Aurora Free Satellite TV Explained

Aurora Explained

Since 1985 there has been a satellite TV service providing ABC, SBS and several regional stations to viewers in areas not serviced by normal terrestrial services. In the past this service was called the HACBSS (Homestead and Community Broadcast Satellite Service) and used an analogue modulation system called BMAC.

In 1998 the new digital "Aurora" system commenced operations, on the Optus B3 satellite, offering a far more powerful signal and superb digital quality picture and audio quality. In August 2003, Optus replaced the B3 satellite with the more powerful C1 model. This new service uses Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), which involves the use of MPEG compression.

The stronger signal means that systems sold today use much smaller dishes that previously was possible. The smaller dish means a much lower price, making such a system easily available to remote area travellers, mobile home owners and even those who cruise our inland waterways!

Unlike terrestrial TV, which is affected by the topography of each location, satellite TV requires only a clear view of the northern sky to operate successfully.

A typical satellite receiving system comprises a 85cm dish (suitable for most areas), an amplifier (called an LNBF), a digital receiver, a smartcard and coaxial cable. Even though the service is free, it does run under a system called "conditional access". The use of a smartcard registered to the end user and his geographic location, ensures that viewers cannot receive programs outside the license area of the broadcaster. This is done to protect the owner of program copyright and regional terrestrial broadcasters.

It's a great advantage to watch ABC and SBS in all time zones, as it means that if you miss a program on the east coast, you can watch it half an hour later on the South Australian service or two hours later on the Western Australia service. These channels are freely available to anyone purchasing an "Aurora" system, and there are also over 40 radio stations available.

Regional channels-East coast

Seven Central, previously known as "Queensland Television (QTV)" has a license allowing it to broadcast to a satellite audience in areas east of the Western Australia border, see map below (source: 7 Central website: www.sevencentral.com.au

Imparja is an independent broadcaster located in Darwin, carrying a mixture of Network 9, Ten Network, and their own indigenous programming. Their license are also allows coverage east of the W.A border, see map above (source: Imparja website:www.imparja.com.au)

Imparja now charge a $55 activation fee for any new smartcard activations, this includes travellers and blackspot recetion customers. Imparja also now charge a re-activation fee for customers who have run over the travelles time constraints and wish to renew their viewing.

Regional channels -West coast

Golden West Network is a Western Australian broadcaster located in Bunbury W.A. broadcasting to W.A. satellite viewers only.

Win TV is a Network 9 affiliate, licensed to service the W.A satellite audience only. There are other services also available such as "Westlink", an educational service provided by the Western Australian government

Setting up the system is not difficult. The most effort is required to point the dish accurately. Dish pointing information for any location in Australia is available from us on request, free of charge. Installation can be made easier by utilising a small satellite signal strength meter, called a "Satfinder".