WO2016192693A1

WO2016192693A1 - Equipment for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs

Info

Publication number: WO2016192693A1
Application number: PCT/CZ2016/000060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Petr HAJČIAR; Marian VÁŇA
Original assignee: Emp - Centauri, Společnost S Ručením Omezeným
Priority date: 2015-06-05
Filing date: 2016-06-01
Publication date: 2016-12-08
Also published as: CZ2015381A3; EP3304925A1

Abstract

Problem to be resolved: Distribution of community television and radio signal is performed individually. Antennas (4, 12) of the subscribers make the concerned buildings unsightly, construction adjustments must be completed on the residential buildings and all the subscribers must purchase their own receivers (14) and decoders (15). Solution: The apparatus (13) for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs allows installation of a limited number of antennas (4, 12) on residential buildings with numerous subscribers and it allows to use the existing coaxial distribution system with star topology in the building and the apparatus (13) made according to one of the examples of practical embodiment that allows data communication.

Description

Equipment for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus that enables the reception and distribution of television and radio programs for a group of subscribers with the possibility of transmission of data communication.

Background of the invention

Currently, the television and radio programs are distributed via terrestrial broadcasts from transmitters located in particular places in the area, or via cable lines which are, however, large-scale prerogative of intense urban areas, or via satellite broadcast from geostationary satellites placed in an orbit. With a growing range of programs increases popularity of reception via satellite among users, since this broadcast is available over a large surface area and provides a wide variety of broadcast programs.

Signals from the satellite can be received on Earth by satellite dishes; the intensity of the signals received differs at different locations of the earth's surface. The footprint is a visualization of the earth's surface covered by a satellite signal. Satellite transmission coming from the satellite is strongest in the middle of a footprint and weakest at its edges. Receiving satellite antenna used at the outer edge of footprint must necessarily have larger diameter than antenna in its centre.

For transmission of satellite signals mainly centimeter waves of the frequency range from approximately 3 GHz to 30 GHz are used. One of the reasons for the use of short radio waves is the negative influence of cosmic noise at frequencies below 1 GHz. At high frequencies above 15 GHz signals are significantly weakened by water vapor in the atmosphere and oxygen molecules. Signals alias electromagnetic waves sent from satellites in orbit have certain permanent orientation in space. Usually the radiation is linearly polarized, either vertically or horizontally. Some satellites also send circularly polarized radiation, the electromagnetic waves rotating around the direction of propagation of the radiation, either clockwise, or vice versa.

A typical satellite receiving system consists of a parabolic antenna that reflects the incoming satellite signal and focuses it in a focal point in front of the antenna. In the focal point a feedhom is located, which captures the signals reflected by the antenna and converts them into other part of the satellite receiving system, to a low noise amplifier (LNA). The low noise amplifier boosts the signals and feeds them into the converter, wherein the frequency of input signals is converted to the output frequency, the so-called first satellite intermediate frequency. The value of the first satellite IF is given by the difference in frequency of the converter's local oscillator and input signals of the antenna.

Output IF signals propagate from the converter by a line, e.g. coaxial cable, to the satellite receiver. The above described parts, a feedhom, LNA and converter, are usually integrated into a single block called an LNB. For currently produced LNBs, the local oscillator frequencies are determined by the universal standard: 9.75 GHz for the low band and 10.60 GHz for the high band. The LNB comprises either one oscillator of 9750 MHz frequency, with such LNB is possible to receive only signals in the low frequency band, or the LNB comprises two oscillators, the first of 9750 MHz and the second of 10600 MHz frequency, which is called universal LNB that allows to receive both high and low bands. It is then possible to select required polarization and frequency band from the satellite receiver.

A standard satellite receiving system, which has located at the focal point of the antenna so called Single LNB, can be used for receiving TV programs on one satellite receiver, i.e. usually with one TV set. To connect two or more satellite receivers to one LNB i.e. to one dish antenna, it is necessary to use another type of LNB, inserting between LNB and satellite receiver a device called multiswitch.

Multiswitch is a device that is connected between the converter and a satellite receiver. From the perspective of the receiver, multiswitch acts as a universal switchable LNB providing just the satellite intermediate frequency, i.e. a desired frequency band or polarization, required by the receiver's relevant control commands. Each receiver connected in a system with multiswitch has access to all broadcast satellite programs, and it is a major advantage of multiswitch solutions. In case of signal distribution of multiple satellites, the multiswitch acts to the receiver as a system of several switchable LNBs, being understood that by using standard commands of a receiver, each connected receiver has access to all broadcast satellite programs provided by satellites whose transmission is brought into multiswitches.

The disadvantage of the installation (distribution) with multiswitches is relatively high consumption of coaxial cable or similar transmission lines, because each output of multiswitch represents one cable or line. Another disadvantage is the necessity of the satellite receiver at a line end for each output of the multiswitch. Moreover, if the satellite receiver is not equipped with a generator of commands compatible with the receiver of commands inside of multiswitch, the user can not automatically receive satellite programs on his receiver from at least some inputs of multiswitch, therefore of some satellite positions, or also from the corresponding outputs of the converter or converters of satellite receiving antenna.

There are known satellite converters (LNBs) with eight to sixteen outputs for direct connection of satellite receivers to LNB. In this case, satellite multiswitch is a directly part of the LNB. If satellite antenna or antennas should be connected to a larger number of participants in the installation (distribution), e.g. a few dozen to hundreds, it is necessary to use a standalone multiswitch connected to the LNB, or to use MATV (master antenna television) distribution using the headend.

