Tuner upgrades to HD satellite signals

DVB-S2 digital BS tuner unit has same mechanical outline as existing DVB-S format device, enabling easy upgrade of existing designs

Alps Electric has developed a DVB-S2 digital BS tuner unit with an internal demodulator for use in TVs and set-top boxes for high-definition satellite digital broadcasting. In the second half of 2006, European countries started satellite broadcasts in the new high-definition DVB-S2 format. And in Japan, Sky Perfect Communications is planning to commence broadcasting in the same format from mid-2008, increasing worldwide demand for DVB-S2.
The BSBE2 series tuner is compatible with both the high-definition DVB-S2 and standard DVB-S screen formats.

Yet it is the same size as its predecessor, the BSBE1 series (41.0 x 73.3 x 13.0mm), which could only be used with the DVB-S format.

Furthermore, the structure of the exterior cladding of the tuner is effective in reducing heat dissipation and noise, leading to greater reliability and low-noise performance.

The tuner's internal demodulator IC causes heat to be generated when the digitally altered signals are modulated.

The heat source is in the upper section of the demodulator IC.

Opening a hole in the part of the cover over the upper section and bringing the lower section of the circuit board used for the IC into contact with part of the outer cover, creates a double thermal insulation structure which is very effective for dissipating heat.

In addition to preventing the signals emitted by the oscillator inside the tuner from influencing other parts of the set as noise, the cover over the exterior cladding also serves to muffle digital noise emanating from set's decoder or CPU.