EP1760917B1 - Method and apparatus for the configuration of n independent users of a satellite receiving installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves connecting one of the satellite ZF levels to the output terminal of the matrix (M) and low-noise block (LNB) receiver converter (LN) of a satellite receive-only equipment. The satellite receive-only equipment has a multiplex converter (MU) provided for the direct conversion of the receiving channels (EK) and subscriber channels (TK1) with respect to the satellite ZF level. When a new subscriber is determined, a free subscriber channel is assigned to the new subscriber to allow the subscriber to receive all the satellite ZF levels. An independent claim is included for the configuration device for independent subscribers in satellite receive-only equipment.

Description

The invention relates according to claims 1 or 2, a method and according to claims 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, a device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system.

In principle, there are three possibilities for receiving TV programs, either direct reception via the satellite antenna (parabolic antenna, which would be the actual satellite television), terrestrial or via cable television. In the first option, ground stations first transmit relatively large parabolic antennas to the signals recoded in signals to the satellite (so-called uplink), the frequency range being between ten and 13 gigahertz. The signals are received by the satellite in a receiving unit and forwarded to the transmitting unit (transponder uplink) of the satellite. Typical television satellites, e.g. Astra satellites are capable of receiving and transmitting at least 16 TV programs and the associated sound.

The transponders send the signals to the receiving stations on earth (so-called downlink, Ku band: 10,700 MHz to 12,750 MHz). In cable television, these are large ground stations that are connected to the cable network and feed the corresponding broadcasts into this network. With direct reception, the respective private households with satellite reception system become small ground stations. The reception system consists essentially of a parabolic antenna ("satellite dish") and a satellite receiver (the receiver). It uses a transmitting and receiving technology based on polarized waves (wave widths only in a certain direction (vibration level) off). The converter, which is also referred to as LNB (Low Noise Block) or LNC (Low Noise Converter) amplifies and converts the satellite signals from the high frequency range in a lower intermediate frequency range from 950 to 2150 MHz (see FIG. 2 B ).

To make better use of the available frequency range, the satellites emit radiation at various levels. Common here are the radiations on a horizontal and a vertical plane and the division into a lower frequency band L of 10.7 to 11.7 GHz (see FIG. 2a ) and an upper frequency band H of 11.7 to 12.75 GHz (see FIG. 2a ).

If several subscribers, ie several receivers, are to be connected to a satellite antenna or to the converter, then a special converter for the simultaneous reception of several receiving levels is necessary. In order for the individual subscribers to independently control the different outputs of the converter or to select the different reception levels, a switching device - a so-called "multiswitch" or "multiswitch" or a "branching device" - is provided in satellite reception systems, which serves as connection node , Each subscriber can then select by switching between one of the four reception levels mentioned above. The switching takes place in that the user (receiver) = a switching voltage (14V / 18V), a switching frequency (low frequency audio, usually 22 kHz) or a serial control code (eg DiSEqC data telegram, "DiSEqC" Di gital S atellite Eq uipment C ontrol which uses a modulated 22 kHz signal) is applied to the multi-switch. A switching matrix formed in the multi-switch connects while the respective participant according to the pending control signal with the corresponding input of the multi-switch.

In practice, an increasing complexity of the satellite receiving systems, in particular community facilities (sluice, multi-switch), introduction of digital radio and TV receivers and new services such as the Internet, combination devices such as multimedia PC, automatic turning systems, among others, and associated digital Femsteuerungskonzepte observed. To meet this increasing complexity is from the DE 202 11 276 U1 or the corresponding one EP 1 387 512 A2 a switching device for a satellite receiving system, in which the means for selectively high-frequency connection of one of the input terminals with the output terminal, configuration and storage means are connected upstream, which are configured by means of an interface and programmable. Thereby, an output port may be permanently assigned to an arbitrary input port (which receives one of four possible IF planes of an associated satellite system) in response to the associated select control signal. The programming can be done by a commercially available PC or another, preferably portable, programming unit via common data buses, eg USB. In this case, configuration units are set up for each output connection, which are implemented in the manner of assignment tables. Alternatively, the allocation units provided for each individual user are provided with configuration data by means of a central data bus from a common, central storage unit. As the core of each switching device may be provided a so-called basic module, which is independently operable and receives all input terminals and looped through to expansion modules. The respectively connectable expansion modules then allow flexible assignment of further output connections. In practical operation it becomes so allows each of the receivers connected to the output ports to be accessed in parallel concurrently and freely configured according to the respective mapping table to the input ports, or a common central configuration takes place.

If, for example, even more subscribers in a large residential unit are to be connected to a satellite reception system, then cascadable systems are used in which several multiswitches are connected in series. In such a cascadable system, the multiswitch connected directly to the converter or converters will be referred to as a multiswitch head device, while the subsequent multiswitches will be referred to as multiswitch extrusions. These multi-switch strand devices are now directly or indirectly connected to the multi-switch head unit by the individual outputs of the multi-switch head unit via lines, which are also referred to as strand lines, are connected to the inputs of the multi-switch strand device. To prevent a swapping of the strands in the cascade trunk is out of the EP 1 217 766 A1 a multi-switch head unit, or a satellite receiving system, in which the multi-switch head unit is assigned a line identification unit and the line identification unit switches identification signals to lines connected to the outputs. Characterized in that the individual lines different identification signals are switched, it can be determined at which output of the multi-switch head unit, the respective line is connected. The identification signals consist of DC signals, low-frequency AC or DC voltages or low-frequency data telegrams. By connecting low-frequency identification signals, the significantly higher-frequency useful signals of the converter in the intermediate frequency range which are transmitted via the lines remain unaffected. Preferably, each has Multi-switch strand device to an evaluation, wherein the evaluation is connected on the one hand to the inputs and on the other hand to the switching matrix of the multi-switch strand device. The transmitter detects the identification signals of the lines connected to the inputs and determines the configuration of the connected lines due to the different identification signals. As a result, the individual lines can be connected completely arbitrarily to the inputs of the multi-switch strand device. The control of the switching matrix and the evaluation can be realized by a microprocessor, which assumes all evaluation and control functions. In an alternative embodiment of the satellite receiving system, each multi-switch strand device has an indicator device, wherein the indicator device is connected to the inputs of the multi-switch strand device and the indicator means detects the identification signals of the lines connected to the inputs and emits an assignment signal. In this case, arranged in the multi-switch strand devices indicator device serves as installation aid and unlike the first embodiment, the lines can not be connected arbitrarily to the inputs of the multi-switch strand devices in this embodiment. Alternatively, the installation aid is not integrated in the multi-switch strand device, but designed as a separate device. The line indicator designed as an installation aid can have a plurality of LEDs and / or a display display, in particular an LCD display or an LED display. Finally, for example, a commercially available voltage, current or resistance measuring device can be used for a line indicator, whereby the installer must make the correct assignment of the signals indicated by the line indicator to the respective inputs of the multiswitch line devices.