Further, there are also known satellite converters (LNBs) with one output, which enable to connect using a single coaxial cable or similar RF transmission line up to 24 or even 32 satellite receivers. Similarly, there are known satellite multiswitches or similar devices with a single outlet, which allow to connect using a single coaxial cable or similar RF transmission line up to 24 or even 32 satellite receivers (e.g. US Patent Application 2011/0296470 A1). Disadvantages of the above solutions consist in the fact that these solutions allow to receive in the installation at any given time only a limited number of satellite broadcasting channels, a maximum of 32, and also the number of received satellite positions or connected LNB is limited. Another disadvantage, as with standard multiswitches, requires the use of a satellite receiver for each participant in the distribution installation. Moreover, the satellite receivers must be specially designed to be connected to a single line along with satellite receivers of other participants.

In case of MATV headend distribution for a larger number of participants - dozens or hundreds - the satellite broadcast channels received by satellite dishes and antennas are mostly first amplified and converted by the LNB to the first intermediate satellite (IF) frequency, which is usually a band ranging from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz. Furthermore, each satellite broadcast channel is demodulated and possibly decoded and then re-modulated and converted into terrestrial TV band in the range from 5 MHz to 862 MHz. Originally digitally modulated satellite channels are thus transferred to the terrestrial television digital signal format DVB-T, or even transferred to a traditional analog signal in PAL, NTSC, etc. Subsequently, the signals in the terrestrial band are splitting or branching to individual participants of the distribution installation. The DVB-T signal as well as analog TV signal can then be processed directly in the television receiver to the picture and sound, since most existing TV receivers available on the market can handle both analog and digital DVB-T signal. If the TV receiver can not do this, must be provided with a set-top box.

Recently are increasingly used MATV headend distributions where, after demodulation and appropriate decoding of satellite signals and converting them into the data stream, the data is distributed over a computer network such as Ethernet. It is an IPTV or internet protocol television. In this case, reception of picture and sound is possible either via a PC or special set-top box (receiver) connected to a TV, or you can receive the images and sound directly on the "smart TV." In the case of Wi-Fi router connected to the Ethernet network, it is possible to distribute television picture and sound wirelessly and receive with tablets, mobile phones and similar devices. Disadvantages of the distribution installation by MATV headend consist in the fact that by the transfer of satellite broadcasting channels into the terrestrial television band or using IPTV, unlike the case of using a satellite multiswitch, it is possible to distribute at any given time to subscribers of distribution installation only a limited number of programs from the entire spectrum received through satellite dishes or antennas. It is both due to the limitations of the spectrum bandwidth of terrestrial television, which is in the range from 5 MHz to 862 MHz, partly by limiting the speed of data that can be transmitted in a computer network in case of distribution installation by MATV over a computer network. There are some solutions of MATV headend that utilize satellite multiswitch, but subsequently each output of the multiswitch processes only one or a maximum of several satellite broadcasting channels which are then converted into the terrestrial TV band and splitting or branching to individual participants of the distribution installation, or converted into a data stream and distributed over a computer network using IPTV.

Concerning the distribution of the Internet in homes with many residential units it is known that, in earlier times for building local area networks of the Ethernet type formed by standard 10BASE5 and 10BASE2, coaxial cables were used.. Thus designed networks reached transmission speeds of 10 Mbit/s.

In subsequent years, the known standards of data transmission were replaced by new data transfer standards 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX - "Fast Ethernet", which are used for data transmission lines consisting of twisted copper pairs called UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable. Coaxial cables continue to be used for the ensuring of TV reception.

In the new apartment houses are currently being built both the television and data distributions in a star topology, thus offering the possibility to use for both technologies a common physical medium. Known solution is to transfer television broadcast into data packets (IPTV - Internet Protocol Television), which is then transmitted through standard UTP cable. Disadvantages of the above solutions consist in the fact that existing buildings are constructed with coaxial distribution systems for television broadcasting and UTP cables must be laboriously completed. Residents of the buildings do not want to pay the high cost and do not want to limit their convenience by reconstruction of an installation. Another disadvantage of IPTV based solutions lies in the limitations of program offer.

There are adapters - modems, which modulate digital data to a reserved frequency band, which can then be shared with other services carried over coaxial cable. This technology is known as Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC). The disadvantage of this solution lies in the fact that the modulation techniques used in existing EoC devices are quite complex and, consequently, high purchase prices of adapters - modems prevent massive expansion of this technology.

In order to transmit a data signal by one coaxial cable it is necessary to provide two- way data communication. 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX standards assume for data transfer two copper-wire pairs - one pair for transmitting and one pair for receiving, while coaxial cable consists of only a single pair of wires - center conductor and shield.

Bi-directional data communication is possible in the event that the transmitter and receiver pair are connected to coaxial cable through a special circuit called duplexer. Used circuit is based on the so-called telephone hybrid which was used in analog telephone equipment for connecting the microphone and speaker for two-wire local loop. Duplexer allowed to talk and to listen simultaneously, while ensuring electrical isolation of microphone from the speaker to avoid unwanted coupling.

