Optus
Aurora
What is Optus Aurora?
Optus
Aurora is a service provided by the Australian Government, funded by tax payers and carried on the
Optus C1 satellite that enables access to free to view channels via satellite using a satellite dish, satellite receiver and smartcard.
The service is intended for people who live in areas that are poorly
served by land based (terrestrial) TV transmitters and people who are travelling.
Although
the channels are free to view, they are scrambled (encrypted) and require a
smartcard to permit access to the channels.
This encryption system is similar to that used by Foxtel and Austar Pay
TV except there are no subscription fees.
What channels are
available on the Aurora platform?
The free to
air channels available to domestic users are Westlink, GWN (Seven Network), WIN
TV (Nine and Ten Network), Seven Central (Seven Network), Imparja (Nine and Ten
Network), ABC (all time zones) and SBS (all time zones).
There are also numerous
radio channels available.
Can anyone connect to
the Aurora network?
Everyone
in Australia can purchase a satellite system and have their smartcard activated
for ABC and SBS. There is no
criteria to be met. This is useful
for people who receive good quality reception on their commercial channels, but
experience poor quality ABC or SBS. In
order to have the commercial channels activated via satellite however, they must
fit into one of the following groups.
A)
you are in an approved remote satellite area,
B)
you are in an area that receives poor terrestrial (land based) reception,
C)
you are traveling in a caravan or motorhome etc in remote and inland
areas.
If
you fit into category A,
you can have your card activated for all channels.
There are no requirements other than to purchase the necessary equipment.
If you are not sure if you are in an approved remote satellite area -
click
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD//pc=PC_90217
If
you fit into category B,
you will have to arrange for a qualified antenna technician to come to your
property and perform a site survey (at your cost).
The site survey will determine whether adequate signal levels can be
obtained by using a 20 foot mast (maximum), an appropriate antenna and mast head
amplifier. The survey will then be
submitted to the Australian Broadcasting Authority.
If approved, you can then purchase a satellite kit and have your
smartcard activated. This process
generally takes around 6 weeks.
If
you fit into category C,
you can have your smartcard activated for periods of 6-12 months at a time.
There is no activation fee, and the smartcard can be re-activated as many
times as required. You must be
traveling however.
Broadcasters licensed
areas.
Imparja
and Seven Central are licensed to broadcast into every state except Western
Australia. GWN, Westlink and WIN TV
are licensed to broadcast in Western Australia only.
This
means that if a person lives in remote Kimberley region in WA, they would
receive GWN, WIN TV, Westlink as well as ABC and SBS.
If a person lives in remote South Australia then Imparja, Seven Central,
ABC and SBS would be activated.
For
travelers, while touring throughout all states except WA, Imparja and Seven
Central, ABC and SBS will be activated. When
crossing over into WA, you are supposed to contact Optus and have GWN and WIN TV
activated instead of Imparja and Seven Central even though any of the channels
can be picked up regardless of where you are.
What equipment is
required?
The
Optus C1 satellite carries the Aurora platform.
This satellite replaces Optus B3. Optus
C1 is a high power satellite 220% more powerful than Optus B3.
This enables adequate reception all around Australia on an 80 – 90cm
satellite dish.
The
LNB, attaches to the end of the satellite dish and collects and amplifies the
signal which is then fed through good quality coaxial cable to the digital
receiver/decoder.
The
smartcard is inserted into the decoder. Of
course a good solid mount is required to hold the dish in place.
Unlike a standard antenna, the dish must be precisely aligned to the
satellite.
In
summary the parts required are:
80-90cm
satellite dish
LNB
Mount
Cable
Receiver/decoder
Smartcard
What are the benefits of
satellite TV?
All
broadcasts from the Optus C1 satellite are in digital format.
The picture quality is superb no matter where you are.
The sound quality is crystal clear.
Also, with the lower costs of electronic components, the cost of a good
quality satellite kit is less than the cost of setting up masting, antennas and
amplifiers and the results are guaranteed.
Where can I find maps of
the remote area broadcast service area?
Follow this
link to the remote area maps. http://www.aba.gov.au/licplan/planning/licareas/defmaps/remote.shtml
What is the cost of
setting up a satellite system?
We can tailor
a satellite system to suit your needs.
Although in most cases, the complete system is $450.00 plus freight if required.
If you
think you could benefit from a satellite system, give us a call and we’ll
answer all of your questions.
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