ANGA Cable/Satellite 2011 Show, Cologne, Germany

[SatelliteAV]

Dishes and LNBF Clamps




Found that most of the new dishes for the German Market are a very heavy duty design featuring two rail arms. Extremely robust and manufactured in several EU counties, Ukraine but no asian manufacturer as of yet. This design is approx. 40% more expensive to manufacture and add to that the Dollar/Euro exchange, makes an expensive dish to export, but reasonable for the German market.

Some very innovative multi-LNBF mounts. Most are made from aluminum and very strong. Until recently most common satellite spacing was 6 or more degrees, but in the past few years reception of tighter spaced satellites is becoming more desired and new designs were developed to allow the closer spacing. I would have to suggest that the Germans are the leaders in multiple satellite installation of any region that I have ever seen! The majority of DTH installs have at least two LNBFs mounted on adjustable brackets. Very few installs use the monoblocks as the installers note poor performance. Note that the monoblock display photo provides two different models matched to a specific dish. This is something that North American distributors could learn a lesson from..... Specify the type of dish or model that their momblock LNBF is designed for, because one size does not fit all.

 

[SatelliteAV]

LNBFs and Switches



Not much new in this area other than the continued false claims of 0.1 and .0.2NR and increased amplification. Interesting that while these claims cannot be obtained with current technology, the marketing departments around the word keep spewing out this marketing BS. Picked up a sample of a new technology LNBF that is promising 0.4NR, 55dB gain, great cross polarity rejection and stability of less than .5MHz throughout operating temp range! Not a $15 LNBF, but looks very good on paper! We will see how it tests.

Multi-Family distribution of signals via fiber is increasing with more choices of equipment and suppliers. The economics for DTH isn't there yet, but maybe the hobbyist will find intrest in stacking and distribution for access to multiple sources. Several manufactures are developing LNBFs similar to the ALPS and our GEOSATpro SL1 and SL2 for reception of satellites spaced 4 degrees or less. Several great reports from Wester Europe and teh Middle East from distributors and resellers distributing our product under OEM!

 

[SatelliteAV]

STBs and CAMs




Very active booths for companies like Kathrien, Topfield, AzBox, Dreambox, Humax, Technisat, Strong, etc. TBS had a booth with their PCI and USB products, chatted with James, spent a little time with Hugo at AzBox, and hung out with the mixologist and sales director at Dreambox and spent time with various manufaturers. Middleware developers were everywhere and Android is on the top of everyones subject list, but the larger companies are taking a wait and see approach. Most new STBs are using middleware with closed source.

Meanwhile, saw working samples with flawless operation using both Android 2.3 and 3.0. Android is here, but looks like the earliest official releases will be supported with limited apps. No one is sure what to make of the Google rebranding of GoogleTV so soon after the release...... Doom of Android for STB or a hick-up?

The recent addition of YouTube studio contracts and integration of hybrid STBs was the talk of the show. Everyone was offering Youtube, email, weather, etc.

Sorry that these got scrambled during the bulk upload. They were shot in correct order, but randomly uploaded....

 

[Anole]

No one is sure what to make of the Google rebranding of GoogleTV so soon after the release...... Doom of Android for STB or a hick-up?

I only know a little about Google TV. A friend bought one, and was telling me about it.
When I looked it up to see what it was, I was unimpressed at the $300 box.
My Western Digital media player does what I want for $100... ???

Obviously, I'm missing something (but saving $200). -

 

[Tron]

The WDTV boxes are an incredible bargain for what they do. I recently came across a sale of factory reconditioned WDTV Live boxes for $45 each shipped. Can't beat that price for a powerful and well supported HD media player!

 

[AcWxRadar]

Oh! Just LOOK at all the TOYS!

What a great experience, Brian! I truly would like to attend such a show. Thank you for all the pix. Can you relay any of the information you may have got from specific individuals there? I would be most interested in what Hugo from OpenSat had to say for one (mainly because I have a current interest in the AZBox).

Thanks again for a really great thread about your visit and experience at the show. I appreciate you taking the time to post this all so that we may drool over it and get a glimpse of some of the new stuff out there.

RADAR

 

[SatelliteAV]

Radar,

It was great to participate in a show where there was so much new technology. The transition to terrestrial DTV in Europe has provided an opportunity to release many new hybrid receivers and reinvigorate the satellite industry. Rather than take the welfare coupon approach to DTV transition as in the US, they are taking the opportunity to upgrade the consumer experience with powerful equipment incorporating satellite, terrestrial and IP.

Most conversations were regarding business and not the technology, so not much more information that I can share.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Here is a unique unit that is about to come to market. It is a flat panel dish (60cm equiv.) with integrated DVBS/S2 receiver and WiFi transmitter and will support up to 4 TVs. Initially, the unit will output channels from only one MUX (FTA only with no CAS), but eventually it is supposed to support up to 4 tuners with CI.

I have wondered for a long log time why there wasn't something like this. Imagine how much this would simplify installs? Just put it high enough so that its secure.

 

[PopcornNMore]

I just found out that the company I work for (Cheetah Technologies, L.P.) was at the show as well.

"Cheetah Technologies, LP, will showcase how cable system operators can ensure Quality of Experience in complex video environments at the ANGA Cable Exhibition and Congress May 3-5 in Cologne, Germany."