To allow the mutual coexistence of the data channel and other required signals (television broadcast) transmitted via coaxial line, it is used so called diplexer allowing coexistence of multiple signals in one line. Analog radio signal is in the frequency band from 88 MHz to 108 MHz and the data signal with 100BASE-TX has a spectrum extending to a value of 125 MHz, this implies that it is not possible to simultaneously transmit the analog broadcast and the data signal. The TV broadcast signals are in the frequency band from 470 MHz to 860 MHz, so they can be transmitted simultaneously by coaxial cable. Furthermore, the coaxial cable can transmit satellite television broadcasts using a frequency band above of 950 MHz and it needs to transfer via cable direct supply current and a control frequency of 22 kHz. It follows that the data input of diplexer must be provided with a band pass filter, while the television input of diplexer must be provided with a corresponding band stop filter.

Disadvantages of distribution of television programs and the Internet as mentioned above therefore consist in the fact that in case of a house inhabited by large population, every resident is trying to receive TV programs / internet using his own satellite / Wi-Fi system, there is a unsightly appearance of the house due to individually mounted thereon antennas of different sizes. A further disadvantage is that the user must purchase their own receivers and decoders, which must be connected to the antenna cabling, although in many cases the houses have done original radial distribution of analogue transmission via coaxial cables. According to the requirements of the new technology used, the original wiring in homes must be reconstructed, which leads to cost and inconvenience, or possibly the original wiring is not used at all.

The present invention is an apparatus for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs with the possibility of transferring data communications, which would allow the use of existing radial distribution systems in buildings with many residential units for the transmission of television programs from a single receiving device and data transmission for Internet communication according to standards 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.

Summary of the invention

The desired goal is achieved by an apparatus for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs of the present invention.

The equipment for community reception and distribution of television and radio programs includes at least one satellite multiswitch. The multiswitch has at least two inputs for receiving satellite signals of the first satellite IF and at least two subscriber outputs for connecting at least one terminal device of a television receiver, satellite receiver, cable television DVB-C receiver, terrestrial television DVB-T or DVB-T2 receiver.

Summary of the invention consists in that the apparatus further comprises at least one output of terrestrial return circuit and at least one input of terrestrial return circuit for connecting the decoder of terrestrial return circuit. Further comprising at least one signal modulator and simultaneously multiswitch has at least one input for to receive signal of terrestrial broadcast. The output of terrestrial return circuit is connected to the input of the decoder of terrestrial return circuit and the decoder output is connected to the signal modulator via an input of terrestrial return circuit. The signal modulator output is further connected to the terrestrial input of the multiswitch.

Or summary of the invention consists in that the apparatus further comprises at least one output of terrestrial return circuit and at least one input of terrestrial return circuit for connecting the decoder of terrestrial return circuit. Further comprising at least one signal modulator, at least one signal splitter and at least one combiner of terrestrial frequency band and first satellite IF band connected to the user's output of multiswitch. Output of the combiner is provided for the connection of terminal equipment. Simultaneously, the output of terrestrial return circuit is connected to the input of the decoder of terrestrial return circuit and the decoder's output is connected to the signal modulator via an input of terrestrial return circuit. The modulator's output is connected to the input of signal splitter of terrestrial frequency band and the output of the splitter is connected to the input of the combiner of terrestrial frequency band and first satellite IF band. The output of the combiner is connected to the subscriber's terminal equipment.

The equipment allows simultaneous distribution of programs broadcasted by satellite transmission between connected parties, without participants having to necessarily be equipped with satellite receivers. It can be used original radial distribution of coaxial line in a residential building, while limited number of antennas is sufficient for broadcast reception. Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one signal combiner for combining the signal from the modulator and the signal from antenna terrestrial, wherein the inputs of the signal combiner are connected to the signal modulator and terrestrial antenna and the output of signal combiner is connected to the terrestrial input of multiswitch, or a combiner output is connected to the input of signal splitter of terrestrial frequency band.

If users want to simultaneously receive satellite and terrestrial broadcasts, a combiner is added to the apparatus. It combines originally satellite broadcast signal which is transferred to terrestrial broadcast signal and coming from the signal's modulator output, with the terrestrial broadcast received from terrestrial antenna and users connected to the apparatus can watch programs almost without limits. Minimum limitation occurs when one of the decoders of terrestrial return circuit is DVB-T decoder. Subsequently, the apparatus brings to user's TV sets analog signal in e.g. PAL format that can be decrypted by any TV.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one commands generator for controlling the multiswitch, which is the generator connected between the output of terrestrial return circuit and input of a decoder of terrestrial return circuit, and which is signal-through. The signal generator controls the operation of multiswitches, especially selection of input polarization of satellite broadcasting signal. The most common example of embodiment allows reception settings of either horizontal or vertical polarization transmission.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the output of signal combiner for the signal from the modulator and antenna terrestrial and the terrestrial input of multiswitch is detachable, or the connection between the output of the signal combiner and the input of signal splitter of terrestrial frequency band is detachable. By disconnecting the combiner, the apparatus will function as known multiswitch in situations that require this condition.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the decoder of terrestrial return circuit is an integrated part of the apparatus, or it is an external device. If the decoder is integrated part of the apparatus, the function of the apparatus is reliable and foreign person does not have access to the decoder setting, and the apparatus is compact. The external decoders are devices available that can be used individually, but can be used as decoders of the terrestrial return circuit.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the output of terrestrial return circuit is fitted with RF connector or terminal, and input of terrestrial return circuit is equipped with at least one connector of group RCA, USB, HDMI, 8P8C. For example, the connectors embedded in the housing of apparatus allow the user easy connection of external decoders.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus is provided with at least one modified Ethernet switch, which comprises at least one transceiver circuit PHY for data communication according to the standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX with at least one duplexer for transmitting baseband data signals by coaxial line connected to a PHY circuit.