In further education this is from the DE 202 04 299 U1 a multi-switch or a satellite entrance system known in which the number of programs provided can be adapted to the particular wishes of the individual residents of a house. For this purpose, an electronic circuit and an interface connected to the electronic circuit are provided in the multi-switch, wherein the multi-switch is programmable via the interface such that certain satellite intermediate frequency signals are blocked for certain participants. With the help of the interface, a simple adaptation to the particular circumstances is possible, so that it is easy to respond to changed wishes of the individual residents or the arrival of new residents by a corresponding reprogramming of the electronic circuit. By way of example, the electronic circuit can intervene in such a way on the switching matrix that a specific subscriber can not be connected to a specific input of the multiswitch and therefore also not to a specific output of a converter, so that the subscriber receives the corresponding satellite IF signal - and thus also one or more paid programs - is locked. In principle, it is possible that the interface is designed as an input keyboard, so that the programming can be done directly on the multi-switch. Since the multi-switch is often mounted in places where it is relatively difficult to access, thus programming would be difficult to carry out, the interface is advantageously designed as an RS 232 interface or as an infrared interface or the interface can be connected to an external modem or in the multi-switch a modem is integrated.

To realize a multi-switch, which is variable or expandable with respect to the IF input interfaces is from the DE 20 2004 007 763 U1 a multi-switch is known, which is a basic unit and at least a switching matrix module. The basic unit has at least one receiver output interface and several signal inputs and the switching matrix module has the plurality of intermediate frequency input interfaces and signal outputs which correspond in number to the signal inputs and can be connected to them. Furthermore, it can be provided that the multiswitch has an input interface for the supply of signals that are received by means of a terrestrial antenna. This input interface is preferably attached to the base unit. The switch matrix module has master output interfaces which are used to carry out the signals fed into the IF input interfaces, for example to generate a cascade of the master signals. This makes the multiswitch variable with respect to the number of satellite IF levels it can receive or expandable. Preferably, the connection is provided by plugging the switching matrix module on the base unit.

Furthermore, twin converter arrangements, with which subscribers can independently receive programs which are broadcast via one or the other polarization in a lower or upper frequency band, have long been known. From the EP 1 217 836 A2 For example, a twin-converter arrangement is known which is designed so that it can also serve as part of a multifeed arrangement for receiving programs broadcast via a further satellite position. Typically this is done by means of a single satellite dish, when two satellite positions are arranged in a close orbital position to each other geo-stationary, so that with a "squinting" multifeed arrangement, the programs broadcast by both geostationary satellites can be received. To implement this concept, the twin converter arrangement has at least one further connection, namely an additional input, which is designed as a loop-through input. About this loop-through entrance An associated, connected subscriber can receive the programs broadcast via another satellite position. In this case, the actual output, to which an associated subscriber can be connected, can be switched as required between the actual output of the twin converter arrangement (twin LNBs) for receiving the programs broadcast via a first satellite position and the loop-through input. In a preferred embodiment, a crosswise interconnection of the two twin converter arrangements is made, wherein each of the two twin receivers has a corresponding additional loop-through input. In such a multi-feed arrangement, only one subscriber is connected to the two twin converter arrangements, with the respective output for the second subscriber being connected to the loop-through input of the respective further twin converter arrangement. Thus, both subscribers may receive the programs broadcast from both satellite positions, optionally in a lower or upper frequency band in both polarizations. Since, from the perspective of the respective subscriber, the programs received from a first and second satellite position are received at different setting positions, it is preferably provided that the twin converter arrangement has, in addition to the two outputs and the additional loop-through input, a further coding input which does not contain any RF signals supplies and so far "passive" is switched. Due to the coding device effected thereby, however, the position value of an LNB branch can be changed from the default setting "Default A" to "Default B". The second LNB branch thus contains a corresponding assignment of the respective other satellite position. Thus, after the corresponding coding has been activated for a subscriber, this leads to the fact that both participants via the apparently same twin converter, for example via the first twin converter for the satellite position X and over the second twin converter for the further satellite position Y, which can receive programs broadcast.

In further education this is from the WO 03/094397 A1 or the corresponding thereto EP 1 502 371 A1 a method and a device for generating at least one transponder in the satellite intermediate frequency plane known. In order to realize a one-cable structure, in a first embodiment, a first implementation of the lower satellite frequency band with a local oscillator of 9,600 MHz, for example, and a first implementation of the upper satellite frequency band with a local oscillator of 13,850 MHz, for example, are proposed. Because of these other local oscillator frequencies than the prior art, it is possible for the lower limit of the lower band to coincide with the lower limit for the upper band of 1100 MHz. For the second mixer is not a local oscillator frequency of, for example, 10600 MHz is used, but in contrast a local oscillator frequency, which is above the upper end of the upper frequency band. An inverse conversion is carried out in such a way that the frequency range lying above the upper limit of the upper frequency band (ie above 12.750 MHz) is converted to a range below 1100 MHz, which is otherwise completely free of transponders and satellite signals. As a result, by simply implementing the mixer using only one tunable oscillator (for example, 2025 to 3100 MHz) and only a subsequent selection of a suitable bandpass filter (eg 950 MHz center frequency and a bandwidth of 40 MHz) a freely selectable transponder, for example, with a Sat . ZFl / Sat.-ZFl center frequency of 950 MHz are implemented. For example, a so-called one-cable tripple converter solution can be realized in which two offset transponder frequency ranges combined with a satellite IF band range become. Or it can also be a single-cable quad LNB solution are constructed in which a plurality of frequency spaced apart transponder are generated, and these transponder branches are then combined at the respective output of a switching matrix arrangement via a crossover. As a result, several transponders can be fed to a single common antenna line.

Furthermore, from the DE 44 07 831 C2 discloses a method for accessing passive broadband coaxial cable networks with M subscribers connected to network nodes providing uplink and downlink N transmission channels, where M> N, where an uplink (backchannel) frequency band and a downstream band of frequency band the same coaxial cable are provided, and wherein the participants each have a receiver and a transmitter. The method is used for bidirectional operation on a coaxial cable with a tree or ring structure, in which the participants can communicate with each other via a network node or via other network nodes connected to these participants or in the network node available retrieval services. Specifically, it is provided that the receiver of a subscriber in its attempt to access the frequency band of the upward direction is searched for a free carrier frequency channel that this is then occupied by turning on the subscriber's transmitter and thus the network node is signaled the connection request and that of this then a transmission channel allocated in the downlink direction. It is assumed that in view of the expected traffic statistics never all participants at the same time want access to the system, so that a larger number M of subscribers than the number N of the available channels at any time access is made possible. The receivers of all subscribers can be tuned to the carrier frequencies of all channels in the up and down direction. In Similarly, the transmitters of all subscribers to the carrier frequencies of all channels in the upward direction (backward channel) are tunable. In the network node, the number of transmitters and receivers is equal to the number of channels N available in the system. By switching on the carrier and transmitting corresponding signaling information, the network node notifies the newly connected subscriber a transmission channel in the downward direction. The bidirectional communication, which can be both symmetric and asymmetric, with other participants connected to the network nodes, with participants that are connected to other network nodes, or z. B. databases of polling services available in the network node can begin.

