FAQ General Satellite TV & Radio Broadcast Recption Issues

Note: For most Satellite Digital TV Interference problems requires someone who has sound technical knowledge of Radiocommunications and local knowledge to identyfy interference to SatelliteBroadcast Service. It can be difficult resolving some of these issues and solutions can be expensive!

FAQ Satellite TV Interference

Q) At times the picture pixelates. I am receiving a signal in the C-Band range which is 3.7-4.2GHz in Australia.

A). There can be a number of reasons what causes this as per the following.

i) Check that alignment of the dish, as it may have moved slightly out of position causing the signal level to drop out from time to time.

ii) Check the LNB is still working OK. I have had to replace faulty LNB's which have generated signals which interfere with the satellite signal its trying to receive.

iii) With new wireless internet services operating at 3.5GHz may be causing interference to your satellite reception. Check the LNB frequency range. Most of the C-Band LNB's have an input range from 3.4-4.2GHz. Generally an LNB with a 3.7-4.2GHz passband will reduce this problem if wireless internet is the cause. There are now 3.7-4.2GHz LNBF's built inbuilt 30dB notch at 3.5GHz to further reduce this problem. We can provide you with one of these!

iv) At worst case interference from 3.5GHz wireless internet will require a LNB with a waveguide pass band filter 3.7-4.2GHz. These are also manufacturered by Microwave filter and havea 60dB rejection outside the passband. These cost approximately up to $1000 installed. The only issue is that they are only signle polarity. To receive both polarities are servo or two of these will be required.

v) Interference is in band or on the signal I am trying to receive. In some casesthe interference may be within 3.7-4.2GHz. If this is the case a special transponder filter can be ordered to overcome this problem. The issue is that only the services on one transponder can be received only, which is about three to four programmes.

If the interfering signal is on the same frequency which you are trying to receive, then you could try moving the satellite dish in a very low spot. Usually this type of interference is caused by microwave links operating on the same frequency as the service you are trying to receive. The Australian Government 'Australian Communications & Media Authority" allow point to point communications links to utilise the same frequency band as C-Band 3.7-4.2GHz International Satellite Broadcast bands.