[clue-tech] Satellite RF or decoded TV signal redistribution in a MURB

[Jim Ockers]

Hi CLUEbies,

This isn't necessarily a Linux specific question but it is technical in 
nature and I'm not sure who/where to ask for advice.

Suppose you have a complex of MURBs (multi unit residential buildings) 
with aesthetics bylaws prohibiting satellite dishes anywhere on the 
outside of the building.  Maybe 10-20% of residents want some sort of 
satellite TV.  There are acres of rooftop on which satellite dishes 
could be placed, but the individual residents don't have rooftop access, 
nor can they run wires from the roof into their suites.

The buildings are already wired for cable TV but the local cable company 
already has the distribution end of the wires.  The buildings also are 
wired CAT5 for the phone lines and the local telco has the distribution 
end of those wires too.

What are some ways we could allow residents to access satellite TV 
signals of their choosing, while using their own descrambler or 
subscription device?  To me this seems to mean we would need to 
distribute a variety of RF signals (depending on the satellite) 
somehow.  Is there some other way to do it?  I think we could not 
descramble all of the signals and put them on slingbox-type devices for 
everyone to use for free, because that probably violates the terms of 
use of any of the satellite TV service.

We could maybe charge an "installation fee" and have the facility 
electricians install some sort of wiring or cabling, but this can get 
complicated and the distance might be REALLY far (like almost 1Km), 
which is probably too long for RG-58 cabling with satellite TV signal 
levels.

However maybe there are some clever things we could do with MythTV or 
something?

Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks,
Jim

-- 
Jim Ockers, P.Eng. (ockers at ockers.net)
Contact info: http://www.ockers.ca/pason.html


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