Space-age television

Cable television is beginning to make an impact and, if all goes to plan, by 1989 three more channels should be available in the UK, broadcast direct from a satellite. The author gives a brief review of satellite broadcasting from Telstar through to DBS. The IBA franchise to provide direct broadcasting awarded to British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) is discussed. The broadcast standards are discussed. All BSB's programmes will be transmitted using the D-MAC system based on 25 pictures a second, 625 lines per picture using TDM or frequency multiplexing and PSK. Decoders are also briefly mentioned.<
>