What is DBS?

DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) is a system for the distribution of video and audio streams over satellite.

DBS systems are also referred to as "mini dish" systems, because they use smaller (18") dishes than the previous generation of C Band systems.

DBS systems traditionally broadcast over Ku Band, although some DBS systems are now using Ka Band.

DBS systems typically utilize MPEG-2 encoding and QPSK modulation.

The main DBS broadcasters in the United States are Dish Network (EchoStar) and DirecTV. In Europe, SkyTV broadcasts DBS.

The term DSS (Digital Satellite System) is often incorrectly utilized to refer to DBS systems. DSS is a proprietary technology owned by DirecTV.

Books on DBS

The World of Satellite Television	This indispensable handbook to the digital satellite TV revolution places you at the vortex of a dazzling world of entertainment. This brand-new ninth edition provides everything you need to know about selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining your own satellite TV system. DBS, digital video compression, HDTV, and other innovations coming your way are also presented in a down-to-earth style that is accessible to everyone.
Digital Satellite TV Handbook	The Digital Satellite TV Handbook and companion CD-ROM will serve as your complete interactive course in the new digital satellite TV technologies. This textbook, which provides a comprehensive overview of all the digital satellite TV platforms currently in use world-wide, includes the essential satellite coverage maps and transmission parameters that readers will need to receive digital TV services from any location around the world. It also presents those aspects of digital video compression and high definition TV that are of the highest relevance to installers, technicians, and other satellite professionals working in the global direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV industry. The Digital Satellite TV Handbook analyzes the hardware requirements of digital DTH receiving systems by comparing and contrasting the new digital TV technologies with earlier analog TV transmission systems, so that readers can readily grasp all of the details required to make the transition from the analog era of yesterday to the new all-digital world of the future. The Digital Satellite TV Handbook is based on the author's extensive experience as an instructor for private corporations and trade associations around the world. To facilitate the learning experience, the author has included a series of "Quick Check" exercises and answer keys so that readers can determine for themselves whether or not they have adequately understood the various course segments provided. Mathematical formulas that are relevant to course content also are presented at the end of each chapter. Best of all, the companion CD-ROM version of the Handbook, which may be opened by any Internet browser software program, contains numerous Internet hyperlinks. Readers can click on any textbook hyperlink to immediately access hundreds of additional pages of supplementary information from the world-wide web or obtain information updates concerning the current operations of satellite system operators and digital TV programmers around the globe. The CD-ROM also gives readers access to full-color versions of all the textbooks, footprint maps, charts and other illustrations. A graphic-intensive training manual "Quick Check" exercises in each chapter Mathematical formulas relevant to each chapter's content
Satellite Communications and DBS Systems