Guide on what, where and how to buy,
Shipping and CustomsFor Local Churches & Institutions
WHAT TO BUY
- Satellite dish antenna
The size of your dish is determined by:
- The band your broadcaster uses (C or Ku bands)
- Your position in the satellite footprint or broadcast areaC-band is used in Africa, Middle East, Asia, East Europe, South America, Central America and Pacific Rim
Ku-band is used in Western Europe, North America and Central America.C-band sizes vary from 1.8 to over 3m. We recommend 3.0m. Minimum size of 2.3m.
Ku-band sizes vary from 0.9 - 1.8m.Check with your media centre or ATN technical support. It is better to have larger-than-needed dishes to ensure reception in bad weather.
Recommended dish sizes for North America and Canada
- LNB & Feedhorn
C-band: Digital LNBF, suitable for extended C-band [3.4 - 4.2Ghz], Linear*, dual frequency, S/N ratio 0.8dB or better, 17 degrees K or lower. ). L.O. stability +/- 1 MHz (*Some regions use Circular -e.g. S. America)Ku-band: Digital LNBF, suitable for Ku-band: Linear, dual frequency, S/N ratio 0.8dB or better. L.O. stability +/- 1 MHz
Some good brands are: Acer, California Amplifier, Eagle Aspen, El Sat, Eurostar, Fortex Star, Zintech
- Receiver / IRD
Please refer to your media centre or ATN technical support, as the type of receiver will vary according to the region and the technical support available.
- Digital Satellite Receiver, suitable for C and Ku bands.
- MPegII & DVB compatible
- SCPC / MCPC
- Able to receive "free-to-air" programs
- The format used in your region (PAL or NTSC). PAL is used almost everywhere except for the Americas. Many receivers can handle both (multi-system).
- LNB Power: Vertical +14v, Horizontal +18v
- Input Symbol Rate 2 to 45 Msps
- FEC Decoder: 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 or Automatic
- Aspect ratio: 4:3 and 16:9
- Audio Mode: Stereo / Mono L/R
- Power input voltage - suitable for your country. Try get get as wide a range as possible (e.g. 100 - 240v AC)
- Output to: AV, RF
Important note: In order to assist lay installers who do not have professional equipment it is highly recommended that the Receiver have signal strength and signal quality bars which:
a) Show a percentage or number
b) Show increasing strength as the dish approaches the position of the satellite [this needs to be determined by testing, as some receivers are very insensitive, making tuning difficult].
- Projector
There are various models with different features.
BRIGHTNESS
The most important feature is the power or brightness of the projector, which is measured in ANSI Lumens. The best method of comparison between projectors is by doing a "shoot-out", side by side. Low powered projectors will be from 300 - 500, while the medium powered ones will be from 500 - 900, and high powered 1000+. Get advice from your Satellite Co-ordinator or ATN Technical Adviser who will have experience with this.
COMPUTER INPUT
A further consideration is whether only video input will be used (from VCR, Satellite Receiver and DVD player), or whether data input is required (for computers using Power Point presentations, for example. We recommend that you buy a projector which has both.For technical advice or assistance with equipment, please write to: Techinfo@adventist.tv
- Satellite dish antenna & LNB
Ideally these should be bought in your country, so that ongoing service can be obtained from the Supplier. Recommended supplier for USAWe advise that you compare pricing of a local product with the cost of importing products from other countries. Very often there are some "hidden costs", such as documentation, transport, customs duties, etc. which must be taken into account. If the true cost is at least 20% below that of a local product, it may be worthwhile.
ATN has no volume purchase agreement on the above items outside the USA.
- Receiver / IRD
Ideally this should be bought in your country, so that ongoing service can be obtained from the Supplier. When purchasing, enquire regarding:
- Where warranty support will be obtained
- Time taken to repair
- Whether another receiver can be lent to you during repairs
- Whether a swop-out agreement is included
- - Where spares and maintenance will be obtained
For Africa, Asia & Europe, the Manhattan Skyline receiver can be purchased from the UK under a world-wide purchase agreement with ATN. However it should be noted that for warranty repairs the receiver would have to be returned to the UK, which could be costly and take time.The Scientific Atlanta receiver may be purchased in many countries, or via the church purchasing network.Other questions you need to resolve before buying are:
- Where will we obtain warranty support?
- Where will we obtain technical assistance?
- Where will we obtain spares and maintenance?
To order via the church purchasing network, see "How to buy" below.
- Projector
It is ideal to purchase a projector in your country, provided ongoing service and spares can be obtained. However this may be very expensive, compared with other alternatives.Comparisons should be made with what is currently available through the church purchasing network.
HOW TO BUY
Cash buyers are free to buy from the supplier of their choice.Buyers wishing to use the church purchasing network should follow the procedure below:
SHIPPING METHODS
The buying organization is expected to pay for shipping of equipment.
Shipping may be done in various ways, depending on the country from which shipment originates. Request the supplier to send you details of the various methods of shipment and the estimated cost of each.CUSTOMS DUTIES
We strongly recommended that before placing your order, you obtain written permission from your customs authorities to import the equipment either at a reduced or at no charge for customs duties. If delivery dates are required, make them as wide as possible, in case of shipment delays.CLEARING AGENT
If you use a clearing agent, please include name and contact details at the time of placing your order.
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