Furthermore, from the DE 296 07 766 U1 a community antenna system for distribution of television signals of different channels, which are transmitted in particular via satellite, with a signaling device, a head device and a signal processing unit known. More specifically, the signal generating means comprises an antenna which receives the signals and at least one down-converter which converts the received signals of a certain polarity from a reception frequency band into signals in an intermediate frequency band. The head device is followed by the Signalgeereirwichtung and the signal processing unit is the input side connected via a cable to the down converter and the output side connected to a single distribution cable, via which the processed signals are transmitted in the intermediate frequency band to user sockets. In order to enable the distribution of a larger number of channels, the signal processing unit of the head device has channel-specific converters, which convert a predeterminable channel in the intermediate frequency band to another channel in the intermediate frequency band. The channel-specific converter of the head device are in integrated at least one converter module, which is connectable at its input via the cable to the down converter and at its output to the distribution cable. In particular, the converter module has at least two channel-specific converters, which are connected to one another in such a way that an input of a first converter module is connected to an input of a second converter module, which is adjacent to the first converter module, and in that an output of first converter module is connected to an output of the second converter module. The connection of the inputs of two adjacent channel-individual converter and / or the connection of the outputs of two adjacent channel-individual converter is realized by connecting bridges. Each channel-specific converter has on the input side and / or output side a tracking filter, a microprocessor which controls at least one oscillator of and / or an amplifier of the channel-specific converter. The microprocessor of the channel-specific converter can be connected to an external converter input device via which data can be input which designate a predefinable input channel frequency and a predefinable output channel frequency and / or signal amplification parameters for controlling the amplifier. Two adjacent modules can be combined with each other via a first mixer, ie several converter modules are connected to the first mixer, the output of which is connectable to the distribution cable. Finally, the system comprises a second mixer having at least two inputs, one of the inputs via an amplifier, connecting bridge and the power supply to the output of the converter module and the other input to a down converter and the output of the second mixer via an amplifier with the single Distribution cable is connectable. In this case, signals of different channels have the same frequency in the intermediate frequency band, which different inputs of the second mixer, different signal levels. An advantage of the above-described ladder circuit structure is that not every channel-specific converter is to be connected to a down converter via a separate cable, and moreover that not every individual converter is to be connected via a separate cable to the second mixer, which is connected upstream of the distribution cable.

Finally, out of the DE 197 49 120 C2 a satellite receiving system or an associated method for their operation known in the or in which a single antenna line z. B. four or eight participants are connected, without causing problems in terms of data transmission and control of participants and assignment of specific addresses. For this purpose, a converter block is provided in the head station, in which a separate converter stage is provided for each connected subscriber. There, each satellite program selected by each individual subscriber, ie the corresponding satellite program channel frequency is converted into different channel frequencies with sufficient frequency spacing and fed via a sum circuit with a common receiver bus leading to all participants, ie an antenna derivation. Specifically, in the respective converter stage, conversion takes place into a frequency channel assigned to a single subscriber and thus receiver, which lies in the region of the received satellite frequency level, so that conventional receivers can be connected on the subscriber side in principle. The connected receivers work together with a controller unit in such a way that the converter stage assigned to this receiver is controlled by means of a corresponding receiver signal in such a way that the selected program is switched to the corresponding output of this converter stage of the converter block Preset frequency channel is implemented and fed into the sole antenna line. The data bus for controlling the connected subscribers / receivers in interaction with the controller unit can be referred to as a multimaster bus, since the connected subscribers are not operated in a master-slave configuration but are in principle connected to this multimaster bus on an equal basis are. Via this multimaster bus, it is then possible to assign each receiver a specific address in the converter stage from the controller so that a subscriber-selected program is converted to a different channel, ie a different channel frequency, via the converter stage assigned to the respective receiver all connected subscribers / recalcers can select and receive, via the channel assigned to them, all programs that can basically be received via the satellite receiving antenna. The converter block is preceded by a matrix that allows the individual subscribers, ie the connected receivers, independently of each other to select and receive any program, regardless of whether it is transmitted with vertical or horizontal polarization in a lower or upper frequency band. The matrix arrangement can be designed such that control can be effected by switching from 14 V / 18 V and / or from 0 KHz / 22 KHz or by means of DiSEqC. In order to carry out the corresponding control in the matrix arrangement, each converter stage comprises a voltage switch and a downstream 22 KHz modulator. Furthermore, each converter stage in the receive direction following parallel to the switching branch comprises a capacitor for galvanic isolation, a first mixer, a downstream amplifier, a further downstream SAW filter and a further mixer connected on the output side. While the first mixer can be operated via a voltage controlled oscillator with an oscillator frequency which can be selected differently, the oscillator frequency of the oscillator frequency is second mixer, for example, by means of a fixed local oscillator frequency f _l to f _{n of} a respectively associated local oscillator driven. The connected receivers work together for multimaster communication with a controller unit so that each receiver can only send and receive control signals if no other receiver is activated or the controller does not send any signals to the bus. For this purpose measures for a collision protection (bus observation phases, address and various collision protection headers) are provided, which ensures that at any given time only one receiver can be active on the bus, ie send data or receive from the controller. For this purpose, the multimaster bus is operated by means of a DC level switching so that it is always recognizable whether the multimaster bus for transmitting new transmission signals by another receiver is ready or disabled. As soon as a receiver emits or receives transmission signals to and from the controller stations, the multimaster bus, referred to above, preferably has its status "disabled" so that other receivers can not enter into communication with the controller. The transmission protocol is structured in such a way that if two or three receivers are operated at the same time, they should check after a different set time whether another receiver is still in the "communication stage". If this is detected, the respective receiver that recognizes this, returns to its original position and must wait for another waiting cycle. In this way, it can be ensured that a converter stage is always driven via a receiver only at one time, the subscriber channel (frequency channel) being presupposed as the default.

