MULTI-BEAM DBS ANTENNA

Earth Satellite Telecommunications Advanced Research Inc. (e*star) has announced that a multiple-beam DBS satellite antenna is in the pre-production stage of development. A prototype has undergone US testing. The antenna will receive frequencies in the FSS and BSS ranges (10.7-12.7 GHz) from satellites with linear and circular polarization. Antenna gain is comparable to the performance of an 18 inch dish. Currently, the maximum viewing angle is 24 degrees with a wider viewing angle under development.

Availability of this equipment in the US would have positive implications for satellite delivery of distance education. For example, distance education programming delivered through a single FSS or BSS provider would be seen by any multi-beam antenna without the need to re-aim the dish. A DBS subscriber using the e*star antenna would be able to simultaneously receive or record distance education programming from other satellites within the antenna's viewing angle.

Marketing will first be directed to DBS operators and then to the European and Asian consumer market. Information regarding interoperability among digital transmission standards will be provided as soon as it becomes available.