How do omnidirectional satellite receivers work?

Question

How does satellite radio work without a parabolic reflector to concentrate the weak unidirectional satellite signal?

Answer 1

Apparently, the signal is strong enough to be received without the additional gain of a parabolic reflector. Remember that the data being transmitted is audio only, and so of a much lower bandwidth than video data broadcast by satellite TV systems. Because of this, the transmission can use higher coding gain: if each bit of audio is transmitted as 100 bits of encoded data, the likelihood of correctly decoding that audio bit increases 100-fold. In communications theory, this is called processing gain, and it is every bit as effective as actual signal gain.

Answer 2

Satellite radio, like XM or Sirius, uses a different frequency band than other satellites used to distribute TV signals among other things.

The frequency band is much lower and thus can use a different type of antenna. Specifically, parabolic reflectors are required at C-band (4 GHz), Ku-band (12 GHz), and Ka-band (18 GHz). Satellite signals at UHF and S-band (2 GHz) don't require a reflector as the antenna gain is acceptable with the signal strengths being used at these frequencies.

Answer 3

It works because the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is sufficient without the parabolic reflector.

The noise in a channel is proportional to the width of the channel. Which means that even though the signal strength is the same at the receiving station there is less noise in the narrowband radio signal than the wideband video signal and no need to resort ot the expensive parabolic dish to achieve an adequate SNR.

Answer 4

I have four XM radios. I was curious as well. I found out that their satellite is one of the most powerful in orbit. Otherwise, it would not work like they do it.

Answer 5

A severe definition receiver will %. up the unique channels with the unique dish. besides the shown fact that, it is in simple terms no longer waiting to demonstrate the HD channels because it won't be able to get entry to them. you would be waiting to confirm those as quickly as you improve your dish.