Abstract: A head end (7) comprises a low noise converter (2) for providing signal bands including channels to one or more user units (3). The low noise converter is arranged as a low noise channel converter (2), which includes frequency multiplexing means (6) for multiplexing one or more user pre-selected channels to the user units (3). By effecting pre-selection in the low noise channel converter (2) the connection between the head end (7) and the user units (3) only contains a single communication medium (5), generally an already installed coaxial cable (5). Wanted channels for example for watching one television program and simultaneously recording another program are pre-selected and at the side of the low noise block put on the one cable.

Abstract: The in-home system comprises a complex main receiver (MR) and at least one standard receiver (AR). The main receiver (MR) receives the broadcast signals (HFIS) from the provider(s) and demodulates and/or decodes and/or descrambles (DEM) the broadcast signals (HFIS). A modulator (MOD) re-modulates the demodulated and/or decoded broadcast signals (MIS) onto a high-frequency carrier and provides this modulated signal (HFOS) to the standard receiver (AR). The demodulating, decoding, and/or descrambling (DEM) needs to be performed by the main receiver (MR) only, and is distributed via a high-frequency link to the standard receiver (AR) in the home environment. The main receiver (MR) comprises at least one tuner (TUi) with a tuner input (TUIi) for receiving the high-frequency input signal (HFIS) and a tuner output (TUOi) for supplying a tuner output signal (TOSi).

Abstract: A tuner for receiving a satellite broadcast signal via an antenna means, said tuner being coupled to a control unit. The tuner is characterized in that it comprises a standard bilateral digital interface for transmitting a base-band signal obtained from the received signal received via the antenna means and for receiving control signals transmitted by the control unit, said signals being transmitted/received via a first bilateral bus.