Registration Open for NAB Satellite Uplink Operators Seminar
October 3 – 6 Washington, DC

The next NAB Satellite Uplink Operators Seminar is October 3-6, 2011 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 and radio.

The class is taught by Sidney Skjei, M.S.E.E., P. E. of Skjei Telecom. Mr. Skjei has over 30 years experience in engineering, operating and developing a wide range of hardware and software satellite communications systems and services. He is highly knowledgeable in all major satellite communications operational areas: global, U.S. domestic and military. Mr. Skjei believes that satellite operators should have a basic understanding of other parts of the broadcast transmission system. Digital television (DTV) and, in particular, high definition (HDTV) are now standard through all parts of the broadcast television chain, from production to distribution to the home. 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, MPEG 4 Part 10, (AVC) and JPEG 2000 all of which may be used for broadcast digital video backhaul and distribution. The seminar also discusses the various standard definition (SDTV) and HDTV formats with detailed analysis of how these are carried in satellite transmission systems.

“The NAB course offers many features that other satellite operators courses do not, such as a variety of hands-on training sessions, more hours of personal instruction and a general satellite systems and television focus as opposed to just training on a specific type of terminal – for example a flyaway SNG terminal,” commented Mr. Skjei. We also cover specific operations of SNG truck terminals, including a practical session which affords students a shirtsleeves experience in uplinking from an SNG truck.”

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. SUIRG identified a decrease in knowledgeable staff and lack of training as one of the contributors to increased RF interference.

As part of SUIRG's goal to stop interference before it begins, they maintain a satellite operations training certification program. NAB submitted its training program to SUIRG for review and consideration and received the SUIRG certification in 2009.

Comments from Prior Seminar Attendees

I was very impressed with the amount of knowledge and hands on experience the instructor has in all aspects of satellite communications including many related fields.
Dennis A. Gonnella, Networx Corporation, Pittsford, N.Y.

This is a great seminar to attend. I felt that no matter what your level of knowledge, you will learn something and end up with a better understanding of your equipment.
Stephen Jagdharry, McLean Bible Church, McLean, Va.

Sidney Skjei is a pioneer in the satellite industry. Learning from his expertise is extremely beneficial. He answered students’ questions fully and explained satellite concepts completely.
Ricky Beckwith, WSET, Lynchburg, Va.

The four-day seminar provides the operational training which minimize the risk of satellite transmission interference. This is an important seminar since the FCC rules require that "a trained operator be present at all times during transmissions, at either an earth station site or designated remote control point" [Section 25.271 (b)].

In addition to classroom instruction, students will receive hands-on training in a satellite newsgathering (SNG) truck as well as an all-day field trip to a nearby, large satellite teleport and operations center.

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 this opportunity, go to the Satellite Seminar Web page 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.