Duplexer allows data transmission by coaxial cable, so it is possible to simultaneously use radial distribution by coaxial line not only to distribute TV channels, but also for data connection.

Part of the invention is a duplexer for transmitting baseband data by coaxial line attached to the PHY circuit for data communication according to the standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX. The duplexer comprises two transformers with three terminals at each winding, and at least one balancing dipole.

Summary of the invention consists in that the primary winding of the two transformers is connected via two terminals to the input MDI interface of PHY circuit and via two other terminals equipped with amplifier to the output MDI interface of circuit PHY, the secondary winding of the first transformer is grounded at one of its terminals and another terminal is connected to the central terminal of the secondary winding of the second transformer, wherein the one outer terminal of the secondary winding of the second transformer is connected to the center conductor of a coaxial line and a second outer terminal is grounded through the balancing dipole whose impedance is equal to the impedance of the connected coaxial line, or the wiring of outer terminals for at least one of the secondary transformer windings is swapped.

Duplexer allows transmission of data connection signals via coaxial cable. It eliminates the need to change the cables and facilitates the introduction of a data connection to subscribers in homes with an existing radial distribution of television broadcasting. The purchase price of the duplexer is low while maintaining good transmission quality.

The advantages of the invention consist in the fact that it does not require the installation of a large number of antennas on houses of users, that distributes TV channels to a wide group of users at a time, does not require laborious reworking of existing coaxial wiring in homes, participants can connect televisions without having to purchase a complete equipment for individual reception of satellite broadcasts, because the broadcasting signals are decoded in the apparatus and transmitted to TV users in an acceptable format.

The concurrent possibility of providing a data connection through the existing coaxial cable wiring means immense financial savings.

Description of the drawings

The invention will be further illustrated by the following drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic depiction of classical set for individual reception of satellite broadcast,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of apparatus comprising signal combiner connected to the multiswitch input

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of apparatus comprising signal combiner connected to the multiswitch output via a signal splitter and secondary combiner,

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of apparatus for receiving broadcasts from only one satellite,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of apparatus for receiving broadcasts from several satellites simultaneously, Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of duplexer,

Fig. 7 shows a function block diagram of a duplexer.

Examples of the preferred embodiments of the invention

It is understood that the hereinafter described specific examples of the preferred embodiments of the invention are presented for illustrative purposes and not as a limitation of the examples of the realization of the invention to the cases shown herein. Skilled persons being familiar with the state of technology shall find, or using routine experimentation will be able to determine, a greater or lesser number of equivalents to the specific preferred embodiments of the invention which are specifically described here.

Figure 1 shows the standard set for reception of satellite broadcasting. The set consists of a parabolic dish 4 with a converter 3 and satellite receiver 14 with TV set

!Z

FIG. 2 shows a variant of the apparatus 13 with built-in signal combiner 20 connected through a special output 11_ to terrestrial input 7 of the terrestrial multiswitch 1. Next, the apparatus 13 is provided with a group of diplexers 48 and a modified Ethernet switch 55, which is connected to a data source 52. The data source 52 may for example be an optical cable terminated with a modem of internet service provider. The connection for internet transmission is brought via coaxial cables over plug 16 into the computer 53, or Wi-Fi router 54. A detailed description of the modified Ethernet switch 55 will be explained below.

FIG. 3 shows the second possible variant of the apparatus 13, wherein the combiner 20 of the signal from antenna terrestrial and of modulated broadcast signal from the decoder 8 and from the modulator 2J. is connected to a splitter 26 of the signal. Through the combiner 27 of terrestrial frequency band and first satellite IF band, the splitter 26 outputs are connected to signal lines each extending between a user's output 5 of multiswitch 1 and subscriber socket 16 for connecting at least one terminal device (DVB-S receiver 14, the DVB-C receiver 56, the TV set 17). FIG. 4 shows an apparatus 13 designed for the distribution of satellite channels from one satellite position, or from a single satellite. The apparatus 13 is shown including connected external satellite antenna 4 and terrestrial antennas 12, television sets 17, and satellite receivers 14, DVB-T receivers 15, TV wall sockets 16, electric power supply to the apparatus etc.

With the converter 3 arranged at the focus of the satellite receiving antenna 4, the signals coming from the satellite are amplified first and then converted into the frequency band of first satellite IF, which is typically the frequency range from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz or narrower, but sometimes also in the range from 950 MHz to 2300 MHz, or even in the range from 900 MHz to 2400 MHz, and the like. A given satellite transmits signals of two polarizations, in this case the signals vertically polarized and horizontally polarized. Signals of both polarizations and polarities are brought by means of two coaxial cables and connecting RF connectors 28 of F type with an impedance of 75 ohm to the satellite inputs 2 of multiswitch 1, wherein each coaxial cable transfers signals of only one polarization.