As the above prior art assessment shows, variously configured configurable multiswitch or multifeed satellite receiving systems with switching matrixes and fransponder branches are known. As a rule, subsequent extensions in terms of connectable subscribers require either the laying of additional antenna lines or the generation of a broadband receiving frequency band, which is a high cost in the matrix circuit, in particular for the correct circuitry electrical assignment of the connection / antenna lines or a high filter overhead for the interconnection of respective partial excerpts from different satellite IF levels and a limited program offer for the individual participant means. Even with the off DE 197 49 120 C2 Known methods known in which one frequency transponder more than one participant on a common antenna line in each case a transponder frequency is converted into a receiving frequency associated with the subscriber, a high cost is required. The cost of such a system with frequency converters are determined primarily by the frequency converter with the associated filters, on the other hand, the maximum configuration (with preset subscriber channel (frequency channel)) must be provided to allow subsequent extension. Therefore, in practice, there are no cost-effective methods or devices in which the complete frequency spectrum is recorded even in the case of subsequent expansions and therefore there are no restrictions with regard to the program offer. This is particularly important because consumer electronics, especially the satellite receiver manufacturing industry, has for many years been considered a highly advanced, adventurous industry that is quick to pick up on improvements and simplifications and put them into action.

The invention is compared to the known methods or devices, the task of further developing them so that even with subsequent extensions controlled by the user, this is the complete frequency spectrum available.

• bei dem mittels über die jeweilige Antennenleitung übertragener Steuersignale die Steuerung der Matrix, von m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzern und der gesteuerten Frequenzweiche oder Matrix mit Addierer erfolgt, wodurch:
  • ➢ eine der am Ausgang des LNB-Empfangskonverters anliegenden Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen zum Ausgangsanschluss der Matrix hochfrequenzmäßig durchgeschaltet wird und
  • ➢ im jeweiligen Mehrfachumsetzer eine direkte Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal erfolgt und
• bei dem die Zuordnung der Belegung der Teilnehmerkanäle zentral erfolgt, wobei der jeweils belegte Teilnehmerkanal in einem Kanalspeicher abgespeichert ist,

derart, dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers der an eine gemeinsame Antennenleitung angeschlossenen Gruppe, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal zugeordnet wird, so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kann.This object is achieved in a method for configuring n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system with an LNB receive converter, a matrix, at least one multi-converter, at least one filter device, a summer or crossover or controlled crossover network or matrix with adder and at least one of the subscribers Common and guided through junction boxes antenna line, solved according to claim 1,

• in which the control signals transmitted by way of the respective antenna line are used to control the matrix, of m multiplex converters arranged in parallel, and of the controlled crossover network or matrix with adder, whereby
  • ➢ one of the satellite ZF planes present at the output of the LNB receive converter is switched through to the output terminal of the matrix in terms of high frequency, and
  • In the respective multiple converter, a direct conversion of one of the reception channels located in the satellite IF level into a subscriber channel that can be assigned to the subscriber takes place, and
• in which the assignment of the occupancy of the subscriber channels is carried out centrally, wherein the respective occupied subscriber channel is stored in a channel memory,

in such a way that, when a new subscriber is put into operation, the group connected to a common antenna line is assigned an unoccupied subscriber channel, so that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that in a surprisingly simple and cost-effective manner, the entire program offer can be made available to each of the users, without the risk that, when the individual programs are implemented, they are no longer receivable. Especially for larger antenna systems, which have a great many antenna doses and / or multiple trunk lines, and in which more than one participant is connected per trunk, stands by the inventive measure until the commissioning of a subscriber, this a frequency converter (multiple converter) with the appropriate output frequency assign a cost effective solution available. Because of the dynamic allocation, only m multiple transformers (m <= n) are required for n subscribers, since in a typical building installation with n antenna doses and m residents, usually the highest subscriber subscriptions are simultaneously in operation. Since the cost of such a plant with frequency converters is determined primarily by the frequency converters with the associated filters, the saving of frequency converters means a massive cost saving, especially in installations with m << n. The central assignment of the occupancy can be avoided in a surprisingly simple and cost-effective manner an access conflict.

• bei dem mittels über die jeweilige Antennenleitung übertragener Steuersignale die Steuerung der Matrix, von m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzern und der gesteuerten Frequenzweiche oder Matrix mit Addierer erfolgt, wodurch:
  • ➢ eine der am Ausgang des LNB-Empfangskonverters anliegenden Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen zum Ausgangsanschluss der Matrix hochfrequenzmäßig durchgeschaltet wird und
  • ➢ im jeweiligen Mehrfachumsetzer eine direkte Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal erfolgt und
• bei dem die Belegung der Teilnehmerkanäle dezentral erfolgt, indem jeder neu hinzugekommene Teilnehmer, beginnend beim Teilnehmerkanal mit der niedrigsten oder höchsten Frequenz, den Belegungszustand überprüft und bei Belegung auf den frequenzmäßig höher oder tiefer liegenden Teilnehmerkanal umschaltet,

derart, dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers der an eine gemeinsame Antennenleitung angeschlossenen Gruppe, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal zugeordnet wird, so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kann.Furthermore, this object is inventively in a method for configuring n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system with an LNB receive converter, a matrix, at least one multi-converter, at least one filter device, a summer or crossover or controlled crossover or matrix with adder and at least one den Participants common and guided via junction boxes antenna line, solved according to claim 2,

• in which the control signals transmitted by way of the respective antenna line are used to control the matrix, of m multiplex converters arranged in parallel, and of the controlled crossover network or matrix with adder, whereby
  • ➢ one of the satellite ZF planes present at the output of the LNB receive converter is switched through to the output terminal of the matrix in terms of high frequency, and
  • In the respective multiple converter, a direct conversion of one of the reception channels located in the satellite IF level into a subscriber channel that can be assigned to the subscriber takes place, and
• in which the occupancy of the subscriber channels is decentralized, by each newly added participants, starting at the subscriber channel with the lowest or highest frequency, the occupancy status checks and switches when occupying the frequency higher or lower subscriber channel,

in such a way that, when a new subscriber is put into operation, the group connected to a common antenna line is assigned an unoccupied subscriber channel, so that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels.

The inventive method according to claim 2 with a decentralized dynamic assignment of the occupancy has the advantage that also in a surprisingly simple and cost-effective manner an access conflict can be avoided.

