Satellite Glossary

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• feed

The transmission of programming from a distribution center.

• feedhorn

In satellite broadcasting, a part of a receiving antenna, usually a dish, that collects the signal reflected from the main surface reflector and channels it into a low-noise amplifier.

• filecasting (file broadcasting)

Broadcasts of audio, video, and data files that are to be stored at the Thaicom Teleport for playback at a later time. Filecasting uses surplus carrier bandwidth and is therefore cost effective.

• free-to-air

Television channels that do not charge the viewer. Money comes from advertisers.

• frequency

The number of times that an alternating current goes through its complete cycle in one second of time. One cycle per second = one hertz.

• frequency modulation (FM)

The encoding of a carrier wave by the modulation of its frequency. It produces little or no static and high fidelity reception. FM radio stations, from 88 to 108 megahertz produce reception superior to that of AM or amplitude modulation stations, particularly high-frequency sounds.

• frequency-division multiplexing

Multiplexing is used with analog transmissions. Each signal modulates a carrier wave. Each carrier wave has a different frequency. The carriers are stacked on top of each other and transmitted simultaneously.