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Low-noise block downconverters (LNBs)[1] are electronic devices coupled to satellite dishes for TV reception or general telecommunication that convert electromagnetic waves into digital signals that can be used to transform information into human or machine interpretable data, e.g., optical images, video, code, communications, etc.
Monoblock (ormonobloc) low-noise block downconverters are a special type of LNBs representing a single device that contains several (typically 2–4) LNB units and aDigital Satellite Equipment Control (DiSEqC) switch. The latter allows the recipient to receive signals from several neighboring satellites each communicating different channels or signals which increases the potential bandwidth of the receiver.
The two, three, or fourLNBs can be automatically addressed with anyDiSEqC 1.0 or higher receiver. In some cases, they can also be addressed with ToneBurst/MiniDiSEqC. However, they are only available for satellites with a fixed 3-degree, 4°, 4.3°, or 6° other spacing.
Most receivers which are commercially available are compatible with at leastDiSeqC 1.0 allowing dynamic switching between 4 satellites (all of contemporaryMonoblock LNBs), as the recipient manually switches settings, e.g., flipping channels using a TV remote control.
InEurope, for example, there are monoblock single, twin, and quad LNBs for theKu band, which have a pre-defined spacing of 6 degrees (forAstra 19.2°E/Hot Bird 13°E).
In March 2007, a new type of monoblock, called theDuo LNB was introduced byCanalDigitaal in theNetherlands for the simultaneous reception ofAstra 19.2°E/Astra 23.5°E with a spacing of just 4.3 degrees.[2][3] Unlike most other monoblocks, theDuo LNB was intended for use with 60 cm dishes, whereas most monoblocks may require a larger, 80 cm or 1 m dish.
TheDuo LNB is available intwin and quad versions. Triple monoblock LNBs are available in single,twin, and quad versions.
There are also triple monoblock LNB units, which enable users to receive signals from three satellites. For exampleHotbird 13°E,Eutelsat 16°E andAstra 19.2°E can be used for positionsEutelsat 7°E,Eutelsat 10°E, andHotbird 13°E. This monoblock can also be used for other positions with the same spacing (3°+3°=6°spacing).
Other popular examples for different spacing areAstra 1: 19.2°E,Astra 3: 23.5°E andAstra 2: 28.2°E (4.3°+4.7°=9°spacing).
There are four feed monoblock LNB units that enable users to receive signals from four satellites, for example,Eurobird 9°E,Hotbird 13°E,Astra 19.2°E andAstra 23.5°E (4°+6.2°+4.3°=14.5°spacing).
There are also existing Monoblock LNBs that combineKu-band LNBs with one of the alternative bandLNBs. Examples of such bands includeKa band that is:Ka-band LNBs orC band that is:C-band LNBs.
Two monoblock LNB can be connected to one receiving dish usingMulti-satellite techniques. However, the expected results of such connections may vary or be sub-optimal. The results may yield low-level signals from some or all of the satellites or it may work well in certain geographically favorable locations.
Monoblock LNBs can be connected by adding aDiSEqC switch with compatibility of cascading, or they can be connected directly to different satellite tuners, e.g., twin tuners with two separate inputs.However, placing several separate single-feedLNBs can lead to better results and more optimal signal levels.
CurrentDiSEqC technology could allow building monoblock LNB for parallel 16 or cascading 64 satellites positions. However, the main limiting factors are market demands and the popularization of narrow directional beams among TV stations broadcasters, who generally object to inclusive broad audiences despite the clear advantage of lowering the aggregate carbon footprint of monoblock LNBs.
Another adoption barrier for monoblock LNBs with 16 satellites positions is the need for a special shape of antenna dish, which restricts the market potential.
UsingDiSEqC 1.1 7-8 satellites positions from 24° spacing could be addressed and received with a lot of success by standard size and shape dish in some densely populated areas across the globe. The cheapest way appears to involve expanding the triple-feed 3° monoblock design to encompass additional satellite positions, since there are plenty of 3° separated satellites.
The greatest problem is designing a thin 2°,1° or 0.5° monoblockLNB. A cost-effective solution overcoming this obstacle may lead innovative designs of large matricesd of multipleLNBs tightly packed into a single monoblock LNB receiver.
Another limiting factor is low awareness by the general population and satellite reception users ofMulti Feed Multi satellite, and the fact that it is so easily possible. That awareness is further crippled by the fact thatDiSEqC and Monoblock LNBs are not compatible with asatellite channel router (SCR) orunicable LNBs in asingle cable distribution.
When using a satellitesingle cable distribution system for pay-TV subscriptions, end-users need to choose between multiple incompatible receivers compliant with either a singleunicableLNB or amulti-Feed, multi-satellite reception bytwin or quad Monoblock LNB, unless they intend to use two or four separate cables connected to alternative independent receivers for a multi-room experience.
The technical specifications and confusing advertisements tend to overwhelm the general consumer. Many countries offerFree To Air satellite and terrestrial broadcast services, which are downplayed to promote commercial pay-TV and pay-per-view systems.
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