Furthermore, the signals of terrestrial broadcast are received from terrestrial antenna 12. Via the input RF connector 28 of 75 ohms impedance and via signal combiner 20, the received signals are fed to the terrestrial input of multiswitch ±. Inside of the multiswitch 1, terrestrial TV signals are routed together with satellite TV signals and, via user's outputs 5 of multiswitch 1, passed over RF connectors 28 by coaxial cables of 75 ohms impedance to satellite receivers 14. From the output 6 of terrestrial return circuit, the satellite TV signals are passed to satellite decoders 8 of terrestrial return circuit, these decoders = satellite receivers 8 are integral part of the apparatus 13 and are connected to it by means of interconnecting coaxial cables terminated with coaxial RF connectors 28 of type F and of 75 ohm impedance, and by means of interconnecting cables each terminated with three interface RCA connectors 10 (or CINCH) at the input 9 of terrestrial return circuit. Two of these interface RCA connectors 10 are designed to transmit analog stereo audio signals from a satellite receiver 8 of terrestrial return circuit to analog signal modulator 2J_, for the left and right audio channel, the third RCA connector 10 is designed to transmit an analog composite video signal from the satellite receiver 8 to signal modulator 21_. Just such external satellite receivers = decoders 8 are used, which are processing first satellite IF signals at their inputs and which are equipped at their outputs (and actually at the input of terrestrial return circuit 9) by three RCA connectors 10 to transmit analog stereo audio signals and composite video signals. Interface connectors 28 and 10 are integral part of the apparatus 13.

The multiswitch 1 may, at its outputs 6 of the terrestrial return circuit, also transmit signals of terrestrial broadcasting, but it is not necessary for the functionality of the apparatus 13. There are included command generators 18 for controlling multiswitch 1 between the outputs 6 of terrestrial return circuit and satellite receivers 8. These generators 18 are passable through for signals of a satellite TV and they are connected each with a corresponding satellite receiver 8 using a coaxial cable connected at one end to input of a satellite receiver 8 and to the interface RF connector or terminal 28 at the other end. Each generator 18 is equipped with a manual two-position toggle switch, the position of the toggle switch determines whether the multiswitch 1 transmits on its output 6 of terrestrial return circuit satellite signals of vertical or horizontal polarization, that determines which of the satellite inputs 2 of multiswitch 1 is output 6 of the terrestrial return circuit (linked to the generator 18) connected to. Each of these toggle switches is permanently set to one of its positions; hence the appropriate satellite receiver 8 of terrestrial return circuit is firmly tuned to a program channel of a selected polarization.

The generator 18 is actually a generator of DiSEqC commands that communicates with the circuit inside of multiswitch 1 connected to output 6 of terrestrial return circuit by DiSEqC commands sent from the generator 18 to the multiswitch 1 on carrier frequency of 22 kHz. The AC signal of carrier frequency 22 kHz with amplitude of about 0.7 volts is superimposed on a DC voltage of 13 or 18 volts supplied from satellite receiver 8 to its input and further by coaxial cable to the connected generator 18. The relevant DiSEqC command switching the output 6 of terrestrial return circuit to vertical or horizontal polarization is sent from the generator 18 to the multiswitch 1 automatically upon each change of position of the toggle switch on the generator 18 as well as after each disconnection and subsequent connection of the satellite receiver 8 to the mains power, specifically after each disconnection and subsequent connection to the dc voltage of 13 or 18 volts supplied to the generator 18 via coaxial cable from satellite receiver 8. If the toggle switch is set to a fixed position and in continuous uninterrupted connection of satellite receiver 8 to the mains power, the command for a given polarization is sent from the generator 18 to multiswitch 1_ only once, after the initial positioning of the toggle switch during initial installation of apparatus 13.

Each of the analog modulators 2J. is equipped on its input with three RCA connectors and is using them and three connection cables connected to the respective satellite receiver 8. Each of the connection cables is two-wire, first connecting cable has one conductor dedicated for earth connection and a second conductor for transmitting a composite video signal, the second and the third connecting cables have one conductor again reserved for the earth connection and the second conductor is reserved for transmission of a stereo audio signals of the left channel or right channel. Modulator 21 receives via the connection cables from the satellite receiver 8 one baseband TV channel in PAL and converts incoming audio and video signals at its output to an analog television signals in PAL broadcast in one tightly tuned UHF television channel. These signals are sent from the modulator 21 along a high- frequency line with impedance of 75 Ohm and at a fixed frequency in the UHF band to a combiner 20, e.g. one modulator 2J_ is broadcasting on channel 30 and the second modulator 21_ on the channel 40. The combiner 20 operates as a triplexer or multiplexer and combines both analog television channels received from modulators 2 along with DVB-T channels received from terrestrial TV antenna 12 to output H and next to input 7 of multiswitch 1. The two analog television channels, originally received as satellite (DVB-S, DVB-S2, etc.) channels by satellite antenna 4 and fed into multiswitch 1 are then coupled with DVB-T transponders and distributed in the frequency band of terrestrial TV by the multiswitch via one of its outputs 5 and thence further to user's television wall sockets 16 and into TV sets 17. Concurrently, satellite channels received from antenna 4 are distributed through multiswitch 1 towards TV sets 17. Using external satellite receivers = decoders 8 carries the risk that one of them can get in fault condition. For example, crashes decoding of satellite signals or other software error in the satellite receiver 8, and this fault should be removed. In order to remove this fault, it is needed to reset satellite receiver 8, this can be done by disconnecting the satellite receiver 8 for a time from the mains power and its subsequent reconnecting to electricity. For this purpose, the apparatus 13 is equipped with an automatic circuit that detects whether there is a software malfunction of satellite receiver 8 and at fault detection the circuit automatically resets the satellite receiver 8 by its disconnecting and reconnecting to the mains power. The external satellite receiver 8 is connected to the mains power via the mains socket 23, which is an integral part of the apparatus 13, the outlet 23_itself is connected to the mains power through the plug 25. The plug 25 thus serves to supply electric power not only for the entire apparatus 13, but also for external satellite receivers 8. Supply of electricity from the plug 25 to socket 23 can be interrupted by the switch or relay 24, which is controlled by a detector 22. The detector 22 senses the presence of audio signal on cables for transmitting audio signals between a satellite receiver 8 and modulator 21 , when audio signal is absent for longer than 1 minute, likely failure of the satellite receiver 8 has occurred and it is temporarily disconnected from the mains power via the switch 24 and then it is again re-connected to electricity. This resets the satellite receiver 8 and recovers it into proper operation.

