Abstract: A satellite data receiver, a satellite data receiver controller, a method, an article of manufacture, and a propagated signal, which process polarization information from another satellite data receiver in order to permit multiple types of signals to be received by a conventional outdoor unit of a satellite reception system. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal also utilize decoding techniques to ensure no data is lost during a polarization switch. The satellite data receiver, satellite data receiver controller, method, article of manufacture, and propagated signal provide upgraded service without upgrading the outdoor unit and without requiring an installer to enter the consumer's home.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for spectrally separating first and second satellite signals that occupy a common frequency band with different first and second electromagnetic polarizations. These systems and methods facilitate the use of inexpensive single-cable distribution networks to simultaneously deliver all transmitted channels of a satellite communication system to a plurality of subscriber locations. In particular, a frequency-converter system is provided that includes first and second low-noise block downconverters whose outputs are coupled into an output diplexer. The low-noise block downconverters each have a downconverter mixer and a local oscillator that couples a local oscillator signal to the mixer but the local oscillator signals are sufficiently spaced apart to convert the first and second satellite signals to spectrally spaced first and second intermediate-frequency (IF) bands. The IF bands are isolated because they are spectrally separated.

Abstract: Antennas with steerable antenna patterns and techniques for using such antennas are described. In accordance with the invention, antenna patterns with one or more NULLs are used. Through the use of digital control signals the antenna pattern is steered so that a source of signal interference, e.g., a multipath signal, will be located in a NULL. In this manner the received signal's S/N ratio can be maximized thereby facilitating demodulation. The techniques of the invention can be applied to television, computer devices, mobile devices and a wide range of other systems. Digital commands to control an antenna may include multiple information fields, e.g., a direction field, a channel field, a gain field and a polarity field. Antennas incapable of supporting the specified fields disregard information in fields which are not supported. Information in each supported field is decoded and used to adjust the corresponding antenna characteristic.

Abstract: A system for distributing signals, in which a distribution module is coupled to each of a plurality of outlets by respective first and second cables. Each of the first and second cables is sufficient to carry both a first-type signal and a second-type signal between an outlet and the distribution module, the second-type signal comprising one of left-handed and right-handed polarized type signals. The first cable carries a combined first-type signal and one of a left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet. The second cable carries the other of the left-handed and right-handed polarized signal from the distribution module to the outlet and carries a local first-type signal from the outlet to the distribution module. The combined first-type signal is provided by the distribution module by combining the local first-type signal with a master first-type signal.