• ➢ einen LNB-Empfangskonverter an dessen Ausgängen die jeweilige Satelliten-ZF-Ebene anliegt,
• ➢ eine an den Ausgängen des LNB-Empfangskonverters angeschlossene Matrix, welche die Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen durchschleift,
• ➢ m parallel zueinander angeordnete Mehrfachumsetzer, welche jeweils eine erste und eine zweite Mischstufe zur direkten Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal aufweisen,
• ➢ eine mit der zweiten Mischstufe verbundene Filtereinrichtung,
• ➢ einen mit den Filtereinrichtungen verbundenen Summierer oder Frequenzweiche oder gesteuerten Frequenzweiche zur Zusammenführung der Teilnehmerkanäle,
• ➢ eine Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der Matrix und von m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzern und
• ➢ mindestens eine, mehreren Teilnehmern gemeinsame und über Anschlussdosen geführte Antennenleitung,

derart, dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers der an eine gemeinsame Antennenleitung angeschlossenen Gruppe, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal zugeordnet wird, so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kann.Furthermore, this object is achieved in a device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system, according to claim 7, which comprises:

• ➢ an LNB receive converter at whose outputs the respective satellite IF level is present,
• ➢ a matrix connected to the outputs of the LNB receive converter looping through the satellite IF planes,
• ➢ m mutually parallel converters, each having a first and a second mixing stage for direct conversion of one of the lying in the satellite IF receiving channels in a subscriber assignable subscriber channel,
• ➢ a filter device connected to the second mixing stage,
• ➢ an adder or crossover connected to the filter devices or controlled crossover network for merging the subscriber channels,
• ➢ a control device for controlling the matrix and m mutually parallel multiplexers and
• ➢ at least one antenna cable common to several subscribers and routed via junction boxes,

in such a way that, when a new subscriber is put into operation, the group connected to a common antenna line is assigned an unoccupied subscriber channel, so that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels.

• ➢ einen LNB-Empfangskonverter an dessen Ausgängen die jeweilige Satelliten-ZF-Ebene anliegt,
• ➢ eine an den Ausgängen des LNB-Empfangskonverters angeschlossene Matrix, welche die Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen durchschleift,
• ➢ m parallel zueinander angeordnete Mehrfachumsetzer, welche jeweils eine erste und eine zweite Mischstufe zur direkten Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal aufweisen,
• ➢ eine mit der zweiten Mischstufe verbundene Filtereinrichtung,
• ➢ einen mit den Filtereinrichtungen verbundenen Summierer oder Frequenzweiche oder gesteuerten Frequenzweiche zur Zusammenführung der Teilnehmerkanäle und
• ➢ mindestens eine, mehreren Teilnehmern gemeinsame und über Anschlussdosen geführte Antennenleitung,

derart, dass jeder neu hinzugekommene Teilnehmer, beginnend beim Teilnehmerkanal mit der niedrigsten oder höchsten Frequenz, den Belegungszustand überprüft und bei Belegung auf den frequenzmäßig höher oder tiefer liegenden Teilnehmerkanal umschaltet, so dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers der an eine gemeinsame Antennenleitung angeschlossenen Gruppe, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal zugeordnet wird und so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kannFurthermore, this object is achieved in a device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system, according to claim 8, which comprises:

• ➢ an LNB receive converter at whose outputs the respective satellite IF level is present,
• ➢ a matrix connected to the outputs of the LNB receive converter looping through the satellite IF planes,
• ➢ m mutually parallel converters, each having a first and a second mixing stage for direct conversion of one of the lying in the satellite IF receiving channels in a subscriber assignable subscriber channel,
• ➢ a filter device connected to the second mixing stage,
• ➢ a totalizer or crossover connected to the filtering devices or a controlled crossover network for merging the subscriber channels and
• ➢ at least one antenna cable common to several subscribers and routed via junction boxes,

such that each newly added subscriber, starting at the subscriber channel with the lowest or highest frequency, verifies the occupancy state and switches on occupancy to the frequency higher or lower subscriber channel, so that when commissioning a new subscriber connected to a common antenna line group, This is assigned to an unoccupied subscriber channel and so that each of the participants can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels

• ➢ einen LNB-Empfangskonverter an dessen Ausgängen die jeweilige Satelliten-ZF-Ebene anliegt,
• ➢ eine an den Ausgängen des LNB-Empfangskonverters angeschlossene Matrix, welche die Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen durchschleift,
• ➢ m parallel zueinander angeordnete Mehrfachumsetzer, welche jeweils eine erste und eine zweite Mischstufe zur direkten Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal aufweisen,
• ➢ eine mit den Mehrfachumsetzern verbundene Frequenzweiche, die aus Addierern und Schaltern besteht,
• ➢ eine Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der Matrix, der Frequenzweiche und der m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzern und
• ➢ jeweils an die Frequenzweiche angeschlossene und der jeweiligen Gruppe von Teilnehmern gemeinsame und über Anschlussdosen geführte Antennenleitungen,

derart, dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal aus den m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzer zugeordnet und über die Frequenzweiche auf die jeweilige Antennenleitung durchgeschaltet wird, so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kann.Furthermore, this object is achieved in a device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system, according to claim 9, which comprises:

• ➢ an LNB receive converter at whose outputs the respective satellite IF level is present,
• ➢ a matrix connected to the outputs of the LNB receive converter looping through the satellite IF planes,
• ➢ m arranged parallel to each other multiple converters, each having a first and a second mixing stage for the direct implementation of one of have receiving channels lying in the satellite IF level in a subscriber channel which can be assigned to the subscriber,
• ➢ a crossover connected to the multiple converters consisting of adders and switches,
• ➢ a control device for controlling the matrix, the crossover and the m parallel to each other arranged multiple converters and
• ➢ antenna cables connected to the crossover and common to the respective group of subscribers and routed via junction boxes,

such that when commissioning a new subscriber, this is assigned to an unused subscriber channel from the m mutually parallel multi-converter and is switched through the crossover to the respective antenna line, so that each of the participants can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels ,

• ➢ einen LNB-Empfangskonverter an dessen Ausgängen die jeweilige Satelliten-ZF-Ebene anliegt,
• ➢ eine an den Ausgängen des LNB-Empfangskonverters angeschlossene erste Matrix, welche die Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen durchschleift,
• ➢ m parallel zueinander angeordnete Mehrfachumsetzer, welche jeweils eine erste und eine zweite Mischstufe zur direkten Umsetzung eines der in der Satelliten-ZF-Ebene liegenden Empfangskanäle in einen dem Teilnehmer zuordenbaren Teilnehmerkanal aufweisen,
• ➢ eine mit der zweiten Mischstufe verbundene Filtereinrichtung,
• ➢ eine mit den Filtereinrichtungen verbundene zweite Matrix mit Addierer,
• ➢ eine Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der beiden Matrizen und der m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzern und
• ➢ jeweils an die zweite Matrix angeschlossenen und der jeweiligen Gruppe von Teilnehmern gemeinsame und über Anschlussdosen geführte Antennenleitungen,

derart, dass bei der Inbetriebnahme eines neuen Teilnehmers, diesem ein nicht belegter Teilnehmerkanal aus den m parallel zueinander angeordneten Mehrfachumsetzer zugeordnet und die zweite Matrix auf die jeweilige Antennenleitung durchgeschaltet wird, so dass jeder der Teilnehmer wahlweise Programme auf allen Satelliten-ZF-Ebenen empfangen kannFinally, this object is achieved in a device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system, according to claim 10, which comprises:

• ➢ an LNB receive converter at whose outputs the respective satellite IF level is present,
• ➢ a first matrix connected to the outputs of the LNB receive converter which loops through the satellite IF levels,
• ➢ m mutually parallel converters, each having a first and a second mixing stage for direct conversion of one of the lying in the satellite IF receiving channels in a subscriber assignable subscriber channel,
• ➢ a filter device connected to the second mixing stage,
• ➢ a second matrix with adder connected to the filter devices,
• ➢ a control device for controlling the two matrices and the m parallel mutually parallel converters and
• ➢ Antenna cables connected to the second matrix and common to the respective group of subscribers and routed via junction boxes,

in such a way that, when a new subscriber is put into operation, an unoccupied subscriber channel is assigned to it from the m mutually parallel multiplexers and the second matrix is switched through to the respective antenna line so that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels

The inventive embodiments of the device according to one of the claims 7 to 10 have the advantage that in larger buildings the construction of satellite distribution systems without restrictions as in known "Einkabellösungen", especially that only a certain section of the entire program is available, is possible , In particular, for the installer, the device of the invention brings considerable simplifications, since the extension to a new subscriber in the tree structure according to the invention does not automatically as in the prior art, the laying of a new antenna cable (star structure) means. The device according to the invention can be used independently of the structural conditions and enables the flexible allocation and controlled conversion of transponders for the subscriber provision via an IF channel permanently assigned to the subscriber.

In a further development of the invention, according to claim 3, control signals according to the DISEqC standard used, which are coupled by means of a low-pass filter device.

This development of the invention has the advantage, through the use of control signals according to the DISEqC standard 1.0 or higher, that commercial satellite receivers can be used. In practice, a multiplicity of subscriber channels can thereby be configured or flexibly assigned.

Preferably, according to claim 4, in the different groups same subscriber channels are occupied simultaneously.

Due to the groupwise assignment of a respective antenna cable, the extension of one of the groups to full expansion is possible at any time, without this simultaneously means a reprogramming in one of the other groups.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, according to claim 5, by a software update in the control device at any time the desired configuration can be made and further a subscriber-side manipulation can be reliably avoided by the controller checks the authorization for each change to this.

This embodiment of the invention with a central dynamic assignment of the occupancy reliably avoids access conflicts and allows the desired configuration at any time, including the possibility of remote configuration and / or remote diagnosis (via ISDN, WAN, LAN, Internet) and / or blocking certain frequencies (toll channels of Service provider or as kind of parental control).

Preferably, according to claim 6, actuated by Tip-switches on the satellite receiver or menu-controlled, the continuous reconfiguration of the occupancy state "frozen", wherein the user can convince itself at any time by direct visual inspection of the proper operation of the satellite.

The "freeze occupancy state", i. The quasi-static operation of the system has the advantage that the times for evaluating an access request or documents of the subscriber channel can be significantly shortened.

FIG. 1

das Blockschaltbild einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

FIG. 2a, 2b

eine schematische Darstellung des Empfangsfrequenzbereichs vom Satelliten und am Ausgang des LNB-Empfangskonverters,

FIG.3

eine schematische Darstellung für die erfindungsgemäße Konfiguration von n unabhängigen Teilnehmern,

FIG.4

das Prinzipschaltbild einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

FIG. 5

das Prinzipschaltbild einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

FIG. 6

das Prinzipschaltbild einer vierten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

FIG. 7

das Prinzipschaltbild einer fünften bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung und

FIG.8

das Prinzipschaltbild einer Satelliten-Empfangsanlage mit Multischalter und Anschluss der Antennenleitungen in Sternstruktur nach dem Stand der Technik.

Further advantages and details can be taken from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows:

FIG. 1

the block diagram of a first preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2a, 2b

a schematic representation of the receiving frequency range from the satellite and at the output of the LNB receive converter,

FIG.3

a schematic representation of the inventive configuration of n independent participants,

FIG.4

the schematic diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5

the schematic diagram of a third preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6

the schematic diagram of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7

the schematic diagram of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention and

FIG.8

the schematic diagram of a satellite receiving system with multi-switch and connection of the antenna cables in star structure according to the prior art.

To connect several subscribers with a satellite receiving antenna LN are today facilities (multiswitch) to FIG. 8th common in which by means of a matrix M and the DISEqC method, the participants can connect through a satellite level. Disadvantage is that each participant TN requires its own antenna line AL (eg AL1) to the multi-switch. If a new participant TN is added, a new antenna line AL (eg AL2) must be drawn, which is usually associated with problems in practice.

FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 . FIG.5 . FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show preferred embodiments of the inventive device for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system. The field of application extends from star distributions, in which more than one terminal device is to be connected per antenna socket, via the conversion of cable systems to the extension of existing satellite systems. The satellite IF planes applied to the outputs of an LNB receive converter LN are applied to a matrix M which loops through the satellite IF planes. The in FIG. 1 shown quattro LNB receive converter LN converts the horizontally and vertically polarized satellite signals from the high frequency range, namely a lower frequency band L of 10.7 to 11.7 GHz (see FIG. 2a ) and an upper frequency band H of 11.7 to 12.75 GHz (see FIG. 2a ), in a lower one Intermediate frequency range from 950 to 2150 MHz (see FIG. 2 B ). According to the invention, a multi-converter MU is connected to the matrix M, which has a first and a second mixer M1, M2 for directly converting one of the receiving channels EK located in the satellite IF level into a subscriber channel TK1, .. TKn assignable to the subscriber.

Specifically, the mixing stages M1, M2 each contain an oscillator tunable in the satellite IF level and a filter BP1, BP2 downstream thereof. In this case, the filter BP2 arranged in the second mixing stage M2 is preferably designed as a tunable bandpass filter. Connected to the second mixing stage M2 is a filter device which has a high-pass HP and a low-pass TP for separating the high-frequency useful signals and the low-frequency control signals. To merge the subscriber channels TK1, .. TKn is connected to the filtering devices HP, TP a summer FW, to which a common to the participants and via outlets AD1, ..., ADn guided antenna line AL is connected. In this case, the connection box ADn has a terminating resistor AW as the end socket for the shaft-resistance-compliant termination.

According to the invention, control signals according to the DISEqC standard, which are coupled out by means of the low-pass filter TP, are used to control m multiple transducers M, which are arranged parallel to one another and are brought together via the crossover FW. Preferably, when a new subscriber is put into service, an unassigned subscriber channel TK1,... TKn is allocated to it, so that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs on all satellite IF levels. This is in FIG. 3 indicated by the double arrow to the assignment of any receiving channel EK to one symbolize fixed subscriber channel TK1; In this case, an extended frequency range TKE can be provided.