At the example of practical embodiment of the apparatus according to FIG. 4, two users are connected to the apparatus 13 connected via user's wall sockets 16. One of the users is fitted in addition to TV set 17 by a satellite receiver 14, so the user can watch two originally satellite channels directly on the TV set 17 as the analog channels in frequency band of terrestrial television. Using the satellite receiver 14, he can also watch all satellite channels distributed over the multiswitch 1_. The user can not watch DVB-T channels received from an antenna 12, if the TV set 17 is not equipped with a DVB-T tuner.

The second user can watch two originally satellite channels directly on the TV set 17 as well as DVB-T channels received from an antenna 12. Since his TV set 17 is not equipped with a satellite tuner or receiver, it is not able to receive any channels distributed via satellite multiswitch 1 except the two originally satellite channels.

FIG. 5 shows an apparatus 13 according to this invention, intended for the distribution of satellite channels from four satellites or four satellite positions. Apparatus 13 is again shown including the connected external antennas 4 and 12, TV sets 17 and DVB-T and satellite receivers 15 and 14, user's wall TV sockets 16, electricity power supply, etc. The wiring is similar to FIG. 4, but the differences are as follows:

- Just 4 satellite positions can be received instead of one, while four so-called polarities can be received from every position. Multifocal satellite antenna 4 is equipped at its focal points with converters 3 of Quattro type, which are equipped each with four outputs for transmission of channels of the first satellite IF, of the upper and lower frequency band in both vertical and horizontal polarization.

- To the multiswitch 1, which is part of the apparatus 13, there are connected three satellite receivers 8 of the terrestrial return circuit on the outputs 6 instead of two, so connected users can thus watch the three originally satellite channels transferred to channels of terrestrial television instead of two, and in frequency band of terrestrial television. One of the satellite receivers 8 is firmly embedded to the apparatus 13, two other satellite receivers 8 are external and are connected to the apparatus 13 by means of interconnecting cables terminated with interface coaxial RF connectors 28 of type F and of 75 ohm impedance and by means of interconnecting cables terminated with interface connectors 10. The connectors 28 and 10 are an integral part of the apparatus 13.

- As an external satellite receivers 8 of the terrestrial return circuit, the receivers processing input signals of first satellite IF are used. The first external satellite receiver 8 has an interface (connector 10) HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) according to standard EIA / CEA-861 , which allows the transmission of audio and video signals of one satellite HDTV (High-Definition Television) channel in the form of data to the connected digital modulator 21.. The input of modulator 2J. is connected to the appropriate satellite receiver 8 via HDMI interface connector, the modulator 21_ provides at its output DVB-T signal that contains just that originally HDTV satellite channel.

- The second external satellite receiver 8 has an interface (connector 10) according to a standard USB (Universal Serial Bus), the satellite receiver 8 sends as data audio and video signals of one satellite HDTV channel via an interface USB connector 10 to the respective digital modulator 2JL The modulator 2J. then provides at its output a DVB-T signal containing precisely that originally HDTV satellite channel. Similarly, as in the example of practical design there are used external satellite receivers 8 with a USB or HDMI interface, it could be as well used a satellite receiver with interface 8P8C (RJ45) according to standard IEEE 802, these interfaces are quite often seen in mass produced satellite receivers as well as already mentioned HDMI and USB interfaces.

- The third satellite receiver 8, which is an integral part of the apparatus 13, is equipped with an HDMI interface and is permanently connected to a respective digital modulator 21.. Outputs of the three modulators 2J. are combined using a combiner 20, which is the multiplexer, into the output 11. together with the signals received from terrestrial antenna 12. At the output 11. there are therefore present both three originally satellite digital channels sent here from satellite receivers 8 and terrestrial television channels received from the antenna 12. The output H is provided with the radio type connector F of the impedance of 75 ohm, and it is designed for frequencies of VHF and UHF band, as well as the connector 28 connected with the input 7 of multiswitch 1 is designed for this frequency band and it is the F-type connector. The connector 28 corresponding to the input 7 of multiswitch 1 is mutually connected to an output 11. which is also equipped by the F-type connector, via a coaxial cable section with impedance of 75 ohm and terminated by F cable connectors.

The apparatus 13 of FIG. 5 is connected to a total of 5 users, namely five TV sets 17, via coaxial cables coming from the interface connectors 28 corresponding to the outputs 5 of multiswitch 1 and then through the user's wall TV sockets 16. To some of these TV sets 17, satellite receivers 14 or DVB-T receivers 15 are connected, some of these TV sets 17 have inside already built DVB-T or DVB-T2 receiver, some with DVB-S or DVB-S2 receiver.

