Satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system

• US 6,397,038 B1
• Filed: 09/18/2000
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• 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:
  US09/664,443
• Time in Patent Office: 617 Days
• Field of Search: 455/3.01,3.02,3.03,3.04,12.1,427,428,14,20,22,179.1
• 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 a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Claims

1. A satellite signal distribution system for distributing television program signals to satellite receivers having a predetermined receive frequency range, the system comprising:

a satellite dish that receives first and second blocks of polarized television program signals from at least one satellite, said first block comprising a first plurality of television program signals received from the satellite, the second block comprising a second plurality of television program signals received from the satellite;

a first frequency converter coupled to the satellite dish, the first frequency converter converting at least the first block comprising the first plurality of television program signals received from the satellite to a frequency range that is at least partially outside of the satellite receive frequency range, the first frequency converter applying said converted first block comprising said first plurality of television program signals simultaneously with the second block comprising the second plurality of television program signals received from the satellite onto a single coaxial distribution cable to enable two different and distinct blocks of television program signals received from the satellite to be stacked onto the cable and distributed simultaneously over said single coaxial cable;

a second frequency converter coupled to the coaxial cable, the second frequency converter further converting said converted first block comprising the first plurality of television signals to a further frequency range that is within the satellite receiver frequency range;

wherein said second frequency converter performs a frequency down-conversion and wherein all of the television program signals within the first block comprising the first plurality of television program signals are received by the satellite dish with a common polarization.

2. A system for distributing received satellite signals via a distribution cable to at least one satellite receiver, said satellite receiver having a frequency range and being coupled to a second end of said distribution cable, said distribution cable also having a first end, said system including:

a satellite dish that receives a first block of plural channels of a first polarization and a second block of plural channels of a second polarization;

a frequency converter coupled to at least said received first block of plural channels, said frequency converter converting at least said first channel block to a frequency band that is at least partially outside of the satellite receiver frequency range;

a combining arrangement coupled to said distribution cable first end, said combining arrangement simultaneously applying said frequency-converted first channel block and said second channel block to said first end of said distribution cable;

a further frequency converter connected to said distribution cable second end, said further frequency converter frequency-converting said first channel block to provide a block of plural channels within the frequency range of said satellite receiver; and

a switch adapted to operate under control of said satellite receiver, said switch switching between said first channel block and said second channel block for application to said satellite receiver.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said further frequency converter comprises a down-converter that down-converts said first channel block to a lower frequency range.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said first-mentioned frequency converter comprises an up-converter that up-converts said first frequency block to a higher frequency for application to said distribution cable.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein said switch comprises an electrically operated switch.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein said first polarization is different from said second polarization.