Single-cable distribution

Single-cable distribution is a satellite TV technology that enables the delivery of broadcast programming to multiple users over a single coaxial cable, and eliminates the numerous cables required to support consumer electronics devices such as twin-tuner digital video recorders (DVRs) and high-end receivers.

[1] A European industry standard for distributing satellite signals over a single coaxial cable - CENELEC EN50494 - was defined in 2007[2] and developed by a consortium led by SES.

The platform is designed to facilitate the acceptance of Unicable-certified solutions[buzzword] in the consumer TV broadcast market.

Silicon vendors have developed complex integrated circuits that greatly reduce the cost of implementing the single-cable distribution function.

Each mixer path then translates only the user requested transponder to a predetermined fixed frequency within the 950-2150 MHz band.

These allow bi-directional passage of both RF and DC signals, to provide for the passing of DiSEqC commands between the LNB and receiver(s).

Existing communal integrated reception systems (IRS) often provide only one satellite feed to each household, preventing the use of dual-tuner DVRs.

The four IF inputs from the Quattro LNB are looped through to outputs so the unit can be cascaded to further SatCR switches or to the existing multiswitches of the IRS, so an SatCR-enabled output is provided without replacing the existing LNB or affecting the provision for conventional receivers in other households served by the rest of the system.

[7] Versions of the Unicable Switch to provide for four and eight tuners within a household are available, and to combine a digital terrestrial signal onto the SatCR-enabled output as well.

Global Invacom developed the SatCR Adaptor in conjunction with BSkyB to enable flats and homes with single-feed distribution systems to fit Sky+ and Sky+ HD dual-tuner DVR receivers.