22/03/2017
New DSTV Satellite launched.
The launch of DSTV new satellite IS20B was a success.
Arianespace has successfully launched the Intelsat 33e and Intelsat 36 satellites for Intelsat, the world’s leading provider of satellite services. VA232 was the first Ariane 5 dual launch entirely dedicated to Intelsat satellites.
The launch took place on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 07:16 p.m. (local time) from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
To view the launch or mot in depth launch go to www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va232/
The satellites deploy very quickly- starts 20 min after launch. Solar panels deploy about an hour after but they only drift it into its orbit 4 weeks later.
There is a difference between the name that Intelsat uses and the name that Multi Choice uses. For Multi Choice it is IS20B (as it is a back up satellite for IS20) but for Intelsat it is IS36.
Why this choice of name? Why this designation? Why lunch a new satellite?
It will allow far more band width space making way for more channels, (in high definition and possibly in UHD in time to come)
A back up if something goes wrong with the current satellite, imagine if the satellite was permanently damaged, Multi Choice would be totally off till it is sorted, and this takes time. Loss of enormous revenue.
When?
Well the satellite is now up (25 August 2016) but will take weeks to be finally well positioned, and then tests will start, so hopeful it will become live later this year.
What changes do I need to do to get the new satellite?
IMPORTANT
If you just have a single view decoder on your own dish then it will probably work and you will not have to do anything.
The new satellite will be so located next to the existing satellite (IS20) so the dishes face the same way.
The new satellite (IS20B) uses different frequency’s, so your satellite equipment has to be able to see these new frequencies, the old SDPVR does not and will not work on the new satellite.
Most blocks of flats utilizing communal dishes are going to have major problems and will need to be upgraded.
The signal from the new satellite also requires a MultiChoice approved dish of 75cm or larger to ensure good reception.
Explora Decoders will work if you have a SMART LNB in place but will not work if you have a unicable switch behind your decoder unless it has 4 cables feeding from the dish, if you see only two cables coming from the dish and going into the switch then you will need to upgrade your infrastructure.
Where can I get help?
Multi Choice accredited installers are you first port of call.
We are based in the Southern Suburbs of Johannesburg and service the entire area.
Call me: 0785499733/0110677884 or email me: [email protected] make for more information.
with Intelsat 33e and Intelsat 36