One of the more rare functions is the possibility to measure the signal/noise figure for analog signals. Other receivers can be connected to this unit without any loss in signal strength or quality. A Digisky is yours for only DM 1.600 (incl. VAT). It only weighs 1.2kg and can do its job up to 3 hours on its battery. When the battery runs dry it warns you perfectly on time.
Sagem ISD 3100
Recently we received a new digital set-top box which supports the Open-TV standard. It’s a French receiver, called Sagem ISD 3100, and it comes with a built-in Viaccess decoder. Perhaps you have already seen how many channels are using Viaccess today, not just in France. A good example is the Russian NTV for which smartcards are very easy to get. Although the ISD 3100 is basically a Free to Air receiver, the Viaccess integration is a very welcome addition. In fact, the Sagem is a very back to the basics receiver, without any unnecessary gadgets. Operation is very simple, but done to keep it clear for a larger audience. The ISD 3100 is in fact designed for reception of two European satellite systems: Astra and Hotbird, or perhaps a Scandinavian satellite as well. On the front you will only find the emergency buttons together with a LED indicating the status of the receiver. Of course, there is a smartcard slot for the Viaccess system. At the back, two Scart (Peritel) connectors take care of the connections to the rest of your equipment. Together with two phono jacks for supplying your stereo with sound. Additionally a phono connector with composite video can be used to supply an extra monitor with the video signal. To update the firmware or settings, an RS-232 interface is present. An analogue or second digital receiver can be connected to the LNB output. There is no RF modulator built-in. Looking at the extensive on-screen display we believe it’s even the better. The remote control is not just an everyday one. The numeric keys are shaped like the numbers itself, making it easy to find them even if it is dark. Since Open-TV is supported, there are a few buttons more on the remote. But grouped together and marked with colours, they pose no problem in everyday use where you will only use the numeric keys and the ones beyond. Fear of the remote control, of any, disappears very rapidly when using it for just a short time.
The other day, the new shift arrives at work in the satellite control station “Can’t wait for it: what did the telly show today?”
Measuring analog and digital, now and in the future
Buying a measuring device for signals is always a serious job. Not because it is expensive, but more so because it must be in operation for many years. Newly bought measuring devices should, therefore, also be able to process digital signals. The new R.O.V.E.R. SDA-4 & 5 Digisky coming from Italy is capable of measuring analog and digital QPSK satellite signals. The input can handle signals from 950 up to 2150MHz. And the channel memory of 200 channels should be enough for average use. Besides the signal strength it also shows the frequency. It can measure the error rate of digital signals and when channel IDs are integrated in the data stream the names are visible on-screen.
Want More? Free Time Travel 10 Years Back: Read Full Magazine TELE-satellite 04/1999 Here: http://magazine.TELE-satellite.com/vintage/TELE-satellite-9904-deu-eng.pdf
www.TELE-satellite.com — 04-05/2009 — TELE-satellite & Broadband
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