Abstract: An integrated antenna system for satellite and VHF/UHF reception is provided. The elements of a VHF/UHF antenna are embedded in a satellite antenna. The satellite and VHF/UHF signals are combined and transmitted on a single cable to the receiver. The receiver splits the signals. A switch within the receiver unit for displaying either the VHF/UHF or satellite transmissions is provided. The receiver also powers amplifiers at the antenna using the single cable.

Abstract: A video apparatus for receiving broadcast direct-to-home audiovisual program data is provided with a position generator disposed at a position which generates a position signal corresponding to the position, an antenna for receiving broadcast audiovisual program data, the antenna being positionable in a plurality of different orientations including an initial orientation, a decoder coupled to the antenna for decoding the program data and being adapted to be connected to e.g. a home video display for display of programming corresponding to the program data, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the antenna for automatically adjusting the initial orientation of the antenna based upon the position signal generated by the position generator. The antenna may be, for example, a satellite dish that is adapted to receive broadcast carriers from a broadcasting satellite. The adjustment mechanism may automatically orient the antenna based upon the relative qualities (e.g.

Abstract: A multi-channel digital video receiver (e.g. DBS) includes a tuning unit with two tuner modules and a decoder unit with two decoder modules. These tuner and decoder units enable the receiver to simultaneously produce decoded video and audio signals for two separately-tuned channels. The signals for the channel currently selected by the user are tuned and decoded by one set of tuner and decoder modules. The decoded signals for the selected channel are sent to an output stage (e.g. encoder), where the signals and their output are encoded for use on an attached presentation device (e.g. television, audio processor, computer, etc.) Simultaneously, a microcontroller predicts the next channel the user will select and causes the other tuner and decoder modules to begin tuning to and decoding the signals for that predicted next channel. A third set of tuner and decoder modules can be added to enable the receiver to begin tuning to and decoding the signals for another likely next channel.

Abstract: A method and system for pointing a receiver antenna is described herein. The method includes providing an indicator, receiving a signal at the antenna over a series of positions throughout which the antenna is moved, measuring a signal strength of the signal at each position, and causing the indicator to emit an indication signal that reflects the signal strength at each position. The frequency of the indication signal preferably varies non-linearly to the signal strengths, and the difference between successive indication signal frequencies increases as said signal strength increases in order to allow an installer to more effectively perceive the variations in the frequency of the indication signal.

Abstract: A method and system that provides power to an antenna clearing device through a coaxial cable used to transmit the satellite signals is disclosed. Receiver decoder box for receiving satellite signals via an LNB is connected to the LNB by the coaxial cable. The antenna clearing device is also connected to the coaxial cable. A power source within the box provides power to the LNB and the antenna clearing device via the coaxial cable.