In particular, matrix M, multiple converter MU, filter means HP, TP and crossover FW are combined to form a basic module G, at whose input the LNB reception converter LN and at whose output the antenna line AL is connected. In this case, according to the invention, an antenna line AL is not assigned to a specific basic module G. Each of the basic modules G can have a control device for assigning the subscriber channels TK1,... TKn and for evaluating the control signals coming from the subscriber. Preferably, the basic modules G are combined to form a multi-switch, which has a control device ST. In this case, the respectively occupied subscriber channel TK1, .. TKn can be stored in a channel memory SP.

Alternatively, the allocation of the subscriber channels TK1, .. TKn also be done decentralized (see FIG. 1 ), by each participant virtually "on-hook" when switching on, whether a subscriber channel is busy and if so, switches to another subscriber channel.

The above-described embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by the flexible configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite receiving system and by the possible extension of any of the groups (ie the different antenna lines / trunk lines) to full expansion (in the intermediate frequency range from 950 to 2150 MHz under Considering the required safety distance and the necessary filter effort approx. 20 participants).

From a cost point of view, it is advantageous to dimension the matrices M or MA correspondingly large, since the corresponding switching point is on the order of a few cents and, on the other hand, the much more expensive multiple converters MU (a few euros) can be saved. In the prior art, the number of frequency / repeaters = number of trunk lines x number of subscribers per trunk, i. For example, multiswitch with 4 outputs and 4 subscribers per output = 16 frequency converters. In the solution according to the invention, the number of frequency / multiple converter = maximum number of subscribers per system, i. For example, one-family house, 4 people, each person has their own TV and recorder, d. H. in total a maximum of 8 devices = 8 frequency converters. The advantage of saving in manufacturing costs is 30-40%.

A first inventive approach is the use of groups of multiple converters MU ( FIG. 1 , G) in such a multi-switch as in FIG. 4 shown. If each antenna line AL is made available, for example, four multiple converters MU via a corresponding crossover FW, up to four subscribers can be connected per antenna line AL. These subscribers must support the protocol necessary for controlling the multi-converter MU.

Another much more flexible design shows FIG. 5 , Here, the outputs of the multiple converter MU via a matrix M the crossover FW and thus the antenna lines AL are supplied. The advantage of this embodiment is the use of the cost-determining multiple converter MU only for the subscriber TNe, who must share an antenna cable. For the same requested satellite transponder, a multiple converter MU can even be used for several subscribers on different antenna lines AL. Another advantage is when a subscriber TNE who receives the Multi-converter protocol supported, an extended frequency range (<950 MHz or> 2150 MHz) supported (see FIG. 3 , TKE), then this can share an antenna line AL with a subscriber TN, which only the control of Mutischaltem after FIG. 8th supported by the DISEqC protocol. Thus, existing plants can after FIG. 8th be gradually expanded; This means that one master line can be changed after the other or a SAT system can be extended.

In FIG. 6 is shown how in such an embodiment, a central control ST is integrated with memory SP. The request from subscriber channels or satellite levels is supplied to the controller ST by the subscriber via the antenna socket AD, the antenna line AL and a low-pass filter TP. As collision protection in the request can z. For example, a majority vote will be used. Particularly in the case of digital satellite transponders, the subscriber recognizes whether the requested transponder has also been switched through. If a collision, because two participants have sent a request at the exact same time, this has not happened, the transponder is requested again. If the waiting time until the renewed request is chosen at random, a renewed collision is very unlikely.

The control device ST in FIG. 6 can optionally be remotely configured via an interface FK, z. B. to release individual transponder for individual participants or block. At the in FIG. 6 In the embodiment shown, a second matrix MA with adder is connected to the filter devices HP. In this case, the low-frequency control signals of, for example, 22 kHz located in the return channel are supplied to the control device ST via the respective low-pass filter TP.

An infeed further frequency ranges, z. B. terrestrial channels, is also in these embodiments according to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 via a corresponding interface or receiving device I / O; In particular, it is possible to integrate / uncouple additional frequency bands (cable network) via I / O.

In a further development of the invention, this can be used in hotel television to generate a start screen when switching on and to allow the hotel guest more information; the totalizer FW can also be designed as a (controlled) crossover network; The device according to the invention can also be remote-configurable and / or remote-diagnosable (via ISDN, WAN, LAN, Internet) and can also be used in a cable television system or broadband information system for distribution services and interactive services (pay-per-view, pay-TV, video-on-demand or the like). be used; By expanding the matrix M, signals from a second satellite (i.e., then a total of eight satellite IF planes and thus also eight different control signals) can be switched through in high frequency to the subscriber; by blocking certain frequencies in the first mixer certain transponders can be blocked (fee-based channels of service providers or as a kind of parental control and thereby extendable to all programs or all satellite IF levels); by extending the tunable frequency range at the second mixer (for example, beginning intermediate frequency range at 700 MHz), the number of connectable per trunk line participants (for example, from 20 to 25 participants) can be increased.

Claims (17)

1. A method for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite reception comprising an LNB reception converter (LN), a matrix (m), at least one multiple converter (MU), at least one filter device (HP, TP), a summer or diplexer or controlled diplexer (FW) or matrix (M) with an adder and at least one antenna line (AL) that is shared by the subscribers and routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

   • wherein the control of the matrix (M), of m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another and of the controlled diplexer (FW) or matrix (M) with an adder is effected by means of control signals transmitted via the respective antenna line (AL), as a result of which:

   ➢ one of the satellite IF levels present at the output of the LNB reception converter (LN) is switched through in terms of radio frequency to the output connection of the matrix (M), and

   ➢ a direct conversion of one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF level into a subscriber channel (TK1, TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber is effected in the respective multiple converter (MU), and

   • wherein the assignment of the allocation of the subscriber channels (TK1, .. TKn) is effected centrally (ST), the respectively allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) being stored in a channel memory (SP),

   such that upon the start-up of a new subscriber of the group connected to a shared antenna line (AL), a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) is assigned to said subscriber, such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
2. A method for the configuration of n independent suhscrihers of a satellite reception comprising an LNB reception converter (LN), a matrix (m), at least one multiple converter (MU), at least one filter device (HP, TP), a summer or diplexer or controlled diplexer (FW) or matrix (M) with an adder and at least one antenna line (AL) that is shared by the subscribers and routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

   • wherein the control of the matrix (M), of m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another and of the controlled diplexer (FW) or matrix (M) with an adder is effected by means of control signals transmitted via the respective antenna line (AL), as a result of which:

   ➢ one of the satellite IF-levels present at the output of the LNB reception converter (LN) is switched through in terms of radio frequency to the output connection of the matrix (M), and

