AV-COMM

HISTORY

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 below (source: Imparja website:www.imparja.com.au

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".

ABC WESTERN AUSTRALIA

GOLDEN WEST NETWORK (W.A. ONLY)

WESTLINK EDUCATIONAL

WIN TV (W.A. ONLY)

ABC NORTHERN TERRITORY

IMPARJA TV

IMPARJA INFO PAGE

ABC SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SBS SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ABC QUEENSLAND

ABC TV NATIONAL

SEVEN CENTRAL

SBS QUEENSLAND

ABC SOUTH EAST

SBA SOUTH EAST

SBS WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TYPICAL "AURORA" SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Pricing of a typical system starts at $575, depending upon dish size required and dish mounting hardware you need.

If you are contemplating the purchase and installation of an Aurora system, especially for reception of regional broadcasters, it is a wise option to discuss your location with the relevant broadcasters prior to purchase.

Regional commercial broadcasters are restricted by their license area, and by program copyright issues. This means that you will require permission to receive regional signals out of the broadcasters area.

Certain areas have been called "Black Spot" due to poor or non-existent terrestrial reception. It may be possible for you to obtain authorisation to receive signals from the regional satellite broadcasters if you "qualify" as a black spot area.

This will involve having an antenna installer visit your premises with a telescopic mast and special antenna to make signal m

easurements, and return those measurements and a statutory declaration to the ABA and broadcaster.

We can provide you with this service if nequired in your area. There are no geographic restrictions on ABC and SBS reception. There are no geographic restrictions on ABC and SBS reception.

Seven Central: 1 800 501 063  Fax: 07 47262109

Imparja:        1 300 301 683     Fax: 08 8953 0322

WIN TV:         1 300 301 681

GWN:            1 300 301 681