Satellite Glossary
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package
A program or combination of programs or commercial spots offered to a sponsor as a unit, usually at a discount.
Packet IDentification field (PID)
The PID identifies all packets belonging to a particular program file. Each file has a unique PID.
PAL
Phase-alternation system. A TV and videotape standard.
parabolic antenna
The common shape of satellite antennas, described mathematically as a parabola. The parabolic shape focuses a weak microwave signal hitting the surface of the dish into a single focal point in front of the dish.
pay television (pay TV)
Home television programming for which the viewer pays by the program or by the month; also called pay-television, subscription television (STV), or toll-TV. Pay television includes over-the-air transmission (with encoded signals) and cable transmission (pay cable).
pay-per-view
Televised programs, such as cable television channels, that require payment by the viewer.
pay-per-view TV (PPV)
A system in which payment is made for a single showing of a program. Subscribers of the pay-television company can phone in their "orders" prior to a showing. Some companies supply an interactive piece of equipment to request programs without requiring a phone call.
preview channels
A channel that shows clips from programs to be shown at a later date.
permissioning
A method of permitting reception and decoding of data, audio, and/or video for network users.
picture-in-picture (PIP or P.I.P.)
A feature of television sets in which the viewer can see one videotape or program inside a small window on the screen while watching a videotape or another program on the same screen.
point-to-multipoint
A Thaicom satelite circuit connecting one place to many places.
point-to-point
A single Thaicom circuit connecting two locations.
polar mount
A type of satellite antenna mount with three basic adjustments, azimuth, polar axis, and declination offset. It tracks multiple satellites better than the AZ/EL type of mount.
polarization
In present C- and Ku-band systems, electromagnetic waves are polarized vertically or horizontally to reuse the same frequencies.
program package
A series of commercials to be broadcast on several programs of a station or network, offered in combination to an advertiser.
push technology
The means of automatically delivering information via the Internet to a pre-selected audience through audience members’ Web servers.