satelliittikanavat

Satelliittikanavat are television channels that are transmitted via communications satellites rather than terrestrial or cable networks. They are distributed through orbital satellites that receive a signal from an uplink facility, amplify it on a transponder, and downlink it to large geographic areas. Viewers access these channels with a satellite dish and a receiver, optionally using a conditional access module for encrypted services.

The transmission system relies on geostationary satellites positioned above the equator. Each satellite contains multiple transponders that carry a number of channels in different frequency bands, most commonly Ku-band and, in some regions, C-band or Ka-band. The video is encoded with standards such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4, and the audio may use formats like AAC or Dolby Digital. Modern broadcasts often employ DVB-S2 for more efficient transmission and higher capacity, enabling high-definition and ultra-high-definition services.

Reception and access vary by provider. Many channels are free-to-air, available without a subscription but still needing a satellite dish and receiver. Others are part of pay-TV packages, secured with conditional access systems and CAM modules or integrated receivers. Channel lineups are typically organized by regional packages, international networks, or thematic bundles. Equipment includes a dish, an LNB (low-noise block downconverter), and a set-top box or integrated receiver with decoding and display capabilities.

Advantages of satelliittikanavat include wide coverage and independent distribution from terrestrial networks, making it possible to reach remote areas. Limitations include the need for line-of-sight, susceptibility to weather disruptions, and, for encrypted services, the requirement of authorization and appropriate hardware. In Finland and much of Europe, satellite reception remains a common method for accessing a broad range of national and international television channels.