May 24, 2010
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NAB Satellite Uplink Operators Training Seminar
Certified by Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group

The Satellite Users Interference Reduction Group (SUIRG) is dedicated to identifying and mitigating the growing problem of satellite interference and the economic harm it inflicts on the industry. Based on a SUIRG analysis of international satellite operators with small-to-large fleets of geostationary satellites, data indicates an operator can incur from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per year in lost revenue and additional manpower required to investigate RF interference.

Radio frequency interference has many causes including:

  • Reductions in orbital spacing of satellites;
  • Reduced antenna size, wider beams and higher power;
  • Poor equipment manufacturing & unmet performance specifications;
  • Decrease in knowledgeable staff & lack of training;
  • Poor installations, lack of routine station maintenance;
  • Lack of industry standards and guidelines, and
  • Unauthorized use of satellite space segments.

    • As part of SUIRG's goal to stop interference before it begins, they maintain a satellite operations training certification program. Companies interested in SUIRG certification submit their training program to SUIRG for review and consideration to be certified. Training programs approved by SUIRG provide operational training that will minimize satellite interference.

    The NAB Satellite Uplink Operators Training Seminar received the SUIRG certification late last year with the assistance of the seminar instructor Sidney Skjei of Skjei Telecom. Mr. Skjei has over 20 years experience in engineering and developing a wide range of hardware and software telecommunications products, systems and services and is highly knowledgeable in all major satellite communications market areas: global, U.S. domestic and military.
       Sidney Skjei

    The next NAB Satellite Uplink Operators Seminar is October 4-7 at NAB headquarters in Washington, D.C. This seminar provides in-depth information on the theory of satellite communications and all operational aspects of the ground equipment for uplink and downlink facilities and is applicable to distributing signals for both analog and digital television. Mr. Skjei also feels it is useful for satellite operators to have a basic understanding of other parts of the broadcast system. As the era of analog broadcasting has closed, digital television (DTV) and, in particular, high definition (HDTV), have increasing importance through all parts of the broadcast television chain, from production to distribution to the home, so the seminar provides significant background information on these topics. The Compressed Digital Television and Transmission section of the seminar covers the theory of digital video with an introduction to compression techniques and systems, concentrating on MPEG-2 but also including new technologies such as MPEG 4 Part 10 (AVC) and JPEG 2000, both of which may be increasingly used for broadcast digital video backhaul and distribution before advanced codecs are introduced for transmission. The various standard definition (SDTV) and HDTV formats in use are also discussed, with detailed analysis of how these are carried in satellite transmission systems.

    Comments from Prior Seminar Attendees

    The seminar will give satellite operators and RF engineers a better understanding of the "whole picture" when it comes to satellite communications.
    Mark Duff, AFRTS, Alexandria, Va.

    A very helpful seminar! It really helped a beginner such as myself understand the basic theories behind my job, and helped removed the "black magic" feel of satellite uplink.
    Jordan Wright, U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C.

    The seminar will answer every question and instill confidence in all uplink operators and technical managers.
    Dan Feliz, Las Vegas, Nev.

    In addition to classroom instruction, students will receive hands-on training in a satellite newsgathering (SNG) truck. On the following day there is an all-day field trip to a nearby, large satellite teleport and operations center. The training is designed to instruct students in the proper technical and operational practices that will ensure safe, successful and interference-free satellite transmissions. The seminar fee is $1,250 (NAB members) and $1,550 (all others). The seminar fee includes a Satellite Uplink Handbook, continental breakfast and lunch. Space is limited so if you don't want to miss an opportunity, go to http://www.nab.org/satelliteSeminar/ for more information or call Cheryl Coleridge at (202) 429-5346. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event contact NAB Advertising at (800) 521-8624 or advertising@nab.org.

    ATSC Announces Reorganization of Technical Planning Activities

    Announced at the 2010 ATSC Annual Meeting in Pentagon City, Va., the ATSC Board of Directors has restructured the function of the ATSC Planning Committee with the notion of forming topic-focused planning teams on an as needed basis. Three initial planning teams were announced to consider technical feasibility and market requirements in key future technology areas:

    The 3D TV Team (PT-1) will analyze and report on the likely benefits and limitations of a standard for terrestrial broadcast delivery of 3D TV. The team will be chaired by Craig Todd, Chief Technology Officer of Dolby Laboratories.

    The Next-Generation Broadcast Television Team (PT-2) will explore potential technologies to be used to define a future terrestrial broadcast digital television standard. PT-2 will be chaired by Jim Kutzner, Chief Engineer of PBS.

    The Internet Enhanced Television Team (PT-3) will consider the opportunities brought about by Internet connected broadcast receivers. The team will be chaired by Rajan Mehta, Director, Digital Television Standards, Policy & Strategy, NBC Universal.

    Graham Jones, NAB senior director of communications engineering, served as chairman of the Planning Committee from 2006 to 2010. At the Awards Luncheon during the ATSC Annual Meeting, Mr. Jones was recognized with a special certificate of accomplishment for the significant achievements of the Planning Committee.

    TV TechCheck
    will not be published on May 31, but will return June 7, 2010.



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