Each user can watch on his TV set 17 three HDTV originally satellite programs from satellite receivers 8 of terrestrial return circuit, which are programs received by satellite antenna 4, may also watch programs in DVB-T from connected antenna 12, users equipped with satellite receivers 14 can also watch satellite programs received from satellite antenna 4 and distributed to the subscriber outputs 5 through multiswitch 1_.

To realize the data transmission by coaxial line 44, at least one duplexer 47 is part of the apparatus 13. A similar duplexer 47 is then located at the user and it is connected at or before the users wall socket 16. The duplexer 47 transfers data communication to the radio signal, which can be distributed by coaxial line 44 outside the frequency band of TV and radio distribution - function of diplexer 48. For more participants, duplexers 47 are incorporated into the modified Ethernet switch 55.

FIG. 6 shows the wiring of the two isolation transformers 35, 36 with central pins 30, 33, 38, 41 of the primary and secondary windings. The primary winding of transformer 35 is via terminals 29 and 3J. connected through an amplifier 57 to a transmitting terminal of MDI interface of PHY circuit 46 which is designed for data communication according to the standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX. The primary winding of the transformer 36 is via terminals 32 and 34 connected to the receiving terminals of MDI interface of the same PHY circuit 46. The central terminals 30, 33 of the primary windings are connected according to the manufacturer's specification of PHY circuit 46. In an alternative embodiment, the primary winding of the transformer 35 via terminals 29 and 31_, is connected to the receiving terminals of MDI interface and primary winding of the transformer 36 via terminals 32 and 34 and an amplifier 57 is connected to the transmitting terminals of MDI interface of PHY circuit.

The secondary winding of transformer 35 is connected so that the terminal 37 is grounded, the central terminal 38 unconnected and the terminal 39 connected to terminal 41. of the secondary winding of the second transformer 36. Connection 40 is connected to the center conductor 51 of coaxial line 44 and the terminal 42 is grounded through the balancing dipole 43 whose impedance corresponds to the impedance of the center conductor 51 of the coaxial line 44. The coaxial line 44 has a center conductor 51 and the shielding 45, which is grounded. In an alternative arrangement may be interchanged connection of terminals 37 and 39 of the first transformer 35 and the terminals 40 and 42 of the second transformer 36.

The present connection according to FIG. 7 operates as follows. Signals transmitted by PHY circuit 46 and amplified by the amplifier 57 come to the duplexer 47 to the primary winding of transformer 35 and then they are transferred to the secondary winding. Since one of the outer terminals of the winding is grounded, transformer 35 acts simultaneously as a balun.

Inside duplexer, the signals from terminal 39 are brought to the central terminal 41 of the secondary winding of the transformer 36. Since the two outer terminals 40 and 42 of the windings have the same impedance to ground, the current to terminal 41_ equally separates into two flows, one of which proceeds via terminal 40 to 51 of the center conductor of the coaxial line 44 and the second proceeds via terminal 42 to the balancing dipole 43.

Because the currents between the terminals 41_^ and 40 and between terminals 41 and 42 are of the same value, but oppositely oriented, they are not transferred to the primary winding of the transformer 36 and to the receiver of PHY circuit 46. Thus, the coupling between a transmitter and the receiver of PHY circuit 46 is suppressed.

Signal currents coming from the opposite communication station by coaxial line 44, flow through the terminal 40 and the terminal 42 of the secondary winding of the transformer 36 to ground, transferred to the primary winding of the transformer 36 and thereby to the receiver of the PHY circuit 46. The amplifier 57 thus prevents that the received signal comes to the terminals of the transmitter of PHY circuit 46. So that the signals do not interfere, the center conductor 5J. of coaxial line 44 is introduced into the diplexer 48, which enables simultaneous transmission of signals of the TV bands 49, the data and power supply 50 by coaxial line 44.

Industrial applicability

The apparatus according to the invention is useful as a device for group reception of satellite and terrestrial television and radio broadcasting, including data connection. The solution is especially economical where the number of connected subscribers or users of the distribution installation reaches from two up to hundreds.

Overview of reference numerals used in the drawing

1 satellite multiswitch

2 satellite inputs of multiswitch

3 converter (LNB) of external satellite antenna

4 external satellite antenna

5 user's output of multiswitch

6 output of the terrestrial return circuit

7 terrestrial input of multiswitch

8 satellite receiver / decoder of terrestrial return circuit

9 input of the terrestrial return circuit

10 Interface connector / connectors or terminal / terminals for connecting audio and video outputs of a satellite receiver with the apparatus: HDMI port / output or USB port / output or 8P8C port / output of satellite receiver

11 special output

12 terrestrial antenna

13 apparatus for the reception and distribution of television broadcasts by the patent application

14 satellite (DVB-S or DVB-S2) receiver

15 terrestrial (DVB-T or DVB-T2) receiver

16 wall TV socket

17 TV set

18 commands generator for controlling the output of multiswitch, it is passable through for signals of first satellite IF

19 removable section of coaxial cable

20 combiner or multiplexer of signals from antenna terrestrial and modulator's outputs

21 digital or analog signal modulator

22 detector of audio signal from the output of satellite receiver

23 mains AC socket for connecting of external satellite receiver of terrestrial return circuit

