a short period of time and without any long delays or storage of input or of intermediate or final results.
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S |
Satellite Link |
A radio link between a transmitting earth station and receiving earth station through one satellite. A satellite link consists of one uplink and a minimum of one downlink.
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SCPC |
Single Channel Per Carrier -- a narrowband transmission mode used to relay a single channel of audio, video and data information over a single carrier. |
SFD |
Saturation Flux Density -- power required to achieve saturation of a single repeater channel on the satellite.
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Simplex |
Transmission in one direction only.
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Skyswitch |
A TIW Systems, Inc. product which provides voice and data communications via satellite -- used in some SNG vehicles.
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SNG |
Satellite NewsGathering (vehicle); Also referred to as SNV and satellite truck.
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Space Segments |
Service availability for occasional or full-time use on satellite transponders.
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Spot Beam |
A focused highpower satellite signal that covers only a small region. Outside that area, the signal is undetectable, and will not interfere with other use of the same wavelength.
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Standard Conversions |
The process used to convert on video standard to another (eg: NTSC to PAL).
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T |
Tariff |
The established rate for and specifications of a telecommunication service.
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Teleport |
A complex of earth stations used for satellite transmissions, receptions, and turnarounds.
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Transponder |
The part of a satellite which picks up signals from earth, translates them into a new frequency, amplifies them, and transmits them back to earth; A single repeater channel on-board a satellite. One can use a half-transponder as well.
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Turnaround |
The act of downlink a satellite signal, altering it, and uplinking it again right away. Often used to change the signal from Ku-band to C-band and vice-versa.
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TVRO |
TeleVision Receive Only -- A receive only downlink antenna. Can be either C or Ku-band.
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U |
Uplink |
The satellite dish and electronics which transmit the signal; can be fixed or portable; Fixed uplinks are frequently called earth stations; Also used to refer to the act of transmitting a signal to a satellite.
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V |
Video Conference |
The connection of two or more groups via satellite or codec technology.
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Video Switching |
Process of electronically switching a video/ audio signal between locations.
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VSAT |
Very Small Aperture Terminal -- A one or two way earth station, approximately 0.6 to 2.5 meters in size. |
