Satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system

• US 6,334,045 B1
• Filed: 07/21/2000
• Issued: 12/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Global Communications Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Global Communications Incorporated
• Inventors: Green, James A. Sr., Coker, Austin S. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): VO, NGUYEN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/621,464
• Time in Patent Office: 522 Days
• Field of Search: 455/3.01, 455/3.02, 455/3.03, 455/3.04, 455/12.1, 455/427, 455/428, 455/14, 455/20, 455/22, 455/179.1
• US Class Current: 455/3.02
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/63 to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/74 of satellite networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/90 specially adapted for satellite broadcast receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6193 involving transmission via a satellite arrangements for data linking, networking or transporting, or for controlling an end to end session in a satellite broadcast system H04B7/18526
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/106 for domestic distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/20 Adaptations for transmission via a GHz frequency band, e.g. via satellite

Abstract

The present invention provides for a satellite system that will permit for signals of two different frequencies and polarities to be transmitted simultaneously over the same cable. The system will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. The satellite system of the present invention includes a satellite dish or antenna that receives signals. These received signals are transmitted to a converter. A head-in frequency processor is coupled to the converter. This head-in frequency processor enables the different frequencies and polarities to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. This single coaxial cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which is connected to a receiver. This receiver is connected to a TV or other source. This unique design and configuration provides for a system that will permit satellite broadcast reception in locations that are not in the line-of-sight path of the satellites. Accordingly, the satellite system of the present invention will permit satellite broadcasting to high-rise buildings, hospitals, condominiums, schools, and the like.

Claims

1. A method of distributing satellite signals received by a satellite antenna via a coaxial cable to a satellite receiver coupled to an end of said coaxial cable, said coaxial cable also having a further end, said method comprising:

receiving, with a satellite antenna, a first block of signals having a first polarization and second block of signals having a second polarization;

frequency converting at least said first received block of signals to a different frequency band;

simultaneously applying said frequency-converted first block of signals and said second block of signals to the coaxial cable;

simultaneously communicating said frequency-converted first block of signals and said second block of signals through the cable;

recovering the frequency-converted first block of signals and the second block of signals from the cable;

further frequency converting said recovered first block of signals to a frequency range the satellite receiver can receive; and

switching, under control of said satellite receiver, between said further frequency-converted first block of signals and said second block of signals for application to said satellite receiver.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said switching step comprises operating an electrical switch.

3. A method of distributing broadcast signals received from an artificial satellite comprising:

receiving a first polarized block of signals and a second polarized block of signals from the artificial satellite;

frequency converting at least one of said first block of signals and said second block of signals to different frequencies;

after processing by the frequency converting step, applying said first or second block of signals with said converted block of signals to a coaxial cable such that the same coaxial cable carries both said blocks of signals simultaneously;

recovering both said blocks of signals from the coaxial cable; and

further frequency converting said converted block of signals to a frequency range a satellite receiver can receive; and

selecting between said first block of signals and said second block of signals for application to the satellite receiver.

4. The method as in claim 3 wherein said selecting step comprises electrically switching between said first block of signals and said second block of signals for application to said satellite receiver.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said satellite receiver alternately uses first polarity type signals or second polarity type signals at a time, and said selecting step selects only the first polarity block of signals or second polarity block of signals at a time for application to said satellite receiver.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein said satellite receiver is coupled via a wire to an input source, and said selecting step selects between said first block of signals and said second block of signals for application to said wire.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein said frequency converting step comprises a down conversion.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein the frequency converting step comprises an up conversion.

9. The method of claim 3 wherein the frequency converting step comprises a down conversion followed by an up conversion.

10. The method of claim 3 further including further frequency converting said at least one of said first block of signals and second block of signals for application to said satellite receiver.