   ➢ a direct conversion of one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF level into a subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber is effected in the respective multiple converter (MU), and

   • wherein the allocation of the subscriber channels (TK1, .. TKn) is effected in a decentralized manner by virtue of the fact that each newly added subscriber, starting at the subscriber channel having the lowest or highest frequency (TK1), checks the allocation state and, upon allocation, changes over to the subscriber channel (TK2, .. TKn-1) at a higher or lower frequency,

   such that upon the start-up of a new subscriber of the group connected to a shared antenna line (AL), a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) is assigned to said subscriber, such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that control signals according to the DISEqC-standard becomes used, which are coupled out by means of a low pass (TP) of the filter devices (HP, TP).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the various groups simultaneous the same participant channels (TK1, .... TKn) become to be able to be occupied.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that by a software update in the controller (SP) at any time the desired configuration can be made and characterized in that manipulating at the subscriber end can become reliable avoided in that manner the controller (SP) checks before each change the authority for this.
6. The method as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that by means of the actuation of tip-switches on the satellite receiver (TN, TNE, TNe) or in a menu-controlled manner, the continuous reconfiguration of the allocation state is "frozen", wherein the user can be satisfied about proper operation of the satellite receiver(TN, TNE, TNe) at any time by direct visual inspection.
7. An apparatus for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite reception system, comprising:

   ➢ an LNB reception converter (LN), at the outputs of which the respective satellite IF-level is present,

   ➢ a matrix (M) connected to the outputs of the LNB reception converter (LN), which matrix (M) loops through the satellite IF levels,

   ➢ m multiple converters (MU) which are arranged in parallel with one another and which each have a first and a second mixing stage (M1, M2) for directly converting one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF-level into a subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber,

   ➢ a filter device (HP, TP) connected to the second mixing stage (M2),

   ➢ a summer or diplexer or controlled diplexer (FW) connected to the filter devices (HP, TP) and serving for combining the subscriber channels (TK1, .. TKn),

   ➢ a control device (ST) for controlling the matrix (M) and m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another, and

   ➢ at least one antenna line (AL) which is shared by a plurality of subscribers and routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

   such that upon the start-up of a new subscriber of the group connected to a shared antenna line (AL), a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) is assigned to said subscriber, such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
8. An apparatus for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite reception system, comprising:

   ➢ an LNB reception converter (LN), at the outputs of which the respective satellite IF level is present,

   ➢ a matrix (M) connected to the outputs of the LNB reception converter (LN), which matrix (M) loops through the satellite IF-levels,

   ➢ m multiple converters (MU) which are arranged in parallel with one another and which each have a first and a second mixing stage (M1, M2) for directly converting one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF-level into a subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber,

   ➢ a filter device (HP, TP) connected to the second mixing stage (M2),

   ➢ a summer or diplexer or controlled diplexer (FW) connected to the filter devices (HP, TP) and serving for combining the subscriber channels (TK1, .. TKn), and

   ➢ at least one antenna line (AL) which is shared by a plurality of subscribers and routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

   such that each newly added subscriber, starting at the subscriber channel having the lowest or highest frequency (TK1), checks the allocation state and, upon allocation, changes over to the subscriber channel (TK2, .. TKn-1) at a higher or lower frequency, such that upon the start-up of a new subscriber of the group connected to a shared antenna line (AL), a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) is assigned to said subscriber, such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
9. An apparatus for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite reception system, comprising:

   ➢ an LNB reception converter (LN), at the outputs of which the respective satellite IF level is present,

   ➢ a matrix (M) connected to the outputs of the LNB reception converter (LN), which matrix (M) loops through the satellite IF-levels,

   ➢ m multiple converters (MU) which are arranged in parallel with one another and which each have a first and a second mixing stage (M1, M2) for directly converting one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF-level into a subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber,

   ➢ a diplexer (FW) connected to the multiple converters (MU) and consisting of adders and switches,

   ➢ a control device (ST) for controlling the matrix (M), the diplexer (FW) and the m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another, and

   ➢ antenna lines (AL) which in each case are connected to the diplexer (FW) and are shared by the respective group of subscribers and are routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

   such that, upon the start-up of a new subscriber, the latter is assigned a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) from the m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another and the diplexer (FW) is switched through to the respective antenna line (AL), such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
10. An apparatus for the configuration of n independent subscribers of a satellite reception system, comprising:

    ➢ an LNB reception converter (LN), at the outputs of which the respective satellite IF-level is present,

    ➢ a first matrix (M) connected to the outputs of the LNB reception converter (LN), which matrix (M1) loops through the satellite IF levels,

    ➢ m multiple converters (MU) which are arranged in parallel with one another and which each have a first and a second mixing stage (M1, M2) for directly converting one of the reception channels (EK) present in the satellite IF-level into a subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) that can be assigned to the subscriber,

    ➢ a filter device (HP) connected to the second mixing stage (M2),

    ➢ a second matrix (MA) with adder, said second matrix (MA) being connected to the filter devices (HP, TP),

    ➢ a control device (ST) for controlling the two matrices (M, MA) and the m multiple converters(MU) arranged in parallel with one another, and

    ➢ antenna lines (AL) which in each case are connected to the second matrix (MA) and are shared by the respective group of subscribers and are routed via connection sockets (AD1, ..., ADn),

    such that, upon the start-up of a new subscriber, the latter is assigned a non-allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) from the m multiple converters (MU) arranged in parallel with one another and the second matrix (MA) is switched through to the respective antenna line (AL), such that each of the subscribers can optionally receive programs at all satellite IF-levels.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 9 or 10, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a channel memory (SP) for storing allocated subscriber channel (TK1, .. TKn) later assigned to that subscriber.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that each mixer (M1, M2) comprises an oscillator tunable in the satellite IF-level and arranged downstream a filter (BP1, BP2).
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that in the second mixer (M2) arranged filter (BP2) is designed as tunable bandpass.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that for the separation of the high frequency useful signals from the low-frequency control signals the filter means comprises a high-pass (HP) and a low-pass (TP).
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that the matrix (M), the m multiple converter (MU), the n filter means (HP, TP) and the summer or the diplexer or the controlled diplexer (FW) are summarized to a basic module (G), whose input is connected to the LNB reception converter (LN) and whose output is connected to the antenna line (AL).
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that each of the basic modules (G) comprises a controller for the allocation of subscriber channels (TK1, .. TKn) and for the evaluation of the control signals coming from the subscriber or characterized in that the basic modules (G) are summarized to a multi-switch, which comprises a control device (ST).
17. The apparatus as claimed in one of the claims 7 to 16, characterized in that for remote configuration and/or for remote diagnostic a reception device (FK) is connected with the control device (ST).

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