24 switch (relay) for supplying electric power to mains AC socket

25 plug for supplying electric power to the apparatus according to the application signal splitter of terrestrial frequency band

combiner or diplexer of terrestrial frequency band and first satellite IF band interface RF connector or terminal

terminal of the primary winding of the first transformer to be connected to transmitting connector

central terminal of the primary winding of the first transformer

terminal of the primary winding of the second transformer to be connected to transmitting connector

central terminal of the primary winding of the second transformer

first transformer

second transformer

terminal of the secondary winding of the first transformer

central terminal of the secondary winding of the first transformer

terminal of the secondary winding of the first transformer

terminal of the secondary winding of the second transformer

central terminal of the secondary winding of the second transformer terminal of the secondary winding of the second transformer

balancing dipole

coaxial line

shielding of a coaxial line

PHY circuit

duplexer

diplexer

TV band

power supply

center conductor of a coaxial line

data source

computer

Wi-Fi router modified Ethernet switch DVB-C receiver amplifier

Claims

1. Apparatus (13) for reception and distribution of television and radio programs by a group of subscribers featuring at least one satellite multiswitch (1), provided with at least two satellite inputs (2) for receiving signal of the first satellite intermediate frequency and at least two user outputs (5) for connection of at least one terminal device , such as TV set (17), satellite receiver (14), DVB-C receiver (56), terrestrial (DVB-T or DVB-T2) receiver (15), characterized by the fact that the apparatus (13) also includes at least one output of terrestrial return circuit and at least one input of terrestrial return circuit for connection of a decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit , at least one signal modulator (21), and the multiswitch (1) is also provided with at least one terrestrial input (7), while the output of the terrestrial return circuit (6) of the satellite multiswitch (1) is connected to an input of the decoder of terrestrial return circuit (8), the output of the decoder of terrestrial return circuit (8) is via the input of the terrestrial return circuit (9) connected to the modulator (21), the output of the modulator (21) is interconnected to the terrestrial input (7) of the multiswitch (1), or it includes at least one output of terrestrial return circuit and at least one input of terrestrial return circuit for connecting the decoder of terrestrial return circuit (8), at least one signal modulator (21) , at least one signal splitter of terrestrial frequency band (26), at least one combiner or diplexer of terrestrial frequency band and first satellite IF band (27) connected to the user's output (5) and it has an output for connection of a terminal device, while the output of the terrestrial return circuit (6) of the multiswitch (1) is connected to an input of decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit , the output of the decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit is via input of the terrestrial return circuit (9) connected to the modulator (21), the output of the modulator (21) is connected to an input of the splitter (26), and the output of the splitter (26) is connected to the input of the combiner (27) and output of the combiner (27) is connected to a terminal device.

2. Apparatus under the claim 1 characterized by the fact that the apparatus (13) includes at least one combiner (20) of signals from the modulator (21) and from the terrestrial antenna (12), while the inputs of the signal combiner (20) are connected to the modulator (21) and to the terrestrial antenna (12) and the output of the combiner (20) is connected to the terrestrial input (7) of the multiswitch (1) or the output of the combiner (20) is connected to the input of the splitter (26).

3. Apparatus under the claims 1 or 2 characterized by the fact that its includes at least one commands generator (18) to control the multiswitch (1) and passable through for signals of first satellite IF , which is connected between the output (6) of the terrestrial return circuit of the multiswitch (1) and the input of the decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit.

4. Apparatus under the claims 2 or 3 characterized by the fact that the connection between the special output (11) of the combiner (20) of signals and the terrestrial input (7) of the multiswitch (1) can be disconnected or that the connection between the output of the special output (11) of the combiner (20) of signals and the input of the signal splitter (26) can be disconnected.

5. Apparatus under any of the claims 1 through 4 characterized by the fact that the decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit is an integral part of the apparatus (13).

6. Apparatus under any of the claims 1 through 4 characterized by the fact that the decoder (8) of terrestrial return circuit is an external device.

7. Apparatus under any of the claims 1 through 6 characterized by the fact that the output (6) of the terrestrial return circuit is provided with an interface RF connector or terminal (28).

8. Apparatus under any of the claims 1 through 7 characterized by the fact that the input (9) of the terrestrial return circuit is provided with at least one connector (10) of at least one type from the group RCA, CINCH, USB, HDMI, 8P8C.

9. Apparatus under any of the claims 1 through 8 characterized by the fact that the apparatus (13) is provided with at least one modified Ethernet switch (55), which includes at least one transceiver of one PHY circuit (46) for data communication under the standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX, with at least one duplexer (47) for transmission of non-modulated data signals in the basic frequency band via a line (44) connected to the PHY circuit (46).

10. Duplexer (47) for the transmission of non-modulated data signals in the baseband by a coaxial line (44), connected to the PHY circuit (46) for data communication under the standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX, including two transformers (35, 36) with three terminals (29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42) at each winding, at least one balancing dipole (43), characterized by the fact that the primary windings of both the transformers (35, 36) are connected at least via two terminals (32, 34) to the input MDI interface of the PHY circuit (46) PHY and via two additional terminals (29, 31) provided with the amplifier (57) to the output MDI interface of the PHY circuit, the secondary winding of the first transformer (35) is grounded with one terminal (37) and with the other terminal (39) it is connected to the central terminal (41) of the secondary winding of the second transformer (36), while one outer terminal (40) of the secondary winding of the second transformer (36) is connected to the center conductor (51) of the coaxial line (44) and the other outer terminal (42) is grounded via the balancing dipole (43), the impedance of which equals the impedance of the connected coaxial line (44) or the connections of the outer terminals (37, 39, 40, 42) of at least one of the secondary windings of the transformers (35, 36) are mutually reversed.