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Questions? Concerns? E-mail mheimberger@wegener.com
Keep checking back, this website will be updated as new information is made available
Text Last Updated: July 12, 2005, 4:01 PM

1. Q: Why is NASA going digital?

A: After a history of over 25 years on satellite in the analog domain, NASA TV is going digital in an effort to comply with the latest standards. In the coming days, greater flexibility and convenience are offered using the power of digital.

In addition to a single video satellite channel, NASA TV in digital offers a number of channels, dedicated to the specific needs of the audience segment.

The new Digital NASA TV will have four digital channels (DVB-Programs). Encryption may be used on one or more of the channels, depending on the nature of the content.

1. NASA Public Service ("Free to Air"), featuring documentaries, archival programming, and coverage of NASA missions and events;
2. NASA Education Services (Free to Air/Addressable/Encrypted), dedicated to providing educational programming to schools, educational institutions and museums;
3. NASA Media Services (Addressable/Encrypted), for broadcast news organizations; and
4. NASA Mission Operations (Internal NASA Use/Addressable/Encrypted)

Note: The new Digital NASA TV channels may not always have programming on every channel simultaneously.

2. Q: What is NASA timeframe for going digital?

A: The answer requires a brief background. NASA TV is at two locations, the CONUS North American signal is found on AMC-6, C-band, 72 degrees West, Transponder 9. The Alaska and Hawaii beam is on AMC-7, C-band, 137 degrees West, Transponder 18.

• NASA will have an overlap period from May 1 thru June 30 for the CONUS feed.
• The Alaska and Hawaii beam with be a “hard cut” on July 1.
• Analog video will cease on both satellites on July 1, 2005

The digital signal will be released for use on May 1. It is on the same satellite, same polarity so it does not require a re-aim of the dish. You may have some outdoor dish work, in the form of an LNB replacement; see information below.

3. Q: What do I need to do to get NASA-TV in digital?

A: If you are getting the NASA TV service from satellite, and not through your cable system or DBS provider, you will need a new digital receiver. Your current analog satellite receiver will no longer operate after June 30, 2005.

4. Q: Will the current dish I have work?

A: It is likely. If you have acceptable analog video quality, your current dish should work well for your needs. There is an element inside your dish, in the center of the arm know as the feedhorn. Inside the feedhorn is the “true” antenna, known as an LNB. Older LNBs have trouble with digital signals. If you have not replaced your LNB in the last five years, you'll want to consider doing so. A specification for the LNB needed, as well as the option of ordering a new one, is provided on the order form on the web-site, www.nasadigitaltv.com

5. Q: I see there is more than one choice of satellite receiver; what receiver is best for me?

A: The NASA TV signal uses the current state-of-the-art. The signal complies to the DVB standard. In addition, it uses the latest in store-forward technology. This operates much like a TiVo, but for an industrial application.

Traditional Integrated Receiver-Decoders (IRDs) also work but they provide a lower level of service and features that you would get with the receiver-server variety.

The contract for the digital conversion hardware was awarded to Ascent for integration and they are using WEGENER receivers and Harmonic encoding equipment. The iPump is the store-forward receiver that is also a server. This server-receiver is able to decode traditional digital signals as well as accept other “digital objects” such as PDF files, Word documents, Excel Spreadsheets, JPEG pictures. Any file, video or otherwise, will be sent by NASA.

Five main receivers are available. They fit best based on one of three general categories; educational, cable and broadcast. To aid in your selection, each product is assigned a “good, better, best” classification under the respective categories. If you have any questions, please call 800.848.9467, extension 4036. Mike Heimberger is the point-of-contact for receiver sales.

6. Q: If I have a Wegener receiver, can I use it?

A: Possibly. However, it will not be supported or warranted for this application. NASA is using Wegener COMPEL-CA encryption for some channels under selected conditions. Conditional Access decoding is assured using a Wegener NASA project receivers or receiver-servers. The channel listing in question 2 notes which channels will be encrypted, decoded only with the Wegener receiver family, designated for the NASA mission.

7. Q: Can I use a Free-to-Air receiver?

A: Possibly. The service is available with one or more programs that are “always in the clear”. Free-to-Air receivers are not supported and a tech support line is not available to help with any issues you are likely to face. The full range, from low-cost to full-featured servers, justify the use of Wegner IRDs for this application.

8. Q: How long will it take after order to get my unit?

A: Units are in-stock on a first-come, first sever process. The order form, in PDF format, requires a credit card. Complete the form and fax it to the number provided on the form (770.623.0698). Orders are shipped the following business day, unit stock permitting. When an email contact address is provided on the order form, confirmation of order-receipt and ship date is provided back.

9. Q: Will a non-Wegener pro-IRD work in my application?

A: Maybe. However, you are on your own to find support for the effort. The Wegener product is fully supported with a dedicated support number. If there is an issue with a new Wegener IRD, purchased for this application under this program, call support at 770.814.4057 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

10. Q: Where can I get more information and the order form?

A: It is available at www.nasadigitaltv.com

11. Q: Why do I need a new LNB?

A: Older LNBs, designed to work with analog video carriers often have the phase-noise specification out of tolerance for digital satellite applications. The DVB standard uses QPSK modulation/demodulation. The “p” in QPSK is for “phase”. New LNBs are available along with splitters and other items are also available on the order form. The minimum LNB specification follows in this FAQ.

12: Q: Can you provide me a summary of the high-points of the differences of the various receivers?

• It has RCA jacks for the video and audio output.
• The unit decodes video in the 4:2:0 profile.
• An option for a 2nd decoder is available (not on price sheet).
• At least 40 MB of video storage is available.
• The unit has a front-panel for control, as well a web-browser.

An order form is posted on the web site. As with each of the receivers available here, it can be authorized to decode encrypted NASA channels.

For a datasheet, the link is: www.wegener.com/datasheets/DS_iPUMP6400a.pdf

For pricing and order form, the link is: www.NASAdigitalTV.com.

• It has a BNC for the video audio output is present on a balanced XLR connector.
• In addition SDI video w/ one pair of embedded audio is output on a BNC. AES/EBU audio is also present on a connector.
• The unit decodes video in the 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 profiles. An optional 2nd decoder is available (not on price sheet).
• At least 80 MB of video storage is available.
• The unit has a front-panel for control, as well a web-browser.

An order form is posted on the web site. As with each of the receivers available here, it can be authorized to decode encrypted NASA channels.

For a datasheet, the link is: www.wegener.com/datasheets/DS_iPUMP6400a.pdf

For pricing and order form, the link is: www.NASAdigitalTV.com.

13. Q: What is the LNB Specification for this digital signal with the Wegener IRD family?

A: LNB RECOMMENDATION FOR USE WITH WEGENER QPSK DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTS

The Wegener QPSK digital video products have been designed to be functional with low cost NON PHASE LOCKED LNB's.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS:

14. Q: Can I get a glossary of terms?

Keep checking back, this website will be updated as new information is made available.
Disclaimer: This is not a US Government Site

Questions? Concerns? E-mail mheimberger@wegener.com

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